Read
The Value of Wisdom
13God blesses everyone
who has wisdom
and common sense.
14Wisdom is worth more
than silver;
it makes you much richer
than gold.
15Wisdom is more valuable
than precious jewels;
nothing you want
compares with her.
16In her right hand
Wisdom holds a long life,
and in her left hand
are wealth and honor.
17Wisdom makes life pleasant
and leads us safely along.
18Wisdom is a life-giving tree,
the source of happiness
for all who hold on to her.
Reflect
The synopsis of this scripture passage could be put in the form of a question. Do you want “stuff” or would you rather a long, happy, pleasant life full of wealth and honour?
A friend tells the story of his mother and aunt who ingeniously developed a way to navigate the stampede for Black Friday deals. They arrived early to be first in line at the door. The faster of the elderly ladies was selected to go through the door first while the other dropped her purse and slowly bent to pick it up. The frustrated bargain hunters were slowed down and the advantage was just enough for them to get to the desired bargains first.
The popular message of the day is that acquiring more stuff is how one actually finds happiness and respect.
“Nothing you want compares with her (wisdom)”. However, even our economy seems to be based on a foundation of keeping us reflecting on what it is we “want” from life.
Our frenetic, media driven lifestyle causes us to drink the Kool-Aid that tells us not to slow down and consider this, because if you do you could be left behind. The con here is that acquiring more will lead to wealth, respect and happiness. But when asked what brings them the most happiness, or what it is that gives them life, even the people with the most stuff won’t cite their stuff.
The decision to ignore the gold and silver and focus on wisdom and common sense will bring us real wealth and honour. Our stuff brings us envy, jealousy and a host of other unintended consequences. Wisdom is life-giving and the true source of happiness. Christ says, “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” (John 10:10)
Respond
Lord, I cherish your love and am eternally grateful for the opportunity of a personal walk with you through Christ. May your wisdom drown out the noise and your spirit challenge me to live in him and not to submit to a culture of material wealth.
Laurie Cook
Laurie has had a successful career in retail management and consulting. He has served on the Board of World Relief Canada and later became President. He was a founding Chair of the Integral Alliance, an international alliance of Christian Relief and Development agencies and has served on the Board of Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Laurie is an avid cyclist and is married with three adult boys.