13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.
14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than [e]jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
16 [f]Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who hold her fast.
19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth,
By understanding He established the heavens.
20 By His knowledge the deeps were broken up
And the skies drip with dew.
21 My son, let them not [g]vanish from your sight;
Keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 So they will be life to your soul
And adornment to your neck.
23 Then you will walk in your way securely
And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the [h]onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
26 For the Lord will be [i]your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught.
The sum of this passage is in v. 26, “For the Lord will be your confidence…” Solomon begins this section with some wild statements, saying that the “profit” of wisdom is better than the profit of silver, of gold, or any jewels. Well, what’s better than those? Nothing on this earth, at least not in that time and culture. That was the best of the best, yet the profit, what one gains from wisdom is even better.
As we reach v. 16, we find long life comes with wisdom, and though Solomon may not have understood, eternal life is the real reward. Many strive for longer and longer life, but God holds the keys of eternal life, and that’s something else entirely. He doesn’t stop there, we find riches, honor, peace, and joy.
I know, it says “happy”, but this is clearly beyond what we call happiness. And you might say, “hey, there it is, riches and honor.” Yet Solomon has already established that this goes beyond earthly riches, and the same applies with the honor. This isn’t the honor of men, it is honor that only God can bestow, the same as His peace (that surpasses understanding in Phil. 4:7).
Now we’re getting down to it, as God founded the earth in wisdom and knowledge, and if He can do that, what can He not do? He can certainly help you walk a secure path, as you are held in His hand. His love conquers all fear, so that you will not be afraid and your sleep will be sweet. Why?
We can have confidence, not in gold, or silver, or anything on this earth. Rather our confidence is in God alone, who knows the foundations of the world, and the deeps of the sea, and your innermost being. Let go of your worry, and know that the One in whom you put your trust is unshakeable. He will take care of tomorrow, for He sees it already, and knows the plans that He has for you.