Articles
Knowledge, Please!
“There is gold, and an abundance of jewels;
But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.”
(Proverbs 20:15)
Imagine going to the store counter, and the clerk asks: “would you like some gold or jewels?” You say (shocking everyone else in line), “no thank you. I’d like some knowledge, please!” Everyone would probably look at you like you were crazy; everyone, that is, except the wise man Solomon.
A person of wisdom is able to discern true value. Mankind foolishly exalts the value (and beauty) of precious stones. Few, however, genuinely appreciate the value of knowledge and the ability to communicate that knowledge. Consider some lessons:
First, men have the tendency to exalt the wrong things. There is an over emphasis on wealth, and men will do just about anything to obtain it. This includes crime and shady business practices.
Second, whereas a beautifully polished piece of jewelry is pleasing to the eye, it should not be valued higher than knowledge. It takes one with discernment to recognize which of the two is actually more precious.
Third, there is an abundance of gold and precious stones. Miners continue to produce even more each day. However, there is an alarming shortage of knowledge. This is not because men do not seek an education. There are more people in the world with advanced graduate degrees now than ever in the history of mankind. The problem is that these academics are starting at the wrong place: they do not start with the “fear of the Lord” (1:7; 9:10). Solomon says that such fear is “the beginning.” If it is not the foundation, all future learning will be wrong and misdirected.
Fourth, there are those who “hate knowledge” (cf. 1:22, 29). This is because they do not see the value of it and are not interested in investing the time and effort to obtain it. Since this is the case, do not be surprised when someone will discourage you from seeking knowledge, or will mock you for pursuing it.
Fifth, knowledge is available for all who seek it. Solomon told his son that he can “discover the knowledge of God,” because from God’s mouth comes “knowledge and understanding” (2:5-6). When wisdom speaks in the book of Proverbs she says “take my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choicest gold” (8:9). God desires all to come to a “knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Study your Bible! If you do you’re getting far more valuable than some gold (which is going to be burned up, anyway!).
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.
For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.
She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
(Proverbs 3:13-15)
