THE VALUE OF WISDOM

It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Neither gold nor crystal can equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold – Job 28: 16-17

What is of greatest value in life? What do we need most in life, in every situation, and under every condition? What is primary for leaders to possess in order to fulfil their vision? What is that thing that ministers need most to accomplish their mission? What does a husband or wife require most to be the kind of spouse he or she vowed to be? What do parents need to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? What do young people need to find their way in life? Some may say that all we need is love. Others may suggest that we just need faith. Still others would submit that the primary need of man is happiness. Yet, some believe that what Christians and the Church need is more strength or power!

The question is: what does God say? What is our first, principal, and most fundamental need? Proverbs 4:7 offers an apt answer: “WISDOM is the principal thing…” Wisdom is worth pursuing, seeking, finding, and possessing. You should bend all your effort to become wiser today than you were yesterday; and tomorrow than you are today. Finding wisdom will secure a future and hope for your soul (Pro.24:13-14). In other words, by means of wisdom you can make your way into a hope-filled future. Proverbs 19:8 says, “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul: he who keeps understanding shall find good.” So, do yourself a favour: Get wisdom!

Our meditative passage in Job 28 reveals that the Wisdom of God is more precious and priceless than any treasure you can ever imagine. Wisdom is superior to the gold of Ophir, precious onyx, sapphire, crystals, silver, and all forms of fine gold jewellery. Wisdom herself speaks in Proverbs 8:32-36: "And now, my sons, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways . . . Happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who misses me injures himself; all who hate me love death." To the extent that you catch the revelation of the Value of Wisdom, to that extent your life will take on Value!