This chapter continues to describe the benefits of wisdom, and the consequences of foolishness.
“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it, but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.” (v1-2, 5, 20-22)
Solomon says that true wisdom, which comes from God, is to be gathered, stored up, and treasured. Why is wisdom so important? It helps keep us on the paths of righteousness, fear the Lord, and invite God to shield and protect us from evil.
This begs the questions: “What do I gather?” “What do I store up?” “What do I treasure?” If we respond with things like money, accomplishment, status, relationships, power, fame, or material possessions we may want to ask for God’s help in changing our priorities. Pursuing some of those things isn’t sin in and of itself, however, if they are our primary motivators we will wander off of the paths of righteousness.
I encourage us to spend some prayerful time this week examining that which we gather and treasure. If things from God (eg. wisdom, teaching, and His word) are in top positions on our ‘most wanted’ list, then we’re on the right track. If there are items on our list higher than any of God’s righteous pursuits, do not panic – God is longing to help us reprioritize our lives. He will lovingly lead back onto the paths of righteousness if we simply invite Him to do so.
Father God, our Wise and Gracious Lord, we thank You for who You are and all You do. Your ways are righteous and Your works are mighty. May we learn to value and treasure that which You desire for us, and decrease our appetites for less righteous pursuits. May our minds and desires be transformed by You, for Your glory and honor, from this day forward, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training