Whatever Else You Gain

Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. 

Proverbs 4:7 

… in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

Colossians 2:3  

Solomon was, according to the Scripture, the wisest man who ever lived. God said to him, “behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.” He ruled Israel during its’ golden age. He wrote much of the book of Proverbs. He valued knowledge and wisdom. Scripture records that he succeeded in an impressive array of accomplishments including the gathering of wealth, power, and influence in the ancient world. Therefore when we come to this text it is important for us to put his advice in the context of the vast number of areas in which he was succeeding. Thus, he advices, ‘get wisdom, and in all your getting, get understanding.’ In our vernacular, we might put it, ‘Whatever else you get, get understanding.’ Solomon prized wisdom above anything else that he could acquire. He advises us to do the same. The second portion of our text holds the key to how to go about acquiring this wisdom Solomon prized so highly. It leads us to Christ, ‘in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.’ Looking to Christ first is always the best way forward.  

Our Gracious God and our Savior, 
we rejoice at all You bestow upon us. 
We praise You that the wisdom and knowledge we need 
is all in You.  

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning