Deuteronomy 8:18 - But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. [NIV]
Moses was speaking to the Israelites and preparing them to enter the promised land. He reminds them of all what God has miraculously done in bringing them out of Egyptian slavery and during their wilderness wanderings over the last forty years. Moses gave the people a warning to not forget God. There will come a day when they have success and wealth, and they are supposed to remember God on that day. They are not supposed to think that they have done it all on their own.
The Israelites who were once incapable of doing anything to sustain themselves would soon think that their own power and the strength of their hand and not the limitless power of the covenant keeping God had made them prosperous. For this reason, Moses reminded the people that every gift comes from God. He exhorted them to remember the Lord Almighty is the One who is giving the ability to make wealth. Israel’s wealth (wisdom, power, imagination, material resources, skills, and strength) was a direct blessing from God.
God gives us the ability to be a success story for Him when, in all that we do, we do it for Him. We need to continually remember and acknowledge that it is God who has given us the ability to create wealth and do everything that we have done and are doing. And not forgetting that it is God who brought us where we are today and given us everything that we have today. Let us remember the Lord our God today and always.
Proverbs 3:13-15 - Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. [NIV]
The book of Proverbs serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking guidance and insight into living a wise, virtuous, and God-centered life. The teachings found in Proverbs remain relevant not only in biblical times but also in contemporary society, rendering it a timeless source of wisdom and inspiration for people of all ages. Proverbs 3 encourages us to trust in God, seek wisdom, and live in obedience to His ways.
In today's verses, King Solomon extols the value of wisdom and understanding, portraying them as highly desirable and invaluable qualities. The pursuit of wisdom is far from passive; it represents an intentional choice to seek understanding, knowledge, and discernment. Metaphors such as silver, gold, and rubies are employed to illustrate the immense value of wisdom. Just as silver, gold, and rubies are highly prized for their material wealth, wisdom is even more valuable. It cannot be quantified in monetary terms, but its benefits far exceed material wealth.
The pursuit of wisdom serves as an acknowledgment that the deepest longings of our hearts cannot be satisfied by the world's offerings. While we may chase after fame, pleasure, or material possessions, true contentment and fulfillment can solely be found in a heart that prioritizes wisdom above all else. It serves as the key that unlocks the door to a life of purpose, meaning, and lasting joy. May we treasure wisdom above all else, recognizing its eternal value and its capacity to lead us to a life that brings honor and glory to our Heavenly Father.
