by Emily Conrad
She’s more precious than rubies. It’s a well-known phrase from the Bible, variations of which appear at least twice in Proverbs. Once, in Proverbs 31, it’s referring to a godly woman. However, when I searched the phrase to find the reference this morning, I learned that it also shows up in another context.
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who obtains understanding.
For her benefit is more profitable than silver,
and her gain is better than gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
and none of the things you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 3:15, NET
‘She’ refers to wisdom in this case, the very thing I’ve been asking God for, so His leading me to stumble my way to this chapter of the Bible was an answer to prayer, one I would like to share with you.
If you’re seeking direction–and who isn’t?–I encourage you to read Proverbs 3. What you get from it may be different from what I got, but I wrote this letter to myself based on this passage. It’s blessed me, and I hope it will bless you, too.
Daughter, in the midst of your struggles and trials, don’t forget what you know to be true. Though sometimes, it feels like there isn’t much you can outwardly do to get closer to your goals and dreams, remember that the most important actions you can take are in your heart, by choosing attitudes of faith and love. This is how to make the most of every day, how to live a long and peaceful life.
It’s easier said than done. Maintaining faith and love requires you to be in the Word constantly, and the only way to do that is to internalize truth, to memorize it and make it a part of your knee-jerk thought processes, routing your brain and heart toward the positive and away from the life-stealing negative spirals into which the world would strap you tight.
Trust God, even when your ability to reason fails you. Even when you look around and fail to see the next step, let alone the answer or the solution. Only choose what is right, what lines up with His word, and He will straighten what may seem to you to be a wandering, roundabout path toward His will.
As you walk in faith, also give in faith. The Lord values humility and generosity. Practice these, and you will be blessed with more than you need.
When things get hard, when consequences come, and when truth stings, accept it. Learn. Let that stinging truth wash you like salt water, healing, for your Father disciplines and teaches you because He delights in you. He wants the best for you, and wisdom is best.
Cull understanding from those difficult circumstances and from His Word. God’s wisdom will never fail you. Money, houses, success–you name it–none of it will do for you what wisdom does. It’s wisdom, and not wealth, that holds the keys to long life, riches, and honor.
Wisdom will lead you on pleasant paths of peace. Wisdom is a tree of life from which you are invited to eat, whose fruit will bless you. Nothing else in this world can compare to the wisdom of God, because it is God’s wisdom that established this world in the first place.
Secure in His wisdom, you will not stumble, though you may feel that you’re walking in the dark. You can rest in peace, knowing He will guard you.
Don’t be afraid of calamity; the children of God never face it alone. You needn’t horde your resources to prepare for it. Rather, be generous, because God will supply your needs.
And because you have the protection of God, you are also free to live in peace, to choose right even when wrong would have you believe it’s a faster way to get ahead. We know this isn’t the case. Those who deny God and His ways will face terrible consequences. God favors the humble, those who cherish His wisdom above anything this world offers.
I would love to hear about passages that have spoken to you as you seek direction in your life! Please use the comments to share!
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