Years ago I purchased a book from the second hand store called Pearls from Proverbs by Valerie Wilson. Why am I just now opening this book? No idea. It must be my season.
Today's pearl was the pearl of wisdom. Proverbs 16:16 reads, "How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!"
How many people do you know who will disagree with this scripture? How can wisdom be better than silver and gold?
In this chapter we learn a bit about the book of Proverbs which is mainly written by Solomon. Solomon was born to David and Bath-sheba. Solomon's name means peace, but he also had another special name: Jedidiah (meaning beloved of the Lord).
Before David died he charged Solomon to be strong, show himself a man, and walk in the Lord's statutes and commandments so that he would do wisely and prosper in all he does (I Kings 2:2-3). After David died God appeared to Solomon in a dream and told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted (I Kings 3:5-9). Woa! What if God asked you to tell Him whatever you wanted? What would you ask for?
Solomon could have asked for riches, glory, honor, long life...anything! Instead he asked for an understanding mind and a hearing heart to judge God's people and that he may discern between good and bad. Now that's the way to go! God was so pleased that he not only gave him his request, but he also gave him riches, honor, and he promised to lengthen his days if he walked in God's statutes (I Kings 3:10-14). Awesome!
Have you asked God for wisdom? Let's take a step back. What is wisdom? Is it the same as knowledge?
Knowledge: The fact or condition of being aware of something.
Wisdom: The ability to discern inner qualities and relationships.
In my opinion the difference between knowledge and wisdom is that wisdom goes far beyond knowledge. You can have knowledge about something such as what's going on in our government, but wisdom allows you to discern the truth, what's right and wrong about the knowledge you have. Also, "smart" people can have wisdom, but wise people aren't always necessarily smart/educated.
Where does our wisdom come from? Proverbs 2:6 tells us that our wisdom comes from the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The Amplified bible goes a bit further stating, "The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of wisdom." We can obtain wisdom by simply asking for it, worshiping God, and praying in the Holy Ghost.
Having wisdom is truly valuable. Proverbs 3:13-18 tells us that the values of wisdom are long life, riches, honor, paths of peace, pleasant ways, and happiness. Chapter 16 verse 16 even tells us that wisdom is more valuable than silver and gold! Why? If we have God's wisdom everything else will fall into place. I mean God owns the world, right? Look at what he did for Solomon. Solomon asked for wisdom and ended up getting way more than he asked for including riches and honor.
Wise people are also happy (Proverbs 3:13), they receive reproof (Proverbs 12:15), they love you because of instruction (Proverbs 9:8-9, 17:10), they fear and depart from evil (Proverbs 14:16), they're prudent (Proverbs 16:21), and they inherit glory (Proverbs 3:35).
If we have Jesus Christ in our life we ultimately have wisdom because Jesus Christ is the power and wisdom of God (I Corinthians 1:24). He is our wisdom from God (vs. 30). Would you rather have the wisdom of God or the wisdom of this world? Hint: I Corinthians 3:19-20, James 3:15-17
At the end of the chapter we are asked the following questions. I hope you will leave the answers to the questions in the comments section.
- Can you explain the wisdom described in Proverbs in your own words?
- How can a person who is uneducated as far as this world is concerned be wise in God's sight?
- Why do you think the wisest man who ever lived (apart from Jesus Christ) lived foolishly at the end of his life (I Kings 11:1-6)?
- Have you believed the "foolish" message of the preaching of the cross (I Corinthians 1:18-21)? Has Jesus Christ been made wisdom to you? How?
- For what life situations do you need wisdom this week? Claim the promise of James 1:5 for those situations.
I hope you enjoyed this devotion as much as I have. Seek wisdom my friend!
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