Devotions: the Blessings of Wisdom

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom

And the man who gains understanding.

For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.

Proverbs 3:13-14 NASB (New American Standard Bible)

This entire chapter talks about the rewards of wisdom; as verse 14 says, it is greater than gold and silver. The chapter goes on to say that it is more valuable even than jewels, nothing can compare to “her.” Wisdom brings long life and riches of many kinds. Following her is pleasant and peaceful, offering abundant life and happiness to all who do. The catch is this has to be God’s wisdom. The world’s wisdom will profit us nothing. It is God’s wisdom that created the universe and everything in it. The chapter continues with an admonishment to not let wisdom depart from us so that we may continue to enjoy the life and adornment it brings. That is the key to security and stability. That security prevents fear because it is grounded in God. When we rest in the assurance that we are walking in His wisdom and entrusting Him to carry us, we have no need to worry because He is our guide and protector. The blessings of wisdom are vast.

But how do we gain this wisdom? The first part of the chapter tells us. We need to remember the teaching of wisdom and keep God’s commands whole heartedly. We need to hold fast to kindness and truth, to make them a part of our very being. We also need to trust in God and not rely on our own intelligence or wisdom. We need to seek His guidance and help in everything. We need to be humble before God and others, to realize that without Him we are nothing, to follow His ways entirely and turn our backs to sin of every kind. Wisdom and unrighteousness cannot mix. God’s wisdom is through and for righteousness, sin cannot, should not be endured by us. We need to be generous and honest with what we have. We also need to be open to God’s correction. No one is without sin. There will be times that we fall, times that God needs to discipline us just as a parent disciplines his child. We need to be open to that discipline. We need to realize that what we did was wrong, admit it, seek God’s forgiveness, and learn from our mistakes. Reject the temptation to fall into self pity. We cannot have victory over our sin if we consider ourselves to be a victim. Remember that bad deeds have bad consequences, and God’s correction is a sign of love because He doesn’t want to us to continue to fall into the same sin and experience the same tragedies that could have been avoided. We need to take responsibility for our own actions and reactions.

In summary, wisdom comes from righteous living, humility and seeking God, and the benefits from that wisdom are endless. Seek wisdom and be blessed!