Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honour.
We are generally impatient creatures. We also tend to see things through the lenses of the world. God, however, sees things very differently.
As an athlete we recognize that if we work hard there should be results. If all goes well we get good results and we get the recognition that we deserve. Generally we say we are not looking for honour, but if we look deep and honestly into our hearts, most would have to admit that we are seeking to be honoured. There is a rush that comes from the roar of the crowd. We’d also prefer for this honour to come sooner than later.
Being honoured by man and being honoured by God are two very different things though. Man generally honours based on outward things – beauty, riches, power, and athletic ability. God has little time for any of those things and honours man based on their heart.
David was honoured because God considered him a man after his own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). As you read the story of David you will see that he was far from perfect and he was humiliated a number of times. This humiliation was necessary, however, before David could be fully honoured by God.
Are you eager to be honoured? Have you been humiliated? Recognize, as Solomon so clearly states in this Proverb, that honour from God will not come before you are humbled. It is another one of the great dichotomies of God.
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