How the Fear of the Lord Turns Temptation Into Treasure

“Take my [wisdom] instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her” Proverbs 8: 10, 11.

Our reading for today comes from the book of proverbs. The proverbs are pithy, stand-alone wise saying that require no context. But if you’d like to read the rest of this chapter just for the fun of it, click here.

Choosing Wisdom Instead of Choice Gold

Really, when we choose to do what’s right, to be obedient, to resist temptation, whether we realize it or not, we are choosing wisdom’s instruction instead of “silver”. And we’re choosing knowledge rather than “choice gold”.

That’s because the thing we are choosing not to do, the temptation we are resisting seems like “silver”, or “choice gold” in the moment.

We are saying no to and resisting something that seems like it would be in our best interest, would protect us, meet our need, enable us to get what we want, make us happy and take care of us. So, to say no to it, and resist it is to say no to and resist something that looks valuable and precious- like silver or gold.

Why is choosing wisdom’s instruction equated with resisting temptation and saying no to sin? Because “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9: 10. And, in the previous chapter we read “to fear the Lord is to hate evil” Proverbs 8: 13.

The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom

So, to say “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” is the same as saying to be obedient, resist temptation, say no to sin is the beginning of wisdom. And when we do so, it feels like we are turning our back on gold and choice silver. But these verses tell us wisdom is better than gold, silver, rubies, or any other desirable thing.

That’s because wisdom yields not only wealth, but also long life, honor and a peaceful, pleasant life.

Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor.
 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
    and all her paths are peace Proverbs 3: 16, 17.

Temptation always looks like something desirable, valuable, sweet. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t be tempted with it. In essence, it looks like “gold” or “choice silver”.

A Personal Example

Here’s an example from my own life: Years ago, I was in an online NP program. And because the exams were online, I assumed we could use notes. It’s not like they could stop us or even know if we did. Back then there were no sophisticated ways to monitor that sort of thing.

But less than a week before the pediatric midterm, I found out that we could not use notes, or any other kind of aid. We were instructed to take it as though in the classroom.

Normally this wouldn’t be a problem for me. I’ve always done well on exams. But I hadn’t really studied for this one, thinking I could use notes. Not only that, but I was also doing poorly on my pharmacology quizzes, scoring below the passing threshold.

And this exam required 84% to pass. And I wasn’t feeling very confident about the program in recent weeks, rationalizing to myself that I could always drop to part-time, if necessary.

Should I Trust God or My Notes?

But I knew I couldn’t cheat by using notes, even though I could’ve rationalized that it’s okay, since I was initially under the impression that they were permissible.

I could’ve reasoned I’m going to use notes this time because it’s not my fault the expectations weren’t clear. But going forward I wouldn’t use them. And not only that, I knew some of my classmates would use them, giving them an unfair advantage.

But I decided to trust God and studied hard for the five days before the exam. And I didn’t use any notes. I wasn’t confident that I would do well. I would’ve been happy just to pass.

As it turned out, I scored 92%, far above what was needed to pass. And what’s more, the average for the class was 83%- despite the fact that I know many of them cheated.

Choosing the Fear of the Lord Instead of Immediate Gain

So, the moral of the story is that I chose wisdom’s instruction rather than the “silver” of using notes. And knowledge rather than the “choice gold” of cheating.

Choosing not to cheat looked like I was turning my back on something that could really pay dividends. Not using notes seemed like saying no to ready cash. But in the end, I’m glad I did the right thing.

It’s important to point out though, that if you choose “silver” rather than fearing God, you will get the silver, but it won’t be the “enduring wealth” that comes with wisdom.

You also will never be wise, since the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. This means not only will you not have enduring wealth, but you won’t have honor, long life, or a peaceful, pleasant life either.

But make no mistake, you will get the silver in the short term. You might pass the exam, pass the class. But will you have what it takes to pass the next one? And will you know what you’re doing when you have to actually put your knowledge to work in the real world?

To read another post related to see Sin in the Bible: The High Price We Pay.