Pinterest Predicts: Be Jeweled!

Okay, I thought I’d take a little time to have some fun!

Pinterest thinks it knows what we’re going to want to know about this year. They claim that 8 out of 10 predictions for 2021 were spot on, and now they’ve got a new list for 2022.

They’ve given me so many things to write about that I thought I’d warn you ahead of time–this is only the first in a series, so get ready!

Be Jeweled

Bring the bling… to everything. Gen Z is driving a trend toward accessories that go way beyond the basic earring, cuff or layered necklace. They’re getting creative and accessorizing the whole body, from tooth gems to crystal eye embellishments.

Pinterest Predicts 2022

Jewels, jewels everywhere!

We’ve already seen jewel embellishments in nail art, but now we’re expanding that to makeup, bejeweled teeth, and beyond.

After living through more than 50 years of fashion trends that have come and gone, I can assure you that you won’t find me wearing much beyond my traditional jewelry. To be honest, I would look ridiculous!

What intrigues me is the fact that after thousands of years, jewels still have a hold on the human psyche. We just try to invent new ways to use them, whether true or faux.

Jewels are costly because of the processes required to mine, cut and polish them, in addition to the fact that they aren’t found just anywhere! I haven’t found any emeralds or sapphires in my garden soil yet, but I’ll keep digging . . .

Do you know what the Bible says is more valuable than gemstones? Here are a few verses to give you an idea.

“For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it” (Proverbs 8:11 NLT).

“Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. Coral and jasper are worthless in trying to get it. The price of wisdom is far above rubies. Precious peridot from Ethiopia cannot be exchanged for it. It’s worth more than the purest gold” (Job 28:17-19).

“Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her” (Proverbs 3:15).

“Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies” (Proverbs 20:15).

It seems that everyone is out to look fantastic, but not many seem super excited about seeking out wisdom.

Where should we look for this wisdom that is more valuable than gems?

“Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD,and you will gain knowledge of God.

For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity” (Proverbs 2:3-7).

Just as gems require a great deal of work to find and prepare, there’s a lot of work included in gaining wisdom. Crying out and asking, searching and seeking all take time and energy! Add to that living with honesty and integrity.

I’m grateful for this promise found in James: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-6).

This promise also has requirements of us if we are to receive wisdom! We must ask (oh, dear, that requires humility) and not doubt.

Wisdom comes at a cost.

Are we willing to invest what is required to find the wisdom that God gives? It’s worth far more than any pretty jewels we could wear!

What does this wisdom look like?

James gives us a peek: “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere” (James 3:17).

Now there’s a test for those who think themselves wise! I wonder how they would see themselves measuring up against that one little verse.

Do you know what that verse reminds me of? Paul’s description of love in his letter to the church at Corinth.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Oh, wait, do you remember what John wrote? “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them” (1 John 4:16).

And then I’m led to another truth: wisdom is not a what so much as a Who.

“But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God . . . God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD” (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30-31).

Christ is the wisdom of God.

What is your reaction to that claim?

If you are a follower of Christ, can the world see a difference in the way that you live? Does your life reflect Him? How do you invest time and energy into your relationship with Him?

If you are not a follower of Christ, I challenge you to find a Bible, and read the book of John. It’s closer to the end than the beginning, but it’s a great place to start! Read and discover for yourself what so many have lived and died for throughout the last two centuries.

I’d love to hear your reactions in the comments below!