"Receive my [Wisdom's] instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."
Proverbs 8:10-11
Part 1
Today: “My Son, Choose Wisdom, not Riches!”
In this eighth chapter of Proverbs, wisdom is embodied,[1] and is standing where all may hear her as she calls out (vv. 1-4). She offers to help the simple ones and fools alike (v. 5). She will teach “excellent things” to all who will go to her and learn (v. 6). Her cry is heard,
“Receive my instruction and not silver.”
Wisdom has much to say to those who will listen to her. She offers to teach lessons of character which cannot be learned from material riches. In verses 18-21, wisdom shows us what we may learn and the benefits she will bring if we will heed what she says.
Sadly, so many individuals believe that money and riches are the keys to happiness. But life teaches us that wealth can never make us happy! Solomon shows us that genuine happiness is found with wisdom.
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14).
“And knowledge rather than choice gold.”
“Choice gold” is “fine gold,” precious in the world’s way of thinking. Believers, we must remember that “gold” is only asphalt in heaven; it is what paves the streets there. There is something that, while we are here on earth, is much more valuable to us.
“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” (Proverbs 16:16).
“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10).
Can you say with David,
“Therefore, I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold” (Psalm 119:127).
Come back tomorrow when we will see that God’s Wisdom keeps on giving after we acquire her.
Quote: “The wisdom of the chess player is displayed more in winning over a capable opponent than a novice. The wisdom of the general is displayed more in defeating a superior army than in subduing an inferior one. Even more so, the wisdom of God is displayed when He brings good to us and glory to Himself out of confusion and calamity rather than out of pleasant times”[2] (Jerry Bridges).
[1] Wisdom is personified, seen as a teacher who is willing to help everyone learn.
[2] Bridge’s quote is from his book, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts. Downloaded: Sunday, April 25, 2021. From: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/wisdom-of-god#.