Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
Summary: This verse commingles two economic systems; the world of silver and gold, and the world of wisdom and understanding. Understanding these systems is helpful for the Christian who wants to gain wisdom and understanding.
How do you measure profitability? What do you use for a measuring stick? How do you define profit?
The people of this world generally think of profit in terms of money. Each transaction, whether buying or selling, is a potential “win” or “loss” financially. Some people understand this, but many do not.
The word “profit” is also used in the general sense, meaning that you are better off than you were. This may be a more “profitable” use of the word.
“Currency” is a term that describes how we measure economic power. Throughout history, silver and gold have been used as currency because people value these shiny metals and because they are in limited supply. Imagine for a moment a world where that is not true.
Imagine you have traveled to a different planet. Silver and gold, diamonds, and other gemstones are littered everywhere. They lay on the ground like dust and people walk by, ignoring them. Instead of being attracted to shiny metals, the people you meet on this planet are attracted to wisdom and understanding.
Instead of competing at sporting events, you discover that these new people compete at gaining wisdom and understanding. They judge each other, not by how they look, but by what is in their hearts and minds.
This system is so radically different, we would be very hard-pressed to live by it for even a day. How would we judge who is wise? We need wisdom to recognize wisdom! People without understanding cannot understand why understanding is important.
Economics and material currency are important in the world. They are a material symbol of trust between people. We trust that each of us values the same thing — at least to some extent. As Christians, we use money just like everyone else. But unlike everyone else, we also live in a world where wisdom and understanding have value. As we mature in our faith, we depend less and less on material currency and more and more on spiritual values.
Until we pass from this life and are born fully into the next, we are tied to this world’s economy. In the next life, God provides fully for our needs. Understanding and wisdom are everywhere. The light of God illuminates every heart.
Application: Our focus on serving God keeps us from being slaves to this world’s economy.
Food for Thought: How can we apply God’s love in this world through its economy?
I believe that it is fair to state that today’s world economy is not a fair one. Some are born wealthy, some poor; some gain great wealth with much work or little, and others lose great wealth both by poor decisions or through no fault of their own. Political decisions are made, wars are fought, and people down right cheat. It could be discouraging, but I think that it presents to Christians the opportunity to demonstrate God’s love; to live up to the two greatest commandments: love God and love other’s as yourself.
I believe if we follow the Holy Spirits leading on when and how to help those around us in need, we can apply and share God’s love. We can share our resources, and we can accept help when we need it.
For some reason this morning as I thought about this question I thought about Ma Dockery, who was an older lady (like 90 years old) that attended church when I was 10. She used to sit on a pew and hand out sticks of Big Red chewing gum to all the kids. Not all at once, she would call out to you or if we (the kids) saw her we would go up to her in one’s and two’s. It wasn’t just a distribution of gum, there was a short conversation involved too. It was usually about God’s love and how to apply it to daily life. I think she had the Bible memorized, and was always ready with a verse that applied to you. I’ve always felt like that is the way it is supposed to be: sharing in order to open a door to make a connection. Thinking about this, I also think about how, when a “new kid” showed up at church, because the family attended maybe just that once, that kid got a stick of gum and a conversation too. That kid was not afraid to talk to Ma, because all the kids were not afraid to talk to Ma, and maybe that kid received a message that he/she wouldn’t normally get.
How can we apply God’s love in this world through its economy? By being open to the Holy Spirit’s leading, be open to sharing, being open to making a connection, and being unwavering in our commitment.
What a beautiful example, Chris!
Thanks Chris!
What a blessing to know a Ma Dockery in your life! Perhaps one day you will follow in her footsteps? I also appreciate the idea of combining material blessings with spiritual ones.
Riches of this world can be used for God’s glory. Luke 16: 9 – 13; Matthew 25: 14 – 46. These could include material wealth, the use of talents and service, etc.
There is an old Christian song called “Thank you” also known as “Thank you for giving to the Lord” by Ray Boltz. It is a catchy song and a tear jerker. It is about a man who has a dream in which God showed him his eternal impact through an average life of someone who was faithful to God. This question reminded me of the lyrics of that song. We can all make an eternal difference by taking the talents and gifts God has given us and using them for His purposes.
Thank you, Rich.
I had not heard that song before. I looked it up and I have linked to it here. The link includes the words to the song and if you scroll down there is an embedded video of Ray singing it.
Thanks brother. It is a powerful song.
02-09-2022, Proverbs 3:13-14, How can we apply God’s love in this world through its economy?
Jesus did not have a place to lay His head but did have Judas as the keeper of the money bag which was intended to help the poor.
John 12:5-6
Jesus tells us, not to store up for ourselves treasures of earth, but to store for ourselves treasures in heaven. For where our treasures are, there our hearts will be also, we must choose between the riches of God, or the world. Then a few verses later, He tells us we should follow His example and seek FIRST, the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness. Matthew 6:19-24, Matthew 6:33
First we should support our home church, have a fund to help any who fall into hard times. Summer bible school programs as an outreach to those around us, support food kitchens, mission field. Israel has several good charities. Those in need are all around us, we just need to be discerning and praying for God to guide us.
Thanks Ron,
It is easy to lose sight of how important our local church ministry is. The song that Rich pointed us to is a good illustration of how lives are touched by the small things we do.
Hey Jeff,
It would be great if our churches could be praying for guidance on where to invest their excess rather than praying we meet budget.
I’m not sure I can add much more to today’s discussion. I truly believe we can add to the economy as it was stated above, being open to hear God leading us and do His will as He has called us to do. To share what He has provided for us with those less fortunate. To love God and others. To use our gifts He has given us to bless others.
I used to think I had nothing to offer others. I spent countless years comparing myself to other people’s talents and gifts and thinking since I couldn’t do the same thing they could do, I had nothing to offer anyone. It took me a long time to understand that 1) I was jealous; 2) The devil was using this thought process to keep me down and 3) I will never be perfect this side of heaven.
Once I got over this type of thinking, I realized that I could 1) Appreciate what others could do that I did not know how to do (and maybe, just maybe, I could learn from them); 2) I actually do have gifts to offer others; and 3) it’s okay not to be perfect. After all, light shines through the cracks.
The world looks at economy from a monetary standpoint, but God looks at economy from a heart and soul standpoint. God’s measurement of my economy is much more gentle than the world’s measure of it.
I have shared it before but my favorite quote is “People can be better or worse for having met you. They might as well be better.”
The light does shine through the cracks! Love what you added to the conversation today Darla.
Blessings,
Ron
Darla,
My new favorite quote is, “Light shines through the cracks!”
🙂
Thank you!