Wisdom and the Word of God are gifts that come with a price. Lady Wisdom spreads out a banquet of wisdom for all who seek her. Our own age has far too much information but is desperately short of wisdom - they are not the same thing. Wisdom consists of knowing how to live in a loving, holy, just, and godly way while navigating all of the obstacles and storms that the world puts in our path. It is given only to the humble of heart and those who are open and seeking. The image of a two-edged sword is used for the Word of God but is not meant in a violent way. The Word is not meant just to make us feel good or to confirm us in our disordered lives. It cuts away all the nonsense, illusions, and lies that blind us. It tells us the truth we don't want to hear.

The rich young man discovered this - he wasn't expecting the radical advice that Jesus gave him. He was clearly a good and spiritual man. But he wanted more and Jesus saw that he was finding identity, power, and security in his wealth. Jesus advised him to let go and be free. By relying only on God he would be free, happy, and able to follow wherever Jesus led. It was too much to accept all at once and he left dejected. Jesus didn't judge him - he looked at him with love - and we can hope that the young man changed his mind and returned to do as Jesus suggested. Everything that we use for our sense of security can be taken away except the presence of the Lord - let us rely on that each day.