Proverbs 16:16 English Standard Version (ESV) How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

If you had to choose between wisdom and understanding, which would you chose?

Gold trumps silver so choose wisdom.

What is wisdom without understanding? That sounds a little like blind obedience. Luckily for us it is not an either or situation. Wisdom should temper understanding. We are not to gain knowledge without consideration of consequences. That practice got us kicked out of Eden. That is a good lesson.

Yesterday needy was in reference to relationship. We have everything we need to have this relationship with our creator. While that is the most import aspect of life, it is not the only aspect of living this life with others. Wisdom in relationship with others will allow us to escape unpleasant consequences.

Can we find the words to help others that will not be received as offensive or intrusive? Wisdom says get to know your neighbors before giving them advice. Open relationships can lead to open dialogue which can lead to understanding which will allow wisdom room to work.

Now comes the difficult part. What is our motivation is these relationships? Over the years I have seen relationships fade into nothing because there was no clear understanding on my part for my motivation in that relationship. Even within the body of Christ there will be a defining moment when the motivations behind those relationships is revealed. Do not be surprised if upon that discovery the other might think, “I don’t need that.”

If we are to grow in Christ according to His will a certain amount of grace must accompany each relationship. We may grow apart because we do not all grow in Christ at the same rate. We are not responsible for another’s relationship with Christ. It is possible to grow out of certain relationships.

That does not mean we stop loving them. Wisdom takes over.