The Value of Wisdom

I love reading the book of Proverbs. The insights that Solomon has written are invaluable and timeless.

He was a young man when his father, David, died and he became king of Israel. The Lord told him to ask for whatever he would like, and God would give it to him.

“Lord my God, you have made me the king in my father’s place, but I am like a small child. I don’t have the wisdom I need to do what I must do. ⁸ I am your servant here among your chosen people. There are so many that they cannot be counted. ⁹ So I ask you to give me the wisdom to rule and judge them well and to help me know the difference between right and wrong. Without such great wisdom, it would be impossible to rule this great nation.”

¹⁰ The Lord was happy that Solomon asked for wisdom. ¹¹ So God said to him, “You did not ask for long life and riches for yourself. You did not ask for the death of your enemies. You asked for the wisdom to listen and make the right decisions. ¹² So I will give you what you asked for. I will make you wise and intelligent. I will make you wiser than anyone who ever lived or ever will live. ¹³ And I will also give you what you did not ask for. You will have riches and honor all your life. There will be no other king in the world as great as you.” I Kings 3:7-13 ERV

After this, the nations of the world would send their leaders to Solomon seeking his answers to their questions. He was renowned for his wisdom and with wisdom came wealth and peace.

The book of Proverbs gives instruction for the youth and the aged. There is no limitation as to who can benefit from wisdom.

“Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding. ¹⁴ Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold. ¹⁵ Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels. Nothing you desire has more value.

¹⁶ With her right hand, Wisdom offers long life—with the other hand, riches and honor. ¹⁷ Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace. ¹⁸ Wisdom is like a life-giving tree to those who hold on to her; she is a blessing to those who keep her close.

¹⁹ With wisdom and understanding, the Lord created the earth and sky. ²⁰ With his knowledge, he made the oceans and the clouds that produce rain.

²¹ My son, don’t ever let wisdom out of your sight. Hold on to wisdom and careful planning. ²² They will bring you a long life filled with honor. ²³ As you go through life, you will always be safe and never fall. ²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you rest, your sleep will be peaceful. ²⁵ You have no reason to fear a sudden disaster or the destruction that comes to the wicked. ²⁶ You can trust the Lord to protect you. He will not let you fall into harm.” Proverbs 3:13-26 ERV

The book of Proverbs has thirty-one chapters. I like to read one chapter each day and then ask the Lord for wisdom for the day. The book of James tells us when we ask for wisdom the Lord gives it freely.

We can add value to our lives each day when we seek God’s wisdom!