“By WISDOM a house is built, and through UNDERSTANDING it is established; through KNOWLEDGE its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” (Prov. 24:3-4) We are tempted to lust after those that grow rich, and raise their estates and families, and of course all of this lusting (envying) will be to no avail. So, to set aside that temptation, Solomon here shows that a person, with practical, godly management, may raise their estate and family by righteous and honest means, with a good conscience, and a good name, and THE BLESSING OF GOD WILL BE UPON HIS EFFORTS; and, if the wealthy raise theirs a little sooner, ours will last a great deal longer! “THE WISE PREVAIL THROUGH GREAT POWER, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.” (Prov. 24:5) What is recommended here is to us having the best influence upon our outward affluence is wisdom, and understanding, and knowledge; that is, both devotion towards Spirit (for that is true wisdom) and carefulness in the management of our outward affairs. We must govern ourselves in everything by the rules of spirituality. “Trust in the LORD with ALL YOUR HEART and lean not on your own understanding; IN ALL YOUR WAYS SUBMIT TO HIM, and HE WILL make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:5-6) We must believe that our Abba Father is able to do what He will, and wise to do what is best, and good, according to His promise, TO DO WHAT IS THE FINEST FOR US, if we love Him, and serve Him. We must, with an entire submission and pleasure, depend upon Him to perform all He has promised for us, and we must not lean to our own understanding, as if we could, by any means of our own, without God, help ourselves, and bring our affairs to a good end! “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. THIS WILL BRING HEALTH TO YOUR BODY AND NOURISHMENT TO YOUR BONES.” (Prov. 3:7-8)
WISDOM IS MORE PROFITABLE THAN SILVER AND YIELDS BETTER RETURNS THAN GOLD. IT IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN RUBIES; NOTHING YOU DESIRE CAN COMPARE WITH WISDOM!
-Bill Stockham