“Humility, the fear of the Lord, results in wealth, honor, and life.”
Proverbs 22:4 CSB

This thought or notion of humbling oneself seems so out of touch with our present society and culture. To suggest that a man should be gentle, have a lowly mind, and be meek doesn’t fit at all with the Marvel Universe theme of superheroes, CEOs of billion-dollar corporations who work 20-hour days, or political figures who say whatever they want about their opponent or rival with no shame.

Let’s get straight to the point: humility should not be considered a way to become rich. Contextually, the first part of Proverbs 22 gives us a view of how God sees the rich and the poor. To Him, they are alike, and both are accountable for their actions and attitudes.

Humility is the ideal position and mindset in which a man should live his life. What is the antithesis, you ask? It’s called pride. It is the sin we now see demonstrated in “4K” on all levels of society—work, marriage, government, social media, and even in the church.

C.S. Lewis calls pride “the great sin,” and it has ruined great men, destroyed kingdoms, and caused irreparable harm and damage to human relationships. We are all vulnerable to pride’s tentacles and poison, and the writer in Proverbs isn’t suggesting a quick-get-rich method but offering a better perspective and way of life. Be meek brothers; don’t overestimate yourselves; be of low degree; and most of all, be gentle—in word and action.

Look at our example: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...” Hebrews 12:2 begins. Take the time to read the remainder of the verse, and you will see humility at work. Brethren, please consider him; Jesus is the perfect example of humility.

The late John R.W. Stott said, “Pride is your greatest enemy; humility is your greatest friend.”

The scripture declares that the one who walks in humility and fears the Lord will have wealth, honor, and life. What a proper view of life, others, and our Creator.

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