Happy is the man who finds wisdom
What is the meaning of “happy is the man who finds wisdom” (Proverbs 3:13)?
Happiness based on external pursuits such as wealth and acquiring possessions is fleeting. However, the person who seeks wisdom from God will find an inestimable cache of happiness:
Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her (Proverbs 3:13–15, NKJV).
The Hebrew word (’aš·rê), translated as “happy” in Proverbs 3:13, is an interjection or exclamation (i.e., “Oh, how happy!”) expressing strong emotion. It refers to happiness that comes from being highly favored by divine grace. It is alternately translated as “blessed” (ESV, NIV) and “joyful” (NLT). The person who finds wisdom is supremely blessed and favored by God!
In addition, this term translated as “happy” is plural in the original language (as in Psalm 1:1 and Psalm 119:1). It could be translated as “Oh, the blessedness!” It is repeated at the close of this section on the worthiness of pursuing wisdom:
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly (Proverbs 3:18, NLT)
King Solomon wants readers to understand that wisdom is rare and priceless. Wisdom is more profitable than finding silver and gold, more precious than rubies (Psalm 19:10). We must desire it and ask God for it: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Wisdom should be pursued like a hunter searching for buried treasure. Much effort is required in our search for wisdom (Proverbs 2:3–5). We must be “like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (see Matthew 13:45–46; see also Proverbs 23:23).
God’s Word imparts wisdom (Deuteronomy 4:6; Psalm 119:98; 2 Timothy 3:15). If we study Scripture and look for wisdom with the same passion and dedication we might search for lost treasure, we will find it. And, having found wisdom, we will discover true and lasting happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:26).
Gaining wisdom is superior to other pursuits because of wisdom’s many benefits. “For those who find [wisdom] find life and receive favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 8:35). Ultimately, wisdom comes from God; it is the same wisdom He used to create the world (Proverbs 8:1–36). One benefit is that His wisdom becomes “a tree of life,” giving the wise a glimpse or foretaste of heaven (see Revelation 22:1–2). This “tree of life” analogy represents fulfilled dreams and desires (see Proverbs 13:12) and is closely aligned with the “fountain of life” (Proverbs 13:14; 14:27; 16:22).
Happy is the man who finds wisdom because it ultimately leads to eternal life with God (see 1 Corinthians 2:1–16). The Bible says Jesus Himself is wisdom: “In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2–3; see also 1 Corinthians 1:24). In God’s wonderful plan of salvation, Jesus is the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:25). When we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, His Spirit comes to live in us: “God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin” (1 Corinthians 1:30, NLT). Jesus bore our sins on the cross so that we might receive forgiveness, cleansing, and a new righteous standing before God. He redeemed us with His blood and set us free from sin (Romans 3:23–26; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Ephesians 1:7).
Jesus is our greatest treasure. He is wisdom from God, sent to live and die for us and provide the indescribably good gift of eternal life (John 3:15–16; Romans 10:9; 2 Corinthians 9:15). In Him, we gain all the treasures of heaven—riches, honor, glory, and joy in God’s presence forever (Psalm 16:11; Matthew 13:44; 19:21; Luke 12:33; John 17:24; Philippians 3:20–21; Ephesians 2:6; 2 Corinthians 5:1–4; 1 Peter 5:4). Oh, how blessed and truly happy is the man or woman who finds wisdom from God in Jesus Christ.