A necklace is a piece of jewelry that truly stands out. On a special evening out, people may or may not notice a ring, watch, or bracelet; our arms remain mostly at our side. And they may or may not notice earrings, depending on size and style, and whether they’re hidden behind the hair.
But that necklace is front and center. The eyes can’t miss this obvious adornment. So we women like to play it up—a striking pendant on a chain, a strand of pearls, beaded stones.
But the most beautiful necklaces can be worn by men as well as women—and they aren’t made of precious metal or pearls. Maybe you’ve eyed these yourself in the book of Proverbs:
“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3:3).
“My son, let them not depart from your sight; keep sound wisdom and discretion, so they will be life to your soul, and adornment to your neck” (Proverbs 3:21-22).
“My son, observe the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck” (Proverbs 6:20-21).
Let’s look again at the piece parts of this necklace: kindness, truth, wisdom, discretion, observance of God’s commandments and teaching. God is saying we should adorn ourselves with all these things. They should be front and center whenever people come into contact with us—something they cannot miss.
We don’t have to pay money to acquire these treasures, but there’s definitely a cost—a transformed life in Christ that brings forth the sweet fruit of kindness; and time with God and in the Word, which causes us to grow in wisdom, discretion, and obedience. And did you notice something awesome about these treasures? They not only adorn the outer person, acting as a witness to others; they also strengthen heart and soul, drawing us closer to God.
What a beautiful necklace! Are you wearing one? What do people see when they come into contact with you?
