January 13 Treasure Hunt

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. ~Proverbs 3:13-15

“But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? Man does not comprehend its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living. The deep says, “It is not in me”: the sea says, “It is not with me.” It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed in silver. It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or sapphires. Neither gold, nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold. Coral or jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold. Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air. Destruction and death say, “only a rumor of it has reached our ears.”

God understands the way to it and He alone knows where it dwells, for He views the ends of the earth and seas everything under the heavens. When He established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when He made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He confirmed it and tested it. And He said to man, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” ~Job 28:12-28

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” ~Matthew 13:44-46

Song lyric:

Lord, you are more precious than silver.

Lord, you are more costly than gold.

Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds

And nothing that I desire compares with you.

That song sums it up pretty well. Trouble is, not many people seem to realize this. Most are foolishly far more interested in gold and silver and diamonds and worldly riches. You can dig all day and deeper than anybody else and you might get rich. But you won't find wisdom down there. Wisdom comes from above. God holds it, but for all its value, He also freely gives it away to all who ask. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." 

Wouldn’t it be awesome if, as you grew in wisdom, you would change physically in some positive way? Perhaps reverse the aging process with every wise decision. Maybe, lose a pound or five for every temptation that wisdom helped you resist. That would make people look, and they’d want what you have. Ah, but Proverbs 16:31 says, "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness." That's one physical change that is a sign. The wise generally live longer lives.

Sigh, wisdom is a hidden thing, revealed only when you use it. Yet, it is so valuable! It’s more valuable than any precious metal or stone. God used it to create, EVERYTHING!! Jesus says that it is worth getting rid of everything else you own, to be wise in His wisdom.

Then, Solomon says again, “to fear the Lord, that is wisdom.” Then, “to shun evil, that is understanding.” In other words, when God’s wisdom is loud enough that you know what to avoid because God cannot abide with evil, then, you are growing up. We may not see an actual physical change…well, maybe?

Prayer: O, Father, more than just gray hair, let my life prove that I have found and treasured Your wisdom in my heart. May I be as wise as a serpent in dealing with the people of the world, and yet as gentle as a dove, so that they wonder about me and I get a chance to lead them to You, Lord. in Jesus' name, amen. 

Song: Lord, You Are More Precious than Silver