ODJ: finding perspective
October 27, 2010
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment (v.10).
READ: Proverbs 9:10-12
In London’s National Gallery, art critic Robert Cumming stands in front of a classic 15th-century painting by Renaissance artist Fra Filippo Lippi. The painting shows Mary holding the infant Jesus on her lap, with Saints Dominic and Jerome kneeling before Him. The piece is troubling to Robert Cumming. It’s a masterpiece, no doubt, but its perspective seems all wrong. Hills in the background look too large; Dominic and Jerome look awkward as they kneel before the child.
Then Robert Cumming remembers something. This painting was never created to hang in an art gallery, but as an altarpiece, to be viewed in a place of prayer. He suddenly realizes what he needs to do. He gets down on his knees and kneels before the painting. From that reverent posture, Robert Cumming sees a different canvas. The mountains ease back into place and saints Dominic and Jerome now appear more settled. On bended knee, he saw a new perspective.
Life can get confusing, and the book of Proverbs is presented to us as a manual on how to find clarity of wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-6). And where does it suggest such clarity can be found? On our knees. Fear of the Lord is the starting point (1:7), the reverence of God leading us to make good judgments (9:10). While our lives are to be like a masterpiece painted by God (Ephesians 2:10), they’re often distorted by sin and temptation. God’s wisdom saves us from greed (Proverbs 1:10-15), lust (ch.5,7), and pride (8:13), those distorting forces that warp our lives. His wisdom keeps our paths and thoughts straight (Proverbs 3:5-8).
Life makes sense only on our knees—a posture of submission that brings life’s picture into perspective. —Sheridan Voysey
Think of a time when you slipped out of submission to God and lost perspective. What led you there? How will you “bow” before God today?
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