16 How much better to acquire wisdom rather than gold, and to acquire understanding is more desirable than silver. 17 The highway followed by upright people turns away from evil. The person who guards his way preserves his life.

18-19 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit precedes a fall. Better to share a humble spirit with the oppressed than to share stolen goods with the haughty.

20 Whoever gives careful consideration to a matter will succeed, and the person who trusts the Lord will be blessed. Proverbs 16:16-20 Evangelical Heritage Version (English Standard Version link)

There are many books today about being successful in business, and in life generally, and it is inevitably measured by wealth. Sadly, there are also many Churches that focus on the same goal. People are told to visualize what they most desire, and then to 'speak by faith' that desire into reality. But what does Proverbs say we should desire the most? (vs 16)

Wisdom and understanding are the true riches in this world. God blessed King Solomon with that, and gave him material riches too. Later in life Solomon said: “Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) By today's standards Solomon was probably a billionaire – but he concluded that there were things in life more valuable than treasures and pleasures. What does this way to true riches involve? (vs 17)

It puts good before evil and chooses right over wrong. People who take this path 'guard' their life rather than live recklessly in the ways of the world. Jesus said: “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? (Mark 8:36-37)

What is the opposite attitude to those who humbly seek God's wisdom, understanding and righteousness – and what does it lead to? (vs 18-19)

What was true of Satan is true of people as well. Pride and haughtiness make them think they are wiser than God and that they know better. It turns their hearts to wanting possessions rather than to serving the Lord. Proud people are also willing to make their own rules, and that includes taking advantage of others. Many suggest that Isaiah's prophecy about the King of Babylon could well be applied to Satan too. Isaiah said: “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!” (Isaiah 14:12) Pride does indeed lead to a fall.

Proverbs says it's far better to humble oneself and side with those who are exploited than cosy up with those who do the exploiting. Moses did that when he took sides with God's people who were slaves in Egypt rather than live it up in the Egyptian palace as he could have done.

What does vs 20 tell us about success, even in this life?

Success does not lie in accumulating fame or fortune, but in having the blessing of God on our life. Speaking to suffering Christians in a town in Asia Minor called Smyrna, Jesus said: “I know your tribulation and your poverty - but you are rich. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:9-10) Those Christians may have looked anything but successful in the eyes of the world, but in God's sight they were precious.

The Hebrew for the words 'give careful consideration to a matter' can also be translated as give careful consideration ‘to the word’. Just as those who take time and care to think matters through before acting, end up making wiser choices, so too those who take time to consider God's words carefully, discover that Jesus is someone they can trust completely. In Him they find riches that this world can never give. He gives them eternal life.