Wisdom is Better than Riches.


Saturday 8th February 2020. Read 1st Kings 3:4-13, Psalm 119 and Mark 6:30-34.


_“Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right… I give you a wise and discerning mind… I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour…” *(1 Kings 3:11-13)*_ 

There is a saying that if all the world’s richest persons were to transfer all their money to the world’s poorest people, that money would soon return to rich again. Poverty is not often one’s account statement, it is rather the state of one’s mind. Even if you have all the money in the world but lack wisdom, your money will amount to nothing.

God is pleased with Solomon’s prayer because 1. Solomon did not ask for long life. 2. Solomon did not ask for riches. 3. Solomon did not ask for the death of his enemies. Instead, Solomon asked for the following: 1. An understanding mind to govern the people and 2. Ability to discern between good and evil. In short, Solomon asked for wisdom.

To reward Solomon for asking right, God decides to bless him with wisdom, (the type that no one before him ever had) and not just that, God added what he didn’t ask for riches and honour. Here comes the lesson for today: “When you ask for wisdom, riches become your complimentary gift.” Riches without wisdom is poverty waiting to happen. On the other hand, with wisdom, riches are never far away from a person. *To be wise is to be truly rich.*

The apostles returned to Jesus with joy for successfully carrying out the mission Jesus sent them. Do you recall Jesus’ instructions to them? Take nothing for the journey except a Staff (Walking Stick), no bread, no bag, no money, wear sandals, and, do not put on two tunics. In essence, Jesus condemned these disciples to a life of poverty. They were simple to go out with the most important wealth of all, wisdom; a gift of the Holy Spirit.

When last did I sincerely beg God for the gift of wisdom? Do I believe that wisdom is more important than money? As a disciple of Christ, a pastor, an evangelist, a priest or a leader in the church, do I use my position simply to amass material riches for myself? Am I still faithful to the vow of poverty?

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, increase my wisdom. Amen.

Be happy. Live positive. It is well with you. (Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1st Kings 3:4-13, Psalm 119 and Mark 6:30-34).

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