Proverbs 8:21 Commentary and Bible Study

The word ‘substance’ simply means that which exists. I will cause those who love me to inherit that which exists. That term should not make us think of wealth or possessions. Some people do of course teach that if you get the wisdom of the word of God you will be made materially rich. But the idea is, I will bring you to inherit substantial things, solid realities, as opposed to wealth. That is what Solomon has been saying, ‘Have wisdom rather than silver or gold or rubies.’ So he repeats this here. Not trivia, not passing things, not mere money and possessions, but things which outlast them all. I will give you things that are absolutely true, things you can count on, and rest your soul and your future on. It is also interesting that the word ‘inherit’ is used. I will bring you by grace to come into these things. It will not be by your brain power, by your goodness, by any merit on your part that you come into these solid realities when you are converted. It will be by grace, and a good Old Testament word for grace is inheritance. I will cause you to inherit. You did not make that inheritance; you did not produce it. It just fell to you; it just came into your possession. And solid understanding of true, real, eternal things will come to you because you love wisdom.‘I will fill their treasures,’ or their treasuries. You will have a full treasury in terms of really valuable things now, and spiritual riches beyond description in Christ awaiting you in glory, really valuable things that will never fade and never fail. So are we rich or are we poor? As people, as believers, it is all to do with whether our minds have been opened to this wisdom.