A DIFFERENT VALUATION
Proverbs 20:15 NKJV
15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies,
But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
What is valuable to you? We know money is valuable. If you have ever thrown away cash or a check, you know how far you will go to find it. But lest I trigger memories that induce trauma, I will move on. But there are other things we place value on. It may be something you collect or a family heirloom. Some items have value to one person and would be completely ignored by another. I have looked at pictures of artworks that have fetched millions that I would be hard-pressed to give hundreds for. Value is often in the eye of the beholder.
The Bible assigns value to items. The scriptures recognize gold and precious gems such as rubies. But the scriptures do not put gold and rubies in the highest value category. We are talking about two commodities that still carry value today. No, the scriptures value wisdom and knowledge above gold, silver, and precious stones. The scriptures do not say that gold and rubies have no value. But a higher valuation is placed on wisdom and knowledge.
In the Book of Job, chapter 28 talks of the value of wisdom and states that the price of wisdom is above rubies and cannot be valued in pure gold. Proverbs chapter eight says that the fruit of wisdom, what wisdom produces, is better than gold or silver. In Heaven's eyes, wisdom and knowledge are of the highest value.
Knowledge in our verse for today is translated as learning, discernment, and insight. You can most likely think of a time in your life where godly insight or discernment could have saved you immense heartache and possibly a great amount of money. I am looking directly at myself when I say that. God's insight and discernment would have saved me from bad moves and bad hires. And bad moves and bad hires have come at a price I never want to pay again.
"The lips of knowledge are a precious jewel." People who speak words of knowledge, discernment, and insight are to be treasured, not people who speak foolishly or with flattering words. When facing a difficult time, the lips of knowledge can bring welcome relief. When facing decisions, the lips of knowledge can be priceless. Conversely, being around people who are completely void of godly wisdom and knowledge can produce problems.
APPLICATION
Years ago, a friend of mine said something that arrested my thinking and put me on a different path. His words of knowledge were actually a critique, but they were the start of getting me moving toward starting the church. Those were valuable words to me.
When it comes to words of knowledge, we approach from two different directions. Be on the lookout for words of knowledge in your life. You'll find them in reading scriptures, listening to messages, and in places you would not assume to be wisdom sources. Stay attentive; God uses all kinds of vessels.
And seek to be full enough of God's Word so that you become the lips of knowledge in the lives of those in your world. There is a lot of stupid out there. That's why wisdom and knowledge are so valuable.