The Cost of Wisdom

  The writer of Proverbs says, "Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, since he has no heart for it."  (Proverbs 17:16 NKJV)


   Is Solomon suggesting that wisdom can be purchased?  If there were true, the millionaires of the world would demonstrate wisdom like that of Solomon.  But we know that is not the case.

   Perhaps we can shed some light by using a different translation.  The New Living Translations says, "It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool who has no heart for wisdom."  That puts the meaning in a different perspective.

   The key to understanding what true wisdom is all about can be found hidden in 1 Corinthians 1:24, "But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God."  Since Jesus paid the purchase price for our salvation and is the wisdom of God, we are left with a choice.  Therefore, we conclude that the purchase price for wisdom is choice.  We can receive Christ and his wisdom, or we can spurn his offer and remain in our foolish state.

   Which choice will you make?