God’s Word reserves for wisdom an exalted status. It is more valuable (and elusive) than precious metals or rare stones (Job 28). It is more to be desired than great wealth (Prov. 16:16). It is sweet and nourishing like honey (Prov. 24:13-14). Personified as Lady Wisdom, she gives “noble things” and reveals “right things” to those who heed her voice (Prov. 8:6). With wisdom is truth, righteousness, and the power of divine creativity.
Christ Himself is Wisdom incarnate. He closely identified with Lady Wisdom in Matthew 11:19, “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” The Apostle Paul referred to Christ as “the power of God and the wisdom of God…who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:24, 30). The heart of the gospel is the true message that Christ is of infinite worth, alone able to satisfy God’s infinite justice which rightly demands death as the penalty for human sin. This is “the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:21) which the world rejects as foolishness.
What could be more valuable? Answer: nothing.
From the brief survey above, it is evident that the value of wisdom has two dimensions. Both are incorporated into the reflection recorded in Proverbs 3:13-26. Most obviously, the everyday value of wisdom is highlighted. In contrast to riches, “nothing you desire compares with her” (v. 15). The blessing that attends wisdom far exceeds even the blessing that we naturally associate with gold, silver, and jewels. In fact, wisdom secures for us such things in addition to “long life…and honor” (v. 16). Consider the example of King Solomon (1 Kings 3). Wisdom is valuable for the practical affairs of life.
More profoundly, however, the value of wisdom has an eternal dimension. “She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her” (v. 18), and “the LORD by wisdom founded the earth” (v. 19). Wisdom is thus inextricably linked to the future blessedness of God’s elect, and it is how God created all things in the past. The wonderful workings of God’s providence operate on the same principle of wisdom, as it is “by His knowledge the deeps were broken up and the skies drip with dew” (v. 20).
How then shall we live in the light of divine wisdom and its worth? Answer: with it.
Wisdom and its corollaries (i.e., understanding and discretion) are to be our constant companions in this life. Like the Torahic frontlets prescribed to the exodus generation (Deut. 6:8), wisdom and discretion are to be “adornment to your neck” (Prov. 3:22). Christians are to deck themselves out in the illumining garb of divine wisdom to light their path. The outcome is a holy confidence obtained both in trial and in triumph. “Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught” (vv. 23-26).
This final note of reliance upon the active involvement of God in our lives is critically important for realizing the true value of biblical wisdom. The biblically wise person acknowledges and delights in how God operates on His people. The Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth (John 16:13) is our chief Counselor, Comforter, and Encourager (John 14:16-17, 26) in every circumstance (2 Cor. 9:8; Phil. 4:11-13). In the Spirit-wrought fear of the Lord, all lesser fears are cast out (1 John 4:18). His grace is sufficient, His wisdom is of inestimable worth, His purposes are altogether good, and His presence is felt near at hand.
The true value of wisdom flows from this deeply personal element. Unlike gold, silver, gems, or honey, divine wisdom is no mere commodity. Far from being something we simply handle or use, divine wisdom is deeply personal to us. God Himself is with us, operating upon us by Word and Spirit. God, then, is the true value of wisdom. Just as “the Lamb is all the glory of Emmanuel’s land,” so too we might say that “God Himself is all the value of wisdom’s guiding hand.”
Editor’s Note – This article originally appeared on The Place for Truth blog “Theology for Everyone” from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals here, and is republished by permission.
