Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates. Waiting at the posits of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life. And obtains favor from the Lord. But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have lifeand have it to the full.
It’s time to listen to Jesus. God is not a spoilsport, eager to make our lives dull or dismal. His Son came to restore what was destroyed, to give life instead of death. Christ’s message is the message of wisdom personified. We are called to live in harmony with the Creator and his creation. The Lord promises his blessings to those who keep Wisdom’s ways. It’s a matter of listening to Wisdom’s instruction, being wise, and obeying the life teachings presented.
Wisdom promises life and favor from the Lord. The Lord’s promise of life “to the full” life as God intended it for his children is the life of dreams fulfilled, promises kept and relationships enjoyed. It’s the life of doing what’s right and being a blessing to others, showing God’s love in all we do. Full life builds community that reflects God’s perfect unity, promoting justice and right living so that all can flourish, living to their full potential in shalom with God and one another. This is life as God intends it to be, filled with joy, peace, goodness, fruitfulness, and much more.
Just as Jesus contrasts himself with the thief who destroys, Wisdom contrasts the life of God’s favor with harming oneself and loving death. It remains a life and death matter. Do we want life in Christ, or death in sin? Its time to listen!