Blessed Are Those Who Find Wisdom

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding…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 honour. 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.” (Prov 3:13–18)

When I was preparing this weeks Sermon, I came across something that really caught my attention. You might know the actor Chris Pratt—he’s been in several Marvel films and is undoubtedly a Hollywood A-lister. Recently, he shared a video of himself praying on social media. In it, he asked God for help to be still and ended by encouraging viewers to “turn your phone off and go outside…go get some sunshine, look at a tree, touch some grass, call a friend…reach out to somebody in need and share this prayer with them.”

Predictably, the reactions online were harsh. Some mocked him, some sneered, and some even ridiculed his simple act of prayer. And yet, this moment struck me as exactly what Proverbs 3:13–18 is about.

In a chaotic, noisy, and often cruel world, Chris Pratt offered a snippet of God’s wisdom and simple guidance for a healthy, life-giving rhythm—and he was mocked for it.

Wisdom, God’s wisdom, often looks strange to the world. It doesn’t fit the patterns of culture, politics, or social media. It may even seem counterintuitive. Proverbs presents Wisdom as a lady who calls out to us, promising life and blessing to those who embrace her. Lady Folly, by contrast, calls to immediate gratification, short-term pleasure, and the approval of others. The contrast is striking, and it’s as relevant today as it was in Solomon’s time.

Think about it: the world values wealth, status, influence, and attention. But Proverbs reminds us that God’s wisdom is more valuable than gold and rubies. It leads to long life, peace, and honor—not in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of God. And when we follow it, we may look foolish to others, just as Chris Pratt’s quiet act of prayer looked foolish online.

This theme resonates through Jesus’ Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–10. Each Beatitude challenges the so-called “wisdom of the world”:

• Blessed are the poor in spirit – humility counters the culture of self-promotion.

• Blessed are those who mourn – God honors authentic grief in a world obsessed with performative emotion.

• Blessed are the meek – gentleness often goes unnoticed, yet it reflects God’s power.

• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness – seeking justice can feel countercultural.

• Blessed are the merciful – compassion resists the instant outrage of cancel culture.

• Blessed are the pure in heart – integrity matters more than image.

• Blessed are the peacemakers – unity can feel lonely in a divided society.

• Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness’ sake – truth invites criticism but leads to eternal blessing.

Wisdom calls us to a countercultural life: humility, mercy, courage, and justice over worldly acclaim; patience, integrity, and faithfulness over instant results. It may look foolish to others, but it leads to life. Just as Proverbs promises, those who hold fast to wisdom are blessed.

So, where is God calling you to act with wisdom that defies the world’s expectations? Where are you being invited to pause, to notice creation, to reach out to others, and to act with care—even when it feels strange or unpopular? This is the path of Lady Wisdom. This is the way of Christ. And this is a life that truly blesses, strengthens, and endures.