The Value of Wisdom

For those of you new to Free Money Finance, I post on The Bible and Money every Sunday. Here's why.

Today I'm posting Proverbs 3:13-16, a series of verses that talks about the value of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, etc. Let's start with the NIV version:

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains 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. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

I also like the Contemporary English Version (CEV) because, well, it puts the words into how we might say them today. Their take:

God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense. Wisdom is worth more than silver; it makes you much richer than gold. Wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels; nothing you want compares with her. In her right hand Wisdom holds a long life, and in her left hand are wealth and honor. Wisdom makes life pleasant and leads us safely along. Wisdom is a life-giving tree, the source of happiness for all who hold on to her.

And just to round out this post, I wanted to include how the Message expresses these verses:

You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madame Insight. She's worth far more than money in the bank; her friendship is better than a big salary. Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. With one hand she gives long life, with the other she confers recognition. Her manner is beautiful, her life wonderfully complete. She's the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her. Hold her tight—and be blessed!

Thoughts?

Comments

[Matt]

I like the old saying, Lord, help me with what I can change, help me what I cant' change and the wisdom to know the difference.

"The Wisdom to know the difference. "

Seems like we need to spend more time seeking wisdom and you will be rewarded with a precious gift that is better than worldly measures of gold, silver and other riches.

How well do we do at knowing the difference?

[Keith]

Yes! Wisdom! It is something better than money. Yet how many of us seek after it anywhere near the way we will seek after cash? Wisdom pays well. There is long life, wealth, and honor. Those are pretty good things that I'd like to have.

[Cherleen @ My Personal Finance Journey]

I definitely agree with you. Wisdom and values are indeed far better than money. Nowadays, a lot of people are losing their values to be rich with money without realizing that wisdom is more important than money and other material possessions.

[bonney]

So basically, don't be a moron. Got it.