Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Wisdom and Treasure

I'm reading through the Bible for the second time. In years past I mainly stayed in the New Testament, picking and choosing books to study. But a few years ago I decided to read through the Bible beginning in Genesis. It took me about two years because I wasn't trying to do it in any particular length of time, but rather wanted to really absorb it, not just read it. After finishing it back in June 2009, I knew I could never read the Bible any other way. It makes so much sense when you read it from beginning to end! It truly is "God's story!" If you've never read the Bible from cover to cover, I highly encourage you to do so!

This week finds me in Proverbs. And today, this verse struck me:

"...if you look for [wisdom] as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding." Prov. 2:4-5

I believe we all want wisdom. But I've come to understand that wisdom from God is different than wisdom one might gain from education or studying things that are important to man. This verse says the Lord gives wisdom. The author of this passage is King Solomon, and King Solomon knew about wisdom. In 1 Chronicles 1:7-12 God tells Solomon to ask for anything and it's his. Solomon doesn't ask for riches but for wisdom. God not only gives Solomon "wisdom and knowledge" but also "wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have." God rewarded Solomon's true, heart desire for wisdom with earthly treasures. And though Solomon no doubt enjoyed the benefits of the wealth he was given, I am convinced he would have been completely satisfied and content had he received only the wisdom he asked for.

Today I was especially struck by the first part of Proverbs 2:4:

"...if you look for it as silver and search for it as for hidden treasure..."

Kinda reminds me of Jesus' words in Luke 12:34: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

God wants to give us wisdom. His word tells us to look for it. To search for it. Why? Because it's valuable! It's priceless! An important question, however, is where are you looking for it?

When we have wisdom from God we "understand what is right and just" (v. 9) and "knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." (v. 10-11) It will "save you from the ways of wicked men" and "from the adulteress." (v. 12 and 16)

Do you want wisdom from God?

I sure do!

Search for it! Look for it! Treat it like the treasure it is. As Proverbs 4:7 says:

"Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom!"

2 comments:

Jaime Wright said...

I want wisdom!! I love how Scripture let's it run from the pages so I can sponge it up. Great post!

Michelle Shocklee said...

Thanks, Jaime! Yes, we really need to soak it in, don't we? :)

Blessings,
Michelle Shocklee