Blogging Through Proverbs Part XIX - 3:16-17

Studying: Revelation 21-22
Memorizing: Romans 1:1-28
Thoughts: Good

"Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:16-17, NASB

Here again is another all-encompassing statement by Solomon about the benefits of finding wisdom. These two verses mirror what has already been said earlier in the chapter. Verse 2 states "For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you." And Verse 10 states "So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine."

So this mean that the person who finds wisdom will without a doubt,

A. Live long?
B. Always have lots of money?
C. Always be at ease?
D. Always be at peace?

I've already spent a while addressing these issues. The answer is, of course, no. As I said before, no one would question the wisdom of Christ, and he died at a young age. There numerous accounts of martyrs and those who were faithful to Christ who died at a young age. But there is a general principle at work here. Wise people will tend to live longer. Why? Because wise people tend to do wise things, and not foolish things. Wise people don't have drinking contests to see if they can down 10 beers in under 15 minutes. Wise people don't play "chicken" with oncoming trains, plain and simple. Does that mean though that God in his providence is restricted from taking a saint before the age of 70? Absolutely not.

The same idea applies in regards to "riches." Now, of course, "riches" are not merely limited to monetary gain, but lets address just that one aspect for a moment. Wise people don't take their whole paycheck down to the casinos. They also don't run up enormous credit card debts and buy things they can't afford. Wise people make wise investments and manage their money well. But does that mean though that God in his providence is restricted from taking away that money? Again, absolutely not.

Again we could apply this to the last two aspects, "pleasant ways" and "peaceful paths." The wise walk in pleasant ways because they walk wisely. They are at peace because they know how to be peaceful. Yes, frustrations may come and hassles arise, but generally speaking, they lead pleasant and peaceful lives.

Thus the benefits of wisdom grow ever more attractive.