If you were asked to choose between one million dollars in cash, tax free, or the gift of biblical wisdom, which would you choose?

Think carefully before you answer; it will reveal much about your value system.

Granted, the gift of a million dollars would be hard to walk away from, particularly for a seemingly abstract concept like biblical wisdom.  Someone might argue that not accepting such a mountain of cash would be downright foolish–even unwise.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”  Proverbs 9:10 (NASB)

“How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.”  Proverbs 16:16

The Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament is a treasure trove of wisdom.  I have mined its rich ore for decades and have been immeasurably blessed by the practical advice it offers.

A pastor I sat under for a couple of years gave this timeless advice on reading Proverbs, which contain 31 chapters:  each day, read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month.  For example, today is February 20th, so you would read the 20th chapter of Proverbs, tomorrow is the 21st so you would read the 21st chapter, etc.

I have followed his advice for decades.  In some ways, the wisdom of Proverbs has become a part of my thinking process due to its saturation in my mind through long, repeated reading.

Though many would say I’m insane, if I were asked to choose between a million dollars in cash and the biblical gift of wisdom, I would choose wisdom.   I have learned that wisdom, as the Proverbs teach, is worth far more than silver or gold.

Let me give you a practical example.  Tattoo’s are the rage today, particularly among the younger crowd.  It is not uncommon to see women with their arms covered in tattoo’s, a sight once reserved only for “macho men.”

While these tattoo’s can sometimes be works of art, is it wise to put them all over your body?  Just because they might look stunning today on your arms and neck, what are they going to look like in ten to twenty years?  Ugly and repulsive, especially when your youthful skin starts to sag and the once vibrant colors  fade away.

And just because you might love that particular pattern or picture inked into your skin today, that is no guarantee you will feel the same affection for it next year.  The problem with tattoos are their permanence:  soap and water doesn’t wash them off.

Look at this picture.  Did this man make a wise decision?

I encourage you to read, mediate and ponder the entire fourth chapter of Proverbs.  Choose wisdom over the million dollars.  You will never regret it.