The High Value of Wisdom
June 1, 2022
Commentary
To be walking with the Lord and walking in that which His word condemns is impossible. The path of blessing is the path of obedience. Throughout this passage it has been made plain that the heart of a man’s wisdom is based upon a proper relationship to God (vv. 9-10). Correction is a vital part of discipline God doesn’t punish us because he enjoys inflicting pain but because He is deeply concerned about our development. He knows that to become morally strong we must learn the difference between right and wrong. His loving discipline enables us to do that (vv. 11-12).
Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding (v. 13). No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether in time or eternity (vv. 14-15). We must make wisdom our business; we must be willing to part with everything we have to gain it. This wisdom can be compared to the Lord Jesus Christ and his salvation, sought and obtained by faith and prayer. Were it not for unbelief, remaining sinfulness, and carelessness, we would find all our ways pleasant, and our paths leading to peace, but we too often step aside from them, to our own hurt and grief (vv. 16-18).
All happiness comes from wisdom. (Prov. 15:21) says, “Folly is a joy to him who has no sense.” Our thirst for happiness is foolish if we do not have the wisdom to seek it in God, then we will find whatever substitutes we can in the world. Terrorists may find it in shooting people. Executives may find it in climbing the corporate ladder. Athletes in breaking world records. Writers in publishing books. Gamblers may find it in Reno. Musicians in selling a million records. The sources where people seek happiness apart from God are countless: drink, drugs, sex, suntans, television, tubing, eating, talking, walking, etc., etc. But the happiness these things bring is not true and lasting. It is not ultimate and eternal. It is not the joy for which we were made. It leaves us unsatisfied, frustrated, incomplete. The ultimate and eternal happiness that we crave is only found through wisdom in Christ. It is supremely important that we “seek wisdom.”
Application
It is my desire to have wisdom that only God can give. It will never come apart from the Word of God and the Holy Spirit being my teacher. Therefore, I want this to be the motivation of my life if the Lord gives me life to live.
Proverbs 3:9– 18 (NET)
9 Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled completely, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke.
12 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
13 Blessed is the one who has found wisdom, and the one who obtains understanding.
14 For her benefit is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies, and none of the things you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are very pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful.
18 She is like a tree of life to those who grasp onto her, and everyone who takes hold of her will be blessed.