The Value of Divine Wisdom

(Prov 20:15 NLT) Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.

This morning we continue in the book of Proverbs While we, as believers, can endure all sorts of fluctuations in the economy and still come out on top, naturally speaking, we are living in uncertain times. Millions of Americans are concerned about the future. They see constantly shifting gas prices, an unstable economy, a nation closing out one war and still involved in another, and an economy that has not made the expected turnaround many have been waiting/hoping for.

Many that are seeking peace of mind find it in their savings accounts. Their money is their security blanket. But what happens when the money is not there? What happens if the money runs out? What happens if the money is no longer the be-all end-all that many mistakenly thought it was? Is money bad? Of course not, but money is not everything.

Here Solomon tells us that God's wisdom is much more valuable than gold or precious stones. Back in the third chapter Solomon said, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold" (verses 13,14). Yes, the wisdom of God can bless (profit) us in ways that far exceed the limitations of money. As a matter of fact, the wisdom of God can help us accumulate wealth, but the opposite is not true. All the money in the world cannot buy divine insight.

Job was a man who had both divine wisdom and wealth. He lost the wealth (which he eventually got back), but he never lost the wisdom. This is what Job had to say about the two: "But where, oh where, will they find Wisdom? Where does Insight hide? Mortals don't have a clue, haven't the slightest idea where to look. Earth's depths say, 'It's not here'; ocean deeps echo, 'Never heard of it.' This was Job's way of explaining how humans often pursue spiritual things through natural means. Job explains how you can search the planet from pole to pole, but you will never be able to [physically] find God's wisdom. Nor can your purchase it. Job continues: "It can't be bought with the finest gold; no amount of silver can get it. Even famous Ophir gold can't buy it, not even diamonds and sapphires. Neither gold nor emeralds are comparable; extravagant jewelry can't touch it. Pearl necklaces and ruby bracelets-why bother? None of this is even a down payment on Wisdom! Pile gold and African diamonds as high as you will, they can't hold a candle to Wisdom."

Job's message is painstakingly clear; divine wisdom cannot be found with natural eyes, nor can it be purchased with natural wealth. Job goes on to ask: "So where does Wisdom come from? And where does Insight live?... God alone knows the way to Wisdom, he knows the exact place to find it" (see Job 18:12-23). That's the key. You must come to God, the author of divine wisdom Himself, and ask for it (James 1:5). If you do, with an earnest heart, He will give you insight, wisdom, revelation, knowledge, and understanding that far exceeds anything money can buy. The Good News Bible translation of this verse reads: "If you know what you are talking about, you have something more valuable than gold or jewels."

Isn't that what you want?

So what does this mean to you ? Well, let me ask you this way: Do you understand the impact divine wisdom can have upon your life? What if I told you that what you are doing right now is one of the most profitable practices of your daily routine? If His wisdom is more profitable than silver and yields better returns that gold, then shouldn't you want it operating in your life? That's why you must make time to take time with God EVERY DAY. If you do, not only will you learn from His Word, receive His insight, and be prepared for the challenges of the day, but you will become the person who knows what he or she is talking about and that - as Solomon says - is more valuable than gold or jewels!

Father, I thank You for this revelation. I now better understand the value of Your wisdom, the importance of gaining divine understanding, the impact it can have in my life, and the doors it can open for me as I become a person who is constantly sought after for counsel. I declare, by faith, that I will spend the time with You DAILY that I need to in order to develop in Your wisdom and understanding. The more I do, the greater impact I can make in the world and in the lives of others. I am seeking to impact, not to impress, and Your wisdom will enable me to do just that! In Jesus' name. Amen!