Australian volunteer worker Paul Hol found a treasure while sorting through hundreds of donated books. He unearthed a first edition copy of the novel 1984, penned by George Orwell in 1948. The book still sported its original dust jacket in the color red—the rarest color for that print run. Paul’s find eventually sold for nearly $2,000 at a private auction.
The book of Job describes a different kind of highly regarded treasure. It says, “Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. . . . The price of wisdom is far above rubies” (Job 28:17-18). Wisdom is so precious because life is full of decisions. Should I marry this man? What should I say to a friend who betrayed me? Can I afford this mortgage? We need wisdom in every situation.
Fortunately for us, “God alone understands the way to wisdom; He knows where it can be found” (Job 28:23). And He doesn’t require us to take part in a private sale—doling it out only to the highest bidder. “[Wisdom] cannot be bought with gold. It cannot be purchased with silver” (Job 28:15). The Bible says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you” (James 1:5).
In addition to asking God for good judgment, the Bible says, the “fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Fearing God involves living in awe of Him. This ongoing state of reverence should prompt us to renounce evil and to align ourselves with God’s ways and His views (Hosea 14:9).
Are you facing a difficult decision today? Don’t overlook the wealth you have in God’s wisdom. Ask Him to make you aware of it. Let your respect for Him determine your decision, and trust that “wise choices will watch over you” (Proverbs 2:11).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 9:32-42
More:
Read James 3:17-18 to see how godly wisdom differs from worldly wisdom. Read Proverbs 2:6-19 to understand some potential outcomes of wisdom.
Next:
How does fearing God help us to respect His rules, and how might that affect our decisions?
jstabel on October 22, 2011 at 1:24 am
Until we come to the realization of it-“that wisdom is of greater value than silver and gold” we will not diligently seek it.
jennifer benson schuldt on October 22, 2011 at 3:29 pm
So true. We often don’t seek God’s wisdom because we act on what seems right to us in the moment. But, as the prophet Jeremiah said, “His ways are higher than our ways.” How different would our lives look if we placed greater value on God’s wisdom, instead of our own? 🙂
eppistle on October 22, 2011 at 7:36 am
”The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). If we are aware that a holy and just God is watching us and that we will some day need to give an account for our decisions, we will choose compassion over greed. It is the remedy for social Darwinism.
jennifer benson schuldt on October 22, 2011 at 3:36 pm
eppistle, thank you for this reminder. God is watching all of us, and He is aware of our hearts in every situation. Sometimes I find that comforting; sometimes I find that convicting!
I love Proverbs 9:10. The second part of the verse is as wonderful and inspiring as the first – “Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment”. When we really know God through Christ, we have the perfect model of good judgment. Years ago, it was popular to ask, “What would Jesus do?” But I think that question may be more relevant today than at any time in the past.