Proverbs 29:3
This verse reminds me of the parable of the Prodigal Son (Mark 15:11-31). We are all familiar with how the son spent his inheritance and ended up with the pigs. But at low point of his life, he recognized the error of his ways and went to repent to his father. And we remember how the father celebrated his return while the older son fumed and fussed about the father's reaction.
The question is: which son displayed wisdom? While we love to look down our noses at the sinful squandering of wealth, didn't we do the same? Christ offered us peace and eternal life but we did not partake until we recognized the wretched situation we were in and repented. Compare this to the older brother who continued the ritual of service but never found the value of forgiveness.
Let's ensure that we know the joy of forgiveness and not just the ritual of service. For forgiveness is truly a cause of celebration and causes our Father to rejoice.
