Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“[L]ove her, and she will guard you. ”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, September 16, 2022
by Daniel D. Maurer Clergy Stuff
The books of the Bible are filled with stories from a male perspective. The fourth chapter of Proverbs is no exception: “When I was a son with my father…” (v. 3). Feminist scholars have rightly acknowledged the dominant patriarchal slant to many of the ancient texts in scripture.
But perhaps because of this fact, when suddenly we encounter the feminine persona of wisdom, the imagery breaks forth and stands out, similar to a bas-relief sculpture’s fine lines. The father speaks to his son, imparting the advice that wisdom should be viewed as a loyal wife or a loving, protective mother for him.
Since I’m male, the image is effective; it works for me. However, I wonder how women perceive it. Do they see the comparison as another example of how female images are co-opted by men to serve their own purposes? Or does the comparison seat wisdom in a place of honor?
God created humanity as both male and female. Each perspective is valuable, both to understand and also to unpack the human condition. Maybe portraying wisdom in this way is less the desire to give women equal time and more the confession that an aspect of God — wisdom — is undeniably feminine, and a strong, caring guardian.
Holy Wisdom, keep me close and guard me. Amen.
