Today we’ll explore how wisdom of the heart helps us live well. The ancient wisdom writings of Proverbs speaks to issues we still face—violence, not just as force but as injustice and cruelty; the power of words to heal or harm; and the wisdom needed for friendship, marriage, family, and peace.

At the heart of it all: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  Wisdom isn’t about IQ or degrees—it’s a sacred reverence for life itself, a voice calling out in every generation, offering guidance, discernment, and grace.

SLIDE GEORGE READ IN OUR GATHERING

A few years ago, I asked myself: What should I pray for this year? What do we need in these turbulent times? Naturally I was strongly tempted to pray for more love. But it occurred to me that I’ve met so many people in the world who are already full of love and who really care for others. Maybe what we lack isn’t love but wisdom. It became clear to me that I should pray above all else for wisdom. We all want to love, but as a rule we don’t know how to love rightly. How should we love so that life will really come from it? 

—Richard Rohr