Treasure in the Dwelling of the Wise - Proverbs 21:20

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse twenty of Proverbs Solomon said, “there is treasure to be desired … in the dwelling of the wise” where we read,

There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise;

but a foolish man spends it up.

The verse begins, “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise;” Solomon began with the words, “there is treasure” or “there exists supplies of food, drink, gold and silver” “to be desired” which means “that may be coveted, taken pleasure in a delighted in” “and oil” or “and fatness of olive oil used as a medicament or unguent” “in the dwelling” which means “within the abode, habitation and pleasant place” “of the wise” or “belonging to people who are skillful, shrewd and prudent”. Solomon said there exists supplies of gold, silver, food, drink and olive oil used for medicament within the abode of people who are skillful and shrewd. 

The verse continues, “but a foolish man spends it up.” Solomon added the words, “but a foolish man” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover a person whether male or female who is stupid, dullard, simpleton and arrogant” “spends it up” which means “swallows down, engulfs, eats up and squanders the “treasure” and “oil” “to be desired”. Solomon said a person who is an arrogant simpleton squanders and wastes the “treasure” that they have obtained. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how we are to be “wise” in that which God provides to us. We owe Him everything because He owns it all. When He provides for us, we are not to be “foolish” and squander His blessings, but we are to use them within His Kingdom according to His purposes and will. God loves us, and His plan for us is superior to our own. When we yield to His Son Jesus who was sent into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us not only to value what He provides but also how to maintain it “wisely” in a manner that is pleasing to Him. 

Next time Solomon says, “he that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".