Blessed is a person who finds wisdom, and one who obtains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her produce better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are those who hold on to her. – Proverbs 3:13-18 (NASB)
The Scriptures continually lift wisdom above all earthly treasures. In Proverbs 3, wisdom is described, not as a possession to be stored, but as a living source of blessing – “more precious than jewels”, offering “pleasant ways”, “peace”, and “a tree of life to those who take hold of her.” Material wealth can buy comfort and status, but it can’t purchase the insight that orders the soul or the discernment that aligns a heart with God’s will.
Ecclesiastes 2:13 declares, “I saw that wisdom surpasses foolishness, just as light surpasses dark.” This contrast reveals the nature of wisdom – it illuminates reality. Much like light allows us to walk safely and perceive the world truthfully, divine wisdom enables us to navigate the complexities of life with clarity and purpose. Without it, we may have abundance yet still stumble in the dark.
The fullness of this wisdom isn’t found in human striving. It’s found in a Person, as Colossians 2:2-3 proclaims, “Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” True wisdom is not just a moral principle or intellectual achievement. It’s the life of Christ formed within us. When we truly know and have a relationship with Christ, we can see life as it truly is – to perceive God’s purposes and to walk in harmony with His truth.
So, wisdom isn’t about making clever decisions for personal success. It’s about seeing through the lens of divine reality. It transforms what we value and how we love and live. While wealth fades and possessions don’t last, the wisdom that flows from knowing Christ endures in eternally, shaping us into His likeness and guiding us toward the life that is truly life.