DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
Wednesday, January 3, 2007; The Venerable Genevieve of Paris
3rd Vespers Circumcision: Proverbs 10:31-11:12;
Epistle: Romans 6:18-23; Gospel: St. Matthew 8:5-13
Wisdom Received: Proverbs 10:31-11:12 LXX, especially
vs. 5, “Righteousness traces out
blameless paths: but ungodliness encounters unjust dealing.” Proverbs
8:22-30 provides rich insight into the miracle of Wisdom Incarnate, disclosing
the Lord Jesus as Word of God and Wisdom of God Who upholds “all things by the
word of His power,” as St. Paul says (Heb. 1:3). Of great importance to the Faithful is the Lord Jesus’
present and active power in us and among us; for, as we draw closer into union
with Him, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, He keeps us from every
word and deed which mar the soul, giving us at the same time godly
understanding and enlightenment.
Do you see? Wisdom imparts
wisdom, a wisdom far superior to the knowledge or the so-called ‘wisdom’ of
this world (1 Cor. 1:30). As
Wisdom in us, He transforms us into those whom Proverbs calls righteous, just,
and sensible (Pr. 11:3,8,12).
In fact, today’s reading from Proverbs is a
portrait of what those look like who strive to receive wisdom from Incarnate
Wisdom. The reading is a string of
portraits contrasting the blessed ones who receive wisdom from God with the
ungodly, unjust, and senseless who refuse Divine Wisdom and seek bright ideas
only from this world through their own effort. Persons of these two different orientations stand as polar
opposites to each other in their speaking, business dealings, self-valuation,
estimation of others, approach to coping with troubles, stance before God,
worth to the general public, and even in their contributions to the security of
their nations.
We can expect the righteous who receive Wisdom
into their lives to “drop wisdom and grace from their mouths” (Pr. 10:31,32)
and to be sensibly quiet when speaking to others (vs. 11:12). In the world today, what strikes us on
every side? Those who pervert
language, abuse speech, and sneer at their fellow men. They are ubiquitous, numerous, and
influential. The high value placed
on one-up-man-ship and quick, off-color comebacks prevails all around us.
The present passage specifies the difference
between the godly and the perverse in business dealings. Behind the abusive speech and sneering
are the crooked deals, shoddy workmanship covered with glitz, eye appeal, and
“false balances” (vs. 11:1). Let
us thank God that there still are those doing business and providing services
who are honest, fair, and eager to provide “a just weight” (vs. 11:1). Let us take our place among them!
Centuries before Wisdom became Incarnate He
taught the humble and meek the dangers of pride and arrogance (vs. 11:2). As the Prophet David said: “the sinner
praiseth himself in the lusts of his soul....but the desire of the poor hast
Thou heard, O Lord” (Ps. 9:23,37 LXX).
In contrast with the humility with which the
godly holds himself, he is held in high estimation, at least, by those who are
open to the truth which Wisdom imparts.
Therefore, “When a just man dies he leaves regret”(Pr. 11:3), being
appreciated for his manner of living.
How different are the actions of the godly
from the unjust in facing troubles and afflictions! Having received wisdom from the Lord, the righteous “man
escapes from a snare” frequently because the Holy Spirit reveals truth and
every right path to him, whereas “the ungodly man [often] is delivered” into
the pitfalls of his own making (vs. 11:7).
In the public arena, the difference between
the godly and the perverse is all too evident. Even national prosperity and
security are seriously threatened by those who “snare” their fellow men with
clever words and proposals but lack godly wisdom. Blessed the nation which is led by wise and Spirit-filled
leaders, for such a people shall “prosper” (vs.11:10).
O Lord, our true Wisdom, open the eyes of
our hearts to receive Thy wisdom as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our
paths. (see Ps. 118:105 LXX)
Return to the January Calendar