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More Precious Than Gold: Proverbs 3:13-15


More Precious Than Gold: Proverbs 3:13-15

As a certified coach, I've read a mountain of books about personal growth, especially for folks in the business world. Many of them offer solid tips on how to make more money. But here’s the interesting part: they nearly all agree that the first step isn’t some fancy strategy, but looking inward – at what we believe and what might be silently holding us back.

This idea of starting with yourself isn't new. In fact, it got me thinking about much older wisdom. What does a book like Proverbs, for example, have to say about all this? When we're all pushing for success and a comfortable life, how does the Bible talk about wisdom and what we should really be going after? Let's take a look at what it considers true "profit."

Proverbs 3:13-15 (ESV) puts it plainly:

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold."

These lines really make you stop and think: What does being "rich" or "successful" truly mean? Is it just about a pile of cash or shiny possessions? Or is there something deeper, something that lasts?

A respected Bible scholar, John MacArthur comments on these verses, saying that God's wisdom offers "the richest treasures." And he’s not just talking about a warm, fuzzy feeling. The Bible lists real, life-changing benefits that come when we embrace wisdom.

MacArthur points out that these "profits" from wisdom (which Proverbs talks more about in verses 14-18) add up to a genuinely full life. Think about it:

  • "Length of days": Living to 100 isn't guaranteed, but wisdom helps us make choices that lead to a healthier, more purposeful life.
  • "Riches": This might include money, but it's more about contentment, knowing how to use what you have well, and a sense of true abundance that isn't just financial.
  • "Honor": Living wisely earns you respect. People see your integrity and good judgment – that’s a different kind of honor than just being famous.
  • "Pleasantness": Wisdom can lead to more joy and smoother paths in life, helping us build better relationships and find more delight in our days.
  • "Peace": This is a big one. Wisdom can bring a deep sense of calm that isn’t shaken by what’s going on around you.
  • "Life": We're talking about a vibrant, thriving existence here – living fully.
  • "Happiness": Ultimately, finding and living by wisdom leads to a deep, lasting happiness or blessedness.

When you stack these lasting benefits up against material things that can disappear, the better deal becomes pretty clear. Money can be lost, things can be stolen, and frankly, they can even become a source of stress. But wisdom? Once you find it and make it a part of you, it sticks. It guides you, gives you strength, and brings a kind of richness that money can't touch.

So, what's the takeaway? Maybe it's about shifting what we chase after the hardest. Yes, we need to provide for ourselves and our families. But let's not get so caught up in chasing the next shiny object that we miss out on what truly matters.

Instead, let's really make an effort to seek out wisdom and understanding. It might take some work, a bit of humility, and a genuine desire to learn. But the payoff? It’s huge, and it’s forever.

In a world that’s constantly yelling for "more, more, more," I hope we can find the clarity to go after what's genuinely better. Let's choose to invest in wisdom – that's the real treasure that makes every single part of our lives richer.

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