"Wisdom cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets; 21 She cries at the head of the noisy intersections [in the chief gathering places]; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:" Proverbs 1:20-21 (AMPC)
It is encouraging to know that Wisdom cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets (vs. 20). This scripture is letting us know that wisdom isn't holding back from us or staying hidden; she isn't making it hard for us to lay hold of her. Instead, she is crying aloud in the street. She cries at the head of the noisy intersections [in the chief gathering places]; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks (vs. 21). Wherever people gather, wisdom cries aloud, saying, "Go this way! Don't follow the way of sin."
Listen to what the Kesuvim / The Writings (Mishlei/Proverbs) on pg. 11 say about verses twenty and twenty-one:
Vs. 20 "Wisdom sings out in the street; it gives forth its voice in the squares. Wisdom is not hidden; it is available to those who seek it. The Torah proclaims its message clearly, without fear or embarrassment (Radak; Vilna Gaon). R' Hirsch comments that Hashem's teachings are not limited to the study hall; they must be proclaimed in the streets and in the squares, the centers of everyday living and striving."
Vs. 21 "It cries out at the head of noisy throngs, at the entrances of the gates, in the city, it speaks its words. Metaphorically, verses 20 and 21 teach that Torah is revealed to all and it exhorts everyone to heed it (Metzudos). Since the words of Torah and its commandments are well known and publicized everywhere and to everyone, no one may claim that its ways are concealed (Meiri)."
"Alshich interprets these four places as metaphors for various students of Torah: (1) one who engages in superficial study; (2) one who studies the plain meaning on a deeper level; (3) one who is completely engrossed, raising his voice night and day in study; and (4) one who probes the depths of Torah and enters into its hidden inner meanings."
Take a look at those four choices – perhaps we can learn from our Jewish brothers and sisters by asking ourselves, which one am I?! And then make a commitment to aim for #4 in 2024!!!
Now, here’s a look at what is happening this week into next with our Radiant groups! NOTE: NO GROUPS THIS WEEK DUE TO CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR'S DAY HOLIDAYS!!
- Monday, January 1st – HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
For information on any of our groups, email women@emic.org. Also, if you are ever in need of prayer, please call our prayer line at 877-281-6297. Or, if you need pastoral counseling, call the church office at 817-252-2900 to schedule a time to meet with me.
You are LOVED!
Pastor Cathy
