Hearing the Voice

The voice of Wisdom calls out to us, just as it did in the ancient streets of Israel.

by Father Lee Davis on September 09, 2024

Hearing the Voice of Wisdom – A Reflection on Proverbs 1:20-33

In the bustling streets of our modern lives, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the noise. We are constantly bombarded with information, opinions, and distractions. Amid this cacophony, the voice of Wisdom calls out to us, just as it did in the ancient streets of Israel. In Proverbs 1:20-33, Wisdom is personified as a woman standing in the public squares, crying out for attention, urging us to listen. But what does this ancient wisdom say to us as Episcopalians today?

The image of Wisdom calling out in the streets and at the city gates is a powerful reminder that wisdom is not confined to the sanctuary or the study. Instead, it is present in the everyday places of our lives. For us as Episcopalians, this speaks to the importance of recognizing that God’s wisdom is available in every aspect of our lives—not just on Sundays, but in our workplaces, schools, and communities.

We are called to be attentive to this wisdom in all the spaces we inhabit. Whether we are making decisions in our personal lives or engaging in discussions about justice, ethics, and the common good, Wisdom beckons us to listen and act with discernment.

Proverbs 1:22-27 offers a stark warning about the dangers of ignoring Wisdom. The passage speaks of calamity and distress that come to those who reject Wisdom's call. While this may sound harsh, it is a reminder that there are real consequences when we fail to heed the guidance that God offers us.

In our tradition, we speak of the importance of formation—both spiritual and moral. Ignoring Wisdom can lead us down paths that are destructive not only to ourselves but also to our relationships and communities. This is a call to take seriously the wisdom that God offers through scripture, tradition, and reason, and to apply it thoughtfully in our lives.

One of the most challenging aspects of this passage is its sense of urgency. Wisdom warns that there will come a time when it is too late to seek her. For us, this serves as a call to be proactive in our spiritual and moral lives. We cannot afford to be complacent or put off the pursuit of wisdom for another day.

In the Episcopal Church, we often speak of being on a journey of faith. Part of that journey involves continually seeking God’s wisdom and allowing it to shape us. This passage encourages us to be intentional about that pursuit, recognizing that the choices we make today have lasting implications.

The passage ends with a promise of security for those who listen to Wisdom. "But those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster" (Proverbs 1:33). This is not a promise of a life without challenges, but rather the assurance that a life rooted in wisdom brings peace and stability, even in difficult times.

For Episcopalians, this can be seen in the balance we strive to maintain in our spiritual practices—the rhythm of prayer, worship, and service that grounds us. By listening to Wisdom, we find that we can navigate the complexities of life with a sense of peace, knowing that we are aligned with God’s will.

Proverbs 1:20-33 invites us to listen for the voice of Wisdom in our lives today. It challenges us to be attentive to the guidance that God offers in all areas of life and to respond with urgency and intention. As Episcopalians, we are called to be both hearers and doers of this wisdom, allowing it to shape us into the people God calls us to be.

May we have the ears to hear and the courage to follow the path of Wisdom, trusting that it will lead us to a life of peace, security, and faithfulness.

 

About the Author
Father Lee Davis

After a diverse career in marketing and finance and a sudden realization of the love and power of God that he discovered aboard a Navy ship, Father Lee Davis has the distinction of being baptized, confirmed, and received for Holy Orders on the same Sunday. He studied at Bexley Hall Seminary in Columbus, Ohio where he received a Master's of Divinity degree in 2009 and then served as priest-in-charge of St. Andrew's in Hollywood, Florida as well as an assisting priest at St. Benedict's in Plantation. Father Lee also worked as a Hospice Chaplain. When he left after a little more than two years, St. Andrew's had grown in membership and under his guidance extended its outreach into the community. He was also a pivotal leader of the Jubilee Center of Hollywood, a vital outreach ministry to the homeless and hungry, and served on the Board of Directors for St. Lawrence Chapel, serving the homeless in Pompano Beach. He also served on several diocesan committees working with the youth of the diocese.


In December 2012, Father Lee was called as rector of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Damascus, Maryland. During his 8 year tenure there the vestry of the parish noted that "His dynamic leadership, inspired preaching, creative ideas and compassionate pastoral care combined to bring a new level of excitement, commitment, and growth among the congregation." Through his leadership, he developed partnerships with other organizations in the community, helped establish a transitional home for victim's of domestic violence, began the process of developing affordable senior housing on some of the acreages of land owned by the church, and grew stewardship achieving their first balanced budget in over a decade. At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, he led the congregation into the development of an online presence and with a couple of dedicated lay members started a feeding program for families in need which continues today. He served in the Diocese of Washington DC helping in the implementation of a Diaconate Formation program as well as being on the Board of Directors of the Washington Episcopal Clergy Association and serving on the Diocesan Executive Council.


Amidst the COVID pandemic, Father Lee accepted the call to be our rector and began his tenure in September 2019. His leadership has already blessed our community.

Back to reflections