We return to Proverbs 8:35-36, where we hear the Second Person of the Trinity tell us, from before the beginning of time, the blessings of Wisdom. May we seek to live in a way that brings God's life and love to bear on those around us, and by so doing, enrich and enliven them as He has us.

A most blessed spouse is described for us in this passage. The greatest earthly blessing we can attain in this life, besides the gift of salvation itself, is a godly spouse. Here, she is described in beautiful poetry, as a blessed gift from the Most High.

We grow in our understanding of God as Father when we consider the significance of God's invitation to pray to Him as, "Abba," "Father." This old Aramaic word is rich with meaning, all of it pertinent to a mature understanding of our relationship with God.

This prophet's identity, place and time have been lost to history. Yet, the wisdom of his words endure! He challenges the godly with "number" proverbs. These riddles give us much to ponder as we persist in patient faithfulness.

Worldly "wisdom" teaches that might makes right. In this final chapter of Solomon's proverbs, we are reminded that only the righteous will endure forever. God's promised justice brings His children comfort, even, maybe most especially, when they suffer for righteousness, as Jesus did.

What are the benefits of being God's child? Here, Paul begins a chapters-long discussion of our relationship with God as His children. It begins in this chapter by reminding us of God's faithfulness to all generations. The same loving care of the Heavenly Father that God's people have always known is ours in Christ Jesus.

When nations, businesses and even the Church are governed by those who are primarily concerned with power, or selfish aims, the whole organization suffers. The anitdote to human pride and selfishness is the wisdom of God, putting the other first, to serve the common good. May God grant us so to do!

We hear an encouragement to walk in the Lord's wisdom and to surround ourselves with good and faithful friends. When we do, we need not praise ourselves, because good and faithful people are praised as a blessing by others. How much more satisfying this is, to be praised by others, than to fall into the trap of self-promotion that is all too common in the world today.