Defining ultimate value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. But, in another sense, ultimate value should have an objective measure. Read this post to learn more.
My wife and I each have a number of items that were passed down to us from our parents and grandparents.
Similarly, we have accumulated things in our lives that represent our own life events. In both cases, those family keepsakes and heirlooms have meaning to us personally.
Have Meaning for Whom?
The more relevant question, I think, is will those items have any meaning to our children and grandchildren after we’re gone?
For better or worse, I suspect the definition of “have meaning” is different as you cross generations.
By the way, in the absence of a strict definition, I think of keepsakes as small items. Something that would fit in a box. For example, my father’s Bronze Star from World War II.
Heirlooms may be more substantial, like a piece of antique furniture or a quilt pieced by a grandmother. As an example, see the photo in this post of my great grandmother’s ice box.
Defining Ultimate Value
So, in one sense, ultimate value is defined by an individual. Thus, like beauty, it’s in the eye of the beholder. But, in another sense, value should have an objective measure.
For Solomon, ultimate value was wrapped up in living a precept-driven life. Therefore, he placed value on knowing wisdom. In fact, in Proverbs 3.14-15 he said wisdom was of greater value than any material item.
How so? Knowing wisdom, hence being wise, leads to greater productivity, material gain, and influence according to Proverbs 3.16. I trust you agree those are some significant benefits!
Wisdom is far better than precious metals or valuable jewels. Proverbs 3.14-15 paraphrase proverbsforprofessionals.net
Some Takeaways
Ultimately, what’s left will become a problem for our children and grandchildren to deal with. Thus, they’ll need to distribute the items my wife and I have right now.
I suspect grandchildren will get some of that stuff. We hope they enjoy it and treasure it as much as my wife and I have over the years.
Beyond the material, ultimate value is spiritual. It involves a personal relationship with the Lord.
More narrowly, ultimate value is our approach to living a precept-driven life. When we value wisdom we enjoy benefits such as stability and influence.