A Gift that Guides

(Today’s story is an allegory for Proverbs 3:1-6 and 6:20-23) On the morning that I was to set out into the world and seek a trade, my mother gave me a special gift. “This was given to me by my mother. Her mother gave it to her,” she said, clasping the chain and pendant around my neck. “Keep it safe and close! It will guide you safely through your journey.” Tears welled in our eyes as we hugged our farewells. As I walked through town, merchants called to me. They offered me the newest styles, promising me anything I saw—with one catch: “Just a small price, that charming pendant you wear around your neck.” Shaking my head, I hurried on. A tall girl, a few years older than I, fell into step with me. “Seeking a trade, are you not? Let me join you.” Feeling lonely and unsure of what was ahead of me, I accepted gratefully. She drew her arm around my shoulders. “I’ll pledge to you my friendship, but we must have a token of our good faith! Say, how about that pendant you wear?” My heart sank. “That’s one token I can’t give.” “Can’t part with such a small thing!” she cried. “Shouldn’t a friend be willing to sacrifice for her companion?” I was sorely tempted: she and the vendors viewed my necklace as a trinket. Why should I cling to it, when, by giving it up, I could gain so much? But if it was worth so little, why were they so determined to have it? I spoke without malice but without apology: “No. This pendant is no small thing to me. It is like a map, faithfully guiding my journey. If I must give it up to earn your goodwill, then I am afraid you are not a true guide.” • Jessica Kleeberger • In today’s story, the main character’s mother gives her a necklace that symbolizes true wisdom—just like the word picture in Proverbs 6:20-23. Later in the Bible, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy, a young Christian leader he mentored. Paul recalls how Timothy’s mother and grandmother also gave him the gift of true wisdom—they pointed him to saving faith in Jesus (2 Timothy 1:1-5). Read John 14:6, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, 2 Timothy 3:14-15, and James 1:5. Why is it important that knowing Jesus is the way to true wisdom? • When have you been tempted to trade lies for the truth of your identity in Christ? What kinds of lies have you believed? • When you are tempted, who can you run to (Psalm 119:11; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Timothy 6:11; Hebrews 4:14-16)? Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Proverbs 3:1-6; 6:20-23; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31