"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 2
Yesterday: “My Son, Choose Wisdom, not Riches!”
“Receive my instruction and not silver.”
“And knowledge rather than choice gold.”
The price of gold and silver cannot be compared to the value of Wisdom.
Today: How Much is God’s Wisdom Worth to You?
“For wisdom is better than rubies.”
Rubies are beautiful gemstones, and they are in the group of “precious stones.” This Old Testament word adds “perhaps corals, rubies, jewels”[1] (BDB). Undeniably, there is some earthly value there, but nowhere close to the value found with wisdom.
“She [wisdom] is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her” (Proverbs 3:15).
“There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel” (Proverbs 20:15).
One of the lessons grasping for “riches” teaches us is how to be greedy and materialistic! Jesus warns us about these.
“John D. Rockefeller, an Ohio native, started Standard Oil. Rockefeller was at one point the world’s richest man and first-ever American billionaire. Considering he was a billionaire in the early 1900’s he is still considered as the richest person in modern history. When a reporter asked him, “How much money is enough?” He responded, “Just a little bit more.”[2]
The search for riches creates a vacuum in the heart that can never be filled by “shiny stuff.”
“And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”
There is nothing that this world has to offer us that is as valuable to God’s child as His wisdom. His Word is our source of treasure, for His wisdom may be found there.
“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil” (Psalm 119:162).
Peter knew that what Jesus provides a person is far more valuable than precious metals.
“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6).
God’s wisdom keeps on giving to those who possess her.
“Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:5-7).
Quote: Beware: You may gain everything and yet have nothing. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
[1] Brown, Driver, Briggs. Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions, the electronic version in eSword. Proverbs 8:11.
[2] Rockefeller’s incident was Downloaded: Sunday, April 25, 2021. From: https://starwinar.wordpress.com/daily-short-story/just-a-little-bit-more/. This fascinating story helps us understand that no amount will satisfy the soul when it comes to riches. This truth is the message of Solomon, the richest man in the world in his day. Wisdom is worth far more than any riches, so he tells us to focus on getting it. God is the source, and His Book is where we find His wisdom.