Excerpt from Proverbs 22:1-9

"The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life."

Reflection by Felix Carrion

On its surface, the book of Proverbs appears to offer laws or maxims that have their own irrefutable formula. If one follows them, one will reap their outcome. Take, for example, these words: "The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life." One would want to think this is true. And, yet, humility is not always rewarded with material riches. Self-interest and personal success is not at the heart of wisdom.

Proverbs seems to offer yet another pearl of wisdom for all good parents. "Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray." Even the best of parents contend, however, with a multiplicity of factors shaping the affections of children. There's no guarantee that they will stay or return to the right path after a discipline of noble training.

How then shall we understand Proverbs?

We shall begin by making a clear distinction between wisdom and platitudes, truth and truisms, spirituality and status quo. Both are present in Proverbs. The layers of what goes for human wisdom must be peeled to reach wisdom's gate.

When we finally reach the gates of wisdom, we find its greatest prize: that wisdom and truth are their own reward! That the reward is a heightened spiritual awareness of the forces of God in one's own life! That the reward reverts back to us in spiritual richness, a brighter light emanating from our example, a peace of mind, a clean conscience and confidence, and the most precious pearl of all: a love that expects nothing in return!

Why trifle with anything else on your way there?

Prayer

O God, grant us in this lifetime that we might behold your love affair with wisdom. Amen.

About the Author Felix Carrion is Coordinator of The Stillspeaking Ministry, United Church of Christ.

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