Today’s reading: Proverbs 22:1-24:34
My selection: Proverbs 22:4
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
My reflections: Throughout the Proverbs there are examples of the principle of cause and effect. Do “A”, and “B” will result. Don’t do “C”, and “D” will be the consequence. There may be random cases in which the expected effect does not follow but these cause and effect relationships are quite consistent. The exception proves the rule.
In the case of this proverb, it stands in contrast to what is often being taught today under the banner of “the prosperity gospel”. Neither humility nor fear of the Lord are being promoted. On the contrary, it is self-confidence, even pride in oneself, that is preached. They say, “God is not to be feared as He is only love and wants YOU to be happy and successful. Expect a miracle! You have a right to it.”
This message has wide appeal because most of us want riches, and honor, and life. The question is “how do we seek them?” According to this passage, it is not obtained through selfishness and arrogance. Humility and the fear of the Lord go hand in hand and lead to the desired good life. True humility is to fear the Lord, to bow reverently before Him each day and offer oneself as His servant and worshiper. That sort of attitude reflects a proper fear of the Lord and leads to riches, and honor, and life. But to the one who is humble and fears the Lord, I suspect that the riches, honor, and life, available in this world, do not matter much. The humble God-fearer finds true riches, and honor, and life in Christ alone.
My challenge: Walk in humility and in the fear of the Lord, today, tomorrow, and the next day. Eventually, you may see riches, and honor, and life in this world, but, through Christ, you certainly will in the next.
Tomorrow’s reading: Proverbs 25:1-27:27
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