Skip to main content

Daily Devotion: Proverbs 3:13-16

By

Proverbs 3:13-16    "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.  (14)  For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.  (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."

Wisdom and understanding are greatly stressed. Again, this is understandable that Solomon, the most wise man, would stress the importance of these two characters.  I do not pretend to be the master of either, but in my simple way of looking at matters, I see understanding as the knowledge of using materials and wisdom is the ability to know when and how to use them. We often hear of individuals, especially sports figures, who make millions of dollars and suddenly wake up to realize their money is gone. They apparently did not understand the proper use and care of their possessions nor did they have the ability to know when and how to use them. They sometimes do not have the understanding or wisdom to know who to trust in handling their wealth.  

Solomon said that these two things are better than silver and gold and more precious than gems. As I read these verses, it seems to me that if wisdom and understanding are used in life, then possessions are made to work for us rather than us working for them. In other words, we can better enjoy the things of this life and enjoy them for longer periods of time if we have proper understanding and use wisdom. I don't want this to sound like a thesis on better money management. Other people are better suited for that. But I do know a few things about wisdom. Let me share them just now. Wisdom and understanding require that we set proper priorities in life. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Christ Jesus "... is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." He is our wisdom and our righteousness. Jesus spoke to us, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)  These things teach me that if I will place Jesus first in my life that He will help me take care of all other matters.

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Daily Devotion: Enter With Thanksgiving - Psalm 100:1-5

By
One of the most beautiful Psalms of Thanksgiving is the 100th Psalm. Please turn to it and read verses one through five. With all my heart I believe we are a people and a nation that has truly been blessed by God. Of all those who “give thanks to Him and praise His name” we should be at the top!  It is not uncommon to compile wish lists at Christmas, and draw up a list of resolutions for the new year. But there is another list we often overlook - a Thanksgiving Day list of all for which we are thankful. What would your list contain? Most likely, a good part would be material possessions. I’m convinced that we would find that we have much more for which to be thankful than just our material possessions.  Like you, I’m sure my list would include the major things - life, health, family, friends, and the nation we live in, despite all its flaws. But even more than that, I’m thankful for my salvation, my Church family, and the mercy that God showers upon us each d...
Read more

Daily Devotion: Psalm 100:4-5 - Thanksgiving

By
Psalm 100:4-5     "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  (5)  For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." Many songs have been written about these verses and with these words included. What do they mean? Today, we celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving. I've listened to many people speak about their family traditions and most of them include family, food, and football. These are wonderful and fun things that enrich the day, but is it the true meaning that was intended when the day was established?  The Psalmist instructed us to include a special action with our words of thankfulness.  We are to "enter into HIS gates." The heartfelt words of thanksgiving allow us to enter the gates of the Lord, but there is a much deeper place into which we can go. Not only are we to enter into HIS gates, but He invites us to come much closer to H...
Read more