Proverbs 2:3-4

I have never had a metal detector, but I have a number of friends who rave about their hobby. They head out into muddy fields to eagerly search
for treasure and, most of the time, find nothing of interest. But the rare success stories are amazing and, of course, continue to inspire and motivate detectorists. The biggest and most spectacular discovery in the UK was the Staffordshire Hoard, discovered in 2009. It was the most significant collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver artefacts that has ever been found on these islands. It consisted of almost 4,600 items and metal fragments, amounting to a total of 5.1 kg (11 lbs) of gold, 1.4 kg (3 lbs) of silver and some 3,500 pieces of garnet cloisonné jewellery. It was sold for more than £3m.

The writer of Proverbs tells us that we need to have the detectorist’s enthusiasm and determination to look for real treasure; in other words, godly wisdom. Gold and silver are impressive but fade into insignificance alongside the lasting treasure of insight and understanding. They are the gifts that will lead us to true fulfilment and happiness in life, and enable us to live peacefully and fruitfully.

It is very easy for us to live superficial lives. We get trapped by the mundane rhythms of our everyday existence without asking the big questions. This can result in us missing out on the insights and truths that could set us free. The writer of Proverbs suggests that wisdom is not often found on the surface. We need to dig for it - with determination and persistence. Sometimes we will go out on a wet day and, despite digging hard, find nothing. My detectorist friends all know about the hard slog of detecting but every one of them has a big smile on their face when they talk about their most significant find. All the effort is well worth it.

We need to have a similar attitude as we spend our days looking for the much greater treasure of God’s wisdom.

QUESTION
In what way are you going to search for wisdom today?

PRAYER
Lord God, help me to be persistent in my search for your wisdom. Amen

Released on 13 Aug 2023