Amethyst

God provides great wisdom which is available to me.

     Quartz has many forms, with many colors and a wide variety of patterns. One of those forms is amethyst, coming in many shades of purple, from pale lavender to inky, juicy grape. This stone comes in an extremely wide variety of shapes and sizes, and some amethyst geodes have been found that're big enough for multiple people to sit in. It is given its purple color by different amounts of iron or aluminum within the crystals. Rarely, inclusions of hematite along with these will form pink amethyst.

     The palest amethysts look like luscious lavender flower petals or feathers; deepest purple stones summon imagery of rich, dark purple silk, slick and soft under your fingertips, like what would be the mark of status and royalty in olden days. Purple has always been a symbolically royal color, a color of wisdom which results in leadership. The second king of Israel, Solomon, is estimated to have been the richest man to ever have existed as well as the wisest. But neither of those things were gained by his own power.

     "Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”"

1 Kings 3:3-14

     Solomon, when he could've asked for fame and riches, instead asked the Lord for guidance and wisdom, and God was so pleased with Solomon's request that He gave him wisdom and also granted him greatness because of his righteousness.

     "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." 

James 1:5-6 

     "Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her."

Proverbs 8:10-11

     "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

Proverbs 3:3-8

     "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them."

Hosea 14:9

     "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12

     These verses tell us that not only is the Lord's wisdom openly available, but it is also better than our own wisdom which is influenced by this temporary world. This life is only a momentary speck in eternity; knowing this, seek the wisdom of God which will last forever. After all, this temporary society we live in is made of smoke, mirrors, and sin - as such we can know that any worldly wisdom serves only to destroy us and to drag us away from eternity with God. Instead of relying on the world's words, then, rely on the Lord's Word, and seek Him in prayer daily. This is how you will find true wisdom: through Christ alone.