Day 66: Wisdom's security - Proverbs 3 vs 13 - 26
13-14 Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold. 15-16 She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honour. 17 Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful. 18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy.
19-20 The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. By his knowledge the watery depths broke open, and the clouds dripped with dew.
21-22 Maintain sound wisdom and discretion, my son, don’t lose sight of them. They will be life for you and adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will go safely on your way; your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. 25-26 Don’t fear sudden danger or the ruin of the wicked when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from a snare. Proverbs 3:13-26 Christian Standard Bible
If asked what would give the greatest security in the world, I suspect many people would probably say 'having enough money'. Money can pay for a good doctor if we are ill and strong safety features around our property to keep out any bad guys. But what did the writer of Proverbs tell his child would give the greatest security in life?
Look at the picture he paints in vs 23-26 to describe the security wisdom brings. Evidently the Hebrew for 'be your confidence' in the last sentence can also be translated as the Lord 'will be at your side'. What greater confidence could anyone ever have for facing situations in life that threaten us harm.
But what is this wisdom? The writer likens it to a woman whose ways are pleasant and peaceful. In vs 17-18 he says she is a 'tree of life'. Genesis 2:9 says there was a 'tree of life' in the Garden of Eden also - so wisdom is obviously something to be greatly desired! Vs 13-16 tell us it’s worth far more than it's weight in gold. I think wisdom is that spiritual insight which is like a companion who helps us to make the best decision for every step of life's journey. That's why in vs 13-18 he twice uses the word happy (The Hebrew word is 'blessed' which is much deeper than happiness.) So where is wisdom found and how do we get it?
What do vs 19-20 tell us as to where it can be found?
I'd say those verses teach that we need to focus our attention on almighty God – who He is and what He has done. We need to take time to consider the amazing works of His hands! Job Chapters 38-39 are a wonderful example of this – do read them when you can.
And how do we go about getting this wisdom that comes from God? What does vs 18 recommend?
There needs to be an embracing – and a holding onto. God's wisdom is not discovered by casual indifference. It's something we must seek with all our heart. People are willing to dig deep for gold - we must be willing to search hard for wisdom. And, yes, it is ultimately found in Christ. It is by embracing Him in faith - and clinging to Him - that God's wisdom will grow in our life. But never think that such a relationship can be part time, or when we feel like it. For, as the hymn-writer put it, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul - my life - my all.”