Wisdom Project

Today marks a special accomplishment for me, using the ESV online site, I just completed listening through the Bible in a year. The element of listening works well for me. Maybe it’s my learning style, or maybe it’s the adding of listening to the reading that helps bring the process alive and helps keep me focused? Whatever it is, it suits me well, and I plan to continue a similar process in 2010.

But, with the following twist.

Thirteen years ago, while on a mission trip to Mexico, in a personal devotional time, I came across Proverbs 23:23. It states: “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (ESV). The Message translation adds further pop to the verse: “Buy truth—don't sell it for love or money; buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight.”

The point of the Proverb is obvious, we should do all we can to attain wisdom (that is; to correctly understand, apply, and live, God’s truth); moreover, this attainment must be a supreme priority in our life. It must always be pursued, and once found, keep it at all cost!

Among the results of reflecting on all the implications of that verse 13 years ago—and ever since, has been two very profitable endeavors: First, I started a spiritual habit that with varying degrees of faithfulness, I have continued ever since. That is, to faithfully read the book of Proverbs each day.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have not read Proverbs every day since; my faithfulness and focus has suffered at times, and there have been other periods (like this past calendar year) where I have intentionally done other things. Nonetheless, it is a commitment that I continue to honor.

Second, a few years after my initial commitment in Mexico, I was given the opportunity to teach a Bible elective (at Baptist Bible College) on the book of Proverbs. I have taught that course every year since, and, I have also had the privilege to create and teach a corresponding Graduate level course on OT Wisdom Literature at BBC.

Leading these two courses has only deepen my desire to “buy” wisdom (Proverbs 23:23). And after a year off, I am ready to get back to Proverbs on a regular basis.

That commitment, combined with my new found fondness of listening to the Bible (and the easy availability of the technology to make it happen), is what has motivated me to launch and invite you t o join me in, the Wisdom Project.

The Wisdom Project will start January 1, and continue throughout the year 2010. I invite you to join me.

Here’s how it will work: In the top of the right column of this blog, I have created a link to each chapter of Proverbs in the NIV online Bible. All you have to do is hit the corresponding Proverbs link to whatever calendar day it is, and then read the Proverbs chapter for that day. In addition, along the way I will be posting a variety of related helps in my reguler blog column.

The reason I am using the NIV edition is because of the beautiful corresponding option of listening to Max McClain read the chapter for that. McClain brings the text to life. I encourage you to try it.

I will also be creating a similar link to the ESV online edition as well. If you prefer another version, by all means use it! My goal is to help each of us develop this daily discipline as we seek to “buy” wisdom, so whatever works for you works for me.

Blessings
3 John 8
Bill H.