Happiness Is … Finding Wisdom
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
Everyone wants to be happy, but it seems too many people are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. In this passage, Solomon explains that wisdom—godly wisdom, or the “wisdom that is from above” as we read about in James 3:17—is better than all the things people often pin their hopes on.
Yes, wisdom is better than silver, gold or even rubies. Money and material things can’t compare. In fact, “all the things you may desire cannot compare with” wisdom (verse 15).
Instead of spending all our efforts searching for a fountain of youth, treasure chests full of riches or even honor and respect from others, we should first seek wisdom. Wisdom is a “tree of life” that produces these other good results and true happiness (verses 16-18).
For more about seeking godly wisdom, see our article about the book of “Proverbs.”
