Proverbs 8:10,11

Money is not really valuable. Silver and gold are beautiful, but they cannot give a good life to you. Wisdom is valuable. Wisdom is better than money, silver or gold.

The Bible is also better than these things. ‘I love God’s commands more than the purest gold.’ (Psalms 119:127)

Verses 10-11 are similar to Proverbs 3:14-15. In Proverbs 3, Solomon is speaking to his son about the woman called Wisdom. ‘She is worth more than silver. She is even more valuable than gold. She is more valuable than precious stones. No valuable things compare with her.’ Now, in verses 10-11, Wisdom herself agrees that this is true.

v12 ‘I am Wisdom. I am skilful.

I have knowledge. I make the right decisions.

v13 To respect God is to hate evil things.

I hate proud and greedy people. I hate lies. And I hate evil deeds.

v14 My advice is good. My decisions are right.

I am intelligent. I have power.

v15 Kings rule by my wisdom.

Rulers make fair laws by my wisdom.

v16 Princes govern by my wisdom.

Every good leader has my wisdom.

v17 I love the people who love me.

Everyone that looks for me can find me.

v18 My gifts are wealth and honour.

And my wealth will last, because it is good.

v19 The results of my work are better than fine gold.

The reward that I give is better than fine silver.

v20 My actions are fair and right.

v21 I give wealth to those who love me.

I fill their rooms with valuable things.’