My Fruit is better than gold
Text: Text : Prov 8:1-21
20 January 2008
(I) THE CONSIDERATION OF THE FRUIT OF WISDOM
1. The fruit of wisdom is a reference to its benefits
“My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver.” Proverbs 8:19
2. Examples of the fruits of wisdom
a) Discretion
“When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul, Discretion will preserve you…” Proverbs 2:10-11
b) Understanding
“…Understanding will keep you” Proverbs 2:11
c) God’s direct involvement in guiding us
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes…” Proverbs 3:5-7
d) Happiness
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding” Proverbs 3:13
3. Analysis of the fruit of wisdom
a) Proven
b) Demonstrated
c) Established
(II) THE COMPARATIVE VALUE OF THE FRUIT OF WISDOM
What is the comparative value of wisdom?
1. The fruit of wisdom is of incomparable value
There is nothing that can be compared to the fruit of wisdom in terms of value.
a) The fruit of wisdom is far better than gold or silver
“ For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.” Proverbs 3:14
“My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver.” Proverbs 8:19
b) It is incomparable to all precious things
“For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” Proverbs 8:11
2. The fruit of wisdom is compared to enduring “riches”
“Riches and honour are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness.” Proverbs 8:19
3. Physical riches are not enduring
a) They have no eternal value
“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath…” Proverbs 11:4
b) They do not last
“For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.” Proverbs 27:24
c) Yet riches do come with wisdom
“That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries.” Proverbs 8:21
(III) THE CHOICE OF WISDOM RATHER THAN WEALTH
1. The “golden” choice
“Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold” Proverbs 8:10
“How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” Proverbs 16:16
2. Apply wisdom as noble men do
“By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.” Proverbs 8:15-16
3. Love wisdom
“I love those who love me” Proverbs 8:17
4. Seek diligently for it
“…And those who seek me diligently will find me.” Proverbs 8:17
5. Walk the path of wisdom
“I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice” Proverbs 8:20