A Treasure Worth Seeking

• Here again we reflect on the sayings of Solomon. Remember Solomon was rumored to be the wealthiest and wisest man, in the world. Two enviable characteristics, I know I would like to have. Along with Job and Ecclesiastes, Proverbs is known as Israel's wisdom literature. Though not all, it is largely the writings of Solomon. In bibical days leadership was broken down into three distinct categories. They were either Priest, Prophets or Wisemen. Wisemen holding the lower rank. They were often called on to speak, on political issues. And moral issues of that day. Solomon was considered a wiseman, he also was a wealthy king. In this lesson we learn. In his vast array of knowledge. He is still aware of his need, to trust and believe in God. If the word of God was good enough for Solomon. It should be good enough, for me and you.
  
  Proverbs 2
  1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
  2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
  3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
  4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
  5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
  
  These verses above are used to define wisdom. It is not something that can be obtained at a university, or through education period. Notice the scripture says nothing about Harvard, MIT or Yale. Or any other institution of higher learning. Solomon is largely responsible for the writings of Proverbs. I'm sure in his day he had the best education, there was to offer. He was rumored to be the wealthiest and wisest man in the world. In his vast array of knowledge. He was still aware. The wisdom of God, exceeds all earthly knowledge. If you seek the wisdom of God earnestly, he will provide it unsparingly. If you learn that, you will possess the the ultimate education. I feel there are two lessons to be learned here. Notice scripture refers to knowledge as a she. The first person to be called wise in the old testament, was a woman. We as men should recognize and acknowledge, a woman's value to us in her splendor. This to us is above monetary gain. In bibical days silver was measure of currency. The one thing that has probably always presented a problem for man. Putting his material possessions above his devotion to God. When you have the fear of the lord and seek his guidance. It will provide you with the wisdom of God. Something that will sustain you, when earthly possessions are of no value.
  
  Proverbs 3
  1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
  2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
  3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
  4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
  5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
  6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
  
  We need God's wisdom, to best navigate this journey. To master this task we need to know and follow his commandents. In whatever one of lifes situations, we find ourselves facing. We have been given a blueprint of sorts. In the form of scripture, in the holy bible . In order to find peace in this life, we must have know and practice the ways of God. Do not let the ways of this world, dictate our actions. Don't rely on what you and others know. It is limited and finite, in it's scope. The wisdom of God is infinite. Undaunted and without end. To find favour with God, is automatic favour with man. If his purpose is right. Our only concern with the approval of man. Should be his council, in the ways of God.
  Acts 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
  Given the choice, I would choose to be on the side of the lord. If we learn and follow God's commandments. It can only enhance our lives on earth. It best prepares us for eternal life. Ultimately his ways will prevail. Follow these steps in your daily walk. It will best prepare you for the ups and downs or vicissities of life. This tells a why we need his wisdom, because it's the best.
  
  Passage Proverbs 3:13-18:
  13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
  14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
  15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
  16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
  17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
  18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
  
  Here we are reminded of the rewards of having God's wisdom. It tells you that you will be happy, once you obtain understanding. As Christians we know that everything is not always perfect. We learn to exercise the same faith in the bad times, as we rely on in the good. The wisdom found with God , provides a peace only a relationship with God can provide. Scripture uses the analogies or parables, of gold and rubies. Both being something, as humans we desire. It may not necessarily be those things. Just something we consider important. Should we seek the knowledge given by God, like we go after these things. We would really have something. The obstacles of life are unavoidable. Why not use the means God has provided for us, to make it through. If you follow the laws of God he has promised. Your days will be longer and you will be happy. Isn't that what we all really want? To be happy and live a long time. The word of God doesn't tell you when and why. His wisdom will tell you how.