This post has two parts one is written in italics. It is this part that follows a word wisdom. The book of Proverbs was written by the third king of Israel and he uses this word often. His fame for being wise spread through the world and many came to him. ( 1Kings 4: 31-34, 10: 1-13) One of his great mistakes of his life was his multiplication of wives, many of whom were idolatrous ( 1Kings 11: 1-4) The influence of these women was to turn his heart from God.
The second part in arial font is about a plant named after Jacques Denis Choisy ( 1799 -1859). He was a Swiss Protestant clergyman and botanist honoured by his friends in giving this plant his name.
‘Get wisdom and understanding: forget it not, and don’t politely refuse my offer I make in words.’
What came before this?
‘Do not leave my law forever! I give you a set of core beliefs. Keep my commandments and live.’
Proverbs 4: 1-4 ( the actual words)
The tea pot is Wedgewood, Sarah’s garden, Queen’s wear, Made in England 1997. It has on the back a delightful recipe with the title ‘ Iced Tea’. It has orange, lemon and lime fruit juice included in the tea, a perfect pot to hold the blossom of this plant which is also called Mexican Orange.
The shrub keeps its leathery glossy palmately compound leaves all winter and for a number of years now has flowered in the spring and the warmth of autumn. The star-shaped flowers with 8-15 stamens and a green stigma smell of orange blossom. It grows well near a wall for shelter and does well in sun to partial shade.
So what is wisdom?
Solomon answers: ‘ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is inderstanding.’
So what is fear of the LORD?
Solomon answers : ‘ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and speech that is stubborn,rebellious,dishonest and contrary to truth or God’s commands. ( the biblical term for this is froward speech.)
It then seems that God speaks:
‘ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them who love Me; and those that seek Me will find Me.’
A comment by the author: There is so much to understand and learn. I suppose my understanding is that the more you learn the more you are able to know what it means ‘ to love the LORD your God with all your heart and your neighbour as yourself.’
It is another beautiful day to be in the garden.
Take care,
Sandy 🙂
Did you notice the butterflies on the Wedgewood tea pot? Here is one on the edge of our pond.
What a beautiful pot and plant. Mexican orange is a something I would love to grow, but it is a host plant for the Asian citrus psyllid, the vector for citrus greening disease. It’s not on the prohibited plants list, but it’s import is restricted by Florida. Citrus greening has decimated the citrus industry here, and I feel it’s unethical to plant something that could aid the spread of the disease. So I’ll just have to content myself with enjoying your pictures and imagining the wonderful fragrance.
Oh, I am so sorry. I need to find out more about the problem and see if it is in the UK. This particular plant was mature in this garden 33 years ago when we moved in. An elderly plant. Next to it I planted a new one that has been growing in a pot, bought pla
Two winters ago. Sorry that flew away!!! I hope they continue to thrive.
A beautiful post about wisdom and a beautiful teapot. 🦋🦋🦋
Thank you, Morag.