Proverbs 3:13
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Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
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Daily goals for your life must include seeking wisdom and understanding. They will do more for your life than any other possession. They will bring you true happiness and many other blessings. What is your chief ambition in life today? Are you chasing vanity?
The Preacher exhorted his son to search for wisdom (2:1-9); it would save him from much trouble (2:10-21). To further excite his son, and us, in our pursuit of it, he describes great blessings it will bring (3:14-18). Together, they would make any man very happy.
Compared economically, obtaining wisdom and understanding is better than a prosperous business in gold and silver (3:14). They are of greater value than rubies (3:15). In fact, wisdom and understanding are more important than anything you could possible seek in your life (3:15). Financial gain does not give lasting happiness to any man, and it brings enormous worries and problems with it (23:4-5; Eccl 5:10-17; I Tim 6:9-10).
Wisdom and understanding will give you a long life, riches, and honor (3:16). They will bring you pleasantness and peace (3:17). They will be the source of a wonderful life; and if you keep them, you will be very happy (3:18). There is nothing this world has to offer that can even compare. Why will you waste any more effort chasing something else?
If this fabulous description of the benefits of wisdom and understanding was only half true, we should still make getting them a priority! Nothing else you are working for even comes close. But Solomon, king of Israel, knew what he wrote. Having tried every sort of project and pleasure to find profit and happiness in this life, he concluded that wisdom and understanding are the great goals (8:32-36). See the comments on 25:1.
Wisdom and understanding know the basis and purpose for life and how to deal rightly with each situation life brings. Instead of the hopeless confusion of not knowing what man is here for and how to handle life's problems, those with wisdom and understanding find life a pleasant and peaceful experience with much happiness. They are successful and rich, as measured by noble standards; and they are honored among good men.
Wisdom and understanding are built on the foundation of fearing the Lord (1:7; 9:10). They are increased by rejecting your own ideas and trusting the Lord's instruction (3:5-7), which is found in His holy scriptures (II Tim 3:16-17), especially Proverbs. God raised up Solomon and inspired these select proverbs to teach young men, and every reader, wisdom and understanding (1:1-4). Learning them should be a daily goal.
Every day must include begging God for wisdom (Jas 1:5), repudiating your own folly (Job 33:27), searching the Scriptures for it (Acts 17:11), and doing what you learn (Jas 1:22). With effort applied in these areas, you will find wisdom and get understanding (2:5,8; 8:17). But you must sacrifice to make this a priority. See the comments on 18:1.
Ultimate and infinite wisdom and understanding are in the Lord Jesus Christ (Col 2:3). He came to give His elect children the abundant life, as they believe and obey more and more perfectly (John 10:10). In Him is full and unspeakable joy (I Pet 1:8; I John 1:4)!
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