“Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Prov 4:5-7). God has the writer telling us that we are to seek wisdom above all things if we wish to live a meaningful and godly life, even though it should cost us everything we have. The harmony of scripture finds this same point emphasized repeatedly in the teachings of the Lord Jesus. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, we are told by Jesus to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). In other words, our primary focus must not be on worldly matters such as what we shall eat, what kind of clothes to wear, or other concerns of everyday life.
The elementary goal of a Christian is always to be learning and accepting the counsel of God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. What is referred to as wisdom is not the “street smarts” which help a person to succeed in worldly matters. Such knowledge is very frequently is direct conflict with those ways which are pleasing in the eyes of our Father in heaven. The ways of God are clearly revealed in the word of God, and our responsibility is to renew our minds on a daily basis through washing with the water of the word. Earthly riches and honor may not come to us, but there will be a future inheritance of everlasting riches and honor from God providing we diligently seek God’s wisdom and understanding no matter what the cost, even those the cost be all we have. Such is emphasized by Jesus’ parables of the treasure hidden in a field and the merchant seeking beautiful pearls.
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:44-46). The kingdom of heaven in these parables is akin to that of gaining wisdom and understanding in this week’s proverb. Knowing the ways of God and putting them into practice in the same as possessing a priceless treasure by transferring our hearts and devotion to the supreme interest of all, Jesus Christ. He who is our Redeemer and Intercessor at the right hand of the Father in heaven is the greatest Protector imaginable. And in response to loving Him and obeying His commandments, we are able to live our lives in full assurance of His watchful care both now and for evermore.
