The Inestimable Value of Wisdom – Proverbs 3:13-20

Description

People are always looking for something. They seek fame, fortune, health, power, or even long life. The problem is that many of these are elusive; and, even if you can find them, they do not satisfy. In the middle of Proverbs 3, Solomon speaks about the inestimable value of wisdom. It’s worth cannot be matched.

He begins by describing the one who has found wisdom as blessed, as are those who continually gain understanding.  In the next four lines, Solomon describes the inestimable value of wisdom by comparing it to the value of commodities.  Wisdom’s returns supersede that of silver, gold or precious stones.  In the fourth line, he tells his readers that nothing they could desire is worth comparing to wisdom.  Solomon certainly knew, since he had tried every desire and pleasure!

In the next four lines, Solomon describes the benefits of wisdom.  Speaking of wisdom as if she were a woman, he writes that she holds long life in one hand and riches and honor in the other.  The idea is that if one embraces wisdom, they get what wisdom is holding.   Then he True wisdom comes from God through his word. If we choose to embrace wisdom, we will receive the benefits that wisdom holds.  In the next two lines, Solomon describes the paths (or the life) that one who walks with wisdom will enjoy – pleasantness and peace.

In the last lines of the poem, then, Solomon compares Lady Wisdom to a tree of life.  She provides life to those who take hold of her.  Ending the poem where it began, Solomon writes that those who hold fast to Lady Wisdom are blessed!

Verses 19-20 are a short poem discussing the value of wisdom to God.  He employed wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in creating and sustaining the universe.