Young People's Group

Blessed Is the Man Who Finds Wisdom

by Mitchell Tan
May 13, 2021

THE STATE OF BLESSEDNESS WHEN WE POSSESS WISDOM

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;”
Proverbs 3:13

“And happy are all who retain her.”
Proverbs 3:18

The Hebrew word for “Happy” in this text is the word “Ashar”. It is a word that is better translated as “Blessed”. “Ashar” had been rendered as such by the NKJV translators when used in other passages in the Old Testament (Psalm 1:1 and 41:1). It denotes the idea of a state of “blessedness”. Wisdom and understanding can specially lead us to this state of blessedness. What is the difference between being blessed according to God’s mercies and being in a state of blessedness?

1. GENERAL BLESSINGS

The Lord can grant His general blessings on both the good and the bad according to His great mercies. He would kindly cause the sun to shine and the rain to fall on both the good and the bad.

2. STATE OF BLESSEDNESS

The state of blessedness comes about when we seek to do our part in seeking wisdom and walking righteously. And this can indefinitely continue when we take hold of and retain wisdom and understanding in our life. It can indeed bring about much joy and happiness for one and all.

A PERSONAL APPRECIATION OF THE GREAT VALUE OF WISDOM

“For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”
Proverbs 3:14-15

It is in this state of blessedness that we see the immense value of wisdom. Her proceeds are far better than the profits that one can gain from silver or fine gold. Her value is far more precious than any ruby. We should treasure wisdom above many other things because of the great spiritual value that she brings to our lives. Nothing in the world can be compared to wisdom.

THE LONG-TERM RESULTS OF HAVING WISDOM – PART OF THE STATE OF BLESSEDNESS

What are the long-term results of having wisdom?

“Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honour.”
Proverbs 3:16

1. LONGEVITY

Wisdom helps us to live our lives wisely. We will learn to take care of ourselves and to seek to walk in the path of righteousness and the Lord will graciously extend our lives.

2. RICHES AND HONOUR

It is a wonderful combination in life to have both riches and honour. On the one hand, riches can be gained through dishonourable means. On the other hand, they can be gained through honourable ones.

When we have wisdom, length of days will go hand in hand with riches and honour. They will be in close proximity, just as the right hand goes together with the left hand. There comes both quantity and quality of life. These are things that we can hold carefully in our grasp.

PURSUING WISDOM THAT WOULD LEAD TO THIS STATE OF BLESSEDNESS

1. To receive and treasure wise exhortations (Proverbs 2:1).

2. To incline to hear and apply the heart to wise exhortations (Proverbs 2:2).

3. To cry out for discernment (Proverbs 2:3).

4. To seek wisdom as for silver and gold (Proverbs 2:4).

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