Humility and Honor

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Wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. -Proverbs 15:33 (NIV)

 The fear of the Lord is often mentioned in the Proverbs as the pathway to wisdom. Many think it's to be afraid of God. But nothing could be further from the truth. God loves us. The reason that God hates sin and wants to keep us from it is that it's bad. God knows that sin is not only bad but bad for us.

 A proper concept of "the fear of the Lord" is reverence and respect. It is a complete trust and confidence that God's commandments and will for us are to set us free and to keep us safe and bless us. It is basically saying, "God, you are right in all your ways, and, therefore, it's only right and good to completely submit to your living authority in every facet of our lives." When we choose to view every situation with that perspective, God will give us wisdom for the moment. Really, becoming a woman of wisdom is just the sum total of a thousand daily, wise choices.

 "Humility comes before honor." James 4:10 reminds us, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (NKJV). Now, that's a great promise.

 Live it out!
Are you in a low, humble situation? The story of David in First and Second Samuel is both moving and instructive. He had a call on his life to be the shepherd-king of God's people. His training for that position included being unfairly treated, falsely accused, living in caves, and almost being killed. He had no one to trust or to guide him but God alone. Never underestimate how God can use your present circumstances to deepen you, and prepare you for his noble purposes. Be faithful in the small things! Be a servant joyfully and willingly. And trust God with all your heart. Jesus said, "He who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11, NIV).

 -From The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional by Debi Bryson; May 25; p. 152

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