Practical Wisdom

God loves community and since this is something so close to the heart of God it makes sense that it would be such a struggle. Community is hard work and there are roadblocks to developing loving, vulnerable community. The sage in this section of the Proverbs we are looking at this morning instructs us in three areas of practical wisdom. He gives very practical warnings in three areas which can destroy us both as individuals and harm us as a community. The first area is the area of debt. And the sage instructs about the need for wisdom in order to cultivate the characteristic of generosity. The second area is discipline. Here he contrasts the sluggard with the ant. Lastly, the sage gives practical warnings concerning characteristics which promote unity rather than sowing discord.

As Jesus was preparing to face His greatest trial, the trial of the cross, He prayed to the Father, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21). Why did Jesus die? Among other things, it was to create a family, a covenant community who will love God and live for His kingdom. The gospel is good news of Jesus creating this family and it grieves the heart of God when we sow discord rather than work for the unity of His Church.