"Wisdom" is God's Voice Reaching Us

When reading books of the bible, especially in the Old Testament, one should take time to look at the preface of each which will explain the why of that particular literature to get an understanding of its purpose.  The preface at the beginning of the Wisdom Books lists them: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, Wisdom, and Sirach.  Each one was written in a didactic manner because their purpose was for instruction, especially in a moral consensus.

“We are told that the teachers of wisdom were regarded as men of God, and their books were placed beside the law and the prophets.  The highest wisdom became identified with the spirit of God through which the world was created and preserved, and mankind was enlightened.”  (cf preface of the Wisdom Books.)

From Proverbs;  “The Lord begot me, the firstborn of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; from of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth.  When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; While as yet the earth and the fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world.”  (Prv. 8: 22 - 26).

“So now, O children, listen to me; instruction and wisdom do not reject!  Happy the man who obeys me, and happy those who keep my ways, happy the man watching at my gates, waiting at my doorposts; For he who finds me finds life, and wins favor from the Lord; But he who misses me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”  (Prv.  8: 32 -36).

One could almost say that the Wisdom Books are the very essence of the Holy Spirit, and should not be passed over as just nice literature but the very depth of moral teaching needed to grow in the understanding of God’s presence within us.

Over 60 years ago, while attending a Miraculous Medal Novena during Advent, I posed the question as what to pray for.  The velvet voice of a Lady spoke to my heart and said why not ask for Wisdom.  I did and the results have grown during all these years and have certainly had a positive effect on my ordination and the ministry that has taken me into five different dioceses, from Pittsburgh to San Angelo, Texas.  I now can see that wisdom is not just a nice word, but a positive influx to ministry. 

God’s voice has touched me in a way that may not have occurred had I not asked for wisdom.  We know that if the Lord wants us for a particular mission, he will bring it about despite our own stubbornness.  The presence of wisdom also teaches us that.

“How long will you turn away at my reproof:  (Prv 1: 23);  “Then will you understand the fear of the Lord; the knowledge of God will you find.”  (Prv  2: 5).

As an explanation regarding my time in ministry in various dioceses; outside of St. Annes in Midland, Tx, where I was employed as an adult instructor in ministry, the others were periods of secular employment in the electrical field dealing with fiber-optic installations.  They were Cincinnati, OH, Guin, Alabama, and Raleigh, N. C.  Each of these afforded me an opportunity to either preach or do some scriptural teaching.  The opportunity to minister always presents itself no matter who we are.

With that in mind, we also are recipients of God’s Word regardless of our state in life.  Wisdom will come and guide each of us if our minds and hearts are willing to accept these deep spiritual infusions.  

Ralph B. Hathaway, Spring 2021