This is the fourth of five connected stories – I wrote them all as “Life Lesson assignments” when I was in the Bible study 5 Aspects of Woman, intending to one day share them with my daughter and start teaching her about Biblical Womanhood. This aspect is “Lady of Wisdom.”

*******************************

Eva and Adam’s home had become a bustling, lively corner of King Adon’s kingdom. Four children now filled their home with laughter, chatter, and seemingly endless work! Friends, young and old, daily added to the sounds of life and love within their walls, and Eva had become well known for her abilities and the service she provided to others.

Eva often reflected on how different her life was than 15 years earlier when she had first come back to the castle. She had become a different person entirely, and she marked her changes in hours with the Wise Woman, cups of steaming tea in their hands and a letter from King Adon spread before them. Her attention often drifted to the golden box sitting on her mantle. After countless afternoon spent with the Wise Woman, she wondered if her friend would ever produce that fourth key! Years had gone by since the third compartment had revealed the seeds of life. Curiosity and impatience had to continually be pushed aside.

One afternoon as Eva savored the quiet of her young children’s naps and her oldest children reading in their rooms, a knock sounded at the door. Eva was surprised to see the Wise Woman standing with an expectant smile on her face. Eva hugged her warmly and welcomed her in. After brewing some tea, the women settled at the table together.

“Eva, I received a letter today from the King. The day has finally come – I have been called to personally serve in the king’s presence.” “How wonderful!” Eva exclaimed. “What an honor!” “Yes, it is,” the Wise Woman agreed, “I have waited for this letter for many years. But Eva, you must understand – when I go to the King, I won’t be coming back.”

Silence filled the room as Eva realized what she was being told. Finally she said softly, “You’re not coming back? But what will I do without you?” The Wise Woman smiled kindly and placed her hand on Eva’s. “Dear one, we have had many hours together, haven’t we? But the truth is you don’t need me – you have all of King Adon’s letters and instruction, and you have learned what I have taught you and have lived it out magnificently.”

“But what about the others? There are so many who need to learn what you have taught me!” Eva objected. Her friend smiled, “How appropriate that you bring that up.” The Wise Woman reached into her pocket and produced the long awaited fourth key. “Today?” Eva said, somewhat dejectedly. “Yes, my dear – this is an exciting lesson!”

Eva went to the mantle and took down her golden treasure box. She placed it on the table with care and inserted the key. As the compartment opened, Eva’s brow furrowed in confusion. Inside the velvet-lined compartment was a tiny porcelain tea pot, painted in exact miniature to the Wise Woman’s familiar one. “What does this mean?” Eva asked tentatively. “Eva, describe what we do when we meet together.” “Well, you prepare the tea. We sit down together and discuss whatever is happening in our lives. We usually talk about King Adon’s plans and desires for His kingdom, and often we read His letters together. Sometimes you teach me skills that help me care for my family and serve others.” The Wise Woman smiled and nodded. “Yes, much has been taught and learned over my tea pot. Now it is time for your own legacy of wisdom. Eva, the King has appointed you to take my place. You are the next Wise Woman!”

“What?!” Eva exclaimed. “I can’t! I won’t know what to say! I’ll never be able to do this!” She burst into tears and grabbed the Wise Woman’s hands. “Please don’t go! I need you here!” The Wise Woman hugged her and let her compose herself. “Dear one, you have learned more than you realize. I have met with many women from the village over the years, but most rejected the message. Some came to the kingdom, but would not continue to learn from me after the first several treasures. You have learned. You are not a simple peasant anymore! You have listened, obeyed, pondered the ways of the King, and now are ready. You have become wise.”

“But, I won’t know what to do or what to say…” Eva protested. At this, the Wise Woman poured a second cup of tea for both of them. “Eva, why do we let the tea steep before we drink it?” “The tea has to have time to infuse the water with flavor. The longer it is in the water, the more you taste it.” “Eva, you just answered your question. You will have something to say as you let the King’s words steep in your soul. The more time spent with Him and His words, the more you ‘taste’ like Him as you pour yourself into others.” Eva considered this and began to understand in a new way why she had been so drawn to the Wise Woman – she had the aroma of the King she loved.

“But how will I know what to do?” “Do as I did for you, Eva. The King will continue to call the simple from the village and will send them to you. Speak the truth to them. If they accept it, continue to teach them as long as they will listen and obey. If they refuse, understand that they are rejecting truth, not you. The King will continue to call them – but until they will obey, your job is done. When you have a learner who wishes to know you well and loves the King, mentor her as I have done for you. Pour your life into her and always point her to the King. Always remember – the King will send them to you and you must point them to Him. Our role is nothing if it does not give glory to the King.”

“This teapot signifies all of these things. Ponder the King’s words and let them infuse every aspect of your being. If someone will come, pour yourself into her. Make your table a place of lasting change as mine has been for you.”

Eva was quiet for a long time after the Wise Woman left. It had been a tearful afternoon. How she dreaded her final goodbye to this dear friend. Soon, the sounds of her children waking and talking to one another broke her reverie. Eva smiled when her oldest came to the table and asked, “Mom, may I have some tea?” Her work was just beginning.

Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars.
She has prepared her food and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city.
‘Let all who are simple come in here!’ she says to those who lack judgment.
‘Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding…
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’
Proverbs 9:1-6, 10

Proverbs 31 graphics from A Pondering Heart