Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.

Our text takes us to two benefits of wisdom. Many other benefits of wisdom exist, but the two specifically mentioned by our text are long life and riches and honor. In many cultures, the right hand is a sign of honor and the left hand of dishonor. In light of the use of both hands in our text, we cannot deduce that one hand is more honorable that the other. The point of the proverbs is that both blessings of wisdom are excellent in nature and not to be preferred one over the other. What does our text mean for us today? Be concerned with how well you live for God.

We are to appreciate the life over which God has given us stewardship. Ecclesiastes 5:18 says, “Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward.” Life is a gift from God, and as such ought to be cherished. An application could be made at this point about refusing to take life such as in abortion and euthanasia, but such application is beyond the scope of our study. Solomon simply says, ‘Enjoy life’. Life is not a dull and dreary drudgery that we experience day-in and day-out. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Only salvation allows us to enjoy life to its fullest. Life cannot be truly enjoyed apart from Christ. Take time to reflect upon how good God has been to you. Then take time to thank the Lord for His goodness to you. No one who has an ungrateful heart ever enjoyed life; true gratitude expressed to the Lord will inspire in you an enjoyment of life.

What are your thoughts on this verse?

How would you define wisdom?

Is this verse general or specific in its blessings?

What kind of riches and honor come with a wisely spent life?