He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Proverbs Concerning: Our Relationship To Wisdom
& Understanding: Prov 3:15-18
15) She [is] more precious than
rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16) Length of days [is] in
her right hand; [and] in her left
hand riches and honour.
17) Her ways [are] ways of
pleasantness, and all her paths [are]
peace.
18) She [is] a tree of life
to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is
every one] that retaineth her.
INTRODUCTION:
We now continue by
looking at several proverbs that address the proper relationship we should have
towards the blessings of wisdom and understanding.
EXPOSITION:
15) She [is] more precious than
rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Wisdom
is, once again, pictured as a woman. In
the courrent context this is because of a woman’s great value, honorable nature
and peaceful demeanor. In this example
we can see the great value given to women by the Word of God.
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price
[is] far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)
Here,
we are told that wisdom:
1.
is worth much more than perfectly round, treasured gems.
2.
is on a higher level than anything this earth can offer.
Why
is wisdom described as being of such great value? It is because of the vast multitude of benefits
that she offers to anyone who will receive and apply her teachings.
“There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel.” (Proverbs 20:15)
16) Length of days [is] in
her right hand; [and] in her left
hand riches and honour.
The
benefits of wisdom include:
1.
long life
2.
spiritual and physical wealth
3.
influence and esteem
“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto
all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to
come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)
“Therefore let no man glory
in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos,
or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to
come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and
Christ [is] God's. (1 Corinthians 3:21-23)
17) Her ways [are] ways of
pleasantness, and all her paths [are]
peace.
4. beautifies and graces lifestyles
5. unity, peace and harmony
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these
things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and
seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
18) She [is] a tree of life
to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is
every one] that retaineth her.
6. gives eternal life when embraced and held
tightly
7. happiness when obtained and followed closely
“A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life:…” (Proverbs 15:4)
SUMMARY:
What
should the relationship be between a Christian and wisdom? Wisdom should be highly valued due to the
many eternal, and temporal, blessings that she brings into the lives of those who
embrace her. Do we find ourselves devaluing,
or taking for granted God’s wisdom? If
so, let’s stop and count the many wonderful blessings that flow from her
teachings.
By
God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value
that they deserve.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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