May 29-Guest post by Pamela

Today's reading from the One Year Bible Chronological Reading Plan is Proverbs 8-10

Scripture:
Proverbs 8:10-11
Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold

for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Observation:

Making wise choices and choosing to honour God's instructions will provide us with something worth more than any earthly possession.

Application:

I teach Grade 1 (and just found out that I get to stay!) and I spend vast amounts of my day giving instructions and trying to get my Grade 1 friends to listen to them. My job is to teach them but without their ability to listen to my words, they are missing out on what I want them to learn. God has infinite wisdom, he is our teacher, and He is giving us direction and instruction, but how well are we listening?

This commentary offers these thoughts:

The will of God is made known by the works of creation, and by the consciences of men...The chief difficulty is to get men to attend to instruction. Yet attention to the words of Christ, will guide the most ignorant into saving knowledge of the truth. Where there is an understanding heart, and willingness to receive the truth in love, wisdom is valued above silver and gold.

God knows our tendency to lean towards worldly treasures over eternal ones. He spells it out clearly that we are to value wisdom, knowledge, and His desires over anything else. Listening to instructions from God, our most important teacher, will help us to grow is wisdom. Verse 11 says

for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.

More precious than rubies. This link makes this comment about rubies:

Throughout most of recorded history, ruby has been the world's most valued gemstone. Even diamond was considered common in comparison to the supreme beauty and value of this glowing red gem.

Silver, gold, and rubies are just a commodity and can only be enjoyed for a moment. However, submission to our Heavenly Father can offer an even greater reward that lasts forever.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, You are a wise and knowledgeable techer. Thank you for your desire to teach us. It is our desire to grow in wisdom and knowledge but we occasionally get side tracked and need your help to stay on task. Make us strong against the temptation to place anything ahead of growing closer to You. Help us to understand the huge difference between temporary and permanent. Thank you for who You are and for helping us to become more like You. Amen.

Tomorrow's reading is Proverbs 11-13:25