The most valuable wisdom

Published in Pasugo, May 2002


MILLIONS OF STUDENTS long for the day when they will receive the much-desired diploma in their chosen course. Whether a person graduates from elementary, high school, college, or graduate school, the receiving of a diploma in recognition of his efforts in gaining knowledge is one of the finest moments in his life. For the student, it is a day of achievement. For the parents, it is a day of pride. And for all, it is a day of inspiration.

Having a thirst for knowledge is one of the most admirable qualities of people. Because of this thirst, inventions have been made, uncharted territories have been explored, and different philosophies and schools of thought have developed. Indeed, knowledge is potentially beneficial for man, and usually, the people who acquire knowledge are the first to reap its reward.

The most valuable knowledge

However, if a person strives to gain worldly knowledge, he must understand that there is a particular body of knowledge that he should all the more strive to acquire and thirst for with all his being. The Bible teaches concerning this knowledge:

“That people may know skillful and godly Wisdom and instruction, discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight.” (Prov. 1:2, Amplified Bible)

Godly wisdom and instruction should be sought after above worldly wisdom. While the benefits of education and worldly knowledge cannot be denied, godly wisdom offers rewards far greater than recognition, honors, high paying jobs, or positions of power in the community and in the business world. In fact, godly wisdom offers the greatest reward. It gives man life and places him in God’s favor:

“Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise. And do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD.” (Prov. 8:32-35, New King James Version)

Blessed is the person who receives and obeys God’s instruction, for he finds favor from the Lord.

Many desire to get education from prestigious schools and universities because they realize its benefits in fulfilling their career and financial goals. They cite reasons such as “the higher the education, the higher the salary.” Even after people have left school, many still strive to gain knowledge in their chosen fields, realizing the importance of knowledge as a means to move up the corporate ladder.

It must be acknowledged, however, that a college education does not guarantee success and wealth. Ironically, after finishing college, some even find themselves jobless or underemployed and in debt because of their college loans and bills. The business world does not also guarantee instant wealth and much more a worry-free life. On the contrary, some have experience greater anxieties and dissatisfaction instead of contentment after entering the business world. And in extreme cases, some have even committed suicide because of pressures brought about by school and work.

What we should understand is that God has the power to provide us with true prosperity and success. The Lord may bless the family and one’s education, career, or status in life if he hears God’s commands and lives by them. Thus, if one is earnest in succeeding in life, it is vital that he attains wisdom that comes from the Lord.

The righteous will succeed

By attaining godly wisdom, a person can triumph over all obstacles that may prevent him from succeeding. This is the Lord’s promise:

“I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.” (Prov. 4:11-13, Ibid.)

If a person takes hold of God’s instructions, his steps will not be hindered – he will run and will not stumble. This does not mean, however, that a righteous person will no longer experience disappointments and difficulties. The fact is, everyone experiences ups and downs in life. But those who have received God’s wisdom coupled with His favor rise to any challenge. They continue even when times get rough:

“Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.” (Prov. 24:15-16, Ibid.)

The righteous will never be left alone by the Almighty. Each time they fall or experience disappointments, God will be ready to help them rise and continue in their endeavors.

The words of God are the means for a person to become righteous or holy:

“Make them pure and holy through teaching them your words of truth.” (Jn. 17:17, Living Bible)

God’s words are written in the Holy Scriptures:

“And you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (II Tim. 3:15, Today’s English Version)

The words of God written in the Holy Scriptures is God’s wisdom that leads man to salvation. For this reason, one who receives godly wisdom or God’s words written in the Bible and makes them his guide in life will receive life.

The life awaiting the righteous is the true life in the Holy City:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: ‘Now God’s home is with mankind! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared’.” (Rev. 21:1-4, Ibid.)

Eternal life is the most precious benefit of attaining godly wisdom. It is incomparable with anything human institutions can offer. Thus, a person should make learning and obeying the commands of God their top priority in life. If a person receives and diligently obeys the inspired words of God, he will experience the benefits of godly wisdom not only in this life, but most of all in the life to come.