03.13.24
‘A Patient Quest’
Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. (Proverbs 3:13)
If the third chapter of Proverbs has a theme, it would be ‘whole-hearted discipleship’—living for the Lord fully and unreservedly. The chapter falls into three sections: a glad commitment, a patient quest, and a quiet integrity.
We have focused on the first section, A Glad Commitment (1-12). The text reveals that its foundation is sound teaching, its source is child-like trust, and it is expressed by bold obedience in every area of life.
We turn our attention now to the second section, ‘A Patient Quest’ (13-20). It likewise can be divided into three sections.
The first of these speaks of the value of wisdom (13-15). Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared unto her.
Solomon stresses that wisdom [the Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ] is better than any temporal thing, including silver, gold and rubies. Wisdom alone can make a person greatly blessed.
He also tells us that it has no value to us unless we search for it. Once we attain it, its value is found only if we make proper use of it. The word ‘merchandise’ speaks of making it our business.
Solomon then turns his attention to the gifts that accompany wisdom (16-18). Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retains her.
Wisdom is pictured as a beautiful and gracious queen. She offers a fruitful life [days not cut short by divine judgment], more riches and honor than would be otherwise, and pleasantness [communion with God]. This would include peace, joy, and eternal life. The word ‘life,’ as with the word ‘happy’ in verse 13, is plural, indicating expansion and intensity.
Solomon ends this section by talking about the magnitude of wisdom (19, 20). The LORD by wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding has He established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Even the LORD uses wisdom. It took unspeakable wisdom for God to create the universe. He used His word to speak all things into existence, and He was aided by the other members of the Trinity (Genesis 1:2; John 1:3). He uses wisdom every day in the distribution of water to the earth via springs, rivers, lakes, rain, snow, hail, dew, etc. This wisdom is at our disposal in the Person of Jesus Christ and through the blessed Word of God, the Bible.
This is a wonderful depiction of a godly life, a patient quest after the One who made us and has redeemed us by His blood.
Do you know this great God? Have you settled your eternal destiny by placing your faith in the Son of God? If we can be of any help to you, please contact us.