Proverbs 7 and 8 speak of keeping God’s commandments. Several times now Solomon has encouraged us to wear them on our foreheads, arms and fingers and to write them on the tablets of our hearts (memorize them) He knows how easy it is to forget the commandments and be lured away from wisdom like a man leaving his wife for a prostitute. Sin is alluring and seductive. It will lead us astray and leave us broken and destitute.

Wisdom calls out to us. It is more valuable that riches. It encourages us toward prudence and discretion. When we act wisely we will succeed, being both righteous and just in our actions.

God’s wisdom has been present since before the creation of the earth. Those who find wisdom find life.

 In Colossians 2 Paul states that he is with them even though they have never met. He wants to be so united with the Colossians that they may share the wisdom and knowledge of Christ. There are some who will make plausible arguments that oppose the gospel and Paul doesn’t want the Colossians to be deceived.

In our days of pluralism we need to heed Paul’s advice as well. Philosophy, human tradition and mystical practices seek to lead us astray. We have been claimed by Christ and in him we have our being. God has made us alive in His forgiveness and set us free from these legal platitudes. Paul says these laws may have the appearance of wisdom by promoting piety and  humility but they will not help us with true self-control.