Jesus told a parable about the Kingdom of God that could easily be applied to today’s Scripture passage from Proverbs 3.
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44).
Who could resist the exchange Jesus spoke of? You’re sacrificing something minor, even if it’s all you have, to gain something of immeasurable worth.
While exploring Proverbs, both Rudy Ross and Whispering Danny talk about how wisdom in Proverbs is epitomized through Jesus.
Rudy asserts, “Whenever I encounter the word wisdom, I think of Jesus.” I think both Rudy and Danny are right on target.
When we equate wisdom with an encounter with Jesus, it’s undeniable that we will feel a profound joy when we find it.
Like the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price suggests, finding wisdom – finding Jesus – surpasses the value of silver or gold. Nothing can rival it. This is Solomon’s perspective.
Happy are those who find wisdom
and those who get understanding,
For her income is better than silver
and her revenue better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her. (Proverbs 3.13-15)
The Talmud asks, “Do you lack wisdom? Then what do you have? On the other hand, if you have acquired wisdom, what do you lack?” (paraphrase).
Money can put food on the table, but it cannot create fellowship around it. A house, no matter how nice it might be, is not necessarily a home.
On the other hand, wisdom, especially a relationship with Jesus, offers both immense physical and spiritual benefits.
Worth the Investment
As we reflect on the Pearl of Great Price, Solomon underscores that embracing God’s wisdom — a life intertwined with Jesus — is worth every ounce of our investment.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace. (Proverbs 3.16-17)
I like Josh Monk’s insight into a relationship with Jesus when he remarked, “I’ve never seen Jesus hurt anyone’s life.”
This reminds us that while following Jesus might not guarantee wealth, prestige, or longevity, we are assured of His peace and grace to support us in every facet of our lives.
The Tree of Life
In the Book of Genesis (chapter 3), Adam pursued wisdom independently of God by partaking from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
He attempted to establish his own moral code, a right that solely belongs to God. Consequently, he was excluded from enjoying the benefits of the Tree of Life.
On the other hand, those who embrace God’s wisdom find the Tree of Life that God intends for all of us to experience.
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called happy. (Proverbs 3.18)
The Tree of Life refers to immortality and healing. Here, it represents the inseparable notions of healing and immortality.
The good news story of God’s grace highlights our limitations in seeking wisdom or determining our own path without a connection to God.
In His profound love, God sent His Son to be crucified and resurrected. He also gifted us with the Holy Spirit to dwell within us.
This is our conduit to divine wisdom and our own personal experience of the Tree of Life.
By humbly receiving God’s forgiveness and establishing a relationship with Jesus, we are empowered to embark on this journey of wisdom and abundant life.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny, and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 