Wisdom Fills the House with Treasures

Near the end of his life, Joshua led the people of Israel to renew their covenant with the Lord at Shechem (see Joshua 24). He reminded them of their ancient lineage from Abraham as well as their recent history under Moses. If that wasn't enough evidence to fear and worship the Lord, he also called them, "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . But, as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Josh. 24:15).

This verse, often found on plaques in Christian homes, highlights an essential truth in today’s reading: God’s wisdom is to be treasured in family life. As we’ve seen this past week, faith in and obedience to the Lord is always the wisest choice, and this is especially true in the family, including marriage and parenting (Ps. 127:1).

Today’s verses from Proverbs are built on the metaphor of “house” representing family life. That is, a house here is not merely a building, but a family and all the people and activities that are included in it. To build a house wisely means to “build” a family of people who love and follow the Lord. Its “rooms” could be different activities, dimensions, or stages of family life. In this context, “knowledge” is a synonym for wisdom and likewise indicates applied knowledge or discernment in specific contexts and situations.

Wisdom not only helps establish a strong foundation for family life—it also fills the rooms with “rare and beautiful treasures,” a phrase which can also be translated “all kinds of precious and pleasing treasures” (Prov. 24:4; see also Prov. 15:6). Within the metaphor, these “treasures” are not necessarily material blessings, but instead indicate a life well lived before God. The main blessing received is a richer relationship with Him!

Pray with Us

Today, please commit to prayer the rest of the Residence Life staff: Sarah Koch, Jeffrey Anderson, and Sarah Nunneley, as they facilitate our students’ progress at Moody and help new students adjust to campus life.

BY Brad Baurain

Dr. Bradley Baurain is Associate Professor and Program Head of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Moody Bible Institute. Bradley has the unique privilege of holding a degree from four different universities (including Moody). He has just published his first book, On Waiting Well. Bradley taught in China, Vietnam, the United States, and Canada. Bradley and his wife, Julia, have four children and reside in Northwest Indiana.