According to Greek tradition and mythology, mere mortals had scant chance at attaining the divine. In this chapter, Paul explains how the Holy Spirit working in us brings us ever closer to God and His glory.

Wisdom doesn't prevent all suffering, but it does protect us from much unnecessary suffering. Believe it or not, rates of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases are much lower for those who abstain from premarital or extramarital sex. It's common sense for those who know the Lord and seek to walk in His Wisdom, even if it's uncommon in our day and age. Instead of doing wrong, and wondering why we are suffering, let's seek to do right, and see how God's ways bless our way.

The Proverbs are a collection of wise sayings, mostly of Solomon, the wisest man to ever live. Wisdom teaches godliness. The same God Who authored the natural laws that hold all things together shares insight into life that we can only recieve through faith. Thus, we seek the Lord in these chapters, to learn from Him who we are, and how we are to live.

In the ancient Olympic games, only one winner was crowned, and led in "victorious procession" while all the other competitors left as losers. All the praise and adulation given these ancient athletes, the great glory they garnered through their athletic prowess, Paul uses to encourage the Corinthian believers. We too will be led in triumphant procession in Christ. Not be cause of our great performance, but because of His love shown to us.

The psalms conclude with fitting songs of praise sung by the angels, heavenly host, us, and all of creation. We will forever thank God for His goodness to us and finally enjoy the life He's created us to live, in unbroken fellowship and communion with Him and all who are in heaven with us.

Ever long for someone that you love, who, for whatever reason, you are seperated from? In this longing, you have felt a thimbleful of God's love and longing for you! In light of such unfathomable love, we will praise Him both now and forever.

Paul uses the disappointment the Corinthians expressed towards him as a contrast to God's unfailing love for them. The Greek gods were notoriously fickle towards their subjects. Our God, to the contrary, is always favorable towards us because of the love we have received from Him.

How often do we think of God as a kind God? Those of us who know His goodness and kindness, we call to Him in love. The peace of knowing His kindness and love allows the godly to close their earthly eyes in death, looking forward to being welcomed by the God Who is always kind to us.