Proverbs 8:1-11

I hope you are all well and rejoicing in your walk with the Lord.  God's saving grace is remarkable enough, but His daily provision and protection are things to bring joy into your heart. Please pray for those who are lost needing Jesus as their Savior, pray for those who need to be revived spiritually, pray for those who need physical and/or emotional healing, and pray for our nation to be unified around the truth of God’s Word.

We begin a short new section of the book of Proverbs (chapters 8 & 9) which speaks about the virtues of wisdom.

Throughout chapter eight, Solomon describes wisdom in a personified format, and this personification concerns the person of Christ alone.  1 Corinthians 1:24 states, "...Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."  1 Corinthians 1:30, "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."  As Solomon speaks of wisdom, think of it as being personified in Jesus Christ.

Note the following in Proverbs 8:10-11. "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."

The writer then speaks about having a readiness to receive instruction and knowledge.  As a matter of fact, he places value upon instruction, knowledge, and wisdom that is greater than silver, choice gold, and rubies.  It has been said, "In America, we know the price of everything and the value of nothing."  Listen to the story told by Dr. Paul Chappell who wrote the following in his March 8, 2013 email titled “Launchout”: 

"In May of 2012, a 32-carat Burmese diamond ring—that was part of the collection of Lily Safra, one of the richest women in the world—was sold at an auction in New York City. The pre-auction estimate for the sale was $3–5 million, but the final sale price ended up at $6.7 million. It is believed to be the most expensive ruby ever sold.

As valuable as rubies are, the Bible tells us that wisdom is far better and more valuable. No earthly treasure can compare to wisdom, because nothing else offers the same protection, benefits, and blessings that wisdom does."

Notice a few other verses in which the Word of God should impact our value system:

• Psalm 119:72, "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver."

• Proverbs 16:8, “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.”

• Proverbs 28:6, "Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich."

I simply ask, how is your value system?  Would you value wisdom, instruction, and knowledge of greater value than a 6.7 million-dollar Burmese diamond and ruby studded ring?  Think about it, and I hope you choose wisdom.

 Have a good day walking in God's infinite wisdom.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How does your life demonstrate the value of God’s wisdom?

2.  Of the three verses above, all of which include the word “better”, which one, in your mind, places the greatest value upon God’s Word?  Why?

3.  What does it mean to walk in uprightness?