Proverbs 4:9
"She will place on your head a garland of grace; she will present you with a crown of beauty"
Solomon continues here with the benefits of wisdom. Following God's will and wisdom is not just for celebrating in heaven. It has practical benefits here in this life.
garland of grace: The Hebrew word for garland is livyah which means wreath or garland. It clearly refers to a crown or decoration about the head.
crown of beauty: The Hebrew word for crown is atarah. It also means wreath. It is clear that both of these references are to the same thing – a decoration about the head, which suggests honor, privilege, prestige.
Everyone in every culture has a picture of what success looks like to them. In our culture if you are an athlete, it may be a championship ring or it may be being able to dress a certain way or have a certain look. In Solomon's day – as in many cultures – there were crowns or wreaths of privilege, position, and wealth. These laurel crowns signified that a person had made it to the pinnacle of this life. They were enjoying the success that everyone wanted. Solomon borrows from this imagery and says that it is wisdom that will gain you this "look." If you want to be successful and have the look of the one who has arrived enjoying all the perks of success, then push hard to grasp wisdom.
It may seem like being selfish and going after what you want is the ticket to gaining success in this life; it is not. It is wisdom that will surround your life with the look of a champion.
Until tomorrow,
Gil Stieglitz