The Other Three Sixteens: Finding God's Love in ScriptureSample

Proverbs 3:16 (NIV) - “Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor…”

Wisdom is the centerpiece of Proverbs. Each verse declares the treasure of wisdom and how to be wise in the Lord. It is important for us to know the value of wisdom, and so Proverbs describes it richly, like a glittering jewel we pursue and delight in uncovering. Proverbs 3:16 celebrates attributes of wisdom that include long life, riches, or honor. But where do we find God’s love in wisdom?

The very gift of divine wisdom demonstrates the love of God.  Its existence is proof of God’s care for us. Without it, we would be left to our own limited knowledge, mistakes, and consequences. With wisdom, we learn and grow, and become more like Christ. 

God does not keep His wisdom to Himself. In a great act of love, He has made an endless supply available to all who seek it. How incredible that God’s wisdom is given simply by asking! It is not reserved only for the wealthy, the accomplished, or the elite. It does not require a dramatic mountaintop quest. James 1:5 says that “if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

With wisdom comes beautiful gifts of God’s love, and its treasure is vital to our well-being. Wisdom is a tree of life the helps us survive, a rich expression of God’s love for us, designed for blessing beyond measure.