1338. Wisdom's Value

Wisdom's Value

"For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold" (Pro_3:14).

When Solomon, the wise man, went out on a search to discover the things that were good for men "under the sun," the first thing that he tried out was wisdom.

He said, "I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I gave my heart to know wisdom" (Ecc_1:16-17).

The result of Solomon's quest is found in Ecc_1:18 : "For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow."

The difference between the fool and the wise man, is the difference between the iron in the ore, and the steel spring of the watch. The latter is capable of receiving minute sensations.

Although wisdom brings grief and sorrow, yet, there is nothing better under the sun than wisdom. It is the most beautiful flower that grows in the garden of men.

In Proverbs, we read; "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. * * She is a tree of life to them that lay-hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her" (Pro_3:13-18).

"Receive instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies" (Pro_8:10-11).

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee" (Pro_4:7-9).

The passages above suffice to show the high value that the Word of God places on wisdom. There is nothing comparable in the world, equal to wisdom and to the achievement of knowledge.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR