What Is Our Standard of Living? - Augsburg Fortress

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Preaching Supports: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, p. 1

What Is Our Standard of Living?Year B—Lectionary 23 / 14 Pentecost

Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23

Theme StatementAn overarching glimpse of the entire worship series.

There are more than twenty definitions of the word “standard” in the dictionary. In the first set of texts explored in God’s Standard or Gold Standard: Studies in Proverbs, the word “ standard” is compared to a unit of measure. It can be a measure of wealth or a measure of integ-rity, but the real question is: Which measure is our truest treasure? In our consideration of the second passage from Proverbs, “standard” is understood as a familiar song, or a song known by heart. In this passage we hear the voice of Woman Wisdom calling us out of our foolishness. In the third and final passage of this series on Proverbs, “standard” should be thought of as a flag, an emblem, or even an attractive quilt that combines and displays God’s standards. So, how do we display the God Standard in our lives? These sessions urge us to be “as good as God.” This means much more than abiding by a set of proverbial morals. This means abiding by faith in the God who not only expects wisdom and goodness, but provides it in Christ our Savior.

Proverbs gives us many words of investment advice for the Gold Standard, but God’s counsel in Proverbs is more than advice on where or how to invest one’s money and time (even though that is very important for good stewardship of our resources). Proverbs is more about how to invest one’s whole self in ways that lead toward a blessed future. We make the most out of life by making good on God’s significant investment in us. This holistic idea of partnership with God is the golden thread that ties this Book of Faith unit together. We are called to live according to the God Standard.

1. What Is Our Standard of Living? Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 (Year B—Lectionary 23 / 14 Pentecost)

2. Are We Singing the Standards of Wisdom? Proverbs 1:20-33 (Year B—Lectionary 24 / 15 Pentecost)

3. Are We Raising God’s Standard? Proverbs 31:10-31 (Year B—Lectionary 25 / 16 Pentecost)

SESSION ONE

Preaching Supports

Focus StatementProverbs calls us to live according to the “God Standard” as opposed to the “Gold Standard.” We are named and claimed by God.

Key VerseA good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all. Proverbs 22:1-2

TipMany of the creative worship suggestions in these preach-ing and liturgy supports require some preparation, so please look through them well in advance.

Text StudyAn expository summary of the reading related to the Together in Faith Adult Bible Study.

By contemporary standards, Proverbs can be considered a handbook for upright living. But Proverbs is in fact more poetry than prose, relying on pithy parallelism rather than rhyming in conveying its lyrical wis-dom. The three pairs of mishle, or sayings, that make up today’s reading from Proverbs 22 each reveal the essence of divine wisdom.



• In verse 1 we read that, contrary to tabloid journalism, having a “good name” (renown) and divine “favor” (being beloved) matters more to God than any amount of material wealth. All are “created equal” in God’s eyes, and God’s equitable evaluation of creation extends to the well-being of all.

• Verses 8-9 contrasts the sowers of injustice and wrath with the favorable and reputable actions of the kind and generous—the former actions unwisely giving rise to calamity while the latter paving the way for blessing. Goodness, which has its beginning in the gift of God’s good creation, has a way of coming back around to us.

• In contrast, evil is most clearly evident, according to verse 22, in the practice of abusing the impover-ished. God’s unconventional wisdom does not treat the poor as an easy mark, but rather comes to their defense at the city gates—the place where the court of law was seated in Bible times. God’s intercession is ever on behalf of the poor and the poor in spirit who rely upon God’s grace, and thus become agents of that grace to others. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the ultimate example of this God Standard (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Sermon OutlinesThe first outline is designed for use if the scheduling of this series corresponds with the Church Year calendar. The second outline is provided for general use at any time of the year.

OuTLIne 1: (LecTIOnarY-BaSed SermOn)Gospel Connection:In Mark 7:24-37 we learn that even though the Syrophoencian woman begged for “crumbs” at the feet of Jesus, the riches of God’s grace in Christ would extend to her much more than mere leftovers. Likewise, the man who was deaf and mute would literally “taste and see” that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). In both instances we see Jesus fulfilling the wisdom of Proverbs 22. The natural consequence of his expressions of justice and generosity for all realizes the promise of Proverbs 22:1-2: “They were astounded beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done everything well’ ” (Mark 7:37).

Title: Standard of Living/Standard of GivingIntroduction: Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s Labor Day weekend. Do you find it ironic that most of us don’t work on the official day for labor? Yet there are many who do work on these three-day weekends. Consider municipal workers, police, fire emergency personnel, and health care work-ers, to name a few. And how about folks who work in the hospitality and travel industry so we might have the opportunity for one more time of recreation before the busy fall/back-to-school season is upon us? Come to think of it, there are a lot of hard workers that work on Labor Day, despite the fact that this holiday should be a by-product of our standard of living, giving everyone the opportunity to take time off to rest and enjoy God’s creation.

1. There is currently a lot of focus on the economy and our individual and corporate standard of living. There have been budget cuts at church, at school, and in many workplaces. So this weekend is a mar-velous opportunity to take time to celebrate that “a good name is better than riches and favor is more than silver or gold.”a. Proverbs calls us to live according to the God Standard as opposed to the Gold Standard. We are named and claimed by God. As Martin Luther was fond of asking, “What does this mean?”b. It means several things for us as we gather here this morning with a gospel lesson from Mark 7. There are two vignettes in the gospel that bear our wise consideration.

2. The first vignette in the gospel reading involves a Gentile mother and her daughter, who is possessed by a demon.a. The mother approaches Jesus and asks for help. b. Jesus’ response to the mother is surprising. It doesn’t sound very much like the way we like to

picture Jesus interacting with people. Listen to these words once again: “He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she



answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs’ ” (Mark 7:27-28). Her response clearly cuts through everything and Jesus is moved by her words.

c. Likewise, Bono sings:You speak of signs and wonders I need something other I would believe if I was able But I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table.(from “Crumbs from Your Table,” by U2, © 2004, Universal-Island Records Ltd.)

3. Today you are invited to join your sisters and brothers at the table of the Lord. Jesus, the Bread of life, invites you to come, to bring your sadness, your pain, your joy, and your hope. We “taste and see that the Lord is good.” We have an amazing standard of living because we have an amazing God who has a standard of giving—giving us forgiveness of sins.a. A man who is deaf and has an impediment in his speech is brought to Jesus.b. The healing goes like this: He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers

into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. “Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha,’ that is, ‘Be opened.’ And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly” (Mark 7:34-35).

c. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary (Elsevier, 2007) defines healing as “the restoration of integrity to injured tissue.” We all have injured tissue. Jesus comes to us and says, “Be opened.” And we are able to hear and speak and live with the wisdom and compassion we’ve heard about in the three couplets from Proverbs 22.

Conclusion: Frederick Buechner is often given credit for writing “Vocation is where your greatest joy meets the world’s deepest need.” We are called to a standard of living and giving that transforms us in meaningful ways. We stop worrying about what our net worth is and start realizing that God values us because we are beloved daughters and sons. Having this faith, this new reality, we can move forward with service and praise. As Peter Mayer sings:

Draw us together,Oh Lord, our new song.To serve each other,Oh Lord, our new song.In your care forever,Oh Lord, our new song.Who names us and claims usMore than silver or gold.Who names us and claims usMore than silver or gold.(© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)

OuTLIne 2: (ThemaTIc SermOn)Title: More Than Silver or Gold (© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)Adapted from the song of the same title by Together in Faith co-author and singer-songwriter, Peter Mayer (www.petermayer.com/bookoffaith).

1. The First Movement: We Walk as Onea. Read: Proverbs 22:1b. Reflect:

We walk as oneOh Lord, our makerBoth rich and poorOh Lord, our maker



c. Respond:i. According to the Gold Standard, the world is divided into “haves” and “have-nots.” Since

both rich and poor are made by God, we are inextricably linked together. We are called to do justice by living according to the God Standard. This involves aknowledging one’s own poverty of spirit and the riches of God’s promise.

ii. Verse 1 celebrates our unity. It is reminiscent of Ephesians 4:4-7: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one bap-tism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

iii. Who is your neighbor? What makes us one? Are we really one in our church, in our neighbor-hood?

iv. “Favor is better than silver or gold.” What is favor? It is how God looks at us. Much of our time is spent talking or arguing about how we see God. But, in reality, the real question is how God sees us. Isaiah 43:1: “But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

2. The Second Movement: Oh Lord, Our Makera. Read: Proverbs 22:2b. Reflect:

Through sun and shadowOh Lord, our makerWho names us and claims usMore than silver or gold

c. Respond:i. Proverbs intends to create an investment strategy for being successful in the business of life.

And while the creation of wealth and the preservation of wealth is very popular in some ven-ues of so-called Christianity (such as the prosperity gospel), Proverbs reminds us that God’s favor and a good name are more important than monetary riches.

ii. In Proverbs 22:2 we are transported back to the first book of the Bible, Genesis, when God had Adam name all the creatures of the world.

iii. What does this say for diversity and its celebration? The passage does not deny our differ-ences, but it puts them in a new context: we are one in God. That oneness only becomes unity when we accept the call of responsibility toward each other.

iv. How are we claimed by God? How are we reminded of this? Are we being claimed by more than things, and do we really live that out? How does the present economic crisis play into the value of God’s claim on us?

3. The Third Movement: We Lend, We Borrowa. Read: Proverbs 22:8-9b. Reflect:

We lend, we borrowLord, lift us higherThrough joy and sorrowLord, lift us higherToday tomorrowLord, lift us higherYou name us and claim usMore than silver or gold



c. Respond:i. Verses 8-9 are about commerce, the transactions of life. What was the plight of the poor in

those times? What was the privilege of the rich? ii. You see a street corner beggar, and do you contribute or not? Are we being called into that

dangerous territory? Why is it dangerous? iii. In what ways are we all “debtors”? Cross-reference the Lord’s Prayer and the parables of the

“talents.”iv. Covenant as contract: What in our Lutheran theology is God’s promise to his children? The

refrain of the theme song reminds us again and again, it is not so much what we do, but rather what has been done for us.

v. Are you a lender? Are you a borrower? How does sustainable stewardship work out in an eco-friendly, global context?

vi. This song is a prayer that the “Lord lift us higher.” It speaks for the need to be brought up out of depths (Psalm 130), but it also calls us to live according to a higher standard, a God Stan-dard as in Isaiah 55 (“My ways are not your ways”).

4. The Fourth Movement: To Serve Each Othera. Read: Proverbs 22:22-23b. Reflect:

Draw us togetherOh Lord, our new songTo serve each otherOh Lord, our new songIn your care foreverOh Lord, our new songWho names us and claims usMore than silver or goldWho names us and claims usMore than silver or gold

c. Respond:i. Who gets robbed in a burglary? Abusing the poor “because they are poor” is robbing our-

selves of the privilege of sharing the gifts we’ve been given.ii. “Heaven is under our feet” (from a book of the same name by Don Henley and Dave Marsh,

Berkley Trade, 1992). How does the God Standard speak to our lives—from beginning to middle to end?

iii. The God Standard is a new song. God makes a song of all our bits and pieces—the idea of Ubuntu: “A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when oth-ers are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed” (Desmond Tutu, 1999).

Conclusion: It is easy to draw lines, build walls, or make divisions according to economic situations, pro-fessions, or living situations. “More Than Silver or Gold” is a prayer that the unity expressed in Proverbs 22:1 might be realized by coming together. The Gold Standard is about making one’s life a game of “king or queen” of the mountain. The God Standard is about following a God who gave the beloved One to die on a little “hill” mountain outside a city wall (“last shall be first, first shall be last”). The God Standard is the new song for our world. The godly life is not achieved by our endless efforts but ultimately by our faith in the One who names us and claims us. This means the Christian’s standard of living begins with our oneness in God. It has legs in living out God’s Standard of grace and unity each day, treating all creation with justice.

children’s LessonThe first option is designed for use if the scheduling of this series corresponds with the Church Year calendar. The second option is provided for general use at any time of the year.

OPTIOn 1: (LecTIOnarY-BaSed LeSSOn)Note: Prior to the lesson, purchase a bag of cookies with a very appealing label, such as the Pepperidge Farm variet-ies. Remove the cookies and crush them to crumbs. Return the crumbs to the bag.Say: Would anyone like some cookies today? (Make a big deal about how good they look.) Okay, reach out your hands, and I’ll give you some cookies. (Put a couple of tiny crumbs into each eager palm.) How’s that? Is that good enough? (Discuss the difference between crumbs and cookies, referencing the faith of the Syrophoencian woman in the gospel lesson.) The woman in today’s gospel had the faith to accept even crumbs from Jesus, but she knew that his love would give much more than that. Jesus healed her daughter. But Jesus also gave us a lesson to not be crummy with our love!

OPTIOn 2: (ThemaTIc LeSSOn)Show a clip from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Classic Media, 2007) that features Burl Ives commenting on the gold-digging ways of Yukon Cornelius and the song “Silver and Gold.” Discuss what the song is all about. How did Yukon Cornelius change in this Christmas special?

Ideas and Images for PreachingWhat follows are a variety of creative ways to enhance the communication of the message. While some links to ideas and images are provided, permission and payment may be required for congregational use.

acTIVe ParTIcIPaTIOnWays to create an active learning environment.

Option #1: Martin Luther wrote the following paradoxical statements in Freedom of a Christian:“A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful ser-vant of all, and subject to everyone.” To further discussion about the distinctions between God’s Standard and the Gold Standard, invite worshipers to discuss for a few moments the ways people treat one anoth-er. Do people take advantage of other people just because they are able to do so? Luther reminds us that, because of the freedom we have in Christ, it is possible to be a servant to all. (Note: The use of the second “Worship Space” option in the Liturgical Supports would further enhance this experience.)

Option #2: Have worshipers take a moment to reflect on the importance of names. What names do you like to be called? What names offend you? What names echo the Gold Standard—or the God Standard? Discuss ways in which the names by which people are called can end up being forms of abuse or inhospitality.

cLIPSTV, movies, and miscellaneous video.

Option #1: Nelson Mandela on “Ubuntu”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODQ4WiDsEBQ

Option #2: U2’s “Crumbs from Your Table”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pi7JFn1Cyg

dramaScripts, improvisational igniters, or links to dramatic resources.

Option #1: Have some roleplay the part of U2’s Bono, who has become an influential, twenty-first-century truth teller on behalf of the underprivileged and those infected with HIV. For a script, use excerpts from his speech from the 2006 Washington Prayer Breakfast, specifically this quote: “A number of years ago, I met a wise man who changed my life. In countless ways, large and small, I was always seeking the Lord’s blessing. I was saying, you know, I have a new song, look after it . . . I have a family, please look after them . . . I have this crazy idea . . . And this wise man said: Stop. He said: Stop asking God to bless what you’re do-ing. Get involved in what God is doing—because it’s already blessed.” (http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-02-02-bono-transcript_x.htm)



Option #2: A humorous look at bee-ing “poor in spirit”: http://home.mchsi.com/~wallestadn/beeattitude.htm

Option #3: For more ideas, see “Teaching the Old Testament Book of Proverbs via a Play” by Robin Branch, Christian Higher Education (Jan-Mar 2005, Vol. 4 Issue 1, pp. 57-69, [email protected])

ILLuSTraTIOnSStories and anecdotes that enhance understanding.

Option #1: Imagine Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 as a walk by a wall covered in graffiti—graffiti that acts as directional signs for our daily living. Perhaps this graffiti is “the words of the prophets written on the subway walls” as Simon and Garfunkel sang in The Sounds of Silence. These seemingly random texts are meant to move us. At first hearing or reading, they don’t seem related or connected to each other. But when the reader moves to the second set of readings (Proverbs 1), there is an increase of focus on Who names us and claims us.

Option #2: In Proverbs 22:8-9 we are reminded that sowing seeds of injustice results in a harvest of calamity. There is a reverse beatitude or benediction spoken here: The generous will be blessed due to their sharing with the poor. We are not to take advantage of the poor because they have the advantage of having God as their advocate.

Option #3: Remember the story of the little red hen? How does this story compare to Proverbs 2:22-23? How do we see (or not see) those around us, especially those who are in need? For a multimedia version of this classic story, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQKZG5yWr6o.

PrOjecTIOnNOTE: The PowerPoint presentation provided for use in the Book of Faith Adult Bible Studies can be easily adapted for worship settings.

PrOPS and OBjecTSIdeas for designing a more multi-sensory sermon.

Option #1: A bag of money on one side of a balance scale with the word “NAME” on the other side.

Option #2: Proverbs 22 “seed varieties”—display supersized packets labeled “FAVOR,” “INJUSTICE,” “AN-GER,” “GENEROSITY,” “ROBBERY,” and “ADVOCACY.” What are you planting?

QuotesTheme supporting, thought provoking, words from notable sources.

Option #1: Putnam and Feldstein write that “Social capital refers to social networks, norms of reciproc-ity, mutual assistance, and trustworthiness.” The central insight of this approach is that social networks have real value both for the people in those networks—hence networking as a career strategy, for exam-ple—as well as for bystanders . . . “Both bonding and bridging social networks have their uses. Bonding social capital is a kind of sociological Super Glue, whereas Bridging social capital provides a sociologi-cal WD-40.” “Bonding” is like taking chicken noodle soup or, in most cases for Lutherans, tuna noodle casserole and Jell-O to the potluck. “Bridging” is about being the voice of reason and reconciliation at an argumentative meeting. (Better Together: Restoring the American Community by Robert Putnam and Lewis M. Feldstein, Simon & Schuster, 2004, p. 2).

Option #2: Charles Wheelan writes in Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science: “Human beings are complex creatures who are going to do whatever it takes to make themselves as well off as possible. Sometimes it is easy to predict how that will unfold; sometimes it is enormously complex. Economists often speak of ‘perverse incentives,’ which are the inadvertent incentives that can be created when we set out to do something completely different. In policy circles, this is sometimes called “the law of unintend-ed consequences” (Naked Economics, W.W. Norton & Co., 2003, p. 29).



Option #3: Consider what John Steinbeck has to say about “status” in Tortilla Flats and The Company of Friends.

ImageSLinks to photos or art that enhance multimedia presentations.

Option #1: How to Rob Everyone for Dummies (from http://intangiblewealth.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/how_to_rob_everyone_for_dummies_cover_jpeg1.jpg)

Option #2: Names of God (from http://workersforjesus.co.za/main/sites/default/files/images/NAMES_OF_GOD_01.jpg)

Option #3: Not in my Backyard (from http://lh6.ggpht.com/_6ai5mauc2j4/Sa0fPkVGyoI/AAAAAAAACB8/YXsQht413v4/s400/waste%20dump%20on%20poor%20countries%20by%20developed%20industrialized%20nations%20-%20sridhar.jpg)

Option #4: Balance Scale: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scale_of_justice_2.svg

LInKSAre you a helpful link? Consider making any creative worship ideas that your congregation develops available for more churches to use via the social networking features of www.bookoffaith.org.

Option #1: There are several Web sites, such as http://www.textweek.com, for pastors to use as resources for sermons or to do more historical research on this text. Try an online search to find something of par-ticular interest.

Option#2: Visit Web sites such as http://www.faithvisuals.com/content/freevideo.html and http://www.sermonspice.com to view more images, videos, and PowerPoint presentations for use during your wor-ship services.

Option #3: For Dorland’s Medical Dictionary online, go to sites such as http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands_split.jsp?pg=/ppdocs/us/common/dorlands/dorland/misc/dmd-a-b-000.htm.



Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23


There are more than twenty definitions of the word “standard” in the dic-tionary. In the first set of texts explored in God’s Standard or Gold Standard: Studies in Proverbs, the word “ standard” is compared to a unit of measure. It can be a measure of wealth or a measure of integrity, but the real question is: Which measure is our truest treasure? In our consideration of the second passage from Proverbs, “standard” is understood as a familiar song, or a song known by heart. In this passage we hear the voice of Woman Wisdom calling us out of our foolishness. In the third and final passage of this series on Proverbs, “standard” should be thought of as a flag, an emblem, or even an attractive quilt that combines and displays God’s standards. So, how do we display the God Standard in our lives? These sessions urge us to be “as good as God.” This means much more than abiding by a set of proverbial morals. This means abiding by faith in the God who not only expects wisdom and goodness, but provides it in Christ our Savior.

Proverbs gives us many words of investment advice for the Gold Standard, but God’s counsel in Proverbs is more than advice on where or how to invest one’s money and time (even though that is very important for good steward-ship of our resources). Proverbs is more about how to invest one’s whole self in ways that lead toward a blessed future. We make the most out of life by making good on God’s significant investment in us. This holistic idea of partnership with God is the golden thread that ties this Book of Faith unit together. We are called to live according to the God Standard.




Liturgy Supports: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23. p. 1

What Is Our Standard of Living?Year B—Lectionary 23 / 14 Pentecost

SeSSion one

Liturgy Supports

Focus StatementProverbs calls us to live ac-cording to the “God Stan-dard,” not the “Gold Stan-dard.” We are named and claimed by God.

Key VerseA good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver orgold. The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all. Proverbs 22:1-2



OverviewA brief description of the theme of the day.

Proverbs 22 reminds us that wealth alone cannot provide a full life, for a full life is the godly life—a life lived ac-cording to the God Standard. The first set of texts creates an investment strategy for success in the business of life. In other words, it is all about a standard for living. The book of Proverbs presents and contrasts life according to the Gold Standard of worldly wealth with the God Standard for the good, full life. According to the Gold Standard,


Liturgy Supports: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, p. 2

the world is divided into “haves” and “have-nots.” But the truth is—because both rich and poor are made by God—the “haves” and “have-nots” are inextricably linked together. We are called to do justice by living according to the God Standard. This involves acknowledging one’s own poverty of Spirit and the riches of God’s promise.

Hymns and Music for WorshipSecuring permission for the use of these suggestions is the responsibility of local worship planners.

NOTE: Co-author and singer/songwriter Peter Mayer has composed three theme songs that relate to each session of this Book of Faith unit on Proverbs. Downloadable lyrics and mp3s can also be found at www.petermayer.com/bookoffaith.

GATHERINGSongs of invocation and invitation.

More Than Silver or Gold, (© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)Son of God, Eternal Savior (ELW 655)Be Thou My Vision (ELW 793)I’d Rather Have Jesus (Text: Rhea Miller, © 1922, ren. 1959 and music © 1939, ren. 1966 Word Music, Inc.

(ASCAP). All rights reserved. International © secured.)

HYMN OF THE DAYSongs that key into the theme of the day.

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (ELW 834)Christ, Burning Wisdom (© 1994 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress)

OFFERINGSongs of dedication and thankfulness.

All Depends on Our Possessing (ELW 589)Take My Life, That I May Be (ELW 583, 685)Some Folk Would Rather Have Houses (TFF 236)

COMMuNIONSongs for the gathering around God’s table.

Now the Feast and Celebration (ELW 167)Christ, Have Mercy on Us All (© 1983 Ray Makeever, admin. Augsburg Fortress)Taste and See (Text: Psalm 34, adapt. Music by James E. Moore, Jr. © 1983, GIA Music, Incorporated.All rights reserved.)

SENDINGSongs that bless and empower.

God of Grace and God of Glory (ELW 705)One There Is, above All Others (LBW 298)

Worship TextsThematic texts provided by the authors of Together in Faith Adult Bible Studies that key into the related sessions.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESSAdapted from Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, and 22-23.

L: A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.C: Forgive us, O Lord, for valuing the gold standards of wealth and possessions above the riches of your grace in Christ. Help us never to underestimate the wisdom of both trust-ing and living up to the good and loving name of Jesus.



L: The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD is the maker of them all.

C: Increase our sense of unity and compassion with all you have made. Awaken in us an appreciation for the interdependence of all your creatures.

L: Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail.

C: Forgive us, O Lord, for insisting on what’s best for us and us alone. Help us not to lash out in anger when people in our lives fail to serve our self-interests.

L: Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.

C: Increase our capacity for generosity and our faith in your capacity to bless us.

L: Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate.

C: Forgive us, O Lord, for not speaking out in support of the weak, and acting on behalf of the helpless.

L: The LORD pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.

C: Increase the effectiveness of our intercession, the magnitude of our mercy.

L: We pray all this in the name of our intercessor and redeemer, Jesus the Christ. He graciously lifts us up before God and, on account of his good name, forgiveness and deliverance is freely ours. We have been ransomed from the condemnation of sin, the fear of death, and the accusations of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy precious blood and innocent suffering and death. Resurrected, Jesus lives to speak forever on behalf of sinners. It is in his name that I can proclaim God’s mercy!

THEME PRAYERAdapted from Peter Mayer’s song “More Than Silver Or Gold” (© little flock music, 2009)

Lord, lift us higher today and tomorrow. Bless us with your presence here as we study these sayings from long ago. Help us to see the timeless and timely character and quality of your liberating wisdom. Inspire us to examine our lives to see by what standard we are living and dying. Guide us to follow your way, your standard, and your truth. Lord, in your mercy. Amen.

-OR-

Draw us together, O Lord, our new song. Thank you for helping us talk about what it means to live ac-cording to your standard. Free us from following the world’s gold standard and give us courage to live our lives knowing and believing that your good name has become our good name in baptism. Your name is worth more than silver or gold. We trust in the riches of your grace in Christ. Amen.

BENEDICTION/SENDING Adapted from Peter Mayer’s song “More Than Silver Or Gold” (© little flock music, 2009)

L: We walk as one,

C: Oh Lord, our maker.

L: Both rich and poor,




L: Through sun and shadow,


L: Through joy and sorrow,


L: Lord lift us higher,

C: Today and tomorrow.

L: Lord lift us higher,

C: You name us and claim us more than silver or gold.

L: So go in peace.

C: We serve the Lord!

Ideas and Images for WorshipWhat follows are a variety of creative ways to enhance the worship experience. While some links to ideas and images are provided, permission may be required for congregational use.

ExPERIENTIAL WORSHIP Ideas for a more active worship experience.

Option #1: Invite worshipers to write their names on one side of 3”x5” cards pre-printed with these words: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1a). On the back of the card you might also want to print: “I’m praying that you would know God’s favor upon you.” Hand the cards in during the offering. Mix up the cards and then have them available for people to take someone else’s card as they leave worship. The goal is to pray for—and perhaps get to know—the individual named on the card. Invite them to write encouraging notes to the person on the back and return the card to them, in person if possible.

Option #2: Have a bread drive. Many stores and bakeries are beginning to allow charitable institutions to distribute day-old baked goods. Fulfill the words of Proverbs 22:9 by handing out bread to worshipers with the encouragement that they should “pass it on.”

PROjECTIONNote: The PowerPoint presentation provided for use in the Together in Faith Adult Bible Studies can be easily adapted for worship settings.

WORSHIP SPACE Suggestions for creating a more multi-sensory environment.

Option #1: Festoon the sanctuary with ribbons of silver and gold. When the creed is read, pause between the second and third articles so that someone with a strong voice could read Luther’s explanation to the second article from the Small Catechism. During that reading, roll out red ribbons from the altar to symbolize the “holy and precious” blood of Christ that redeems us.

Option #2: Have people dressed up like the “afflicted” in Proverbs 22:22. They could sit silently at the “gates” of your sanctuary. (Note: The use of the first Active Participation option in the Preaching Sup-ports would further enhance this experience.)

LINKSAre you a helpful link? Consider making any creative worship ideas that your congregation develops available for more churches to use via the social networking features of www.bookoffaith.org.




Preaching Supports: Proverbs 1:20-33, p. 1

Are We Singing the Standards of Wisdom?Year B—Lectionary 24 / 15 Pentecost

Proverbs 1:20-33



Proverbs gives us many words of investment advice for the Gold Standard, but God’s counsel in Proverbs is more than advice on where or how to invest one’s money and time (even though that is very important for good stewardship of our resources). Proverbs is more about how to invest one’s whole self in ways that lead toward a blessed future. We make the most out of life by making good on God’s significant investment in us. This holistic idea of partnership with God is the golden thread that ties this Book of Faith unit together. We are called to live according to the God Standard. 1.




SESSION TWO

Preaching Supports

Focus StatementWith persuasive power and deep emotion, Woman Wis-dom belts out God’s timeless “standards” of wise living for the entire world to hear.

Key VerseFor waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disas-ter. Proverbs 1:32-33



Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon, though it can be argued the full extent of Proverbs may not be from Solomon (Proverbs 1:1; 25:1; 30:1; and 31:1) and Solomon may not have been all that wise, given what we read in 1 Kings 11. This book is nonetheless intended to convey meshalim, or proverbs, parables, or riddles



(Proverbs 1:6). These proverbs teach “shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and prudence to the young” (Proverbs 1:4). The wise are counseled to hear and understand the voice of Wisdom, who in today’s text is personified as a woman. (Note: The noun for wisdom in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin is in the feminine form.) Woman Wisdom’s stern warnings could and should arouse the “fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 1:29) in everyone. But terror is not the ultimate intention of her singing out God’s standards of knowledge, counsel, and reproof. Rather, her singing is to clear the air of confusion, draw attention, and call all of creation to a new song, our new song—as we ourselves become the embodiment of the God Standard.

Woman Wisdom is a prominent character throughout the entire book of Proverbs. She is given a role in four teaching poems over the first nine chapters (1:20-33; 3:13-20; 8:1-36; and 9:1-18). Her role is to utter loudly and clearly the invitation to follow the God Standard as opposed to the Gold Standard. Reading into Proverbs 9 we see that Woman Wisdom is the antithesis of another character described as the “foolish woman” (Prov-erbs 9:13). Like a hawker at a carnival, this “other woman” seeks to seduce “the simple” (Proverbs 9:16). This can be understood as an erotic seduction (Proverbs 6 and 7), but it especially conveys a sense of spiritual adultery. The “fear of the Lord” should not be understood as subjection to a terrifying master so much as faithfulness to a loving spouse (Ezekiel 16; Mark 8:27-38).


OuTLine 1: (LecTiOnArY-BASed SermOn)Gospel Connection:In Mark 8:27-38 Jesus asks his disciples “Who do you say that I am?” This question from Christ is not unlike the inter-rogations of Woman Wisdom in Proverbs 1. Both passages are intended to move the subjects from simplemindedness into new depths of understanding and action. Many are those who refuse the call of wisdom (Proverbs 1:24), but in Peter’s answer there is hope that those who truly “ listen up” will comprehend. Wisdom isn’t a measurement of knowledge or I.Q. as much as it is openness and a longing for “righteousness, justice, and equity” (Proverbs 1:3). Jesus is the “wisdom of God” because he embodies these virtues and is worthy of Peter’s appellation: “You are the Messiah.” Given Jesus’ predic-tion of what would become of him in today’s gospel, we would do well to marvel with Paul over the surprising wisdom of the cross as the means to establish this “righteousness, justice, and equity,” both then and now (1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5).

Title: Where is Jesus when I need him?Introduction: Jesus’ question to his disciples seems like a simple one. And yet only Peter dared to answer it. Like a classroom full of students who don’t quite get it, but are even more afraid to admit it, understanding about God is hard to grasp, let alone express. And yet there is a person in the Old Testament lesson for today who doesn’t seem to have any trouble at all sharing what she knows about the will and ways of God. We call her Woman Wisdom.

1. The First Movement: Woman Wisdom Criesa. Read: Proverbs 1:20-22b. Reflect:

i. Woman Wisdom is making a statement. She is not shy or retiring, but “cries out in the street; in the square she raises her voice.” Her voice is confident and her warning is prophetic. Like Amos, Hosea, or Micah, she speaks truth and offers her hand of blessing to one and all. The simple and the indifferent pass her by, and she warns them that the time is coming when there will be a tsunami of terror and fear—“when panic strikes you like a storm, and your calamity like a whirlwind.”

ii. The diagnosis is clear and concise. Nobody listens, and consequently there will be a time of judgment. When this “whirlwind” causes people to cry out for help, Woman Wisdom indi-cates that she won’t respond to their cries. Rather, the consequences of their insolent be-havior will be the truth they now have to experience. What was planted (Proverbs 22:8) has



come to fruition. Ignoring the words of wisdom results in panic and disaster. Listening to the words of wisdom brings riches according to the God Standard.

iii. Woman Wisdom is larger than life. She is animated and on a mission. It’s as if the statue of Justice at the courthouse has come to life. She announces law and gospel: “For waywardness kills the simple and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”

2. The Second Movement: Truth Is Not a Cake Walka. Read: Proverbs 1:23-25b. Reflect:

i. The proverbial calling by Woman Wisdom is spoken at a busy crossroad. Who listens and pays attention to her? There is a cacophony of other messages that fill the air. But she is call-ing every person to take stock of his or her life. Whether the people who pass by her realize it or not, they are making asset allocations with their lives. The time is coming when the sum total of their actions will determine their risk tolerance. Are you ready? Are you listening?

ii. We are called from “bumper sticker” guidance and advice to God’s claim on us—the “sticki-ness” of God’s plan. Wisdom is timely and timeless. By following the values representing the God Standard, we are called to move from Ponzi schemes to God’s dreams. The key question is, What are you stuck on? This text raises a “stickiness” question: Why cling to things when one is called to come back to the God who clings to us?

iii. We are called children of God because we have been connected to God through Jesus in the life-giving waters of baptism. Our good name is placed on us at the font: “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The name is pronounced: “_________, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” (ELW, p. 231)

3. The Third Movement: Livin’ in the Mess You Madea. Read: Proverbs 1:26-31b. Reflect:

i. So you might ask, Who is this Woman Wisdom? I don’t recall hearing anything about her while attending Sunday school or confirmation class. Where did she come from? Why haven’t I heard of her until now?

ii. As a personification of God’s wisdom, she can be found in any number of Bible characters, male and female, whose choices were in harmony with God’s eternal will, even if it meant short-term, personal losses. For example, Joseph, Abigail, Esther, and Zaccheaus were users of God’s wisdom. Woman Wisdom can even be understood as a type of Christ himself—“Whoever finds me finds life” (Proverbs 8:35; compare with Matthew 16:25; John 6:40; and 1 John 5:12).

iii. Woman Wisdom has been called “the divine creative force that originates and continues to permeate the cosmos; the social justice that shapes and provides a righteous character to human institutions; the enticing goddess and lover of the sage who seeks to find comfort and exhilaration in her charms and life-giving embrace” (Interpretation Bible Commentaries: Proverbs, Leo Perdue, Westminster/John Knox Press, 2000, p. 63).

iv. However, in Proverbs 9 we see that Woman Wisdom is the antithesis of another character described as the “foolish woman” (v. 13). This “other woman” seeks to seduce “the simple” (v. 16). This can be understood as an erotic seduction (see chapters 6 and 7), but it especially conveys a sense of spiritual adultery.

4. The Fourth Movement: My Love Will Remaina. Read: Proverbs 1:32-33b. Reflect:

i. Is the world on such a fatalistic course that there is no hope, no chance of change, repen-tance, and ultimately redemption? The law may always accuse (lex simper accusat) but this is not about mere accusation; it’s about transformation.



ii. Ezekiel 16:59-63 reveals this transformation as the goal of God’s law. It’s about preparing hearts and minds for repentance and renewed faith in God’s grace. In other words, by sing-ing God’s standards of law and gospel, Woman Wisdom hopes that her listeners will turn back to the God they foolishly turned away from.

iii. There’s a glimmer of hope that comes in the last verse of Woman Wisdom’s diatribe. She says, “But those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dream of disaster.”

iv. These are the classic lyrics of God’s law and gospel. This gracious call to a better life is echoed in Isaiah 55. In this passage it is clear that gold can’t buy the blessings of God’s pow-erful and perfect love.

OuTLine 2: (ThemATic SermOn)Title: Listen Up (© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)Adapted from the song of the same title by Together in Faith co-author and singer-songwriter Peter Mayer (www.petermayer.com/bookoffaith).

Text: “For waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.” Proverbs 1:32-33

Introduction: Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We live in a sound-bite culture. Our phones and computers relay texts, pictures, and songs in ways that just five years ago were unthinkable. We twitter, google, and now bing our way through each day. Complex issues are reduced to simplistic bumper stickers or slogans on T-shirts. And yet long before we ever experienced these meth-ods and manners of communication, Proverbs was created so that truth and living wisdom might be shared in powerful ways with subsequent generations.

Today’s sermon is based on a song by Peter Mayer. This song is inspired by Proverbs 1:20-33, one of the readings for today. We’re going to move between the verses of his song to get at the heart of the matter: “With persuasive power and deep emotion, Woman Wisdom belts out God’s timeless ‘standards’ of wise living for the entire world to hear.” (Note: Invite a chorus of readers to dramatically read the verses of “Listen Up” and then follow with some commentary):

1. Read: Writing on the walls says: “Wake up, listen up!”Graffiti on the bridge scrawls: “Hey you, listen up!”Woman Wisdom cries: “Look out! Listen up!”You just might end up where you’re going.

Comment: Like an eighth-century prophet in the mold of Amos, Hosea, or Micah, Woman Wisdom stands in the town square and offers a wake-up call. Everywhere one looks there is the message to “stop, look, and listen.” And if one doesn’t, chances are one will end up where one is going, even if we don’t want to end up there.

2. Read: Chalk mark on the sidewalk: “You children, listen up!”Money screams it don’t talk: “Grown up, listen up!”Truth is not a cakewalk—listen up, listen up.Lord we need a New Song. Listen up!

Comment: People have estimated that we receive more than 12,000 “impressions” or messages each day. Woman Wisdom is demanding that we prioritize what we see, hear, and digest. Money calls out to us. Truth is available. We need to listen up, listen up, listen up.



3. Read: How long will you love your simple ways?How long will you spend your foolish days?How long will you cast my cries away?When you should listen up, listen up.

Comment: Just listen up to those questions she poses. How long will this go on? How long will love be wasted, will days be spent foolishly and warnings based in truth and love be cast away? Now is the time to assess one’s “asset allocation.” Now is the time to “take stock” or “inventory” of one’s posses-sions. Do you own them or do they “possess” you? All the idle chatter and senseless drivel needs to stop as one “listens up, listens up.”

4. Read: You’ve been livin’ in the mess you made, listen up.You’re gonna miss the dinner you’re late, listen up.You wouldn’t listen I’m afraid, listen up.Gonna sleep in the bed you made.

Comment: It’s not popular to say, but there are consequences to behaviors. There are times of “mes-sin’ ” that have resulted in “missing” fellowship. Instead of being spiritually awake, one sleeps in the bed one has made.

5. Read: How long will you love your simple ways?How long will you spend your foolish days?How long will you cast my calls away?When you should listen up, listen up.

Comment: The “standard” questions are asked once again. Loving simple ways and spending foolish days results in casting calls and warnings away. It is time to listen up, listen up, listen up.

6. Read: How long My Love will remain?How long My promise will sustain?Far beyond this crumbling world’s domain.Come on and listen up, listen up.

Comment: God’s love is constant. God’s forgiveness is promised and will sustain. As economies and standards of living crumble, God is about restoration, building up, and giving new hope, new life, and second chances.

7. Read: All you thirsty come to me.All you hungry come to eat.From word to song to set us free.And it’s enough, it’s enough, it’s enough.Listen up, listen up, listen up.

Conclusion: The Word of God is invitational (Isaiah 55; Matthew 11:28-30; John 7:37-39). Do you have “God thirst”? “God hunger”? Jesus is living water. Jesus is bread of life. This Word comes and sings so that all might have life—abundant life. It is enough—more than enough. Amen.




OPTiOn 1: (LecTiOnArY-BASed LeSSOn)Say: Have you ever been asked some hard questions—questions you couldn’t answer? (Solicit examples.) Say: Maybe you’ve asked some hard questions that your parents couldn’t answer, like “Mommy, daddy: Why is the sky blue?” Have you ever asked that question? How about “Where does God live?” Jesus asks what seem to be some pretty easy questions in today’s gospel reading, but one was a lot harder than the other: 1) “Who do people say that I am?” and 2) “Who do you say that I am?” Do you think those are hard questions? Some of the disciples could answer the first one, but only one of them tried answering the second. Peter answered and said, “You are the Messiah!” The Savior! We need someone to save us because of another hard question we heard this morning: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?” “How long will you keep doing things that are hurtful to yourself and oth-ers?” For some reason it’s hard for us to stop doing bad things. God knows that. In love, God sent Jesus to share with us good news of grace and forgiveness. Do you ever wonder if God truly loves you? Because of Jesus, God answers that question with a loud Yes! (2 Corinthians 1:18-20).

OPTiOn 2: (ThemATic LeSSOn)Supplies: a megaphoneSay: Do you know what this is? It’s a megaphone. Do you know what it’s for? When is it a bad time to use a megaphone? (Examples: in a library, while your dad is napping, when the people you want to talk to are right next to you.) When is it a very good time to use a megaphone? (Example: during an emergency, if you’re the ringmaster at a circus.) There’s a woman in today’s Bible reading that would have used a megaphone, I think. What do you think? (Read Proverbs 1:20-21.) Wow, the woman in this reading is really trying to get people’s attention. When does your mom or dad really try to get you attention? How about if you’re getting too close to the street? Or if you’re about to spill something? I’m sure if you’re playing in a crazy way that could hurt you or someone else, they might yell something, right? Why would they do that? To get you to stop? That’s what the woman in our Bible reading is trying to get people to do. She’s trying to get them to stop doing things that can hurt themselves or others. That’s why I think she would have used one of these. (Show megaphone.) Would you agree?

ideas and images for PreachingWhat follows are a variety of creative ways to enhance the communication of the message. While some links to ideas and images are provided, permission and payment may be required for congregational use.

AcTiVe PArTiciPATiOnWays to create an active learning environment.

Option #1: “If I only knew then what I know now.” Invite members to share examples of times when they wish they would have heeded a word of counsel or warning but didn’t.

Option #2: Provide notepaper with the heading “What Am I Waiting For?” Under the heading, print the words of Proverbs 1:22. Encourage worshipers to reflect and write down things that they’ve been wanting to do or change in their lives but have been putting off. What would Woman Wisdom be saying to them today?

cLiPSTV, movies, and miscellaneous video.

Option #1: A devotional video about Woman Wisdom with passages from the Apocrypha (from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvP_71L06i4&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fseescapes%2Ecom%2FWW02%2Ephp&feature=player_embedded)

Option #2: A devotional video on Proverbs 1:20-33 (from http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=b6757ec8379817d35e6f)

drAmAScripts, improvisational igniters, or links to dramatic resources.

Invite an outgoing woman with a powerful voice to be the “town crier” for the worship service. Encourage improvisation beyond announcements or scripture readings so that she acts more like the “color commen-tator” of the service. Her role would be to step-up the intensity of what God is saying. (Example: People, did you really listen to yourselves just now? In verse 3 of that last hymn you asked the Prince of peace to “hush the storm of strife and passion.” Is that what you really want? How are you helping Jesus do that? It seems to me we’ve got a whole lot of “hushing” to do around here.) Try to sprinkle some humor and cleverness in her diatribe so that it’s more engaging than annoying, while still being truthful.

iLLuSTrATiOnSStories and anecdotes that enhance understanding.

Option #1: Close your eyes and think of a time when you saw and heard a person preaching in the town square. What were they saying? Was it a message of gloom and doom? How did you respond to it at the time? If you could turn back the hands of time, how would you like to respond to their words in light of this passage?

Option #2: While “rant” isn’t a technical term in Biblical literature, it is an appropriate term to get the gist of what Woman Wisdom is doing in the town square. Like a prophet (there are those who are “seers” and those who are “sayers”), she prophesies that unless people “stop, look, and listen,” their lives will suf-fer negative returns. The appropriate response is to “return” to the Lord.

PrOjecTiOnNOTE: The PowerPoint presentation provided for use in the Book of Faith Adult Bible Studies can be easily adapted for worship settings.

QuOTeSTheme supporting, thought provoking, words from notable sources.

Option #1: Check out the idea of “stickiness” as described in Malcom Gladwell’s book The Tipping Point (Back Bay Books, 2002; http://gladwell.com/tippingpoint/guide/chapter3.html)

Option #2: Wisdom Woman calls us to listen. What “frequency” are we tuned into?“The ears of whales, birds, and bats may outperform human ears in the specialized functions, but the human ear is a superbly designed instrument within the ample limits of a range of frequency. Incoming sound waves are channeled by the outer ear into the middle ear, where they activate three small bones that vibrate against the eardrum of the fluid-filled cochlea, or inner ear. Vibrations in the air are convert-ed to vibrations in fluid with minimum loss of intensity. The spiral-shaped inner ear, where the auditory nerve fibers meet the delicate hair-like elements in the cochlear fluid, is protected by a portion of the temporal bone of the skull that is the hardest bony area in the body. The mechanical energy of the sound waves is received by thousands of hair cells that cause electrochemical reactions in the auditory never endings, according to the frequency, intensity, and complexity of the sound. Information transmitted to the brains is compared, synthesized, and ultimately ‘heard.’ ” (from The Mystery of the Ordinary by Charles Cummings, Harper and Row, 1982)



imAgeSLinks to photos or art that enhance multimedia presentations.

Option #1: The Matriarchs of Israel, a private stamp collection. The four women pictured here represent Woman Wisdom. (from www.jr.co.il/pictures/stamps/index4.html)

Option #2: Images from the material world: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/worldbalance/material.html

Option #3: What are you stuck on? http://www.news.wisc.edu/news/images/ACParty_Velcro_wall07lg.jpg

LinKSAre you a helpful link? Consider making any creative worship ideas that your congregation develops available for more churches to use via the social networking features of www.bookoffaith.org.


Option #2: You can also learn how other cultures and traditions have understood Woman Wisdom. Go online to check out articles on “sophiology” (the study of wisdom) such as Leo D. Lefebure’s “The Wisdom of God: Sophia and Christian Theology” (Christian Century, October 19, 1994, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_n29_v111/ai_15861175/).




Proverbs 1:20-33


There are more than twenty definitions of the word “standard” in the dictionary. In the first set of texts explored in God’s Standard or Gold Standard: Studies in Proverbs, the word “ standard” is compared to a unit of measure. It can be a measure of wealth or a measure of integrity, but the real question is which is our truest treasure? In our consideration of the second passage from Proverbs, “standard” is understood as a familiar song, or a song known by heart. In this passage we hear the voice of Woman Wisdom calling us out of our foolishness. In the third and final passage of this series on Proverbs, “standard” should be thought of as a flag, an emblem, or even an attractive quilt that combines and displays God’s standards. How do we display the God Standard by our lives? Combined, these sessions urge us to be “as good as God.” However, this means much more than abiding by a set of proverbial morals. This means abiding by faith in the God who not only expects wisdom and goodness, but provides it in Christ our Savior.

Proverbs gives us many words of investment advice for the Gold Stan-dard, but God’s counsel in Proverbs is more than advice on where or how to invest one’s money and time (even though that is very impor-tant for good stewardship of our resources). Proverbs is more about how to invest one’s whole self in ways lead toward a blessed future. We make the most out of life by making good on God’s significant investment in us. This holistic idea of partnership with God is the golden thread that ties this Book of Faith unit together. We are called to live according to the God Standard.




Liturgy Supports: Proverbs 1:20-33, p. 1

Are We Singing the Standards of Wisdom?Year B—Lectionary 24 / 15 Pentecost

SeSSion two

Liturgy Supports

Focus StatementWith persuasive power and deep emotion, Woman Wis-dom belts out God’s timeless “standards” of wise living for the entire world to hear.

Key VerseFor waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disas-ter. Proverbs 1:32-33



In this session we hear the voice of Woman Wisdom. She calls us to live in tune with the God Standard. She is a siren of wisdom that is both timely and timeless. By following the values represented in her song, we are called to move from selfish human scheming to God’s vibrant dream for a more harmonious humanity.



These songs from Woman Wisdom are not one-hit wonders. “Standards” are the songs we know by heart, the songs we love to sing. In this case, they are the lyrics of divine love, love that rivals the love of “being simple” (Proverbs 1:22).



GATHerinGSongs of invocation and invitation.

More Than Silver or Gold (© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)Glory and Praise to Our God (© 1976 Daniel L. Schutte, admin. New Dawn Music. All rights reserved.)Awesome God (Rich Mullins, © 1988 BMG Music Publishing)

HYMn OF THe DAYSongs that key into the theme of the day.

Listen Up (© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)Open Your Ears, O Faithful People (ELW 519)Listen, God Is Calling (ELW 513)

OFFerinGSongs of dedication and thankfulness.

For All the Faithful Women (ELW 419)I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (ELW 815)

COMMuniOnSongs for the gathering around God’s table.

Now We Join in Celebration (ELW 462)We Eat the Bread of Teaching (ELW 518)Come, Let Us Eat (ELW 491)

SenDinGSongs that bless and empower.

How Blest Are They Who Hear God’s Word (LBW 227)God Has Called Us (© 1994 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress)


COnFeSSiOn AnD FOrGiVeneSSAdapted from Proverbs 1 and 2.

L: How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

C: Lord, we know that the wisdom of simplicity is not to be confused with the foolishness of complacency and ignorance. Forgive us when the complexities of life and the skepti-cism of this age keep us from being receptive to your call.



L: Waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.

C: Give us the will to treasure your commandments, make our ears attentive to wisdom, and incline our hearts to understanding.

L: Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; prudence will watch over you; and understanding will guard you.

THeMe PrAYerAdapted from Peter Mayer’s song “Ever Walk with Me Lord,” based on Micah 6 (© little flock music, 2009).

O Giver of Wisdom, a million voices surround me. How can I hear when you call? When at last grace has found me, will I recognize it at all? Lift this song of sadness into gladness at your feast. To hear your voice is calling, come walk with me. Ever walk with me, Lord. Each night and day a rejoicing. With kind-ness the harmony, justice the beat, you’ve turned my footsteps to dancing. Oh, ever walk with me, Lord. Amen.

BeneDiCTiOn/SenDinGAdapted from Peter Mayer’s song “Listen Up” (© little flock music, 2009).

L: How long the love of God remains . . .

C: LISTEN UP!

L: How long God’s wisdom will sustain . . .

C: LISTEN UP!

L: Far beyond this world’s domain . . .

C: LISTEN UP!

L: To all who listen up . . .

C: LISTEN UP!

L: Help us to listen up, listen up . . .

C: LISTEN UP!

All: AMEN.

ideas and images for WorshipWhat follows are a variety of creative ways to enhance the worship experience. While some links to ideas and images are provided, permission may be required for congregational use.

exPerienTiAL WOrSHiP Ideas for a more active worship experience.

Option#1: Have the Sunday school children make plastic bullhorns for themselves and others prior to this service (see http://www.ehow.com/how_2099170_make-bull-horn.html). Or provide a bullhorn



creation station in the narthex where worshipers can make their own. Use the bullhorns throughout the service to emphasize things like words of absolution, creeds, and blessings.

Option #2: Celebrate the congregation’s “women of wisdom.” Identify and recognize women who have served the Lord with distinction over the history of the congregation. Invite a few to share how their words of wisdom have made a difference.

Option #3: During the offertory prayer, request that just the women of the congregation stand. Include them in prayers of thanksgiving for God’s many gifts to the church and the world using a prayer such as the one that follows:

L: Heavenly Father, you have blessed us with untold gifts for which we return heartfelt thanks. But in this moment we rejoice in the ongoing voice of Woman Wisdom. Your word dwells among us today in the women who stand before you in honor. Your Spirit has moved them to bring grace and truth into our lives. Through them, righteousness, justice, and equity is established among us. We praise you for them and we pray that they might be ever more willing to be women of wisdom in our homes, our church, and our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

PrOjeCTiOnNote: The PowerPoint presentation provided for use in the Together in Faith Adult Bible Studies can be easily adapted for worship settings.

WOrSHiP SPACe Suggestions for creating a more multi-sensory environment.

Option #1: Collect, enlarge, and post around the sanctuary 8.5” x 11” black and white pictures of the sig-nificant women throughout the history of the congregation in the style of a “WANTED” poster. But label the posters “WANTED: Woman of Wisdom.”

Option #2: Involve the Sunday school children in using their megaphones (bullhorns) to tell worshipers to “Listen up!” when prompted.




Are We Raising God’s Standard? Year B—Lectionary 25 / 16 Pentecost

Proverbs 31:10-31



Proverbs gives us many words of investment advice for the Gold Standard, but God’s counsel in Proverbs is more than advice on where or how to invest one’s money and time (even though that is very important for good stewardship of our resources). Proverbs is more about how to invest one’s whole self in ways that lead toward a blessed future. We make the most out of life by making good on God’s significant investment in us. This holistic idea of partnership with God is the golden thread that ties this Book of Faith unit together. We are called to live according to the God Standard.




SESSION THREE

Preaching Supports

Focus StatementFrom A to Z (alpeh to taw), Woman Wisdom is seen as a quilt of wise practices, portraying what it means to joyfully and productively live according to the God Standard.

Key VerseStrength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:25-26



Proverbs concludes with an acrostic poem that summarizes the entire book. While it could be read as a checklist of the roles and qualities of “a capable wife,” perhaps this passage is better understood as the



realization of God’s extraordinary wisdom in our conduct of ordinary life. While Wisdom calls out to us in Proverbs 1, by the time we get to Proverbs 31 she is us—personified not in the strategies of kings so much as in the economics of the home.

In several places in Proverbs, wisdom is said to be “more precious than jewels” (Proverbs 31:10; see also 3:15, 20:15; 12:27; 21:20). This connects this passage with the series’ thematic thread: the God Standard is exalted over worldly gold standards. In addition to various skills of industry and investment, it is clear that godly wis-dom in our everyday lives includes generosity (verse 20) and faith in God’s providence (verse 25)—faith deep enough to “laugh at the time to come,” a possible reference to “judgment day” ( See also 1 John 4:16-18). In verse 27 the capable wife “looks well” (sophiyyah in Hebrew, perhaps a word play on sophia, Greek for wisdom) to the ways of her household. This is a reminder for us all to strive according to God’s standard of excellence and praiseworthiness. Proverbs 31:30 reprises God’s standard of divine wisdom for men, women, and chil-dren alike: “the fear of the LORD.”


OuTLine 1: (LecTiOnARY-BASed SeRmOn)Gospel Connection:Just prior to today’s gospel in Mark 9:14-29, we find a surprising parallel to Proverbs 31:10-31 in the disciple’s inability to heal an epileptic boy. They probably assumed divine wisdom and power was to be found in the extraordinary, but when Jesus says that this kind of healing comes through prayer, we are reminded that God’s grace is released through rather ordinary means. God is in the ordinary, the kind of ordinary we see outlined in Proverbs 31. Mark 9:30-37 goes on to remind us that God is also in the letting go, rather than in the seeking to possess or the desiring to gain something. Jesus demonstrates his own willingness to “ let go and let God” in this passage. Trusting in God’s care is like receiving a little child or a servant, neither of which have any rights or status, neither of which have the capacity to repay. Welcoming these is like welcoming Jesus into a relationship of grace rather than gain.

Title: Called to be Commenders“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wis-dom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:25-26

Introduction: Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There is a prayer that comes toward the end of the funeral service, the burial of the dead. It is called “commendation” (ELW, p.283).

1. Think of the word commend in two ways. a. First of all, to commend means to “let go and let God.” There is a sense of relinquishment. And so

we “let go of our loved one and let God.” b. The other way I’d like for you to think of “commend” is that at a time like this when a loved one

has died, our social fabric has been torn—it has been breached. Our loss is a rip in the tapestry of life.

2. Like Jesus in today’s gospel and the woman who embodies God’s wisdom in our series text from Proverbs, we have been called to be “co-menders.” a. My assumption is that you all have a needle and thread. By being here today with the family, you

are already beginning the process of “co-mending”—that is, sewing back together what has been torn.

b. When we worship together we “darn” the tapestry of our lives. In some cases, it can be even more vibrant and durable than it was before.



Conclusion: One of the messages of this Proverbs text is that Woman Wisdom is extra-ordinary because of her faithfulness in the ordinary. From A to Z (alpeh to taw), Woman Wisdom is seen as a quilt of wise practices, portraying what it means to joyfully and productively live according to the God Standard. Peter Mayer’s song wraps it all up together:

With eyes that find their joy in the Lord With a voice that is lifted up in song Your hands weaving with threads of mercy And laugh at the days to come And laugh at the days to come

(© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)

OuTLine 2: (ThemATic SeRmOn)Title: Woman of Wisdom (© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)(adapted from the song of the same title by Together in Faith co-author and singer-songwriter Peter Mayer (www.petermayer.com/bookoffaith).

1. The First Movement: Yours Is the Story We Tella. Read: Proverbs 31:10-14b. Reflect:

Pick up your work with eager hands; Carry your cargo well. Nourish the light when the darkness still lingers; Yours is the story we tell.

Woman of wisdom your light does shine Like a jewel and rare is your name Dignity graces the paths that you take Through the world and your heart both the same Through the world and your heart both the same

c. Respond:i. In this third and final reading from Proverbs there is an all-inclusive celebration for a

Woman of Wisdom. Stylistically, these verses are an acrostic about Proverbial living. ii. “The first verse begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the second verse with the

second letter, and so on. Therefore the logical order is somewhat loose; the point is to sing the lady’s praises ‘from A to Z.’ Nonetheless, the language makes it clear that this woman is the human counterpoint to Lady Wisdom (Ellen F. Davis, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs, Westminster-John Knox Press, 2000, p. 151).

iii. From A-Z (alpeh to taw) Woman of Wisdom is seen as a quilt of wise practices, each portray-ing what it means to joyfully and productively live according to the God Standard. The rarity of a person of this caliber is not so much that they do not exist but that they are not celebrat-ed by the world’s Gold Standard, that is, in what culture sees as valuable.

iv. In Proverbs 31:10-31 (the God Standard personified), we are told the story of a woman who in many ways seems ordinary, but in the giving of her gift, extraordinary things happen, life is changed, and the Lord is present. The word of God is always about now: Woman Wisdom is present and calls us to be open, a vessel. While we concentrate on our refuge for the future in retirement plans, God provides our hope for years in the here and now.

v. Think of the words of Jesus: “ ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me’”(Mark 9:35-37). This is exactly who and what Jesus was talking about. You and I are called to be extraordinary in the ordinary.



2. The Second Movement: Weaving with Threads of Mercya. Read: Proverbs 31:16-24b. Reflect:

With eyes that find their joy in the Lord With a voice that is lifted up in song Your hands weaving with threads of mercy And laugh at the days to come And laugh at the days to come

c. Respond:i. There are many references in this passage to fabric, the actual spinning of thread, and the

clothing of family. In this sewing metaphor, a life filled by the God Standard is a thread. As a community of threads, we weave a social fabric, knit together by God’s love and mercy.

ii. What is sewed, or sowed (Proverbs 22:8-9, 31:16, 20) together by our individual gifts we harvest in mutual care of God’s creation. Even as this care is practiced in the standards of everyday struggle and victory, this woven tapestry becomes a standard we raise to uphold.

iii. Think of this poem as a quilt which artistically raises the image of what it means to live according to the God Standard. Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote a sonnet titled, “How do I love thee?” These verses tell the story of how this “capable wife” has taken the lessons of Woman Wisdom and incorporated them into everything she does.

iv. Wisdom is knowing when to speak and when to listen, when to cry and when to laugh. In this give and take we help to weave a living community, sharing ourselves as the gifts God meant us to be.

3. The Third Movement: Weaving with Threads of Mercya. Read: Proverbs 31:25-31b. Reflect:

Charms will fall quiet and beauty will fade As the wind of your years goes on by But woman wisdom finds joy in the Lord The river that never runs dry With eyes that find their joy in the Lord With a voice that is lifted in song Steady hands weaving with threads of mercy And you laugh at the days to come You laugh at the days to come

c. Respond:i. Leo Perdue states, “The words of King Lemuel (in Proverbs 31:1-9) are part of a rite of passage

for a new ruler who is assuming or has just assumed the throne. The queen mother issues her son an instruction on how to rule properly, wisely and justly in his new position,” (Interpreta-tion Bible Commentaries: Proverbs, Westminster/John Knox Press, 2000, p. 274).

ii. But while the first part of the chapter’s teachings in verses 1-9 are “royal” words of wisdom, the Woman of Wisdom personified in verses 10-31 is extraordinary elegance, grace, and beauty revealed by her godly stewardship of the ordinariness in life.

iii. On page 231 in Evangelical Lutheran Worship the following words appear at the top of the page: “Clothed with Christ in baptism, the newly baptized may receive a baptismal garment.” We return to the key verse for this lesson,

“Strength and dignity are her clothing,and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:25-26



iv. Proverbs asks if one is clothed or dressed up in the God Standard or the Gold Standard. Just like Colossians 3:12-14, Woman Wisdom wears her faith. Consequently, she is raised up as a standard, a banner, a quilt of wise and godly practices uplifted so that all might see her good works and give glory to the Father.


OPTiOn 1: (LecTiOnARY-BASed LeSSOn)One day Jesus’ disciples were arguing over who was the first and the best. Does that ever happen in your house? How about at school? When you are picking teams for a game, who gets picked first and who gets picked last? Why? What are other reasons that cause people to think that they are first or best? (Exam-ples: strength, intelligence, money.) Do you think Jesus’ disciples were surprised when he picked up a little child in his arms and said “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me”? To Jesus, the first and best are the ones who are willing to go last, especially if it means letting someone else go ahead of you.

OPTiOn 2: (ThemATic LeSSOn)Invite quilters to come and display their skill and creativity. It would be especially helpful if they could describe some of the meaning behind the various patches and stitches. Have the children huddle under the quilts during the lesson and discuss how nice warm quilts make them feel. Compare this to the way God covers us with love and how the church is like a quilt of people combined as one.

OPTiOn 3: Have a youth group member agree to be a makeup model. Have a number of makeup items available for some of the children to use in an attempt to make the youth volunteer “more beautiful.” The results will most likely be anything but beautiful. Discuss what real beauty means and how it is much more than “skin deep.”

ideas and images for PreachingWhat follows are a variety of creative ways to enhance the communication of the message. While some links to ideas and images are provided, permission and payment may be required for congregational use.

AcTiVe PARTiciPATiOnWays to create an active learning environment.

Option #1: Making a list is a great way to give thanks or share praises. Invite the congregation to take some time to list from A to Z ways that you can live according to the God Standard. Perhaps a form could be provided that would aid their efforts, which could then be collected after church in order to make up a combined list of how the members of your church want to personify God’s wisdom today.

Option #2: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1)! Rather than being people of condemnation, Christians are called to be people of commendation. Who could use some commendation from you? Identify at least one other worshiper who you would like to af-firm for their faith, love, and service. Take a moment to commend them this morning.

cLiPSTV, movies, and miscellaneous video.

Option #1: How to Make an American Quilt (Turner Classic Movies, 1995). Winona Ryder is 26-year-old Finn Dodd, a young woman working on her thesis on handicraft, who travels to her North California home-town while considering her boyfriend’s marriage proposal. She meets a group of women working on a wedding quilt who relate stories of love in their lives.

Option #2: Check out the story of the “Journey to the White House” quilt at http://obamacommunityquilt.blogspot.com.

dRAmAScripts, improvisational igniters, or links to dramatic resources.

Quilters: (Dramatists Play Service, Jan. 1998) is “an inspiring story that celebrates the lives and work of the virtually forgotten women of the frontier of which quilting was an essential part. Quilts are made from discarded fabrics, woven into something utterly beautiful. The show reminds us that even the most dif-ficult elements of our lives, what we see as painful and essentially useless can be pieced together for our good, if we choose so,” says director, Jeff Miller (from http://www.gordon.edu/article.cfm?iArticleID=249&iReferrerPageID=5&iPrevCatID=30&bLive=1). Check out excerpts of Quilters at http://books.google.com/books?id=lbyKxK1CGdoC&dq=Quilters+play&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=iO0jSuuAPY6eMpv99MIJ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#PPP1,M1.

iLLuSTRATiOnSStories and anecdotes that enhance understanding.

Option #1: Often Proverbs 31:10-31 is stuck on a bulletin board for Mothers’ Day or relegated to the pro-grams of mother/daughter banquets from long ago. But this acrostic, A to Z hymn of praise regarding the Woman of Wisdom describes a host of dividends, the return on our investment in Proverbial living. Think beyond gender. How does this passage provide a model for us all when it comes to the realization of Woman Wisdom in our lives?

Option #2: Author’s Note: My mother, Levera Glusenkamp, was a seamstress and a marvelous cook. She took care of her husband, my father, their five children, her mother, and her mother-in-law. Like Woman Wisdom, she was extraordinary in the ordinary. The kitchen was her “office”—her domain— and yet she would and could garden, fix household items when broken, and sew lovely dresses and outfits for my sisters. She would climb a ladder to clean out the gutters, get down on her knees to weed the lawn, and be willing to can bushels of tomatoes and other fresh vegetables. She didn’t have a great deal of formal education but exemplified the gifts of the spirit mentioned in Holy Baptism: “The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence both now and forever.”

At her funeral I said that I didn’t think there was a rip, a tear, a breach (literally and figuratively) that she couldn’t mend or, in her words, “darn” back together again. Like most families, we have had good times filled with happiness, but we have also had some sad times—like the time when my older brother Tom was killed in a car accident back in 1974. It was extremely difficult for my parents to have a child predecease them. And there were times when it seemed that this “breach” in the tapestry of our lives was so deep and ragged that life could never be the same. And yet my mother, like Woman Wisdom, kept at it. She did what she could do to “sew” things together. One of her specialties was to make a quilt, a comforter, for each grandchild. Being wrapped up in this tangible example of love and concern was and is probably my mother’s greatest gift to me.

For more on the connections between spirituality and handicrafts, check out http://www.urbana.org/complete-book-of-everyday-christianity/quilting and http://prayerquilt.org/ http://shawlministry.com/prayers.htm.

PROjecTiOnNOTE: The PowerPoint presentation provided for use in the Book of Faith Adult Bible Studies can be easily adapted for worship settings.

QuOTeSTheme supporting, thought provoking, words from notable sources.

Option #1: The acrostic structure of Proverbs 31:10-31 makes it a poem that celebrates the totality of ways in which godly wisdom is expressed through loving actions, not unlike “Sonnet XLIII: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways . . . ” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:



How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.I love thee to the depth and breadth and heightMy soul can reach, when feeling out of sightFor the ends of Being and ideal Grace.I love thee to the level of everyday’sMost quiet need, by sun and candle-light.I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.I love thee with a passion put to useIn my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.I love thee with a love I seemed to loseWith my lost saints — I love thee with the breath,Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if God choose,I shall but love thee better after death. (from http://www3.amherst.edu/~rjyanco94/literature/elizabethbarrettbrowning/poems/sonnetsfromtheportuguese/myfuturewillnotcopyfairmypast.html)

Option #2: “Although the topic of good and bad women is common in Egyptian and Babylonian wisdom instructions, nothing in all ancient Near Eastern literature matches this tribute to a woman’s strength, dignity, and social power” (Davis, p. 151).

imAGeSLinks to photos or art that enhance multimedia presentations.

Option #1: “Stitching the Standard” by Edward Blair Leighton (1853-1922): http://www.squidoo.com/edmund-blair-leighton

Option #2: “Far Above Rubies” quilt: http://www.patternsfromhistory.com/bible_quilt/bible_bom.htm



Option #2: The Youth and Family Institute has many resources to assist individuals, couples, families, and congregations to be what they call “Triple A” Christians: authentic, affirming, and available (http://www.youthandfamilyinstitute.org/).





Are We Raising God’sStandard? Year B—Lectionary 25 / 16 Pentecost

Proverbs 31:10-31


There are more than twenty definitions of the word “standard” in the dictionary. In the first set of texts explored in God’s Standard or Gold Standard: Studies in Proverbs, the word “ standard” is compared to a unit of measure. It can be a measure of wealth or a measure of integ-rity, but the real question is: Which measure is our truest treasure? In our consideration of the second passage from Proverbs, “stan-dard” is understood as a familiar song, or a song known by heart. In this passage we hear the voice of Woman Wisdom calling us out of our foolishness. In the third and final passage of this series on Proverbs, “standard” should be thought of as a flag, an emblem, or even an attractive quilt that combines and displays God’s standards. So, how do we display the God Standard in our lives? These sessions urge us to be “as good as God.” This means much more than abiding by a set of proverbial morals. This means abiding by faith in the God who not only expects wisdom and goodness, but provides it in Christ our Savior.

Proverbs gives us many words of investment advice for the Gold Standard, but God’s counsel in Proverbs is more than advice on where or how to invest one’s money and time (even though that is very important for good stewardship of our resources). Proverbs is more about how to invest one’s whole self in ways that lead toward a blessed future. We make the most out of life by making good on God’s significant investment in us. This holistic idea of partner-ship with God is the golden thread that ties this Book of Faith unit together. We are called to live according to the God Standard.




SeSSion THRee

Liturgy Supports

Focus StatementFrom A to Z (alpeh to taw), Woman Wisdom is seen as a quilt of wise practices, portraying what it means to joyfully and productively live according to the God Standard.

Key VerseStrength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:25-26



In Proverbs 31:10-31 there is an all-inclusive celebration for the personification of Woman Wisdom. In this passage we are told of a woman who literally raises the standard by her deeds. While she appears to be the ideal and a rarity, she is the embodiment of the God Standard for the inspiration and encouragement of both



women and men. She represents the way God’s word lives in all creation. Today’s passage states that “a good woman is hard to find.” But the passage is more about whether godly wisdom can be found in any of us. We need to also remember that we are not talking about the Gold Standard of wisdom, that is, what worldly culture sees as valuable. Instead, we are talking about the God Standard—what God is looking for in us.

There are many references in this passage to fabric, the actual spinning of thread, and the clothing of fam-ily. Each verse of Proverbs 31:10-31 can be seen as the threads that are woven together into a God-pleasing person. Such people come together like the patches of a quilt to become a communion of threads woven into a social fabric, a community that is knit together by God’s grace and truth. What is sewn together by God’s wisdom is harvested through our mutual care of God’s creation. As this care is practiced in the standards of everyday struggle and victory, this woven tapestry of goodness and mercy becomes the standard we raise for all to uphold.



GATHeRinGSongs of invocation and invitation.

More Than Silver Or Gold (© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)O Word of God Incarnate (ELW 514)

HYMn OF THe DAYSongs that key into the theme of the day.

Woman of Wisdom (© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters (ELW 445)

OFFeRinGSongs of dedication and thankfulness.

Beloved, God’s Chosen (ELW 648)God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending (ELW 678)

COMMuniOnSongs for the gathering around God’s table.

You Satisfy the Hungry Heart (ELW 484)By Your Hand You Feed Your People (ELW 469) Let Us Put On the Clothes of Christ (© 1993 Bret Hesla, admin. Augsburg Fortress)

SenDinGSongs that bless and empower.

Listen Up (© Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI)Day by Day (ELW 790)Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go (LBW 505)




COnFeSSiOn AnD FORGiVeneSSAdapted from Proverbs 31:10-31.

L: A person who personifies Woman Wisdom who can find?

C: God’s wisdom makes us far more precious than jewels.

L: But are we worthy of trust? Do we do only good to others? Do they feel enriched by our presence? For unwilling hand . . .

C: Dear God, forgive us.

L: For our lack of providence toward others . . .


L: For our acting without consideration . . .


L: For our failed attempts to find strength only in ourselves . . .


L: For closed fists and for arms that do not reach out . . .


L: For self-centeredness that hinders our affirmation of others . . .


L: Lord, in your mercy,

C: Hear our prayer for wisdom.

L: Come, Woman Wisdom, fill the hearts of God’s people!

C: Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

L: Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but people who fear the LORD are to be praised.

ALL: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.



THeMe PRAYeRLoving God, you have skillfully and lovingly sewn us into the living tapestry of your grace and peace. Give us eyes that find our joy in you, Lord. Help our hands to weave with threads of justice and mercy. While we weave, bless us with voices that are lifted together in a song of wisdom. Give us a spirit to laugh at the days to come. Amen.

BeneDiCTiOn/SenDinGAdapted from Peter Mayer’s song “Woman Wisdom” (© little flock music, 2009).

L: With eyes that find their joy in the Lord,

C: With a voice that is lifted up in song,

L: With steady hands weaving with threads of mercy,

C: May we laugh at the days to come.

L: Clothed with the strength of faith and the dignity of justice,

ALL: May we laugh at the days to come. Amen.

ideas and images for WorshipWhat follows are a variety of creative ways to enhance the worship experience. While some links to ideas and images are provided, permission may be required for congregational use.

exPeRienTiAL WORSHiP Ideas for a more active worship experience.

Option #1: Invite quilters to demonstrate God’s blessings of skill and creativity by quilting in a visible corner of the sanctuary throughout worship. It would be especially fitting for this Book of Faith unit if they could begin sewing together the patches that the small groups were encouraged to make in the Bible study session guides.

Option #2: Further the effects of Option #1 by asking if the quilters would offer a workshop for people willing to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief (http://www.lwr.org/beinvolved/quilts.asp).

Option #3: Identify and interview women who represent the many forms of wisdom in Proverbs 31:10-31. For example, these women could include wives, mothers, woman in retail, real estate, charity, ministry, and so on. Mindful of Luther’s “Table of Duties,” encourage them to share the connection between their faith and the practice of their vocations.

PROjeCTiOnNote: The PowerPoint presentation provided for use in the Together in Faith Adult Bible Studies can be easily adapted for worship settings.

WORSHiP SPACe Suggestions for creating a more multi-sensory environment.

Option #1: Quilts, prayer shawls, and handicrafts of various kinds.

Option #2: Create a still-life display of objects that relates to each verse of Proverbs 31:10-31. This could be turned into an activity in which worshipers guess which object relates to each verse. A tally sheet such as the worksheet in the Bible study session guides could aid in this activity. For example, jewelry for verse 10 and a ship model for verse 14.


Option #1: For more on the connections between spirituality and handicrafts, go to p. 199 of the follow-ing document: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/6283529/discovering-multicultural-spirituality-through-taize-prayer-part-ii.

Option #2: Resources are available to help boys and girls develop their manners and self-confidence (see http://www.beautybydesignonline.com/charmschool.htm). Think about offering a Christian “charm school” in conjunction with this lesson.



What Is Our Standard of Living? - Augsburg Fortress

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