{"id":53167,"date":"2023-03-28T14:18:06","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T21:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/?p=53167"},"modified":"2023-03-30T12:40:11","modified_gmt":"2023-03-30T19:40:11","slug":"hearing-and-heeding-wisdoms-call","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/hearing-and-heeding-wisdoms-call\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing and Heeding Wisdom\u2019s Call"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of us are bombarded with hundreds if not thousands of messages every day. These messages come in many forms, from notifications to advertisements to texts and emails. No matter how much we may want to be \u201cad free,\u201d it\u2019s becoming nearly impossible not to be inundated with these messages. As a result, this inundation can lead us to ignore, delete, or zone out all the voices that are seeking our attention. So, how can we filter out the messages we don\u2019t want to hear in order to hear what we need to hear? How can we block out the excessive messaging to pay attention and listen to what God is saying to us? How do we develop ears to hear when we\u2019ve trained ourselves to be dull of hearing? Let\u2019s learn why it is essential for us to hear and heed wisdom\u2019s call from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product.php?productid=21010\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zondervan Bible Commentary<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-wisdom-states-her-case-8-1-9-18\"><strong>Wisdom States Her Case<\/strong> <strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A1-9%3A18&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8:1\u20139:18<\/a>)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The introductory section of Proverbs (1:8\u20139:18) ends with a powerful positive statement, gathering up the hints scattered throughout the section (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+1%3A20-23&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:20\u201323<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+3%3A13-20&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3:13\u201320<\/a>). No longer by contrast with the crooked and perverse, but in forthright, direct terms, wisdom claims to fit the universe, to be evidently the key to life and understanding, as it was fundamental to its creation (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A22&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">22<\/a>). Wisdom fits man to be truly man (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A32-36&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">32\u201336<\/a>) in open fellowship and contentment (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+9%3A1-6&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">9:1\u20136<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wisdom\u2019s Call<\/strong> <strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A1-5&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8:1\u20135<\/a>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Above the babble of conflicting greeds, <strong>wisdom calls out<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A1&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a>). To rouse people from their indifference or low-level satisfactions, <strong>understanding<\/strong> has to <strong>raise her voice.<\/strong> As in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+1%3A20&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:20<\/a>, the call is widespread (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A2-3&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2, 3<\/a>): <strong>people <\/strong>in general, even <strong>simple<\/strong> and <strong>foolish<\/strong> men (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A5&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5<\/a>), are urged to pay attention, for this wisdom is no esoteric philosophical system but down-to-earth common sense. It has to do with moral standards (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A6-14&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6\u201314<\/a>), the purpose and goal of social and personal life (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A15-21&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">15\u201321<\/a>) and a proper response of wonder and worship to the universe around us (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A22-31&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">22\u201331<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wisdom and Godliness<\/strong> <strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A6-14&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8:6\u201314<\/a>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The description of wisdom has a wholesomeness and refreshing quality like a sea breeze after the stuffy atmosphere of the scheming world. Powerful words drive the lesson home. Wisdom is synonymous with <strong>what is right<\/strong> (Heb. <em>y\u0101\u0161\u0101r<\/em>, a great OT word, the \u2018upright\u2019 of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+2%3A7&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2:7<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+3%3A32&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3:32<\/a>; base of the \u2018equity\u2019 of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+1%3A3&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:3<\/a>; the standard by which all is judged <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=ps+19%3A8&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ps. 19:8<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+kgs+15%3A11&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 Kg. 15:11<\/a>). &nbsp;There is finality and objectivity in biblical wisdom which contrasts with the relativistic and subjective morass of much 20th century opportunism. Wisdom speaks what is <strong>just<\/strong> (Heb. <em>\u1e63edeq<\/em>, cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+1%3A3&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:3<\/a>) and <strong>right<\/strong> (cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+24%3A26&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">24:26<\/a>, NIV \u2018honest\u2019; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=2+sam+15%3A3&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2 Sam. 15:3<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=isa+30%3A10&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Isa. 30:10<\/a>) Wisdom speaks the simple, obvious truth, even if unpalatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Familiar nouns are recalled as wisdom names those who share her house: <strong>prudence<\/strong> (as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+1%3A4&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:4<\/a>), <strong>knowledge<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+1%3A4&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:4<\/a>), <strong>discretion<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+1%3A4&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:4<\/a>, here pl.), <strong>sound judgment<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+2%3A7&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2:7<\/a>), <strong>understanding<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+1%3A2&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:2<\/a>) are joined by <strong>counsel<\/strong> (advice freely offered, but coloured by its source, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+kgs+12%3A13-14&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 Kg. 12:13, 14<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=ps+1%3A1&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ps. 1:1<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=ps+33%3A11&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">33:11<\/a>; bad men may still have the power to give good counsel, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=2+sam+16%3A23&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2 Sam. 16:23<\/a>) and <strong>power<\/strong> (the might or strength to do things, though floundering without wisdom, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=eccl+9%3A16&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ec. 9:16<\/a>) to give a balanced, many-sided tool-kit for dealing with life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wisdom and Society<\/strong> <strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A15-21&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8:15\u201321<\/a>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ideal ruler of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=isa+11%3A2&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Isa. 11:2<\/a>f exemplifies most of these qualities, a beautiful instance of how things are when <strong>kings reign<\/strong> and <strong>princes govern<\/strong> by wisdom. <strong>Riches, . . . honor, . . . righteousness, . . . justice, . . . wealth<\/strong> are the rewards of such wise rule (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Isa.11%3A4-9&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Isa. 11:4\u20139<\/a>). The <strong>wisdom<\/strong> is the root from which wealth grows and hence more valuable than its fruits. The comparison with <strong>gold<\/strong> and <strong>silver<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A10&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A19&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">19<\/a>), generally reckoned the durable and valuable things, highlights the real value of what is intangible and lasting (by comparison with which they are \u2018perishable\u2019, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+pet+1%3A18&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 Pet. 1:18<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wisdom and Creation<\/strong> <strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A22-31&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8:22\u201331<\/a>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Word and Wisdom of God<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This passage is often read as if it referred prophetically to Christ, the wisdom of God (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+cor+1%3A24&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 C. 1:24<\/a>) and the word by whom all things were made (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=jn+1%3A1-3&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jn 1:1\u20133<\/a>). There is a strong connection in the development of Jewish thought between this passage, through two books of the Apocrypha (Ecclesiasticus 24 and Wisdom of Solomon 7) to Philo of Alexandria (early 1st century) who attempted to join Hebrew and Greek world-views with the idea of a principle of wisdom (<em>logos<\/em>, word), an emanation from God by which the world was made. But Philo\u2019s <em>logos<\/em> was impersonal and \u2018spiritual\u2019. So when John speaks of the Word (<em>logos<\/em>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=jn+1%3A1&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jn 1:1<\/a>) he reinstates the true Hebrew idea of a personal, creating God and \u2018uses Philo\u2019s word to reject Philo\u2019s thought\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The \u201cBirth\u201d of Wisdom<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Hebrew (<em>q\u0101n\u0101h<\/em> as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=prov+4%3A7&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4:7<\/a>) usually means \u2018get\u2019 as by purchase (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=josh+24%3A32&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jos. 24:32<\/a>), and hence what is got is numbered among one\u2019s possessions. Occasionally the getting is by giving birth (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=gen+4%3A1&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gen. 4:1<\/a>) or by (implied) creation (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=gen+14%3A19&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gen. 14:19<\/a>). The emphasis, as here, is on the fact that wisdom belongs to the LORD, not on how or when it came so to belong. The primacy of wisdom to the creation, <strong>when the world came to be . . . before . . . before<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A25&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">25<\/a>). . . . <strong>before<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A26&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">26<\/a>), sets the universe in a fresh light. Here is no random happening but ordered, premeditated development. \u2018The laws that make the universe a cosmos, not a chaos, are expressions of the divine mind\u2019 (Westcott). This gives solidity, significance and pattern to the universe and sets the poet free to rejoice in it with evocative word and metaphor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The detail is to be enjoyed in this way, not pressed into service to support particular cosmologies (as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A28-29&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">28, 29<\/a> to show a supposed three-tier system or to prove the earth is round). There are suggestions of bounty (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A24&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">24<\/a>), meticulous care (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A26&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">26<\/a>), superabundant power (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A27&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">27b<\/a>, \u2018girdled the ocean with the horizon\u2019, NEB) and control (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A29&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">29<\/a> see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=job+38%3A4-11&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Job 38:4\u201311<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=ps+33%3A6-7&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ps. 33:6\u20137<\/a>). In all this God\u2019s wisdom rejoiced, <strong>delighting in humankind,<\/strong> a unique feature of the biblical account of creation. Man is not God\u2019s drudge in the world, but object of favour and joy. \u2018With joy thou saw\u2019st the mansion where the sons of men should dwell\u2019 (Lady Campbell).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Lesson Enforced<\/strong> <strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A32-36&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8:32\u201336<\/a>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The examples have been spelt out, the supremacy and suitability of wisdom displayed, so now wisdom urges <strong>listen to me . . . be wise . . . watching daily at my doors.<\/strong> This will produce happiness (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A32&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">32<\/a>), <strong>life . . . and . . . favor from the LORD<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A35&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">35<\/a>). The contrast is again drawn between life and death, growth in harmony with the true nature of things and the rejection that <strong>harms themselves<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+8%3A36&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">36<\/a>) a violation of the personality (AV \u2018wrongeth his own soul\u2019, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=num+16%3A38&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Num. 16:38<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+6%3A32&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prov. 6:32<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Two Invitations and Their Results<\/strong> <strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+9%3A1-18&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">9:1\u201318<\/a>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wisdom\u2019s final call is an invitation to a feast, open to all, in terms reminiscent of Jesus\u2019 parable (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=luke+14%3A16-24&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lk. 14:16\u201324<\/a>). Over against this is a final appeal from her <strong>rival Folly<\/strong> (NEB \u2018Lady Stupidity\u2019) with exactly similar invitation (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+9%3A16&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">16<\/a>) but utterly perverted result. Instead of the open fellowship of the meal shared with wisdom (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+9%3A5&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5<\/a>) there is the furtive conspiracy of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+9%3A17&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">v. 17<\/a>, <strong>stolen<\/strong> perhaps suggesting that evil is parasitic upon good; even the pleasures of sin depend upon God\u2019s good creation for any enjoyment they may bring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Folly is simple. The RSV \u2018wanton\u2019 follows the amended text, whereas \u2018simple\u2019 follows MT, using the same word as for her victims. She is no better than they. Between these two invitations are sandwiched two sorts of person. The <strong>mocker<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+1%3A22&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:22<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+3%3A34&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3:34<\/a>) reappears in all his intolerance of correction, with his companion the <strong>wicked<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=proverbs+3%3A33&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3:33<\/a>) who meets arguments with violence. Against this is set <strong>the wise<\/strong> who learns and prospers. Verse 12 is a sobering motto\u2013your attitudes affect you most of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The One-Volume Zondervan Bible Commentary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZondervanBibleCommentarySocial-1024x580.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-53169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZondervanBibleCommentarySocial-1024x580.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZondervanBibleCommentarySocial-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZondervanBibleCommentarySocial-768x435.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ZondervanBibleCommentarySocial-1536x870.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product.php?productid=21010\">Zondervan Bible Commentary<\/a> is a one-volume illustrated commentary published by Zondervan and edited by F. F. Bruce. Comments, images, maps, and sidebars provide the reader will enough material to unlock the meaning and message of every book of the Bible. Stop by our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product.php?productid=21010\">store<\/a> and purchase this great resource today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product.php?productid=21010\" style=\"background-color:#77aa3c\">ZONDERVAN BIBLE COMMENTARY<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#dadada\">This resource is also included in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/biblestudypacks.php?source=productpage\">Olive Tree NIV and NKJV Bible Study Packs<\/a>. You can try a free trial of these Bible Study Packs or subscribe for as little as $5.99 a month. Learn more about the Olive Tree Bible Study Packs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/biblestudypacks.php?source=productpage\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most of us are bombarded with hundreds if not thousands of messages every day. These messages come in many forms, from notifications to advertisements to texts and emails. No matter how much we may want to be \u201cad free,\u201d it\u2019s becoming nearly impossible not to be inundated with these messages. As a result, this inundation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":53216,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7849],"tags":[8568],"class_list":["post-53167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-commentaries","tag-zondervan-bible-commentary"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.3 (Yoast SEO v28.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hearing and Heeding Wisdom\u2019s Call - Olive Tree Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/staging-blog.olivetree.com\/hearing-and-heeding-wisdoms-call\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hearing and Heeding Wisdom\u2019s Call\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Most of us are bombarded with hundreds if not thousands of messages every day. 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