Proverbs 16:16, Arithmetic of Eternity!

October 27, Proverbs 16:16

Col. 3:1-7; Rev. 7:9-17 “Grace is more valuable than Gold.”

Arithmetic of Eternity!

At first sight this verse seems a repeat of others (3:14; 8:10-11, 19), but notice the phrase, How much better than. Here the obtaining of wisdom and understanding are not only better, but better beyond the greatest wealth! It suggests a wonder at the inequality of value. How few really believe that this understanding is rather to be chosen than silver! The verb to get, in both places, means to acquire, sometimes to buy, and clearly indicates that it is something requiring specific effort, and is a matter for definite choice.

1. The Better Cause: How much better it is to get wisdom than gold. Wisdom is the much better cause, for it is to know and prefer the worthiest end. “Knowledge is power,” said the Ancient Greeks. Present-day educators loudly affirm this still. Yet, all history of mankind disputes it! Instead of ennobling man, naked knowledge is knowledge in a vacuum, knowledge that is formulated, either in indifference to or opposition to God. Thus it has become a most powerful instrument in degrading man, because “men act the way they think” (Schaeffer). “In other words, the word of the God of Scripture is the final and ultimate ‘court of appeal’ in every area of human existence” (R. L. Reymond, p.45). This is the wisdom that is worth its weight in gold! Now, the source of gold is the earth. The source of true wisdom is God. Yes, gold is good, but how much better is this wisdom! To know Christ in the heart as Saviour, in the mind as Teacher, in the life as Pattern, and in all things as King, that is wisdom! Gold is external, a mere possession. Wisdom is eternal. It is like a living fountain in the Christian’s soul, fed by the River of Life. “Gold is but lent to me, but God’s favour and mercy are eternally mine” (JJW). Dear reader, do you have that much better possession, that much better cause?

2. The Better Effect: and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver. This means the apprehension and employment of that Wisdom. a. It transforms all the faculties of the soul. The pursuit of wealth first, will lead to the deadening of the spirit. It can turn those who might have been seraphs into grubbing worms. b. It transfers the affections from earthly limits to heavenly heights. None pursue material gold in Heaven! They only desire to be in the throng that worships the Lamb. c. It triumphs in achieving the goal. How many who join the “gold rush” never even get the coveted prize, and lose their souls into the bargain. “A man without money is poor, yet a man with nothing but money is poorer.” Not one who has earnestly sought the heavenly gold has failed of that goal. Arnot speaks of those who seized the money and neglected the helm [of the ship of life], and lost even the money which was in their hands. Those who forgot the money and held the helm obtained both money and liberty. They arrived home and all their wealth with them. Surely this is the better effect. How will you arrive home (Mt. 6:19-21)?

Thought: “We passed through, but thou brought us to a wealthy place” (Ps.66:12).

Prayer: Lord, keep me in Thy School to learn the arithmetic of Heaven.