Proper 20B (RCL) – A Preacher’s Ponderings

Whose wisdom?

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost; 19 September 2021; Proper 20B (RCL); Proverbs 31:10-31; Psalm 1; James 3:13 -4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37.

Wisdom literature is typically addressed to an audience of young men of means, who are getting ready to make their way in the world, and often at court. It provides life lessons in how to avoid messing up. The book of Proverbs opens with Lady Wisdom inviting the young men to submit to her, rather than following Lady Folly. And the book ends with a paean to the good wife — perhaps Lady Wisdom in the flesh.

Childlike wisdom

23 September 2018
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 20B (RCL)
Porverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 1
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37

Many will react to the reading from Proverbs this week. We will hear it as constraining women to a particular social place and role. I find it surprising, however, that she is clearly able to own and buy property, run a business and have servants, all apparently independently of her husband. Early in the book, a contrast was made between wisdom and folly portrayed as women. I think we could read this passage on two levels; one as an example of the gender expectations of the time, and also as an example of wisdom. Continue reading “Childlike wisdom”