A Treasure Worth Seeking
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Key Verse: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” Selected Scripture: |
KING SOLOMON, WHO authored the first twenty-nine chapters of Proverbs, was especially cited for his exceeding wisdom. (I Kings 3:12) The godly counsel he dispensed in this book reflects both Divine and natural laws which, when obeyed, would provide a greater measure of peace and blessings than could otherwise be attained.
Those who hearken to guidance offered by their earthly parents generally fare better in the world than others who rely upon their own understanding of matters. Consecrated believers, who obey the principles outlined by their Heavenly Father, have the hope of attaining eternal life with Christ.—Prov. 3:2
“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” (vss. 3,4) Anyone who shows mercy towards others, and is truthful in his speech, will likely be acknowledged by his fellow man as being kind, honorable, and one who is worthy of respect.
Those who have dedicated their lives to Christ, having repented from their sins, and being recipients of God’s forgiveness, above all people should be merciful in their dealings with others since they have been blessed so abundantly. Truthfulness and sincerity are evidences of a regenerated heart, and, without that quality of heart condition, none may expect to be part of the body of Christ. Nevertheless, the opportunity to learn righteousness will be given to the human family during the coming age, when Satan will be bound and unable to deceive mankind for one thousand years.—Rev. 20:1-3
The value of seeking and acknowledging Divine wisdom is further emphasized in this chapter. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”—vss. 5-7
Even those who have not fully committed their lives to God often will concede that the wisdom contained in the Bible has long endured. For this reason, when difficult situations occur, quite often they will search for passages of scripture that may help them in their dilemma. While periodic reference to the Word of God is preferable to ignoring its advice completely, those who fully devote their lives in consecration to God will derive the maximum benefits from the Bible. These recognize the fallible nature of their own judgment, and trust the Lord to direct their steps in his way, instead of demonstrating conceit by believing themselves sufficient to successfully cope with all of life’s affairs.
In the Key Verse, we find ‘wisdom’ to be a veiled representation of the Savior. This thought is also given elsewhere in the Bible. “Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” (I Cor. 1:30) How blessed are all of the Lord’s people who can claim Jesus as their own. By claiming him, and the wisdom which results from understanding his character, we will truly find a treasure worth seeking.