A DIFFERENT PATH TO HAPPINESS
Proverbs 3:13-18 NKJV
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
There is a famous line from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” I admit I had to brush up a bit on my US history. I thought this line was from the US Constitution. But in any case, it seems most have latched onto the pursuit of happiness as the primary goal. I don’t think it’s been a good pursuit. Many are pursuing, but it does not appear many are obtaining. Maybe they are on the wrong path.
In our proverb for today, we are given a different path to happiness. Instead of pursuing happiness in itself, pursue God’s wisdom and understanding. Even some secular happiness experts tell us that happiness is not the end goal. God beat them to the solution a few thousand years earlier.
Solomon, the author of Proverbs and the resident expert on wisdom, gives us some major benefits to the pursuit of godly wisdom. Obtaining God’s wisdom is more profitable than what is gained from silver and gold. God’s wisdom is more valuable than rubies, a precious stone. And more desirable than the things we want so badly.
The thing about God’s wisdom is that it will generate in our lives what silver, gold, and expensive gems cannot. God’s wisdom will produce productive days and riches and honor. How many of us have chased riches and honor and found that we were still left with a feeling of emptiness after the original thrill was gone? But God’s wisdom is pleasant and peaceful. No one burns out on God’s wisdom. And God’s wisdom is a tree of life. It just keeps on producing in-season and out. Solomon concludes with reinforcing the truth that happy are the ones who hold fast to God’s wisdom.
Yesterday, we wrote about the mindset we needed to obtain God’s wisdom. Going after godly wisdom is an intentional pursuit. There is a sincere desire to learn and grow and a genuine hunger to know and apply God’s wisdom to our lives. God gives His wisdom, but it won’t fall on us; we have to pursue it. We have His word and His Holy Spirit to help us; we provide the desire and effort. And we know that pursuing God’s wisdom for our lives is not a chore or drudgery. It’s a different path, the best path to happiness.