As I confessed in another recent devotional, I sometimes tend to be a know-it-all. In other words, I’m afraid of not having the answers, so I’m tempted to fake it and make something up if I can’t answer the question. What’s even worse that being a know-it-all is actually knowing what to do and not doing it.
The most valuable asset you possess isn’t your house, your retirement account, or a business you own. Your most valuable asset is wisdom.
Wisdom is essentially knowledge put into action. And the Bible tells us it’s incredibly valuable.
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
~ Proverbs 3:13-18 NIV
In the world of finance, an asset is usually considered anything you own that has monetary value, like your house. But I tend to agree with Robert Kiyosaki that an asset is actually something that produces income. In other words, sometimes what you think is an asset is actually a liability. Your house may not earn you money, but it does carry the cost of a mortgage, maintenance, insurance, and taxes.
In the same way, knowing a lot of things seems like an asset, but if you don’t put your knowledge into practice in life, it’s actually a liability. Notice that the writer of this proverb says wisdom is “more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”
In other words, wisdom can be invested by putting it into practice. When you put wisdom to use in your life, you’re creating value and you’ll see a return. That might mean healthier relationships, a longer life, or financial stability.
Don’t just learn facts and study the Bible like it’s a boring textbook. Collect wisdom that you can put to use as you navigate the twists and turns of life.
Life is always better when you’re applying wisdom along the way.
