Wisdom is Valuable

A wise man is more interested in God's wisdom than he is in riches.

April 25, 2019

"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!"

Proverbs 16:16

Do believers really believe this verse?  It was written by the wisest man in the world.  It was inspired by God’s Holy Spirit.  It is a true proverb!  And yet, how few believers really seem to believe it?

“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!”
“True wisdom”1 is a commodity higher in value than gold.  It’s not an automatic gift to every child of God, but it is offered to each believer.  It is something that God says is necessary for us to live well in this world.  And while it is accessible to all believers, it takes considerable effort on the part of God’s child to get it and retain it.

“And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”
In fact, Solomon compares the getting of wisdom to the strenuous work of a miner digging for silver (Proverbs 2:1-5).  Without the effort, there is no payday.

Thoughts on the Value of True Wisdom

Fools “despise” it, it is worthless to him (Proverbs 1:7).

You can get it if you “incline your ear” and “apply your heart” (Proverbs 2:2).

It is “given” by the LORD (Proverbs 2:6).

It can bless your heart and soul (Proverbs 2:10).

To have it is to have true happiness (Proverbs 3:13).

It is what helped the LORD create the universe (Proverbs 3:19).

We are commanded to get it (Proverbs 4:5).

Along with understanding, it is a “principle thing” to get in life (Proverbs 4:7).

It should be taught by fathers (Proverbs 5:1; 4:11).

It should be treated well, like a close relative (Proverbs 7:4).

It begs us to do right (Proverbs 8:1).

It’s better than rubies (Proverbs 8:11).

The onset of gaining it begins with a right relationship with God (“fearing” Him) (Proverbs 9:10).

It is a close companion of “understanding” (Proverbs 10:13, 23).

It is heard from God’s righteous people (Proverbs 10:31).

Only “the humble” can get it (Proverbs 13:10).

“Scorners” will never find it (Proverbs 14:6).

The “prudent” understand it (Proverbs 14:8).

It “rests” in the heart of those with “understanding” (Proverbs 14:33).

The “fear of the LORD” is the “instruction” of it (Proverbs 15:33).

The one who has “understanding” has it (Proverbs 17:24).

It is like a “well of water” and a “fresh stream” to those who have it (Proverbs 18:4).

It is to be purchased and never sold (Proverbs 23:23).

It helps us “build” our homes (Proverbs 24:3).

To have it is a “great reward” (Proverbs 24:14).

It benefits our “walk” (Proverbs 28:26).

The child who has it brings joy to his parents (Proverbs 29:3).

It gives discipline (Proverbs 29:15).

It belongs to the Proverbs 31 woman (Proverbs 31:26).

Believer, how are you doing with your pursuit of wisdom?  Don’t quit, it’s worth all the effort required of you to get it.

 

 

1.  “True wisdom,” chokmah, is one of six “wisdom” words used in the Old Testament.  It is used 42 times in the book of Proverbs.