Humility and fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. (22:4)
After reading Proverbs 21:21 yesterday–He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor–this verse stood out to me today. The two verses obviously go together. Proverbs 21:21 tells us where our passion and motivation must lie while 22:4 tells us the attitudes necessary to develop that passion and motivation. I will not pursue love and righteousness unless I am humble and fear the LORD. In other words, pride and selfishness are the great roadblocks to the pursuit of love and righteousness. Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor (18:12).
Of course, measuring our own humility is an impossible thing to do. As soon as we think we are humble, we’ve lost it! I am reminded of Proverbs 21:2, All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. Paul says a similar thing in 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 when he says:
I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court, indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
It’s a good reminder. Who am I to judge the motives of another man’s heart when I can’t even be real sure of my own motives? Our hearts are too deceitful to allow for a truly accurate assessment (Jeremiah 17:9). So what do we do? We keep pursuing righteousness and love. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4, we strive to be faithful and we leave the ultimate assessment up to God.
Of course, there are clues along the way that reveal our heart. Proverbs provides several. How do I know I fear the LORD? I listen. I accept correction. I avoid sin and sexual immorality. I give to others. I guard my heart and my mouth. I pursue wisdom. I avoid unnecessary quarrels. Pride only breeds quarrels but wisdom is found in those who take advice (13:10). To put it quite simply, a humble heart is described in James 1:19-20–Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Lord, open my ears today, quiet my mouth, and fill me with Your Spirit so that I may avoid strife and exercise patience and grace toward those I meet today.