Proverbs 19:8

Do you love yourself? Of course! Then do something truly good for yourself today. Instead of a manicure or box of candy, which both cost money and disappear in days, get some wisdom. It is free and lasts forever. Keep the understanding you acquire, for it will bring good success into your life. Go ahead; pamper yourself with something valuable.

The popular cry for self-love and self-esteem is a lie of humanistic psychology, the first listed symptom of the perilous times of the last days (II Tim 3:1-5). It is contrary to the Bible, which knows man loves himself enough and should learn to love others as much and esteem them better (Mat 22:39; Eph 5:28-29; Rom 12:10; Phil 2:3-4). Self-theory of the Bible is self-denial! The world says, “I am first.” The Bible teaches, “I am third.”

Wisdom is self-serving, for it brings peace and prosperity to your own life. Of course, all those around you will also benefit by your excellent spirit and superior conduct. But you yourself are the great beneficiary of Lady Wisdom’s gracious invitations (Pr 8:1-11; 9:1-5). The good life, the abundant life, and the successful life are what wisdom will bring the man that has it (Pr 16:22; 19:23). To reject Wisdom’s offer is to love death (Pr 8:36).

Wisdom is the power of right judgment – knowing what to do in any situation. Only a few men have such wisdom, but it is freely offered to all. The difference between a fool and wise man is very great, so David taught his son Solomon, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Pr 4:7).

How valuable is wisdom? Consider this description by King Solomon, the man who had everything: “She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her” (Pr 3:15). And he also wrote, “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it” (Pr 8:11).

How do you get wisdom? You start by humbling yourself and trembling before the living God (Pr 1:7; 9:10; Is 57:15; 66:1-2). You then trust the Bible and what it says on any subject (Pr 1:4; Ps 19:7; 119:128,130). You dedicate yourself to learning (Pr 2:1-9; 18:1). You beg for it (Ps 119:18; Jas 1:5). And you use the teachers God has providentially put in your life, both parents and pastors (Pr 5:1; 23:19; 29:15; Jer 3:15; I Cor 2:6-13).

How do you keep understanding? You remember what you have been taught (Pr 3:1; Deut 6:6-9; Acts 17:11). You hide it in your heart and apply it to every situation (Job 34:3; Ps 119:11; Heb 5:14). You meditate upon it often (Ps 1:2; 119:98-100,148). And you avoid evil communications that corrupt good manners (Pr 9:6; Ps 1:1; I Cor 15:33).

The best thing you can do for yourself is to get wisdom and understanding. The worst thing you can do is leave this proverb for today’s activities and the world’s influence and live out your life as a fool. Due to a depraved nature and rebellious heart, all men default to folly. Beg God and embrace wisdom right now by the conviction of this proverb.