Proverbs 3:13

 The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about wealth and wisdom:

Proverbs 3:13 (ESV)

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

and the one who gets understanding,

In our country a vast conversation always takes place when the lotto hits a high number.   People all over  the country buy tickets hoping to hit the mega-lotto winnings.    They envision great things for themselves "when" they win.   It would be a common thought to think about what would happen to your life if you were suddenly given millions of dollars.    One would even say one would be "blessed."   But, in Proverbs, Solomon uses the concept of being "blessed" by God in another, completely different framework.  He talks about being blessed because we have "found" or "attained" or "gain" wisdom and understanding.   God will and does bless us when we pursue wisdom (the beginning of chapter three) and when we acquire wisdom (the middle and end of chapter three).   God "blesses" those who seek Him and He rewards those who seek Him by giving them blessings that "can" bring great wealth, but more importantly provides wealth with the wisdom to acquire it and to not be consumed by it.   That is the point of this chapter.   Solomon makes no bones about the fact that those who pursue God will be blessed with a good reputation and even with wealth.  But, unlike the Mega-Millions winner, God's wealth comes with the wisdom on how to use it for God's glory.     God's riches come with the riches of His grace, as well.   Don't seek earthly riches that only come with headaches and fear.   Instead, seek God's riches that begin with wisdom and results in spiritual wealth.