“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.
Proverbs 3:13-26 (NAS)
13How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. 14For its profit is better than the profit of silver, and its gain than fine gold. 15She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. 16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast. 19The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens. 20By His knowledge the deeps were broken up, and the skies drip with dew. 21My son, let them not depart from your sight; keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22So they will be life to your soul, and adornment to your neck. 23Then you will walk in your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. 24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25Do not be afraid of sudden fear, nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; 26For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.
The Lord created everything we see by wisdom, understanding and knowledge. God’s wisdom is His Word. The first place for us to go for wisdom is His Word.
It is better for you to seek after wisdom, knowledge and understanding, rather than riches – gold, silver and jewels – because riches can be gained and lost. However, if you seek wisdom, it will result in blessing that remains. Riches in the hands of a fool bring destruction, but riches in the hands of a wise man are blessed and a blessing.
Proverbs 1:32 (KJV)
32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
The gaining of wisdom and understanding is better than the gaining of silver and gold. Wisdom will be, to you, more precious than jewels and nothing on this earth that you could possibly desire, compares with her. When you gain wisdom, you gain long life, riches and honor and peace. Wisdom is a tree of life, and every one who finds her, finds true happiness.
Wisdom brings security, because it destroys fear in your life. You can walk in confidence and peace, because your confidence and trust are in God who protects you and who keeps you from stumbling.
I Kings 3:11-13 (NAS)
11And God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, 12behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. 13″And I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days.
God offered Solomon anything he asked for. He asked for an understanding heart in order to govern wisely. The Lord was pleased with his request and granted it, adding to it both riches and honor.
When we seek God’s wisdom above all other earthly things – He gives us wisdom – and above all that, He blesses us with peace and prosperity. What a wonderful, awesome God we serve! Be sure that your priorities are right and you will find the blessing of God.