It’s been a few weeks now, since I presented you all with the challenge to send me poetry containing one of my favorite Bible verses, Proverbs 3:17.

I am happy with the turnout, for even though there definitely was no overwhelming flood of poetry in my inbox, I was able to finally get my own poem to come together, with some help from a friend. 🙂

The majority of the responses showed how unobservant I have been, reminding me of a song that I grew up singing in church, but somehow missed knowing it had those two lines… 🤷🏼‍♀️ This song is from a cute little tiny songbook we used in the Old Order Church, where the songs have numbers instead of names. (If you were interested, this one is #20) 😉

1 O happy is the man who hears

Religion’s warning voice,

And who celestial wisdom makes

His early only choice.

2. For she has treasures greater far

Than east or west unfold;

More precious are her bright rewards

Than gems or stores of gold.

3. Her right hand offers to the just

Immortal happy days;

Her left, imperishable wealth,

And heavenly crowns displays.

4. And as her holy labors rise,

So her rewards increase;

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all her paths are peace.

 

Thanks to all of you who mentioned this song!

The next poem is the only original piece I received, sent to me by Anna Graber. Thank you Anna, I don’t think I know you, but I love your poem and would love to connect and learn to know you!

Wisdom

She stands as wisdom; strong, secure

The truth is in her hand.

Her gentle spirit – quietness

Are known throughout the land

The blessings poured from out her hand

Are known to never cease

Her ways are ways of pleasantness

And all her paths are peace.

A tree of life to all she meets,

In joy she is made strong.

She fills with overflowing love

All which to her belong.

And so to wisdom, I reach out

With hungry, hurting heart,

I would, as wisdom, stand secure

May I of her be part. -Anna Graber

And finally, this is what I came up with, but I can’t take the credit for it, because, number one, all glory goes to God. Number two, I sent it to a writer friend, who is very talented and much admired by me; and she gave me some very helpful input. So here is the result of our combined efforts:) (Thank you Kathryn.)

A Prayer for Wisdom

Oh Lord, please give me wisdom,

May it ever more increase;

For, “Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all her paths are peace.

Help me to live in wisdom, Lord,

So that the world might see,

That in my walk, and in my work

You’re shining out of me.

I want to speak with wisdom,Lord, Considering each word,

May those who hear me speak be blessed,

And know it’s You they heard.

Give me a gentle sweetness, Lord

Throughout my daily life.

Help me to follow the commands

You give me, as a wife.

Help us to serve each other, Lord,

Together serving You,

Exemplifying Jesus’ love

As You would have us do.

More wisdom, as a mother, Lord,

To guide these souls above.

Make me a gentle Shepherdess,

Whose lambs are led in love.

’Til my last day, in wisdom, Lord

Oh make me more like Thee,

And I’ll not fear the sunset,

Since the Son has set me free.

Yes, give me, Lord, Your wisdom,

May it ever more increase,

For, “Her ways are ways of pleasantness

And all her paths are peace.”

Since wisdom seems to be the theme here, I will say this yet: the best and most beautiful thing I find when I study wisdom, is that God promises to give it to us, if we just ask Him.

(If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5)

Not maybe. Not probably. It will be given. Praise the Lord! I love this so much! It has become another favorite verse of mine.

That’s all for today!

Blessings ’til next time.