The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

THE PEARL OF GREAT VALUE

In this poem about the supreme value of wisdom, Solomon personified wisdom as a woman, telling his readers to seek her above everything else. In the fullness of time, the New Testament revealed that this personification pointed to a real person — Jesus of Nazareth — who should be pursued and treasured above all else (1Co 1:24, 30). Wisdom’s profits are better than silver, gold or jewels, so people should seek Jesus at any cost. No other object of desire compares with him. Jesus — like the kingdom of God, the pearl of great value, the treasure hidden in a field (Mt 13:44 – 46) — is worth selling everything in order to acquire. When people seek Jesus — the wisdom of God — above all else, other things will be added (Pr 3:16 – 18; Mt 6:33). Solomon knew the value of wisdom from God. In 1 Kings 3, God told Solomon he would grant whatever Solomon asked for. Solomon could have asked for riches, long life, victory over his enemies or the most glorious empire any king has ever ruled, but instead he asked for wisdom above all else. So God gave him supreme wisdom, and God added to it long life, wealth and great honor. Jesus is worth more than anything anyone could ever desire, and to those who seek him first he adds many additional blessings.

Jesus, I know you are wisdom itself and the source of all wisdom. Like Solomon, I ask you to grant me wisdom so that I can wisely serve you. Amen.