Proverbs - Wisdom is Better

Proverbs 8:10-11

                                            Receive my instruction, and not silver;

and knowledge rather than choice gold.

 For wisdom is better than rubies;

and all the things that may be desired

are not to be compared to it.

                        Here we are given a choice.  We should receive instruction - not silver and knowledge rather than gold.  What does this say to the believer who chooses to earn time-and-a-half on a Sunday rather than sit under his pastor’s bible teaching?  What does this say to the one who chooses to ignore the gathering together with believers giving his or her employment as the priority?  Receiving instruction is of higher value than receiving a paycheck.

                        Another lesson to learn from these verses is that choosing to take on employment which conflicts with wisdom for your family cheapens the quality of life the Lord would have for you.  A woman may think that her husband taking a second job, or she, herself, committing to that outside source of income will solve their problems but, in fact, could very well be foolish and result in the devastation of their marriage or family.  We do not measure our choices by their financial success.  We measure our choices by the leading of the Holy Spirit and God’s priorities for our homes.  A foolish woman tears down her own house.  When a woman is seeking to make decisions to gain financially she most likely will make choices that invite the enemy of her soul to come and kill, steal and destroy.  Let’s ask for the insight into the wise choices rather than those that produce silver, gold or rubies.

                        I like the word ‘all’ in the bible.  It is so entailing.  It covers everything.  I don’t even have to think of which the verse refers.  Here ALL the things that may be desired are not to be compared with wisdom.  That means, marriage, a home, security, good health, reputation, children, peace etc. are not to be compared with wisdom.  We need to seek the Lord for wisdom and many of the things we desire will come as a result of His leading in our lives.