Quality versus Quantity…a few different letters...but a BIG difference!

Probing Proverbs 8:35-36 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.”

When we read words like this, if not careful, we have a tendency to just pass by them. Mistakenly, we assume we understand the words that are used, because they are very familiar. However, if we slow down and ponder their meaning we might find ourselves gleaning much more then we had anticipated. 

Let’s do that right now! “Life”, “Favor”, “Injure” and “Death” are the key words.  For so many “life” means existence, “favor” means preference, “injure,” means damage and “death” means cessation. In reality their meanings are more complex and bring greater meaning to this passage if we take the time to measure their meanings. “Life” is not about existing…it carries with it an understanding of quality. “Favor” is not limited to preference; it also conveys an approving and supportive attitude. “Injure” includes the concepts of harm and offense. “Death” actually goes far beyond cessation; it means separation. Now, consider what this passage is saying. Those that find Wisdom will add quality to their life! How? Remember knowledge is “data." 

Wisdom shows us how to use that data. You can know a lot and own a lot, but if you do not understand how to maximize its use, you will lack the quality they offer. Wisdom will guide you into an existence that is filled with quality…no matter the quantity! This person also finds that His Maker not only approves of his life, but also will support it! This is that sense of purpose and destiny that God brings to an individuals life. Contrary, those that are moving so fast they miss the lessons of Wisdom are harmed by the fact their life lacks the quality it should have. This also is an offense to our Maker. God did not make man to “exist” only. 

When an individual moves from sloppiness to deliberate “hatred” of Wisdom they will separate themselves from all that life is. They go through this life obsessed with themselves, focused on temporal things only and never experience a sense of purpose and destiny. 

This passage makes it clear – the quality of our life is determined by…us. God is not hiding or playing hard to get. The only reason we claim that we cannot find what we are looking for is because we continue to insist on looking through temporal eyes! God is eternal and you must seek Him as He is. You cannot remake Him into what you want. God is God! When you see that…you will see Him!