Proverbs 3:13-24 Wisdom Personified

After encouraging us to receive discipline as evidence of God’s love for us, Solomon begins to extol the virtues of Wisdom, personified as a woman. While it seems somewhat of a quick change in subject matter, I think the two are absolutely related, for discipline from God is designed to lead us to wisdom.

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,

    the man who gains understanding,  
for she is more profitable than silver

    and yields better returns than gold.  
She is more precious than rubies;

    nothing you desire can compare with her. (Proverbs 3:13-15)

{When I read these verses, I’m immediately reminded of Solomon’s description of the virtuous woman, in Proverbs 31, who is also worth more than rubies! Hmm... women and wisdom tied together. It’s always struck me as funny that there is no corresponding Proverb for “virtuous” men in this book! :) } 

Solomon continues to describe the blessings of wisdom:

Long life is in her right hand;

    in her left hand are riches and honor.  
Her ways are pleasant ways,

    and all her paths are peace.  
She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;

    those who lay hold of her will be blessed. (vs. 16-18)

Finally Solomon assures us that if we will just cling to wisdom, sound judgment and discernment (vs. 21), we will go in safety and our foot will not stumble, we will not be afraid, and best of all in my opinion, our sleep will be sweet (vs. 23-24). Nothing provides a good night’s sleep like the confidence and peace that come from being encouraged and strengthened by God’s Word! In fact, Solomon promises in verses 25 and 26 that we will have no need to fear sudden disaster because the LORD will be our confidence. That’s a guarantee for good sleep that’s much better than any sleep aide can provide!

With all of the things the world has to offer - all of the gold and glitter found in the catalogs that fill our mailboxes at this time of year (which I call “covet books”), nothing compares to the wisdom of God. He alone offers what truly satisfies. He is the only gift that lasts and is truly the “one size fits all.” Jesus is the reason for the season. He is the Word of God made flesh. He is the gift we need to receive and the gift we need to give! Next time I will share with you one way we can pass that gift along.