the Journey Toward Wisdom - Pt. 4

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:1-4 ESV).

 

As we continue our journey, Solomon harkens back to the laws of Moses. It is in this wilderness experience that the Lord instructs him to tell the people He has just rescued from four centuries of slavery in Egypt that they are Love God with all their heart, soul, and mind” (cf. v. 4 below). He also tells them to “bind them on their hands and as frontlets between their eyes” (cf. v. 6 below). These were known as “phylacteries.” They were told to put them on the doorposts and gates of their homes (cf. v. 9 below). These were known as Mezuzahs (see picture attached). Orthodox Jews, as well as some others denominations, still use these implements as reminders of this law of God.

 

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV).

 

Unfortunately, these “things” became the central focus of their faith and life by the time Jesus was born. They were no longer reminders of the law of God, but simple accessories to their religion (cf. Matthew 23:5).

 

Wisdom cannot be gained from the show of religion. We can only become wise through our relationship with the Lord. This is done through the act of “leaning on the Lord” as we shall see tomorrow in greater detail. Today, I would simply encourage you to use whatever tools are at your disposal to find yourself listening to the words of the Holy Spirit as He teaches and directs your life. Love Him and only Him; trust Him and only Him; know His word and only His word as your authority.