Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
We all have an over-imaginative thought process when it comes to the wants that may be within our hearts and minds. We can sure come up with a wish-list if we were to start writing down all that may be desired. Yet, the Proverb tells us to desire wisdom rather than rubies, silver, and gold. Prov. 8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
Surely if I had a lot of silver and gold, I could get all that I desire. How many people say, “If I could just have that new thing, then I would be happy.” Would we be happy if we got absolutely everything we wanted without delay? I’m not sure, because I have never experienced that luxury.
Surely if I had a lot of silver and gold, I could get all that I desire. How many people say, “If I could just have that new thing, then I would be happy.” Would we be happy if we got absolutely everything we wanted without delay? I’m not sure, because I have never experienced that luxury.
I was walking through an auto junkyard with a friend who was looking for an ’86 Pontiac Parisienne tail light. As I looked over all the rust and bent car frames, I became aware that at one time a lot of these cars had been wanted and coveted with motives spurred on by avarice. These broken and rusted shells that had once been dreams and goals of individuals had now been long forgotten.
Some of these cars had been desired to the point of theft, crooked dealings and over-extended credit; just to own that car that would bring happiness. Now, these idols of imagination were being picked over and rusting away through oxidation. Where was the wisdom of Proverbs now? Matt. 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
What happened to the polished chrome shine, leather adjustable seats, fast glass, and the air-conditioned dream rides that were the answer to all that could be desired? The novelty wore off, as it always does, with any of the many idols that find their way into our hearts. Whether the wants are vacations, dream homes, careers or anything that has replaced the Lord on the throne of our hearts, there will be a disappointment.
The British songwriter Mick Jagger said it best; “I can’t get no satisfaction.” James 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. There is nothing wrong with asking, but make sure you are asking within your life lived in the Kingdom of God.
The British songwriter Mick Jagger said it best; “I can’t get no satisfaction.” James 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. There is nothing wrong with asking, but make sure you are asking within your life lived in the Kingdom of God.
Eve has been described as the woman who had everything. Gen. 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth. What more could a person want? The entire world was given to Adam and his wife Eve.
They were the stewards of everything new and created. What more could be desired? What more could a woman or a man want? The only thing outside of their grasp was the fruit of the one and only tree of knowledge of good and evil. We all know what happened and it begs the question, “Is that the result of getting all that may be desired?”
No matter how much we have, even if it is the entire earth, we will still want more. If Christ is not in control of our hearts, it seems our existence cannot be satisfied. Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Is that why God says to run after wisdom, rather than stuff? With wisdom, we will be able to handle all our stuff. Without wisdom, the stuff will own and handle us.
They were the stewards of everything new and created. What more could be desired? What more could a woman or a man want? The only thing outside of their grasp was the fruit of the one and only tree of knowledge of good and evil. We all know what happened and it begs the question, “Is that the result of getting all that may be desired?”
No matter how much we have, even if it is the entire earth, we will still want more. If Christ is not in control of our hearts, it seems our existence cannot be satisfied. Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Is that why God says to run after wisdom, rather than stuff? With wisdom, we will be able to handle all our stuff. Without wisdom, the stuff will own and handle us.
God’s wisdom in any situation will be a blessing to our lives and the answer to whatever we are looking for. We can count on the fact that the wisdom God gives us to enjoy with great favor will promote real life within us. If we choose the Lord’s wisdom to work in our lives, it will help us make right what is wrong, make straight what is crooked, and be a blessing to the Kingdom of God.
We will be influencing this world that needs the miraculous love and workings of God. Prov. 2:10 When wisdom enters into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. Imagine, God’s wisdom is worth far above all that can be desired. Give us this wisdom, Lord, that we may be complete in your love. Amen and amen!
We will be influencing this world that needs the miraculous love and workings of God. Prov. 2:10 When wisdom enters into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. Imagine, God’s wisdom is worth far above all that can be desired. Give us this wisdom, Lord, that we may be complete in your love. Amen and amen!
Good word.
Thank you for this word, Sir. Norm. I sometimes feel owned, burdened and directed by the very things I prayed for. This is because it has replaced God on the throne of my heart.