Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "valuable" extends beyond mere material wealth to encompass spiritual, moral, and relational dimensions. The Scriptures provide a multifaceted understanding of what is truly valuable in the eyes of God and His people.Material Wealth and Possessions While the Bible acknowledges the existence and utility of material wealth, it consistently warns against placing ultimate value on riches. Proverbs 11:4 states, "Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." This highlights the transient nature of material wealth compared to the enduring value of righteousness. Similarly, Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Here, the emphasis is on the eternal value of heavenly treasures over earthly possessions. Wisdom and Understanding The Bible places a high value on wisdom and understanding, often equating them with precious jewels. Proverbs 3:13-15 declares, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her." Wisdom, as a gift from God, is portrayed as invaluable, guiding individuals in righteous living and decision-making. Righteousness and Integrity Righteousness and integrity are consistently portrayed as valuable attributes in Scripture. Proverbs 22:1 states, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold." This underscores the importance of character and reputation over material wealth. The value of living a life of integrity is further emphasized in passages like Psalm 15:1-2, which describes the person who may dwell in God's sanctuary as one "who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart." Relationships and Community The Bible also highlights the value of relationships and community. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 notes, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!" This passage illustrates the importance of companionship and mutual support, which are seen as valuable assets in the journey of life. The Kingdom of God Ultimately, the most valuable pursuit according to Scripture is the Kingdom of God. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 13:44-46 with the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy, he went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." These parables illustrate the incomparable value of the Kingdom, for which one should be willing to sacrifice all earthly possessions. Conclusion In summary, the Bible presents a comprehensive view of what is truly valuable, urging believers to prioritize spiritual wealth, wisdom, righteousness, relationships, and the pursuit of God's Kingdom over temporal and material gains. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Having value or worth; possessing qualities which are useful and esteemed; precious; costly; as, a valuable horse; valuable land; a valuable cargo.2. (a.) Worthy; estimable; deserving esteem; as, a valuable friend; a valuable companion. 3. (n.) A precious possession; a thing of value, especially a small thing, as an article of jewelry; -- used mostly in the plural. Greek 1308. diaphero -- to carry through, carry about, to differ, make a ... ... surpass NASB Word Usage carry (1), differ (1), differs (1), driven about (1), essential (1), excellent (1), makes...difference (1), more valuable (3), spread (1 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1308.htm - 8k 5093. timios -- valued, precious 4149. ploutos -- wealth 2570. kalos -- beautiful, good 1567. ekzeteo -- to seek out, demand, inquire 370. anaxios -- unworthy 4186. polutimos -- very precious 5096. Timon -- Timon, a Christian 927. barutimos -- of great value Strong's Hebrew 6276. atheq -- valuable, advanced, eminent, surpassing... 6275, 6276. atheq. 6277 . valuable, advanced, eminent, surpassing. Transliteration: atheq Phonetic Spelling: (aw-thake') Short Definition: enduring. ... /hebrew/6276.htm - 6k 3368. yaqar -- precious, rare, splendid, weighty 4022. meged -- excellence 3972. meumah -- anything 2532. chemdah -- desire, delight 4301. matmon -- hidden treasure, treasure 8226. saphan -- treasure 3276. yaal -- to confer or gain profit or benefit 2536b. chamudah -- desirableness, preciousness 4261. machmad -- desire, desirable thing Library A Valuable Legacy. How Valuable to the Perfect is the Forgetfulness of Sin. The Body Valuable in God's Sight. The New Testament Has Preserved for us the Most Valuable Portion ... That Christ was Before the Incarnation God from Everlasting. As we ... Rarity the Only Cause which Makes Such Things Valuable. The Gods are Despised when they are Made; but Become Valuable when ... The First Epistle to the Thessalonians the Shorter Epistles ... Books on Introduction, Bible Dictionaries and Related Works. Moral Obligation. Thesaurus Valuable (17 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Having value or worth; possessing qualities which are useful and esteemed; precious; costly; as, a valuable horse; valuable land; a valuable cargo. ... /v/valuable.htm - 11k Treasure (66 Occurrences) Worth (36 Occurrences) Treasury (25 Occurrences) Concordance Wood (226 Occurrences) Thyine Manasseh (140 Occurrences) Choice (113 Occurrences) Treasurer (6 Occurrences) Resources Why is a multitude of counselors valuable (Proverbs 15:22)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the value of a prayer meeting? | GotQuestions.org What is experientialism? | GotQuestions.org Valuable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Valuable (17 Occurrences)Matthew 6:26 Matthew 10:31 Matthew 12:12 Luke 12:7 Luke 12:24 Acts 18:27 Hebrews 10:34 James 5:7 1 Kings 10:21 2 Chronicles 21:3 2 Chronicles 32:23 2 Chronicles 32:27 2 Chronicles 36:10 2 Chronicles 36:19 Ezra 1:6 Proverbs 1:13 Daniel 11:8 Subtopics Related Terms |