Happy the one who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding! 14 Her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold is her revenue; 15 She is more precious than corals, and no treasure of yours can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honor; 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace; 18 She is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and those who hold her fast are happy. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, established the heavens by understanding; 20 By his knowledge the depths are split, and the clouds drop down dew.
The Proverbs of Solomon were written, “That people may know wisdom and discipline, may understand intelligent sayings; May receive instruction in wise conduct, in what is right, just and fair (Prov. 1:2-3)". It is to teach wisdom to the young (Prov. 1:4) as well as the mature (Prov. 1:5). The first 10 chapters contain instruction, and the remainder of Proverbs is comprised mainly of two-line sayings. Readers are encouraged to view life through the filter of wisdom; wisdom gained from the cumulative human experience from ancient times, as well as divine wisdom. Wisdom is symbolized as a woman in the first nine chapters of Proverbs and can be sought out and cherished by all. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7).
Wisdom’s value is inestimable, and one should pursue wisdom rather than seek to perform wise acts. The one who finds and listens to wisdom finds life and pleases God (Prov. 8:34-35). Wisdom is to be prized above all things, and one who possesses wisdom is well respected and will lead a long and prosperous life. Wisdom is pleasant and avoids strife. The pursuit of wisdom could lead one to gain access to the tree of life (Gen. 2:9). The tree of life in Genesis represented man’s quest for immortality which could not be attained (Gen. 3:22) until Jesus reconciled mankind with God on the cross. The tree of life in Proverbs is linked to happiness (v. 18), instruction (Prov. 4:13), nourishment, and healing (Ezek. 47:12; Rev. 22:2). Wisdom was present at creation(Jer. 10:12) .
Almighty God, meditating on your commandments is our joy, and from
your Spirit knowledge and understanding flow.
Grant us the grace to discipline ourselves, advance in wisdom, and conduct
ourselves in just and fair ways. This we
pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who will guard our paths and protect our
ways if we believe in him. Amen!
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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