Ten Proverbs on Wisdom as a beautiful treasure

The book of Proverbs seeks to frame our view of wisdom not as a joyless duty, instead showing wisdom as something desirable. Time and again it speaks of wisdom as a treasure: a lost treasure, or gold, or silver, or jewels. They are prizes worth seeking, worth the effort, worth the search. These things are not merely valuable but beautiful in a way that lends beauty to their whole environment. 

Here are my ten favorite that portray wisdom as desirable, beautiful, and enriching in a way that matters: 

• (Pro 2:4)  If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures ...
• (Pro 3:14)  For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
• (Pro 8:10)  Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
• (Pro 8:19)  My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
• (Pro 10:20)  The tongue of the just is as choice silver ...
• (Pro 16:16)  How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to gain understanding is preferable to silver!
• (Pro 20:15)  There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
• (Pro 22:1)  A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
• (Pro 25:11)  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
• (Pro 25:12)  As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

The proverbs aim both to challenge our priorities and to inspire a better quest. The book of Proverbs portrays wisdom as one of the chief treasures of life.