THREE REALLY GOOD THINGS
PROVERBS 22:4
PROVERBS 22:4 NKJ
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord
Are riches and honor and life.
There are some Proverbs that are well known. Some Proverbs are often used in sermons, and some make great sayings that go on refrigerator doors or keychains. I am thinking of Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. And there are many others.
But I am surprised that this Proverb is not a "famous" one. It doesn't really sting like some of the Proverbs. It doesn't even have a negative outcome or warning. In fact, the benefits of this Proverb offer three things that humanity longs for: riches, honor, and life.
How much of the world right now is looking for an abundance of material goods? How many are looking for honor, to be recognized as important by others? And how many are just looking for more out of life through their travels or pursuit of experiences? This Proverb says we can have all three!
So why aren't we excited? It may be the conditions that generate the riches, honor, and life. Humility and fear of the Lord. And that sound is the sound of enthusiasm rapidly draining out. Humility? In today's rough and tumble world? That doesn't sound too promising. And the fear of the Lord sounds as if we are submitting our desires and plans and behavior to Him.
Our challenge is we view humility and fear of the Lord as too difficult or as a losing proposition. Instead of seeing these two important decisions as a pathway to three really good things.
Application
I have to admit this Proverb caught me also. Three things that would enrich our lives are right in front of us. Providing we are willing to travel down the path of humility and fear of the Lord.
So, our quest becomes, how can we walk with the Lord in humility and respect and honor of Him? Obviously, I won't be able to probe into those subjects in a quick devotional, but we have enough to get started. And the end result as we pursue this path are three really good things.
Prayer
Dear Father, please show me how I can walk before You in true humility and true respect.