The Two Hands of Wisdom
Bob Yandian
Proverbs 3
vs. 13 “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,”
vs. 14 “for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.”
vs. 15 “She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
vs. 16 “Long life is in her right hand;”
Solomon’s Woman
Although Solomon never found the one true love of his life, he certainly was surrounded by many beautiful women (1000 wives and mistresses). Yet, he knew that godly women did exist, not only possessing outward beauty but inward beauty far greater, divine wisdom. His mother, Bathsheba, was one such woman. She was the object of chapter 31, the virtuous woman, whom he grew up to call blessed.
A virtuous woman is the embodiment of God’s word. The same attributes Solomon gave to the virtuous woman, he also gave to the word of God. Both possess value above silver, fine gold, and precious rubies (Proverbs 3:14, 31:10). Next to the word of God, a fine wife is to be praised as the highest possession of value in life. Both the word of God and the virtuous wife are called “she”.
Two Hands of Blessing
An elegant and wise woman will bring blessings into the life of the one who has her for a companion. Just as a woman, the word has two hands of blessing. In the right hand is long life and in the left is riches and honor. These are the two areas of blessing offered to anyone who will put their trust in God’s word.
A child is told to obey his mother and father (Ephesians 6:1,2), which will bring two blessings into their life. It will be well (riches and honor) with them, and they will live a long time on the earth (length of days). Believers are promised the same two hands of blessing in 3 John 2. As our soul prospers, we will prosper (riches and honor) and be in health (length of days).
God’s right hand is prominent throughout the Bible. Jesus sat at the right hand of God when He ascended into heaven (Ephesians 1:20). Believers, (sheep), will be set on the right hand of Jesus when he returns (Matthew 25:33). Our beautiful woman, the word of God, has length of days in her right hand and riches and honor in her left. Why is this important? Health (the right hand) is much more important than wealth (the left hand). What good is money if you do not have the health, the time, to enjoy it?
Seek The Wisdom
Solomon told us more than once to seek wisdom above all things (Proverbs 4:5-7,16:16), and also the attributes that go along with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Why is this important? We are not to seek money, fame, or long life. If we seek the beautiful woman, she comes complete with two hands. In other words, “seek first the kingdom of God (wisdom) and all these things (two hands) will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Moses told Joshua to follow after God’s law (word) and not to turn from it to the right hand or the left (Joshua 1:7, 23:6). How sad it is that many Christians began their walk by seeking only the wisdom of God, but as they grew in wisdom, health, and possessions, they soon run only after an increase in money and acquiring of better health. Stay with God’s word and all these things will continue to increase in your life. God has no limit to the amount of blessings He will bestow on you if you will seek and love only Him and His wisdom.
When Solomon took the earthly throne, God asked him what he wanted from the throne of heaven. Solomon did not ask for health, long life, money, possessions, or the lives of his enemies. He asked for wisdom to properly handle the great nation of God’s people, Israel. God was so pleased with Solomon’s request He also granted him long life and wealth like no one had ever had (1 Kings 3:9-14).
Times Have Not Really Changed
Instead of asking for the blessings of Abraham and Solomon, seek the God of Abraham and Solomon. God told Abraham that possessions and financial blessings would be given to him so he could be a blessing (Genesis 12:2). God promises us increased prosperity if we favor His righteous cause (Psalm 35:27). How are we to be a blessing? What is God’s righteous cause? In both cases, IT IS PEOPLE. Moses told us the Lord gives us power to get wealth so God’s covenant can be established (Deuteronomy 8:18). His covenant is the gospel.
What is the wisdom we are to seek after so the two hands of blessing will follow? Seek to bless the nations with the gospel. Look for more ways to win souls in your neighborhood, city, nation, and around the world. You are the person God can trust with more days on the earth and prosperity to enjoy each one.
