Lesson 13 Proverbs

Wisdom Chooses the Better Things God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he desired. 1 Kings 3:1-9 The strength of Solomon’s character and behavior prior to the request drove the offer. The humility and thoughtfulness for God’s people prompted the measure and value of the gift. Throughout Proverbs Solomon speaks to that which is better. He compares wisdom to being more valuable than rubies. Pr. 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.”

Why is wisdom so valuable? Precious metals and stones have drawn value from their rarity and the beauty of the items into which they were crafted. This same rarity and beauty can be experienced when wisdom is applied. Wisdom can save nations. Wisdom can save marriages. Wisdom can encourage those that are struggling. Wisdom can bring peace of mind. Wisdom can bring solace after a loss. Knowing what to say and how to say it at the right time is a product of wisdom.

Why is wisdom so valuable? Solomon makes the point that it is better to be wise than rich. Riches are fleeting. Wisdom is lasting. Pr. 23:5 – “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Pr. 16:16 – “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”

Why is wisdom so valuable? Solomon makes the point that it is better to be wise than rich. Riches are fleeting. Wisdom is lasting. Mt. 6:19-21 – “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

The Value of Wisdom Wisdom keeps us from feeling self-sufficient. Pr. 1:5-6 – “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.” Contrasted with Mark 10:21 where the rich young ruler was told to sell all he had and to give to the poor. Contrasted with Luke 12:19 - “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

The Value of Wisdom A wise person does what he knows is right. Mt. 7:24-25 – “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

The Value of Wisdom Wisdom brings happiness. Pr. 3:13-18 – “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. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.”

The Value of Wisdom Wisdom brings peace. Pr. 22:24 – “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” Eph. 4:26 – “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” Pr. 29:22 – “A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.” Look at the wisdom of Naaman’s servant in getting him to realize the wisdom of obedience to be cleansed.

The Value of Wisdom Wisdom brings acceptance with one’s state. Pr. 15:16-17 – “Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.” 1 Tim. 6:6-8 – “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” 1 Cor. 13 – Paul makes the point that life has no meaning without love.