Knowing the Difference Between Cost and Worth

“There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.” — Proverbs 21:20 (NKJV)

This scripture in Proverbs reminded me of Jesus' words in Matthew 6:19-20:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

There is a difference between knowing the price of something and understanding its value.

Today, we live in a culture that teaches us what things cost, not necessarily what they are worth. We can spend enormous amounts on possessions, entertainment, status, convenience, and experiences—while we overlook things that cannot be purchased ... like faithfulness, family, a Godly character, contentment, generosity, wisdom, Godly love, and especially time with God.

And perhaps the saddest part is that—these days, wastefulness doesn't always look foolish. Sometimes it looks successful. Many have a beautiful home, an impressive lifestyle, and plenty of possessions, yet be spiritually impoverished because their heart has been invested in things that cannot last.

I remember walking through the estate we lived in at Cairns—absolutely stunning homes, but every home almost looked abandoned, because nobody was there to enjoy their home—they worked long hours to earn enough money to pay a high mortgage.

• Our spending can reveal our priorities.

• Our time can reveal our priorities.

• Our attention can reveal our priorities.

• And ultimately, our treasure reveals our heart.

I know God isn't against us having treasure, but He is concerned about what treasure has our heart.

I pondered the difference between a wise, and foolish person?

And came to the conclusion that a wise person doesn't necessarily have less. A wise person knows that God's blessings are not simply for indulging in, but are for stewardship. A saying I was taught in Bible school popped into my head; “Lord, what do You want me to do with what You have placed in my hands?”

A foolish person on the other hand, may know exactly what something costs, yet have no understanding of whether it is worth having. He/she may spend money simply because they can. They may pursue what is expensive, impressive, or pleasurable without asking whether it is truly valuable. In the end, they can have many things, yet possess very little that truly matters.

Proverbs tells us that there is “desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise.”

Because the wise person understands that what God has provided should not be squandered.

• He learns to save, to prepare, and to use his resources carefully.

• He understands that having something is not the same as being entitled to waste it.

• He understands that not everything that has a high price has high value.

• Earthly possessions are temporary, and they deteriorate, disappear, or be left behind when our earthly journey is over ... but Heavenly treasure is different.

Every act of generosity, every person we encourage, every opportunity we use to serve God, every sacrifice made for His kingdom, and every resource surrendered to His purposes carries an eternal significance that cannot be measured by earthly currency.

The greatest tragedy is not having little … the greatest tragedy is having much, and failing to recognise its value. A person can spend a lifetime accumulating things that have a price tag attached to it, and yet neglect the things that have eternal value attached to it.

May we always value people more than possessions, character more than status, generosity more than accumulation, and eternity more than temporary pleasure.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me wisdom to know the difference between price and value. Forgive me for the times I have placed too much importance on things that are temporary, and too little importance on things that are eternal. Teach me to see my resources as gifts You have entrusted to me. Help me to use everything that You have given me wisely for Your glory and for the blessing of others.

Lord Jesus, help me to lay up treasures in heaven. Change my heart so that I value what You value. May my life not be measured by what I accumulated, but by what I gave, whom I served, and how faithfully I lived for You.

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!