Wisdom is more valuable than all the wealth in the world. It is so valuable because it’s so rare. It’s precious and is sought after more than gold, silver or precious gems. It’s rare and wonderful!

The “Wisdom Literature” in the bible consists of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. Thus, one would expect to find in these books a consistent view of “wisdom” which would help us focus our efforts in finding it. We are not disappointed. The authors of Psalms and Proverbs quotes Job 28:28 where he says, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.”

There’s an interesting conversation in John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” on the subject of “the fear of the Lord.” Christian’s traveling companion, Hopeful, asks him, “how would you describe a correct fear of the Lord?” Christian answers that a correct understanding of the fear of the Lord is seen by three things: First, is how it is aroused. To be a true “fear of the Lord” it must arise from a realization of and a conviction of one’s sinfulness. Wisdom begins with a recognition and acceptance of the depravity of man, with the confession, “I am one of them.” Second, is where the fear leads. To be the fear leading to wisdom it must point the convicted sinner to the Cross of Calvary. This fear causes him to look to Christ and to cling to Christ for the resolution of his sin problem. Third, a true fear of the Lord gives birth to a deep reverence for God, his word, and a desire to follow in God’s ways. The fear of the Lord keeps one’s heart tender toward sin, and passionate for God, exciting the thrill of living right

Hopeful replies, “ Well said; I believe you have said the truth.”

Chuck
“You guided my conception and formed me in the womb. You clothed me with skin and flesh, and you knit my bones and sinews together.” (Job 10:10-11)