What’s a Treasure Worth?
For centuries, adventurers have scoured the earth, braving the depths of the oceans and the heights of mountains, all in search of hidden treasures. The allure of gold, silver, and precious gems has driven many to risk everything. But what if I told you that there’s a treasure far more valuable than any sunken ship’s bounty, and it’s right in front of us? This treasure is wisdom, and it’s waiting to be discovered in the pages of the Bible.
The Priceless Value of Wisdom
Wisdom is more important than finding a sunken treasure because the beautiful thing is, it’s right here in front of us at our finger tips. All we have to do is open up the book and read. We’ll never have to pay the exorbitant price that treasure hunters do, but we will have to invest something equally valuable: our time and effort. This is what is called “sweat equity.”
You have to pay the price with learning, growing, reading, studying, and seeing what it means for you. Pastor Jim said in his sermon, “You and I, literally, as the Scripture says in Proverbs 2, are to be treasure hunters looking for the golden and silver nuggets that are in this book.” These “nuggets of wisdom” help us learn, grow, and understand how to live our lives more fully and righteously and avoid trouble and regret.
The Challenge: One Proverb a Day
Last week, Jim challenged each of us to read a proverb every day for seven days. Seven days later, how many of you have kept up with this challenge? If you have, congratulations! If not, don’t worry. It’s never too late to start. The key is not to get too far behind. Too many times, when we challenge ourselves to do something, we get behind and then feel overwhelmed trying to catch up.
So, Jim gave us a simple plan: read one proverb a day. Digest it a little bit. Maybe read it again before you go to bed so that you can understand what it says. This practice will help you internalize the wisdom and make it a part of your daily life.
Try Highlighting
Jim encouraged us that if there’s something that jumps out in the text, highlight it. It’s okay to write in your Bible. Highlighting and making notes in the margins can help you remember key insights and revisit them later. This practice turns your Bible into a living document, a personal treasure map guiding you through the many personal experiencess of life.
Why Proverbs?
The Book of Proverbs is a treasure trove of wisdom. Written by King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, these sayings cover a wide range of topics—from relationships and finances to integrity and humility. Each proverb is a nugget of wisdom, a piece of divine advice that can help us navigate the challenges of life. It is timeless because human beings have not changed, nor the temptations we find in life.
Proverbs 3:5-6 is a good verse to memorize: “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.” This simple yet profound advice can guide us, reminding us to rely on God’s wisdom rather than our own. Click here to read some of the most popular proverbs, or wise sayings.
The Many Benefits of Wisdom
The benefits of seeking wisdom are numerous. Proverbs 3:13-18 tells us that wisdom is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. It is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
Who wouldn’t want that? Imagine living a life characterized by peace, honor, and long-lasting joy! That’s the promise of wisdom. It’s not just about making smart decisions; it’s about living a life that aligns with God’s will, a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and attainable by anyone.
Here’s How to Gain Wisdom
- Acknowledge Your Need for Wisdom: The first step in gaining wisdom is recognizing that you need it! Proverbs 4:7 says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
- Ask God for Wisdom: James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives generously to all without finding fault. When you pray, ask God to grant you the wisdom you need for life’s situations.
- Seek and Search for Wisdom: Proverbs 2:1-6 emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom as if it were a hidden treasure. This means dedicating time to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word.
- Apply Wisdom in Your Life: It’s not enough to know what is right; we must also do what is right. James 1:22-25 urges us to be doers of the word, not just hearers. Put the wisdom you gain into practice in your daily life.
Conclusion
In a world obsessed with material wealth and fleeting pleasures, we need wisdom now more than ever. The Book of Proverbs offers us divine wisdom, relevant for today, readily accessible, and infinitely valuable. We should commit to being treasure hunters, diligently seeking the gold and silver nuggets of wisdom that God has given to us. If we do, we will enrich our lives and find more peace in life. Happy treasure hunting.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this Sunday. Together, we can experience God’s Grace and share the love of Jesus with those around us.
