What Do You Treasure?
On Sunday evening, Rev. Greg B filled the pulpit and taught from Proverbs 3:13-18. In his sermon, he shows the overlap between knowledge and wisdom, but then also highlights the distinction that exists between the two. He calls us to treasure the right ordering and application of knowledge, which is necessary in order to be wise.

A helpful analogy of a doctor is used. Some doctors may be very knowledgable, and have a large number of degrees, or be co-authors on a large number of scientific articles. But the doctors we want to have are the doctors who are particularly attuned to how they should apply their knowledge in the specific case of our illnesses. The knowledge may not be all that helpful, unless it is ordered and oriented toward understanding our condition, and providing a remedy for our singular ailments.

The Scriptures encourage us to seek this type of wisdom because wisdom is, in fact, reflection of who God himself is, because God is the one who has ordered the knowledge of our world and who invites us to perceive and understand. Greg B reminded us how precious it is to seek discernment like this. The Scriptures here call us to seek it as the choicest treasure of all. And as we pursue wisdom, we can remember that we aren’t just pursuing abstract propositions, but we are pursuing an actual person – a more intimate understanding of the Divine, Personal God. And the pursuit of wisdom brings blessing, because to pursue wisdom is to pursue a knowledge of Him. And every blessing ultimately belongs to God, and every good gift ultimately comes from him.

If you want a good reason why it’s valuable to read through Proverbs, and to meditate on what you find there, this sermon will be an encouragement to your soul.