Read Proverbs 22
I read Proverbs 22 in the New Living Translation.
My thoughts on Proverbs 22:
Your reputation, having a good name, is important and more valuable than riches. Do everything you can to protect it. Reputation - Good name; the credit, honor or character which is derived from a favorable public opinion or esteem; With the loss of reputation, a man and especially a woman, loses most of the enjoyments of life (Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary)
When you're prudent you foresee danger and take precautions. You're not caught off guard. Prudent - Foreseeing by instinct; Frugal; economical; Wise; intelligent (Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary)
Humility and fear of the Lord bring rewards of riches, honor, and long life.
Teach your children about the Lord. Teach them His Word. Live a life in front of them that reflect your belief and trust in God. This gives them a sure foundation that when they get older, they will not depart from it.
The borrower is a servant to the lender. Do all you can not to borrow. "Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one’s fellowmen, meeting all its requirements]." (Romans 13:8 AMPC)
The unjust will harvest disaster. Their reign of terror will end. It doesn't go unnoticed by God. Evil doers will be cut off. " Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness (that which is not upright or in right standing with God). For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait and hope and look for the Lord [in the end] shall inherit the earth." (Psalm 37:1-2, 9 AMPC)
God loves generosity. God is a giver so we, His children, should also be givers. "Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of “sacrifice”—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets." (Hebrews 13:16 MSG) "Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." (Luke 6:37-38 MSG)
Be fair in your dealings with others, both business and personal. Don't ignore injustice. "Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly." (Leviticus 19:15 NLT) "Open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:9 AMPC)
When you have knowledge, you are safe because God preserves you. Knowledge - knowledge, perception, skill; discernment, understanding, wisdom (Strong's 1847 Outline of Biblical Usage) Preserves - nâtsar, to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.):—besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man) (Strong's H5341)
Listen to and apply wisdom. "Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences], For wisdom’s profit is better than the profit of silver, And her gain is better than fine gold." (Proverbs 3:13-14 AMP)
Keep God's Word in your heart and coming out of your mouth. "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success." (Joshua 1:8 AMPC)
Trust God no matter what is going on in you and around you. Don't let circumstances cause you to doubt God. "Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMPC)
The verse that spoke to me:
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold." (Proverbs 22:1 AMPC)
My takeaway:
I remember my father telling me the importance of my name and the impact my actions have on my name. He told me when people see me, I represent him, so they see him and judge not only me but him by my actions. He made it clear that I could not dishonor his name.
He also told me not to give my word lightly and my word should be my bond. If I say I'm going to do something, do it, or don't say it. I must be a person of my word; a person people can depend on when my word is given. This, too, is a part of honoring your name which I received from my earthly father.
Isn't this the same with us as God's children? Your actions, your words represent Him. When people see you, they see Him. So, people will judge whether they are interested in knowing our Jesus based on how we represent Him.
I must be mindful that at all times, in all things, people are watching so I must make sure my words and actions align with what I say I believe. I must keep my word. To do this I should count the cost of my yes. Our yes or no isn't about pleasing people or not wanting to hurt their feelings, it's not just about can you do it, but more importantly, will you do it? Our answers, our commitments must honor God through completion.
Then the Scripture goes on to tell us that favor is more valuable than silver and gold. Favor is powerful and can do so much for us.
Let me share two Scriptures about favor which establishes, covers, and protects us:
"Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" (Psalm 90:17 ESV)
"For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12 ESV)
FAITH CONFESSION:
Lord, I will honor Your Name in my words and actions. I want to represent You well. Thank You for Your favor that established the work of my hands. Thank You for surrounding me with Your favor that covers and protects me. Lord, let Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, through me.
Share in the comments what verse spoke to you and why. Let's grow in wisdom together.
Be Encouraged! ❤