The Reward of Humility
“Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
—Proverbs 22:4 (NIV)
You cannot get very close to God without a humble heart. God opposes the proud in spirit, so I suppose you can get near God without humility, but you will find your position with him one of resistance.
Going low in humility before the Lord is the doorway to freedom. I’m not one to proclaim the prosperity gospel, but it is hard to see this verse as anything but a promise of prosperity in life. Still, the prosperity Proverbs promises is not exactly wearing designer clothes, driving your dream luxury car, owning all the newest tech, or moving into a huge house. It’s not about a blast to materialism but about humbling yourself before a generous God.
If we think it is hard to humble ourselves before God, we ought to consider that it is much harder not to humble ourselves before the Lord. The greatness of God’s glory is unfathomable, so much so that we can hardly relate to it. It is like trying to genuinely grasp how massive our galaxy is, let alone the entire universe. God’s power and glory are so great that there isn’t a relevant context for comparison. There isn’t an adequate model for framing his majesty before us. Even so, it is fundamentally wise to assume that God is greater than us and that our attitude toward him should be humble awe.
Humility in the fear of the Lord is not just a clue for the right behavior but an invitation for how to engage with God. God’s call to humility in the fear of the Lord is not a harsh or demanding stance but a merciful and gracious gift. Instead of condescending and condemning us for our weakness and foolishness, he offers us the chance to become like him—sharing in the benefits of his purity and goodness.
There are many reasons to choose pride, but one reason to choose humility. Pride offers a palette of excuses, independence, self-achievement, vindication through rejection, revenge, rebellion, defiance, lust, excess, and not the least, “freedom.” God offers one reason for choosing humility” the fear of the Lord.
Choose humility because you’d be a fool not to. Choose humility because while God is great and holy, he designed the kingdom to be received by humble and hungry hearts.
I am amazed at God’s design because, honestly, there is no difference between an arrogant heart and a humble heart in terms of worthiness. Neither can confidently say they deserve the wages of riches, honor, and life from the living God. Yet a humble heart can receive what a proud heart cannot, and in receiving, we are transformed. Could it be that God’s generosity is displayed in his call to humility?
