February 12

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” (Proverbs 3:13-17)

“Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you…Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.” (Proverbs 4:6, 8)

Acceptable worship is one benefit of wisdom; other benefits include long life, riches, honor, pleasantness, and peace. This fruit of godly wisdom follows from trusting the Lord, humbling ourselves, turning away from self-righteousness and evil, honoring God with our wealth and accomplishments, and embracing God’s discipline (Proverbs 3:1-12). If we do not forsake God’s wisdom, she will keep, love, and guard us. The more we love her, the more we will be honored and exalted.

Proverbs 13:13-20 speaks of God’s blessing on the wise, much as the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12 speak of God’s blessings for those who embrace the gospel approach to life. The wise are poor in spirit, mourners, meek, hungry and thirsty for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted. Ah, did you think to be wise and carefree, or wise and superior? It is not possible, and those who know and fear God would not wish it to be so. They are blessed with all the benefits of being united to Jesus Christ. Knowing Christ and living for him is better than diamonds, sapphires, or rubies. He gives us adequate time on earth to enjoy him, lasting for all entity. We will have peace in the midst of our trials, spiritual riches when we are poor by earthly standards, and honor with him when we are dishonored for our views by the world in general, and by individuals.

Would you be wise? Are you willing to prize it highly, embracing it more than your opinions, worldly desires, or ambitions? If you seek wisdom proactively and with humility, you will reap the benefits, but if you are lazy, waiting for your “entitlement” of insight, well…you shouldn’t much in return. In what way will you actively submit to God for his wisdom today?