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Sermon Introduction

Wisdom instructs us to honor God from our wealth, gather during times of plenty, and practice generosity. However, we must remain careful about how we treat wealth. Although we must build our reserves, which means building wealth to prepare for the worst of times, we must remember that there is something more valuable than earthly treasures. And that is God’s wisdom.

Earthly treasures can suddenly disappear, but God’s wisdom gives us clarity. Wisdom may allow a person to recover or take a different approach. But there are times when one may stray from God’s wisdom. If such happens, the LORD shall discipline His children whom He loves.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Proverbs 3:11-15 ESV

11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
     or be weary of his reproof,

12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
     as a father the son in whom he delights.

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.

Notes

Wisdom instructs us to honor God from our wealth, gather during times of plenty, and practice generosity. However, we must remain careful about how we treat wealth. Although we must build our reserves, which means building wealth to prepare for the worst of times, we must remember that there is something more valuable than earthly treasures. And that is God’s wisdom.

Earthly treasures can suddenly disappear, but God’s wisdom gives us clarity. Wisdom may allow a person to recover or take a different approach. But there are times when one may stray from God’s wisdom. If such happens, the LORD shall discipline His children whom He loves.

1. Discipline and Love

   The proverb reveals that the LORD’s discipline is for those He loves and delights in. Thus, a person should not despise His discipline nor get tired of His correction. His divine love involves discipline.
   
   11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
        or be weary of his reproof,
   
   12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
        as a father the son in whom he delights (Prov.3:11-12).
   
   

2. Better than Gold

   The person who finds wisdom is blessed. Moreover, the one who gains understanding is also blessed. The reason is that wisdom and understanding are better than gold and silver.
   
   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 (Prov. 3:13-14).
   
   

3. Nothing Compares

   Wisdom is a better gain than gold and silver and is more precious than jewels. The proverb further expands beyond the precious elements to all desires. Name an earthly desire; wisdom is more precious than such.
   
   15 She is more precious than jewels,
       and nothing you desire can compare with her (Prov. 3:15).
   
   
   

Application

1. Submit to the Lord’s discipline

   Let us recognize the Lord’s discipline. He may correct us through His word or through the community of believers. The Lord may also correct us through circumstances. Let us see this as His love at work.
   
   

2. Understand the value of wisdom

   Do we truly value wisdom more than money or earthly treasures? We should honestly evaluate our hearts. If we value wisdom more than money, we should invest time in gaining wisdom.
   
   

3. Treat wisdom well

   Nothing we desire can compare to wisdom. Let us remember that this is godly wisdom that stems from the fear of the Lord. What is our greatest desire? God’s wisdom is more valuable.
   
   
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why should we not despise the Lord’s discipline?

2. How may we value godly wisdom above earthly wealth?

3. What actions or habits show that we do not value godly wisdom above all

   desires?