True Humility And Fear Of The The Lord, Lead To Riches, Honor, & Long Life
Our Reputation Is More Valuable Than Riches
PROVERBS 22:1-4
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all. A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished. By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life.
”Proverbs 22:1-4 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.22.1-4.NKJ
Proverbs 22:1-4 emphasizes that building a reputable character and fostering a respectful relationship with God (the "fear of the Lord") is far more valuable than pursuing monetary wealth. These verses highlight that humility, wisdom, and honour are the true foundations for a meaningful life and lasting blessings, and surpass all material riches.
Our reputation is very important, particularly as believers of Christ. Not only should we obey God and be right with Him, we must also be seen as right before all people.
How can we successfully share the Good News of Christ Jesus and shine for Him without a good reputation?
A good name (reputation/character) is preferred over great riches, and loving favour (grace/respect) is better than silver or gold.
Integrity, rather than dishonest gain, brings enduring favour with God and people (v1).
Riches doesn’t impress God, both the rich and poor are equal in that God is the Creator of both. All people have equal dignity, and all are equally accountable to Him (v2).
A prudent person recognizes the danger or the consequences of greed, and takes cover (acts wisely), while the "simple" or foolish persist and suffer the consequences (v3).
True wealth, honor, and life are the results of humility and the fear of the Lord which is a proper awe and reverence for God (v4).
If we are going to be respected and productive in service, we must appear different, we must stand out from the crowd and shine for our Lord and master. We cannot do that in our own strength or fleshly desires, but rather, we must walk in the Spirit (GALATIANS 5:16-26).
The general observation that fear of the Lord leads to riches, honor, and long life would have been especially applicable to obedient Israelites living in Solomon's God fearing Kingdom.
Nevertheless some have been martyrs at a young age, and others would of given away all they have to fund the church for the sake of God's Kingdom.
The book of Proverbs describes life the way it should be. It doesn't dwell on exceptions.
The fear of the Lord are riches; more than money, silver or gold, and leads to long life-eternal life with Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t promise a large bank account, but He does promise all our needs-not our cravings or wish lists, but by far, greater than any amount of money and all that it can buy.
My brethren, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.”
Proverbs 3:13-18 NKJV
Proverbs contains many strong statements about the benefits of wisdom, including long life, wealth, honor, and peace. But lasting peace can only come from absolute trust in Jesus Christ (PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7).
My beloved, “”The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.“
Proverbs 9:10-11 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
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God bless you all.
