Proverbs 8:10-11. 10Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
Lady Wisdom is claiming that what she is teaching us, her instruction, her knowledge, is far more valuable than silver, gold, and jewels. In fact, it is better than anything else in the world. In verse 10 she wants us to not only listen to her instruction but to also take it. This is something we actively do. We go after wisdom to grab hold of it. Don’t snatch up money; snatch up wisdom.
What kind of relationship do you have with money? Are you materialistic? Consumeristic? Do you think making more money will solve your problems?
It is true that the pursuit of wisdom may lead to wealth and material gain. For example, the wise work hard, they are not lazy, they make plans and see them through, they don’t suffer the consequences of unethical business practices. For sure wisdom might lead to wealth. But wisdom never pursues wealth as an end in itself. Wisdom pursues more wisdom, more knowledge, more understanding.
Wisdom always keeps wealth in perspective. Wealth without wisdom can be a very dangerous thing. Wealth without wisdom negates all the benefits of wealth – security, comfort, the ability to do good and bless others. Wealth without wisdom just makes for a more powerful fool.
Love for God and others is the most important thing in life. Love is the overflow of our worship of God. Money must never replace God as the love of our heart (you cannot love God and money). Only a right relationship with God can give our lives ultimate meaning. Only living in right relationship with others is a life purpose that can bring real satisfaction. The love of wealth, however, destroys relationships. Overwork. Over spending. False security. Pride. Love of status over service. Loss of integrity. These, and much more, are the evil fruit of that come with the love of money.
The truth is that there is nothing in life that we may desire, including money, that is of more value than wisdom. Does that sound like too big a claim? Well it’s not when we consider that Christ IS the wisdom of God. Jesus gave up all his wealth in Heaven to come to Earth and be poor. Why? So that he could love us, serve us, and die for us on the cross. Jesus literally loved you more than money. When offered the wealth of nations by the Tempter in the wilderness, Jesus turned it all down and chose the path of the cross. A path that would restore all of his former wealth and glory to him so that he might share it all with us.
That’s wisdom.
You: Has your pursuit of wealth overtaken your pursuit of the love of God and others.
You in Christ: How does knowing that in Christ he has shared his eternal wealth with you all you to keep your wealth in right perspective?
Christ in you: Is there a specific area of your life where Jesus wants you to put godly contentment above material gain? Commit that are to him today.
Pray: Jesus, you gave up everything for me because love was worth more than silver and gold to you. Help me to put you and others ahead of money. Amen.
To Live is Christ 