My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
Summary: Talking about the benefits of wisdom is a daunting task. Solomon compares wisdom’s fruit with precious metals.
In this passage, wisdom imagines herself to be a fruit tree. Her fruit is unique and of such high quality that it surpasses even fine gold! Can you imagine walking into a find jewelry story and finding fruit?
The benefits of wisdom are hard to describe. They are what are called “intangibles.” Gold and silver are tangible. We can touch them, hold them, and trade with them. The intangibles offered by following wisdom are very different. We can’t see them or touch them, but we can feel them.
The person who does not have wisdom is called “wicked” in Scripture. They follow their own way and oppose God’s way. The wicked serve their own self-interests first. The godly choose a different path.
Why is it better to serve God than it is to oppose him? Paul writes, “ If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19) The path wisdom chooses does not appear wise in the eyes of the world.
As we explore Scripture, we are continually brought back to the question of life after death. Do you believe that death is all there is?
Personally, I cannot. It makes no sense to me that this life formed on its own, or that the world we live on was just a happy accident of millions of unlikely events that resulted in a world that supports life. If life is not an accident, then the possible explanations for how we got here are very limited in number. My own personal research suggests that there is exactly one answer to the question of life; God.
In learning about wisdom, we are learning about God’s will. Wisdom and God’s Law go hand in hand. Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom because he embodies his Father’s will (John 5: 19).
Any questions?
Application: The ultimate expression of wisdom is committing our life to Jesus Christ.
Food for Thought: What is the fruit of wisdom?
What is the fruit of wisdom?
Scripture tells us in Proverbs 3 that wisdom bestows “well-being.” Don’t mistake that for life on easy street. Well-being meaning content and secure, rather than endlessly searching and anxious about the future.
Proverbs 3: 1-2 “My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.”
Proverbs 3:23
“Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.”
Wisdom also brings a closer relationship with God. God gives wisdom in love as a parent would to a child.
Proverbs 3: 11-12
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.”
Wisdom brings long life, resources, honor, and peace. A wise person would honor God for these, and be a living testament to His glory.
Proverbs 3:16-17
“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.”
Chris,
I really appreciate your definition of “well being.” Thank you!
If we are talking about godly wisdom, does that mean Galatians 5:22-23 fits in here?
In other ways I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 3. Jesus is our foundation, what will we build on top? What is worthy? What will last as long as Him? If our actions are good and wise, like His teaching, they’ll last. If our actions are frivolous and foolish, like the world, they’ll burn up. Although in this passage, there isn’t a better building material than gold…… But I suppose that still doesn’t explain what the fruit is.
A –
As you your conclusion … maybe not. However, you wrestled with the question and that earns you a Gold Star here on ThreeMinuteBible.
⭐
03-29-2022, Proverbs 8:19, What is the fruit of wisdom?
Fruit is something produced by a healthy tree or plant. Eternal peace with God through Christ would be the fruit of wisdom which only comes from God.
John 15:5 I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
Matthew 6:33, But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Thank you, Ron.
You remind me of Psalm 1:3 —
“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.“
Great devotion today brother. And great comments and verses by Chris, A and R2T2.
My mind initially went where A’s went. – Galatians 5: 22 – 23. The fruit of true, godly wisdom would be similar to the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit being a source of such wisdom. Not only is the Spirit a source, the in dwelling Spirit empowers us to live it out.
Thank you, Rich.
Your comment points us to an important truth. God’s Spirit and Wisdom have a lot in common.
🍎
LOL! 🙂