If polled, most folks
would cite health, wealth, & fame, as high among their
aspirations. Even a passive observation reveals that men
in general are wrangling for one of these three ... the best and
brightest perhaps hoping for two out out of the three. There is
certainly a
distinction to be made between "length
of days" and long days, but how many die young in the
world's rat-race for wealth. "A
faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh
haste to be rich shall not be innocent." How
many others are there who corrupt the sacred honor of the Christian life for
the fleeting fame of man? "Therefore when thou doest thine alms,
do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the
synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men.
Verily I say unto you, they have their reward."
While most guests come and tax us during their stay; it is not
so with wisdom, she shows up bearing gifts. The catch with
wisdom though, is that she is easy to invite, but hard to get in
the door. Having her as a houseguest requires much prep
work,
diligence, and daily affection (c.f.
Proverbs 2:1-10). She must be courted in a manner
worthy of who she is. Sadly however, in our day, the church brims with lazy
saints who are content to settle for the door prizes of the
Devil rather than seek after GOD, HIS wisdom, and the precious
offerings which accompany. "THOU
wilt shew me the path of life: in THY presence is fulness of
joy; at THY right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Enduring riches and success is not
found in the eye of the beholder, but in the Hand of the
BEQUETHOR. Only the hand which will empty itself
completely is open
enough to grasp all that GOD wishes to give.
"This book of the law shall not depart
out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,
that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written
therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then
thou shalt have good success."