The high price of wisdom

Why is it so difficult to follow blindly?  Why are we so compelled by the things of this earth?


There are so many references to the gifts of God if we only follow Him and listen to his commands.  Proverbs 4 is witness to this: "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live", "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you", "Esteem her, and she will exalt you", "Pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words... keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body".


Here we get a glimpse of the mighty power of God to bless us if only we follow him and live by his word.


But there is an earthly cost that keeps us from gathering this wisdom... "Though it cost all you have..." (Proverbs 4:7, NIV).


Because we struggle with sin, with seeing God in everything we do, with praising Him in the good and the bad in our life, and we don't want to let go of our earthly possessions and feelings, we struggle to keep to His commandments and live in true faith.


There is no shortcut, and it certainly isn't easy.  But read all of Proverbs 4 to get a clear understanding of the benefits of wisdom, or, listening to God and following His way in your life, and also a warning to practicing evil.


It may cost us everything, it may be difficult with the world pushing us in a different direction, but the benefits far outway the cost.