Ocean Vents

Solomon was an astute observer of nature. In his Song of Wisdom in Proverbs 8 he celebrates the intelligent design he sees in the very fabric of our complex world.

He particularly singles out the wonders of water – and how consistently it functions.

► Oceans are enormous but measurable and well-regulated. Despite tidal variations and gale-force winds, gravity holds the sea in place.

► Above us, clouds, which are the epitome of freedom in motion, are nevertheless ‘established’.

► Below us, the 'fountains of the deep' are 'securely fixed'. This doesn’t mean that geological fissures never shift, but that laws of hydrology are constant and reliable. Aquifers store water and release their stores to the world above in ways that well-drillers can rely on.

These ‘fountains of the deep’ show the complexity and consistency of Nature - and of Wisdom.  They also reveal her bounty - and, surprisingly, the on-going creativity of the world.

Only recently scientists have discovered geo-thermal vents under the ocean, up-welling jets of super-heated water, bursting out of vents in the sea floor.  Subterranean molten magma heats water below the sea-floor to extremely high temperatures, which then spews out as nutrient-rich springs.

Aquatic life-forms of incredible variety and complexity never before seen live in these warm-water zones.  Creation itself continues as an infinitely creative work-in-progress.

Amazing wonders of nature – perhaps Solomon’s poetry spoke more than he knew – or perhaps he knew more than we might give him credit for knowing.

Human beings, too, are 'fearfully and wonderfully made' – with creativity flowing out of our pores. That is why Wisdom sings us her song, pleading with us to use our creative capacity as artists, parents, educators, researchers, engineers, care-givers, laborers, etc – but to use it wisely and joyfully in serving God and our fellow-creatures.