By Jamie Tisler

One of my favorite leisure things to do is looking for “treasures” in thrift shops and garage sales. King Solomon in Proverbs gives an analogy of wisdom and a hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:4). There are stark differences between earthly treasures and the heavenly treasure of wisdom.
For me not much effort goes into hunting for earthly treasures. At most, reading the classified ads and plugging information into my cell phone’s map application. However it takes effort, perseverance, and prayer as Solomon stated in Proverbs 2:1-4 when searching for the wisdom found in God’s word. The question is “Am I desiring wisdom and am I applying myself to hunt for it?”
Sometimes when I come home with a treasure I look for its value on an internet site such as eBay. No matter how valuable a tangible treasure is there is no guarantee of its longevity and I esteem it lightly. The treasure of wisdom is priceless, relevant, and beneficial because it comes from the Lord. I greatly regard it.

6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;
10 for wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11 discretion will watch over you,
understanding will guard you, (Proverbs 2:6-11)

King Solomon also tells his son that wisdom will keep him from going the way of an evil man and involving himself with an adulterous woman (Proverbs 2:12-19). Wisdom also safeguards me from sin. I must choose to adhere to her warning and not sin. In closing this proverb Solomon states the destiny of the wicked is death and the destiny of one who belongs to the Lord is life with him.
Jesus said this, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-20). As one who belongs to the Lord I should seek the treasure of wisdom more than any earthly treasure.