Wisdom

Who wants the treasure of wisdom? This morning I was struck by this reading entitled "On the Search for Wisdom." 

"Happy is the man who has found wisdom. Even more happy is the man who lives in wisdom, for he perceives its abundance." These are words from a sermon by Saint Bernard. And here are three ways he shares "for wisdom to abound in you": 
     First, "if you confess your sins"; 
     Second, "if you give thanks and praise"; 
     Third, "and if your speech is edifying."

How simple it seems to abound in wisdom if we follow St. Bernard's instructions rooted in the Word of God. So, sisters and brothers, let us quickly confess our sins that we may be forgiven, cleansed and healed. 

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us 

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn 1: 9

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. 

James 5:16

What I do spontaneously is cry out, "Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner!" I believe it's one of the most powerful prayers ever.

Truly we can enter the Lord's holy presence through praise and thanksgiving. Let us resolve for this to become a daily habit in our lives. Is this not where we wish to dwell forever--in the house of our Lord? So shout out, "Praise you, Lord, thank you..." and just let that spontaneously flow from your mouth. It's really very liberating.

Praise you the Lord. O give thanks to the Lord; for he is good: 

for his mercy endures forever. Ps 106: 1 

Give thanks in all circumstances;...
His praise shall be continually in my mouth. 1 Thes 5:18

I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart; 

I will enter his courts with praise. Ps 100:4

This instruction is a helpful reminder that we have the power to bless or curse with our mouths--to build up or to tear down. Let us choose to be blessings to each other--to speak life!

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Eph 4: 29

Lord Jesus, we ask you for the grace to abound in wisdom. Give us your merciful grace to humbly confess our sins knowing we are forgiven by you and knowing you have paid the price for our sins. Give us a wellspring of thanksgiving flowing from our hearts for all the good you have done for us and a song of eternal praise ever on our lips. Bless our mouths that we may have enlightened conscientiousness and self control to speak words that are life-giving and edifying to one another. Amen.