Kettle Wisdom Not Kettle Corn

(Proverbs 3:16 KJV)  Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

Many times the rewards of wisdom are intangible.  “Riches” (6239) and “honor” (3519b) can of course be very physical and measurable but they also go beyond a bank balance or being listed in “Who’s Who.” 

Take Ma and Pa Kettle.  These old movies may not be a part of your cultural baggage but they were the kind of movies my parents let me go see.  It is amazing how often these dirt poor, hillbilly types demonstrate a grasp of life that is missed by their betters.  My wife was watching one of their offerings the other day and I was walking through the room.  I paused long enough to see Ma do something to cause Pa to lose a race he really wanted to win.  When I passed through again the story was playing itself out and it became clear that for some reason if Pa had won the race many people in their town would have gone through extreme suffering.  Leave the probability aside and look at the lesson:  Sometimes we give up what is ours by right in order to help others. 

This is riches.  This is honor.  This is wisdom.  This is love.

So?  How do you measure your wealth?  Do others need to see it for it to be real?  Apply the wisdom of God and know real riches and honor.