Last week we discussed the ever popular subject of chastening. We now move on to a continuation of the wisdom theme, again personified as a woman. In this passage as in other Proverbs – the woman (wisdom) is an extraordinarily virtuous, extremely desirable female, who is pursued by everyone. Not easily seen, she keeps herself above the fray and is hidden from view. She is what every man wants, but very few find.
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies:
and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Many men pursue after wealth – yet this verse says that even fabulous wealth beyond imagination is nothing compared to wisdom.
16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
Verse 16 tells us that there is balance received from wisdom, long life in the strong right hand, and in the weaker left hand – riches and honor. The riches are not to be thought of as temporal ones.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
All her paths are peace.
Sigh. Think about that. That means – if we walk with wisdom – all our paths will be peace, not just peaceful – but peace itself.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her
It says “a tree of life,” not the Tree of Life. But what this is telling us, is that wisdom from God will sustain us, just as a food bearing tree would.
We are also told that holding steadfastly onto wisdom will give us happiness. Can we lose wisdom? Yes – if worry, fear, or besetting sin is allowed to displace it.
Proverbs 3: 13-18
Here is wisdom –
The Vine Vigil 
