17. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
18. Riches and honor are with me, yea, durable riches and righteousness.
19. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
20. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.
21. That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
In Proverbs 8 we find King Solomon personifying the origins, values, and benefits of wisdom. He starts in verse 1 by asking 2 questions. “Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?”
In Proverbs 8:17-21, wisdom is expressing her love for those that love her, and those that seek her early. Shachar (shaw-khar) is the Hebrew word for early which means, to dawn, early at any task, or to search for. In the Hebrew Bible Shachar is used to demonstrate the transition from night to the dawn of a new day. So, we see wisdom is encouraging God’s children to seek her at the beginning of their day. When Wisdom speaks of durable riches, she speaks of things that are true, that are righteous. Things that have holy value such as kindness, patience, and love.
While we all desire to have things of value, focusing on the durable riches of Wisdom can bring prosperity to the believer whose heart is focused on making wise decisions. Wise decisions that bring forth fruits that are better than gold and silver. While Wisdom my lead to material prosperity, worth more than gold and silver are good character and integrity. Which both can lead to substance and full treasures. Not only treasures on earth, but treasures in heaven that can’t be stolen or moth eaten.
Application
When we pray for wisdom at the start of our new day, we are asking God to provide us with wisdom in all of our thoughts, decisions, and actions. Making it less likely that we will not fall into deception, or make bad decisions. While making it more likely that we will be lead in righteousness by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Father God in heaven, I pray that you provide me with wisdom today and every day. That all of my thoughts, decisions, and actions are of wisdom. That it may go well with me, and I bear the fruits of wisdom. That my riches are durable and not just material. But of substance that shows in character and integrity. That the desires of my heart are of substance and sustainable. In Christ Jesus name I pray. Father God in heaven, I thank you and I love you. Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you and I love you. Holy Spirit, I thank you and I love you. Amen.