“Does not wisdom call?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand…
Hear, for I will speak noble things,
and from my lips will come what is right…
All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them…
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.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
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.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
granting an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.” Proverbs 8:1-2,6,8,10-21
The scriptures are more valuable than gold, much fine gold, and their very potent truth in that telling turns a malleable, teachable heart. The Lord reiterates proper priorities over and over in His word. Wisdom is to be sought, ingested, cherished. It crowns the listener, the taker, the bearer, with nobility, righteousness, prudence, lasting wealth.
Much of modern life is consumed with consuming, making and spending so we can make and spend more. And in most cultures today this is a necessary endeavor. But the Lord who is high and lifted up always beckons His people to higher living and loftier investment. While certain treasure of this earth is necessary for commerce and daily needs, there is a treasure that far outweighs and out-values the temporal currency we find here. (Isaiah 6:1-2; 55:8-9; Matthew 6:19-21)
Within our busy heights and unnerving dales, and scurrying to and fro at varied crossroads, there is heavenly bounty accessible. In this heathen world, the Lord offers wisdom, even has her seek us out, to guide our minds and elevate our spirits. She gives insight, protects from corruption, adorns with discretion, and nurtures rich, constructive living. While the enemy entices elsewhere, and pellets with pride and perversion, the way to wisdom is open for the taking.
Are we listening? Can we discern wisdom’s call? Are we pursuing and taking her instruction as our own? How are we valuing her nobility and worth above the emptiness of the world’s offerings in what we daily read and hear? Do we recognize the difference, and know godly wisdom by experience in our work and interactions? What will we do this day to prefer the voice and ways of wisdom over every competing desire?
“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
be Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
be Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.” ~old Irish, translated by Mary Byrne (1905)
Lord, help me treasure You and Your wisdom above all.
As the rain and snow 