How can we prioritize spiritual wisdom over material wealth in our lives? Setting the Scene—Job 28:6 “Its rocks are the source of sapphires, containing flecks of gold.” Job points to a mine sparkling with treasure, then spends the rest of the chapter showing that even such riches pale beside the hidden treasure of God’s wisdom. Unearthing the True Treasure • Material wealth can be located, dug up, bought, or traded. • Wisdom—true insight into God’s ways—is beyond price (Job 28:12-13). • Scripture treats wisdom not as an optional upgrade but as the believer’s life and security (Proverbs 3:13-18). Why Wisdom Outshines Wealth • Wealth is temporary (Proverbs 23:5). • Wisdom guides every decision, including how we handle money (James 1:5). • Christ Himself is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24); pursuing wisdom is pursuing Him. Practical Steps to Prioritize Wisdom 1. Daily mine the Word • Schedule non-negotiable Bible time (Psalm 119:162). • Read Job 28 aloud; let its imagery reset your value system. 2. Ask God—repeatedly • “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). • Pray before financial decisions; seek wisdom first, profit second. 3. Choose companions of wisdom • “He who walks with the wise will become wise” (Proverbs 13:20). • Make your closest advisers those who value Scripture over salary. 4. Practice sacrificial generosity • Giving loosens money’s grip (Acts 20:35). • Budget for generosity before budgeting for upgrades. 5. Celebrate eternal returns • Keep a record of answered prayers, character growth, and gospel impact—reminders that spiritual gain outlives bank statements (Matthew 6:19-21). Guardrails Against Greed • Memorize 1 Timothy 6:6-10; quote it when tempted by envy. • Fast periodically from purchases—buy nothing non-essential for a set time. • Use every paycheck as a prompt to thank the Lord for wisdom already given. The Payoff God Promises • Peace that riches cannot secure (Philippians 4:7). • Stability when markets shake (Matthew 7:24-25). • An inheritance that “does not perish, spoil, or fade” (1 Peter 1:4). In Job 28 the glitter of sapphires and gold fades in the light of God’s wisdom. Follow the same path: dig deep into Scripture, ask boldly, walk with the wise, and let generosity keep your heart free. The result is treasure thieves can’t touch and time can’t tarnish. |
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