Why does life have to be so hard? Because people make it hard. Most of them would rather be right, or rich, or who knows what, rather than happy.”
–Duane Boehm (Hand of Fate)
“You ask and don’t have because you ask with evil intentions, to waste it on your own cravings.”
–James 4:3 (CEB)
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3.13 — Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;
.14 — For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
.15 — She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. (NKJV)
This morning we consider the above verses of Proverbs. Maybe first we should ask, “What is God’s treasure house?” The words of Jesus found in Matthew tell us that it is like a treasure hidden in a field and the man sells all that he has to buy that field (13:44), He tells us further that it is like beautiful pearls (13:45-46).
Warren Wiersbe writes, “Some people know the price of everything but the value of nothing; consequently they make unwise choices and end up with shoddy merchandise.” They are looking for the wrong things in the wrong places. Wisdom does exist and it is to be found. It is something that we must look for and the lazy man will not find it. “The Spirit of God does not open the Word of God to lazy minds…” (J. Vernon McGee) We must earnestly want and seek for the wisdom that comes from God. Seeking and searching takes time, and effort, and diligence. The term “find” implies taking pains to draw it from its source. But once found, the man is happy. The NKJV Study Bible, “The Hebrew term “happy” (blessed) is an explosive word…it implies that God is truly pleased.” Wisdom therefore has its home in the heart and brings joy, so there must be “singleness of judgment and purpose” to find her. (Bridges)
Notice that wisdom is characterized as feminine because she is in contrast to the stranger woman. Finding her (wisdom) is great gain. The ESV translates verse 14, “for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.” Gain, proceeds from wisdom are better than the wealth found here on earth. Francis Taylor puts it this way, “Wisdom brings more profit than any worldly riches, because it brings better things than riches.” Yes, money is important, it is something that we need and find useful in this life, but reflect on the words of Wiersbe, “It’s good to have the things money can buy, provided you don’t lose the things money can’t buy.” Remember, that gold and silver and precious gems are nothing but merchandise, they are not eternal.
The words of the early church leader, Ignatius, puts things in proper perspective, “Let me be put to any pain, any loss, so I get my Jesus.” Silver, gold, are fine, but do not lose your focus on Christ because of them. Then can lead to the pit, while godly wisdom will help guide you along the way to glory. One of the things that Satan asked in his deception in the Garden was, “did God say?” We cannot, should not, question the wisdom of God. Oh, that we would pursue wisdom with the same effort that we pursue money, wealth, careers, and even entertainment. “We must apprehend with all our might and put forth our utmost vigour in the pursuit of it,” says Matthew Henry.
When we find wisdom we will begin to develop the “holy character which is born of heavenly wisdom.” (Flores) I like where J.L. Flores says wisdom may be found:
1) found in affliction,
2) found by study of the Divine Word,
3) found in the practice of Divine precepts,
4) found by communion with God,
5) found by the confession of our ignorance and the pleading of God’s promises.
“Wisdom is entire conformity to all the intentions of His truths, providences, and laws.” (Henry) Therefore it is up to up to diligently search and seek for wisdom. James tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (1:5, NKJV). He further states that “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (3:17, NKJV)
“You ask and don’t have because you ask with evil intentions, to waste it on your own cravings.”
–James 4:3 (CEB)
———————————
3.13 — Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;
.14 — For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
.15 — She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. (NKJV)
This morning we consider the above verses of Proverbs. Maybe first we should ask, “What is God’s treasure house?” The words of Jesus found in Matthew tell us that it is like a treasure hidden in a field and the man sells all that he has to buy that field (13:44), He tells us further that it is like beautiful pearls (13:45-46).
Warren Wiersbe writes, “Some people know the price of everything but the value of nothing; consequently they make unwise choices and end up with shoddy merchandise.” They are looking for the wrong things in the wrong places. Wisdom does exist and it is to be found. It is something that we must look for and the lazy man will not find it. “The Spirit of God does not open the Word of God to lazy minds…” (J. Vernon McGee) We must earnestly want and seek for the wisdom that comes from God. Seeking and searching takes time, and effort, and diligence. The term “find” implies taking pains to draw it from its source. But once found, the man is happy. The NKJV Study Bible, “The Hebrew term “happy” (blessed) is an explosive word…it implies that God is truly pleased.” Wisdom therefore has its home in the heart and brings joy, so there must be “singleness of judgment and purpose” to find her. (Bridges)
Notice that wisdom is characterized as feminine because she is in contrast to the stranger woman. Finding her (wisdom) is great gain. The ESV translates verse 14, “for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.” Gain, proceeds from wisdom are better than the wealth found here on earth. Francis Taylor puts it this way, “Wisdom brings more profit than any worldly riches, because it brings better things than riches.” Yes, money is important, it is something that we need and find useful in this life, but reflect on the words of Wiersbe, “It’s good to have the things money can buy, provided you don’t lose the things money can’t buy.” Remember, that gold and silver and precious gems are nothing but merchandise, they are not eternal.
The words of the early church leader, Ignatius, puts things in proper perspective, “Let me be put to any pain, any loss, so I get my Jesus.” Silver, gold, are fine, but do not lose your focus on Christ because of them. Then can lead to the pit, while godly wisdom will help guide you along the way to glory. One of the things that Satan asked in his deception in the Garden was, “did God say?” We cannot, should not, question the wisdom of God. Oh, that we would pursue wisdom with the same effort that we pursue money, wealth, careers, and even entertainment. “We must apprehend with all our might and put forth our utmost vigour in the pursuit of it,” says Matthew Henry.
When we find wisdom we will begin to develop the “holy character which is born of heavenly wisdom.” (Flores) I like where J.L. Flores says wisdom may be found:
1) found in affliction,
2) found by study of the Divine Word,
3) found in the practice of Divine precepts,
4) found by communion with God,
5) found by the confession of our ignorance and the pleading of God’s promises.
“Wisdom is entire conformity to all the intentions of His truths, providences, and laws.” (Henry) Therefore it is up to up to diligently search and seek for wisdom. James tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (1:5, NKJV). He further states that “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (3:17, NKJV)