Proverbs 2: The Value of Wisdom

"If you seek [wisdom] like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:4-5

What is the value of wisdom? Perhaps we know what wisdom is, but what is its value? In other words, what is the point of seeking wisdom? Why should we go out of our way to attempt to find knowledge and understanding?

Before we go anywhere, we must define what wisdom is. Simply put, wisdom is knowledge, applied. Wisdom is the application of knowledge, knowledge that you put into practice. As Pastor Chuck once said, "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, but wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." Wisdom is knowledge, applied.

But what is wisdom's worth? After promising that if we seek wisdom we will find it (see verse above), Proverbs 2 speaks of how wisdom is of great value to us in three ways: (1) deliverance from evil, (2) deliverance from adultury, and (3) eternal righteous dwelling.

Firstly, wisdom is valuable because it delivers us from evil (Prov. 2:10-15). Wisdom is the resource that we need in order to not follow the path of the wrongdoer. So often we wronglfully desire to follow the path of evil, but wisdom shows us how the path of evil will not end well, and how we should follow the path of goodness and obedience to God instead.

Secondly, wisdom is valuable because it delivers us from adultery (Prov. 2:16-19). Perhaps adultery is too deep a topic for your Friday morning devotional time, but we all know of way too many a man (and woman) that has fallen into the trap of sexual temptation. Proverbs 2 tells us that wisdom can keep us from such things. Rather than giving way to any sexual temptation, wisdom guards us (see Prov. 2:8) from turning down the path of sexual immorality.

Thirdly, wisdom is valuable because it allows us to walk in righteousness forever (Prov. 2:20-22). Although all other things will pass away, the one who walks in wisdom and righteousness remains (Prov. 2:21). Wisdom will not let you down, but it will keep you in the paths of righteousness forever if you listen to it.

So, do you understand the value of wisdom today? Do you seek it like silver and search for it like gold? If not, I encourage you to do so, because if you do you will be protected from all evil and be guarded in righteousness forever. Amen.