Through wisdom, man receives a variety of gifts. Solomon recognized this and tried to explain this to his son.
"Happy - blessed, fortunate [enviable] - is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding - drawing it forth [from God's Word and life's experiences]." Proverbs 3:13, Amplified
Happy, blessed and fortunate is that man. What is it about wisdom that can bring about these things in a man's life? Wisdom is knowledge. Wisdom comes from experiences. Those around us who understand that we have wisdom always come to us. I enjoy it when I am asked my advice on certain things in the Cafe at Joshua Springs because I am able to give an answer. My answers do not come from a place of knowing it all, rather they come from experience. It blesses me so much that some one sees that I can offer information from my experiences.
However, not all wisdom comes from the experience that life gives to us. Sometimes that wisdom comes directly from the Word of God. As a pastor (not speaking of myself) one must be able to give advice and impart wisdom to all who came seeking. If a pastor has not spent a lifetime drinking or doing drugs or gambling or developed sexual conquests, how then is he to give advice. This sort of wisdom comes from the Word of God. Everything that we need for life is found in the pages of the Good Book.
"For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, and the profit of it better than fine gold. Skillful and godly Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you can wish for is to be compared to her." Proverbs 3:14-15, Amplified
Next Solomon compares wisdom to riches. Silver, gold and rubies do not compare to the wealth of these riches. This reminds me of something that the Apostle Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise us and walk." (Acts 3:6, NKJV) This was in response to a lame beggar asking for money. Now imagine if Peter did have the silver or gold that the man was asking for, what then would it have profited him? Nothing. Peter saw the need not for riches but for healing. Wisdom gave this to Peter.
"Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand are riches and honor. Proverbs 3:16, NKJV
Wisdom is not without its benefits, however. Though it may be better than silver, gold and rubies does not mean that silver, gold and rubies cannot be attained through wisdom. Long life and riches are byproducts of wisdom. Riches and honor cannot be the focus that we have, rather it must be on the Lord. Solomon, after he became king, was visited by the Lord. The Lord asked him what he wanted: riches, honor, long life. Solomon asked for wisdom to rule the nation of Israel. Because of that choice the Lord also blessed Solomon with riches, honor and long life.
Notice, too that in her right hand, the hand of blessing is long life and in the left are riches. The more important thing is that through wisdom we are to attain long life. Riches are good, money is good, but deep in the heart of man lies covetousness and greed. What man out there has gambled away his children's college tuition for longer life? Who has given their house a collateral for a few more years on this earth? None. The Lord knows and understands the heart of man. He is not unwilling to bless us, but He also knows what is best for us.
"Her ways are highways of pleasantness, and all her paths lead to peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her, and happy - blessed, fortunate [to be envied], is everyone who holds her fast." Proverbs 3:17-18, Amplified
Know this: these things are not always instantaneous but they are synonymous. The life of a Christian is not a life lined with peace. It is an arduous journey, difficult and full of hills and valleys. However, taking this path leads to peace and pleasantness. We have the pleasure of knowing where our eternity will be spent. There is a peace and pleasantness in that. Do not misunderstand me, peace is attainable here on earth. And through wisdom that peace may be attained. So lay hold of wisdom and never let her go.
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