“For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.”
(Proverbs 8:11, NASB95)
(Proverbs 8:11, NASB95)
Did you know that an entire book of the Bible is completely devoted to explaining and sharing God’s wisdom? This book explains why some people prosper while other falter. It clarifies what is godly and what is not. It devotes pages and pages to simple explanations of how the godly life works and how evil tries to subvert a good life. What is that book? It is the book of Proverbs, from which comes our scripture for today.
Proverbs 8:11 explains the value of godly wisdom. Godly wisdom is “better than jewels”. Among all those valuable possessions in your life, “all desirable things cannot compare with Wisdom”. Godly wisdom is not the same as worldly wisdom. God’s wisdom is learned through association with God. It comes from a close examination of God’s Word, the Bible. It is shared from generation to generation so that it is not tainted or twisted. The reason that the Bible is based on scriptures written hundreds and thousands of years ago is that God’s wisdom doesn’t change. It holds its value. It remains consistent with time. It is never superseded by worldly forms of wisdom.
Many people today would tell you that the Bible and godly wisdom are “outdated”, lack modern sensibilities, and don’t apply to a technologically sophisticated society. These are all worldly notions based upon lies. Godly truth is eternal. God’s wisdom is never superseded. God’s laws and way of living have not only endured for centuries but have been proven true over time.
Challenges to godly wisdom and a holy life are everywhere present in modern life. Medical “professionals” and liberal standards have embraced the transgender lifestyle, believing God “made mistakes” in the sexual identity of a person. Psychologists and counselors often promote worldly ideals such as the freedom to divorce, the freedom of having abortion for birth control, and how to “find yourself” through meditational practices like yoga and self-realization. Self-styled gurus preach that crystals and chakras bring healing to the body and mind. Diet and exercise coaches teach that certain ways of eating or exercise guarantee a longer life and happier days. Can any of these worldly ways guarantee a faithful life or eternal life? Can changing your diet bring forgiveness to your heart? Can a change of gender end your need for nourishment for your soul? Godly wisdom brings wholeness and peace to every stage of life. Worldly wisdom may bring a type of joy or meaning, but its promises will fall flat with time and its promises are short-lived.
I’m not saying that knowledge about the world or learning about life is worthless. It is not. I believe wholeheartedly in education. However, education will carry you only so far. God’s wisdom will show the limits of worldly knowledge. It will keep you from worldly mistakes. It will protect your heart and soul from permanent damage, if you heed it.
The meditational book, Jesus, Our Perfect Hope, has a great way to explain the importance of godly wisdom. Let’s see if you agree:
“If I gave you a box with a million dollars in it and said you could do whatever you wanted to with the money, would you put it on a shelf and forget about it? Of course you wouldn’t. More than likely, you already know what you’d do with it. You would use it.
Of course, Scripture is exceedingly more valuable than anything this world can offer. In its pages are treasures money cannot buy: freedom for your soul, security in God’s promises, comfort, guidance, contentment, and—most important—the revelation of God Himself. And yet many leave it on a shelf, untouched. So why is it that people put more value on money than on the wonderful gift of Scripture? I’m convinced that it’s because most people don’t understand how spiritually impoverished they are.
No matter how spiritually mature you’ve become, there are always more blessings God has provided through Jesus for you to enjoy (Ephesians 1:3). Don’t miss out. Every day, continue to embrace the treasure of God’s Word and take hold of the spiritual inheritance He has for you. Jesus, thank You for all You’ve provided for me. Help me to take hold of it all. Amen.” (p. 430, Charles F. Stanley).
The scripture for today is a precious reminder that God wants the best for you. God’s wisdom in the Bible is there to protect you and direct your steps. Make sure you find time to seek God’s wisdom through thorough study of God’s Word and prayer in the Spirit! What godly wisdom might you need today? What godly instruction may protect your choices or soothe your soul? If you truly seek God’s wisdom today, I promise it will help. I know it will help!
Proverbs 8:11 explains the value of godly wisdom. Godly wisdom is “better than jewels”. Among all those valuable possessions in your life, “all desirable things cannot compare with Wisdom”. Godly wisdom is not the same as worldly wisdom. God’s wisdom is learned through association with God. It comes from a close examination of God’s Word, the Bible. It is shared from generation to generation so that it is not tainted or twisted. The reason that the Bible is based on scriptures written hundreds and thousands of years ago is that God’s wisdom doesn’t change. It holds its value. It remains consistent with time. It is never superseded by worldly forms of wisdom.
Many people today would tell you that the Bible and godly wisdom are “outdated”, lack modern sensibilities, and don’t apply to a technologically sophisticated society. These are all worldly notions based upon lies. Godly truth is eternal. God’s wisdom is never superseded. God’s laws and way of living have not only endured for centuries but have been proven true over time.
Challenges to godly wisdom and a holy life are everywhere present in modern life. Medical “professionals” and liberal standards have embraced the transgender lifestyle, believing God “made mistakes” in the sexual identity of a person. Psychologists and counselors often promote worldly ideals such as the freedom to divorce, the freedom of having abortion for birth control, and how to “find yourself” through meditational practices like yoga and self-realization. Self-styled gurus preach that crystals and chakras bring healing to the body and mind. Diet and exercise coaches teach that certain ways of eating or exercise guarantee a longer life and happier days. Can any of these worldly ways guarantee a faithful life or eternal life? Can changing your diet bring forgiveness to your heart? Can a change of gender end your need for nourishment for your soul? Godly wisdom brings wholeness and peace to every stage of life. Worldly wisdom may bring a type of joy or meaning, but its promises will fall flat with time and its promises are short-lived.
I’m not saying that knowledge about the world or learning about life is worthless. It is not. I believe wholeheartedly in education. However, education will carry you only so far. God’s wisdom will show the limits of worldly knowledge. It will keep you from worldly mistakes. It will protect your heart and soul from permanent damage, if you heed it.
The meditational book, Jesus, Our Perfect Hope, has a great way to explain the importance of godly wisdom. Let’s see if you agree:
“If I gave you a box with a million dollars in it and said you could do whatever you wanted to with the money, would you put it on a shelf and forget about it? Of course you wouldn’t. More than likely, you already know what you’d do with it. You would use it.
Of course, Scripture is exceedingly more valuable than anything this world can offer. In its pages are treasures money cannot buy: freedom for your soul, security in God’s promises, comfort, guidance, contentment, and—most important—the revelation of God Himself. And yet many leave it on a shelf, untouched. So why is it that people put more value on money than on the wonderful gift of Scripture? I’m convinced that it’s because most people don’t understand how spiritually impoverished they are.
No matter how spiritually mature you’ve become, there are always more blessings God has provided through Jesus for you to enjoy (Ephesians 1:3). Don’t miss out. Every day, continue to embrace the treasure of God’s Word and take hold of the spiritual inheritance He has for you. Jesus, thank You for all You’ve provided for me. Help me to take hold of it all. Amen.” (p. 430, Charles F. Stanley).
The scripture for today is a precious reminder that God wants the best for you. God’s wisdom in the Bible is there to protect you and direct your steps. Make sure you find time to seek God’s wisdom through thorough study of God’s Word and prayer in the Spirit! What godly wisdom might you need today? What godly instruction may protect your choices or soothe your soul? If you truly seek God’s wisdom today, I promise it will help. I know it will help!