More Precious Than Jewels

Proverbs 3:13-18

13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
    and the one who gets understanding,
14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
    and her profit better than gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are 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 lay hold of her;
    those who hold her fast are called blessed.

Wow, what a promise! Pleasantness and peace, more precious than jewels? Proverbs 3 tells us the Lord’s wisdom and understanding are far greater than any worldly pleasure or treasure. 

Do you truly believe that “nothing you desire can compare” with God’s wisdom and understanding? That’s a tough one for me. In some moments, I can honestly say that I am much more concerned about seeking my own well-being, comfort, and will than anything God might have for me. I’m more likely to chase after a few extra minutes of sleep than time in the Word. I’m most pleasant to be around when my children listen to my every direction and my husband completes every item on my (never-ending) honey-do list. I feel least anxious when there’s no traffic on the freeway, short lines at the grocery store, and enough hours in the day for me to juggle all the responsibilities on my plate. But that’s just the thing—there will never be enough restful sleep, compliant family members, or convenient situations to satisfy my soul. Because people and things were not made to satisfy me.

So if you’re anything like me, and you’ve realized that you will never be truly content in anything of the fleeting pleasures that this world has to offer—whether you are in a season of abundant blessing or are experiencing deep trial and pain—seek the Lord. His promises are so much more than we could ever imagine on our own. Spend a few minutes (even now!) with him, asking him for his wisdom and his understanding. Pray with me that God would mark our paths with his peace. Pray that he would bless us with his pleasant presence. 

Remember, the gain that we receive in seeking the Lord, his wisdom, and understanding, is far better than any earthly reward. It’s better than extra sleep, better than staying on top of our calendars, better than completing every item on our to-do lists, better than keeping up with every person on social media, even better than silver or gold. 

God has given us many wonderful gifts, but friends, he is the greatest gift of them all. Would we seek him first each day, spending a few quiet moments in the presence of our King? Would we put down our phones, close our computers, carve out time in our schedules to seek first his kingdom, will, honor, and glory in our lives? Would we ask for his wisdom and understanding despite any situation we may face? This is my prayer for me and for you. 

Jessica Harper is the Marketing & Communications Manager for NCF and lives in the Kansas City area with her husband and two boys.

We invite you to spend some time reading the other devotionals on the NCF blog and take a look at our recommended resources for spiritual formation.