Treasure Hunter. Daily Devotional, March 15, 2010

Exodus 26, John 5, Proverbs 2, Galatians 1
　
Proverbs is my favorite book of the Bible, I love the practical and concentrated scriptures that never fail to convict or direct. Reading Proverbs 2 today (as well as hearing stories throughout my week) gave me a greater sense of value for wisdom and discretion.

There are many myths about wisdom. One myth is that wisdom is somehow coincides with age. Although there are plenty of people we could all think of who are advanced in years and yet still making poor choices. Another myth is that wisdom coincides with education or intellect, yet there are also people who have PhD’s and still have no common sense in life or relational decisions. I think another myth would be that you are either born with wisdom or you aren’t, as if it is hereditary. Yet, if we were born with wisdom then why would the scriptures be so adamant that we seek after wisdom?

"1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God."

Verse 4 correlates the way we should search for wisdom as a miner searches for silver or treasure. That gives me a picture of someone who works, digs, seeks out and strives for that tiny piece of valuable wisdom. I heard a story of a man who always carries a notebook around with him everywhere he goes. He does this so that if he runs across anyone who has wisdom or knowledge, he can learn from them and write down their words. If he encounters a realtor, he will ask them questions and write down what he learned. The same goes for personal trainers, doctors, investors, pastors or anyone whom he feels has some wisdom or life experience he can learn from. This is truly someone who is seeking after wisdom.

Another way of seeking wisdom is through the word of God. There are times that I will read the a passage of scripture and nothing stands out to me. I believe God allows this at times so that we will dig a little deeper. Like the miner, we will not be content with one stroke of the pick axe, but we will keep swinging until we hit gold. Look at another translation, view a concordance or commentary or listen to a sermon on the passage. The Holy Spirit will speak to you and you will receive revelation from the very scripture that was almost overlooked. Why? Because you diligently sought wisdom.

Proverbs 16:16 says, "How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."

Be a treasure hunter today and seek after that which is more valuable than gold!
How will you find wisdom today?

Mel Miller