Proverbs 8:10-11

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 the value of God’s instruction:

Proverbs 8:10-11 (ESV)

Take my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than choice gold,

for wisdom is better than jewels,

and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

Proverbs 8:18-19 (ESV)

Riches and honor are with me,

enduring wealth and righteousness.

My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,

and my yield than choice silver.

What we value determines how we act.  Solomon, during his day, was said to be the wealthiest person alive.   God has blessed him beyond comparisons of others.  When presented with the option to choose whatever he wanted, he chose wisdom:

1 Kings 3:10-13 (ESV)

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.

The above passages from Proverbs 8 bear out Solomon’s choice from his early age.  Today we do not value wisdom in this manner.  Very few young people, when given a choice would choose God’s wisdom of earths possessions.   Yet, that is what the Gospel message is all about.  We can choose the riches of this world.  Or, we can decide to look for something differing, something God provides that transcends the temporal.   Notice how Moses thought about it:

Hebrews 11:24-25 (ESV)

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

We can look for the riches of this world and pursue them, or we can be satisfied in the power of God and the wisdom of God through Christ.  That is a constant choice to make each day we live on this earth.   Solomon is telling us that it is really no choice at all.