Mar 5, 2022 – Proverbs 3:13-18 – Wisdom and Jesus?
Daily Word
Proverbs 3:13-18 (New Living Translation) [A thought for thought translation]
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
Proverbs 3:13-18 (New American Standard Bible) [A word for word translation]
13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding.
14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast.
Pastor’s Thoughts
You may not be aware of this but there are two ways to read the book of Proverbs. One way is to read it with the mindset of wanting God’s wisdom so that we can experience His blessings on Earth and worship and praise Him.
The other way to read the book of Proverbs is to read it with the mindset of wisdom actually being a replacement word for Jesus Christ. I know you say but Jesus is a man not a woman. The Hebrew word for wisdom is actually a feminine noun so the writer used a woman as his representation. Even if you think I and others who see what I see are off my rocker. Read the passage above replacing the word wisdom and understanding with Jesus. And her with Him.
I’m betting your seeing a little of what I see when I read the book of Proverbs. Especially this passage.
I am not saying you can’t read the book of Proverbs with the concept of wisdom as well. I am just saying you can do both and gain a lot spiritually from doing so.
Now, lets read this passage as is. What is it that you desire in this world? Whatever you chose, it can’t and won’t ever be able to compare to what wisdom offers. Money can’t buy life, peace, or happiness. But wisdom most certainly can. Wisdom comes from God. It can’t be bought. Those who love God and show Him reverence will receive wisdom.
If you are pursuing Jesus wholeheartedly and yet not experiencing all the benefits above, it doesn’t mean that you lack wisdom. Remember, Proverbs is a book of probabilities, not guarantees. The book when read from the wisdom perspective is meant to get its readers to reevaluate how they live their lives, and to change course where necessary to how God intended His children to live. Now when you read proverbs from the Jesus perspective, you get all of it guaranteed. I’m just saying (wink, wink). I’d also encourage you to read 1 Corinthians chapter 1, verses 8 through 31 and let me know what you think about wisdom being a symbol for Jesus. Specifically verse 24 and verse 30. Was Jesus not the ultimate example of wisdom as He lived His life?
Live your life patterned after God, His Son, and His Word and you will not regret it. It provides more value than anything this world has to offer.
Have a blessed Saturday everyone. Prioritize worshipping Jesus with other brothers and sisters in Christ tomorrow at a local church.
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