How To Give Your Child Something Worth More Than Gold And Silver

Christmas is only a few days away.  The hustle and bustle of this time of year seems to only speed up as I get older.  As a child, it seemed that Christmas lasted for months and months.  Of course, as a child, receiving presents was the most exciting part of the season.  And truthfully, I still have very fond memories of waking up early Christmas morning and running downstairs with my siblings to see what awaited us under the Christmas tree.

I can tell you, we were never disappointed!  The coveted toys, gadgets, and clothes were usually wrapped beautifully for us.  When given the okay by our parents, we would rip into those packages like there was no tomorrow.  (You can imagine what it looked like with 5 kids excitedly opening present after present!)  Sounds of glee and joy were loudly expressed as we clung to our new items.

I must admit it was all a lot of fun!  But to be honest, the older I get, the less interested I am in receiving presents.  I’m not saying this with an unthankful heart, but rather, I understand that there are more important things in life.  The gifts are great, but in a few weeks, they will be old news.  We will move on with our lives and the collection of plastic goods made in China will be stored away.

But have you ever given much thought to what you can give your children that will last longer than Christmas day, a few weeks or even a few months?  What can you give your child that will last a lifetime?  What can you give your child that can help them in every area of their life?  To top it off, what can you give your child that has far more worth than gold and silver?

Wisdom.  Throughout Proverbs, Solomon often compares wisdom with gold and silver.  (On a side note, ask your child what is worth more…. Wisdom or gold?  Which would they rather have a lot of?  What about yourself?  Do you seek wisdom or gold?)

Here’s what Proverbs 3:13-18 has to say:

“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.

Length of days is in her right hand,

In her left hand riches and honor.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,

And happy are all who retain her.”

Read it again.  Does this not sum up what you wish for your children?  If you could package this all up and put it under the tree for your child, would you not do so?  Profits of silver and gold.  Length of days.  Riches and honor.  Peace.  Happiness.

Sounds like the package deal!  But there’s a catch.  These things are not just granted to anyone.  Rather, what does it say?  The long list of blessings are for the man who finds wisdom and understanding.  There are no Black Friday discount specials on these things listed because they cannot be bought.  In fact, no store carries these items, not even Amazon!

Later in Proverbs 16:16, Solomon says, “How much better to get wisdom than gold!  And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

So how do we give our children something worth more than gold and silver?  How do we give our children wisdom?  By teaching our children the fear of the Lord from the day that they are born.

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” 

The fear of the Lord is where it all starts.  The fear of the Lord is the key to all the blessings listed above.  You cannot have wisdom apart from the fear of the Lord.  Your children cannot obtain knowledge, wisdom and understanding apart from the fear of the Lord.  Your children cannot obtain peace and happiness apart from the fear of the Lord!

Read Proverbs 2:1-6 below:

My son, if you receive my words,

And treasure my commands within you,

So that you incline your ear to wisdom,

And apply your heart to understanding;

Yes, if you cry out for discernment,

And lift up your voice for understanding,

If you seek her as silver,

And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,

And find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

As you look at your child’s wishlist this year, I encourage you to think about the gift you can give them that is worth more than silver and gold.  Teaching your child to fear the Lord, to seek wisdom, understanding and knowledge will be the greatest gift you could ever bestow upon them!  May you seek God’s help, mercy and grace as He is the giver of all things!