“Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil…
I have counsel and sound wisdom;
I have insight; I have strength.
By me kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
by me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly.
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver…
an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries…
“For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 8:10-13a,14-19,21,35
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places… In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:3,13-14
The richest riches are not to be found in this world. No matter the sparkle, splendor, weight or measure, nothing on earth begins to compare with the unsearchable heavenly riches we own in Christ Jesus and His word. We want to hold and fondle, collect and clutch, when true riches are invisible, held by faith and conviction, and experienced in rich, wise, powerful living. (Ephesians 3:8; 14-19)
What do we desire in our heart of hearts? Where do we stake our significance and identity? What gives us pleasure and fulfillment? Anything or anyone short of Christ will leave us wanting. The Lord is near and available for the knowing, ordaining and maintaining our very circumstances so we would seek and enjoy communion with Him. How committed are we to discover His treasures of love and insight, eternal fruit and life? (Acts 17:25-28)
Tapping into the treasury of the Creator avails us of yield beyond imagining for every aspect of public and private life. To find Christ is to enjoy life everlasting. To know Him is to own His prudence, discretion, and righteousness. Would we take time to praise His attributes, to relish and give thanks for His grace-given riches?
“Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.” ~Walter Chalmer Smith (1867)
Omniscient Father, may I daily desire and pursue Your wisdom, properly fearing and hungering for You above all else. May I know You and share Your wealth, to Your honor and praise.
As the rain and snow 