More Precious than Rubies
Thursday - October 8th
Scripture to Read Today: Proverbs 8:1-36
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:10-11
Most cultures have long valued wisdom over wealth. Some put that wisdom into a proverbial form:
"Keep the gold and keep the silver, but give us wisdom." -Arabian Proverb
"Pearls don't lie on the seashore. If you want one, like wisdom, you must dive for it." -Chinese Proverb
"Giving your son wisdom is better than giving him 1,000 pieces of gold." -Japanese Proverb
"Better a drop of wisdom than an ocean of gold." -Greek Proverb
It seems every culture has learned over time that wisdom is more valuable than any precious metal or gem. Unfortunately, many people have learned this truth the hard way. They started life with a youthful passion for wealth and ignored wisdom—the painful realities of living a life without wisdom awakens them abruptly. They get a choice. Pursue wisdom or pursue wealth from this day forward.
Many Hollywood produced movies show heroes facing a test at a critical point in the story development. Will he or she choose treasure over wisdom (or some other altruistic value)? Every time I watch a movie with this kind of plot, I think I see it coming and will not be sucked into the crisis of values presented to the main hero. But, every time, I fall for the same thing. I get sucked into believing the scenario presented is a genuine crisis of conscience. But the hero never says, "Forget wisdom, I want the treasure." They always make the right choice in the end. Unfortunately, in real life, most of us, when given a chance to choose between wealth and wisdom, choose wealth.
The Book of Proverbs references the value of wisdom many times. The wisdom that the Book of Proverbs emphasizes is a wisdom that comes from God - not just human insight. Proverbs 8:10-11 expresses a wise father's perspective, challenging a young son to value wisdom properly. "Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her."
Wisdom is more precious than rubies. Its value is greater than gold or silver. We should pursue wisdom over wealth. What has been your pattern in this choice over the years? What has it been in the year 2020? What do you want it to be in the years to come? Will it be wisdom or wealth?
Wisdom holds a value greater than silver, gold, or precious jewels. Are you ready to make the right choice today?