Wisdom Series

Topic: WISDOM'S PRECIOUSNESS

Text: Prov. 3:13-20

Christ is the Wisdom of God, and to them that believe He is precious. Those who have put on Christ have such an adorning that all the material glories of earth are not to be compared with it. "She is more precious than rubies." From these verses we may learn something of her, or His—

I.—GREATNESS. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth" (v. 19). "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,... All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:1-4). "O Lord, how manifold are Thy works, in wisdom bast Thou made them all." God, by Jesus Christ, created (Eph. 3:9). God, by Jesus Christ, Redeemed.

II.—RICHES. "Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left riches and honour" (v. 16). The treasures of true Wisdom are the treasures which belong to Jesus Christ. "Length of days," "Riches," "Honour." Everlasting life, unsearchable riches, and the Right Hand of God. In Him is Life, and the treasures of Wisdom and knowledge, and all the fulness of God; He is crowned with glory and honour. With long life doth He satisfy those to whom He hath shown His Salvation (Ps. 91-16).

III.—INFLUENCE. Wisdom has a mighty influence.

1. On the HEART. "Happy is the man that findeth Wisdom" (v. 13). The yoke of Wisdom is easy, her burden is light. To find the Wisdom of God is to find rest to the soul, light to the eyes, and joy to the heart. To find Wisdom (Christ) is to find the holy, blissful, all-conquering will, and mercy of God. A man cannot make such a find without being renewed in the whole inner man.

2. On the LIFE. "The merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver" (v. 14). Those who find Wisdom, find a new object in life, and a new sphere of action. To trade with Christ, and work for Him, is more profitable than the best investment on earth. "The gain thereof is better than fine gold."

III.—DESIRABILITY. "All the things thou canst desire are hot to be compared unto her" (v. 15). It is not possible for you to desire anything better than this. Paul knew this when he said:"What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ." You may desire great and many things, but the affections of the heart can never be set on a more worthy and needful-object than the Wisdom of God, as revealed in His Well-beloved Son. Wisdom's "ways" are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace" (v. 17). By faith Moses desired the better part, when he esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. Christ is the gift of God, covet earnestly this best gift. Those who have Him, though poor, yet can make many rich, as having nothing, yet possessing all things. "Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get Wisdom. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee" (4:7-8)

IV.—ACCESSIBILITY. "She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her" (v. 18). How can I, so weak and foolish, get possession of this Wisdom? It is not for scholars, but for sinners. Lay hold on eternal life. She is not only life to those who lay hold upon her, but "a tree of life," a well of water springing up; not only a stream of blessing, but a fountain within; Accessible! Yes. Whosoever will may come. Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out. Incline thine ear unto Wisdom, and apply thine heart; for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness (see chap. 2:1-6). Now then, "take fast hold of Wisdom, let her not go; keep her, for she is thy life" (4:13). "Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men" (8:4).