Humility’s Reward

Proverbs 22:4 (NASB)
4 The reward of humility and the fear (reverence) of the Lord are riches, honor and life.

Isaiah 33:5-6 (NASB)
5 The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high;
He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness.
6 And He will be the stability of your times,
A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge;
The fear of the Lord is his treasure.

James 4:6-7 (NASB)
6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

So what does all of this fearing God and humility add up to?  To regard, seek, love and obey Him above all else, versus pride and rebellion which resists Him and all His higher purposes.  This command, invitation to regard Him is motivated by His unfailing love; His desire that we know “success” and provision as He defines it in this life.

1 John 2 warns us to not love the world or anything in it.  Jesus gave  the foremost command, that being, to Love God above everything.  (Jas. 4:6-7)  This is uncompromised, unmitigated allegiance, giving Him the “space” in us that He rightfully owns by virtue of creation, formation, sustention, salvation….

James 4:4-6  (NASB)
4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

These verses need little to no commentary.  His very best comes via fearing (reverencing), loving and acknowledging Him above all in this life, in everything we are and do.  In spite of the many voices that suggest  otherwise, seek HIM first.  Oh that we would indeed “humble ourselves under His mighty hand”. Reverencing HIM is His treasure, the way to the stability we need; access to all the saving helps, wisdom and knowledge, making us equal to everything that life can bring.  We’re invited to test Him in this.  He is true (faithful) , and we will never be disappointed.

After (in pursuit) Him, I am,

Mitch