Joseph Mekael Page

Proverbs Daily Reflection – February 2, 2025

Proverbs 2:11-12 (NIV)

“Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse.”

Reflection: Harriet Tubman & the Wisdom of Deliverance

Harriet Tubman, often called the Moses of her people, embodied the wisdom and protection described in Proverbs 2:11-12. She was not just a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She was a woman of deep Christian faith. She believed that God had called her to free the oppressed.

Raised in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Harriet drew strength from both Christian and African spiritual traditions. She did not see any separation between the physical and spiritual worlds. She trusted that God spoke to her directly and guided her steps. Like the Second Great Awakening revivalists, she viewed faith as an active force. It was not just for personal salvation but also for the liberation of others.

Her wisdom and discretion preserved her. She outwitted slave catchers, navigated dangerous terrain using the North Star, and never lost a passenger. She believed God’s time was always near, saying:
“I told the Lord I was going to hold steady on Him, and He would have to see me through.”

She not only freed herself—she became a leader, rescuing hundreds of enslaved men, women, and children. Later in life, she continued ministering to the poor and elderly, living out the Gospel’s call to serve.

Today, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway stands as a living testimony to her journey. Those who walk its path retrace the steps of a woman who let divine wisdom lead her to freedom.

Call to Action

Harriet Tubman used wisdom and faith to overcome evil. In the same way, we are called to seek God’s wisdom in our own lives. Where is God leading you to bring freedom and truth?

Harriet Tubman stands as a beacon of guidance, holding a lantern that illuminates the path forward, symbolizing wisdom and protection. The scripture Proverbs 2:11-12 (NIV) overlays the image, reinforcing the message of discretion and understanding guarding those who seek wisdom.

Prayer

Father, give us the wisdom, discretion, and understanding that protected Harriet Tubman. Guard our steps as we walk in righteousness. Lead us, as You led her, to be instruments of Your justice and mercy. May we never grow weary in doing good, knowing that in due time, we will reap a harvest of freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.