Treasures of the Soul

Day Forty-Two

Treasures of the Soul  (Read Proverbs 16:10-19)

"How can they be delivered from the life of self, who are unwilling to abandon all their possessions? How can they believe themselves despoiled of all who possess the greatest treasure under heaven? Do not oblige me to name it, but judge, if you are enlightened; there is one of them which is less than the other, which is lost before it, but which those who must lose everything have the greatest trouble in parting with." ~ Jeanne Marie Bouvier de la Motte Guyon

The age-old debate of wisdom versus wealth has taken on new significance in a world increasingly driven by material success and financial prowess. Both attributes hold power and influence, shaping individuals' lives and their paths. However, when examined closely, it becomes evident that wisdom, rooted in knowledge, experience, and understanding, is often a more profound and enduring asset than mere financial abundance. While wealth can provide a luxurious lifestyle and open doors to opportunities, wisdom equips individuals to navigate life's challenges, make meaningful decisions, and foster genuine relationships.

What ambitions do you live for? Your actions, not words, validate your response. Do you ever comment, "I wish I had a million dollars," or, "I hope I win the lottery someday?." How about, "I wish I were smarter," but"I'm just an average Joe?" These desires are rooted in the heart and preclude you from discovering the treasures of the soul. 

Our wisdom teaching ensures its followers that wisdom will protect God's children while its lack will endanger them. The guiding principle is that wisdom is better than material treasure, and humility, wisdom's fruit, is better than pride. When money and pride become our lives' driving forces, they lead to separation from God and, ultimately, ruin. Because of our corrupt nature, it's easy to fall prey to deluded thoughts, thinking that more is better, and if only I had XYZ, I would be somebody and be okay.

¹⁶ How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    and good judgment than silver!

¹⁷ The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;
    whoever follows that path is safe.

¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction,
    and haughtiness before a fall.

¹⁹ Better to live humbly with people experiencing poverty
    than to share plunder with the proud.

 "Most of the trouble in the world is caused by people wanting to be important." ~ T. S. Eliot

Power, glory, and prestige are labeled the BIG THREE because God hates them. What separates humans from all living creatures is "free will." Birds fly south for the winter and return in the spring. Why? That's their nature. Humans, on the other hand, possess free will. Pride leads the procession of all character flaws, and God detests pride more than any other trait. The Bible includes many stories of prideful people experiencing ruin and humble people experiencing God's mercy, grace, love, and joy. Pride turns angels into demons, but humility turns demons into angels.

You are encouraged to be humble and pursue the treasures found only in wisdom. Wisdom and wealth can coexist if spiritually centered. Your treasure is where your heart is. If your focus in life includes only your self-interest, you will experience separation and hardship in this life and eternity; don't let that be you. Pursue success with God's ambitions at the center of your heart, and you will discover the treasures of the soul.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.