THE MATTER OF HONOR

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In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.

Proverbs 26:1     

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Today’s proverb is centered on the matter of giving honor where honor is due.

So what does the Bible say about this? Who should we bestow honor on?

Consider today’s proverb and the following passages for the answer:

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

These are words straight from the mouth of God, words so significant that they became part of what is known as the Ten Commandments. Here, He commands us to give honor to our father and mother, the ones He chose to be participants in the creation process, the ones by which He used to bring you and me into the world, the ones He made responsible for raising us to adulthood.

How well have you honored your father and mother in your life?

Lord, who may dwell in Your sacred tent? Who may live on Your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15

Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in His commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. Psalm 112:1-9

We should all honor those who fear the Lord. This isn’t the kind of paralyzing fear that keeps one from being able to do anything. No, this is a healthy fear of the Lord that manifests itself in the greatest level of respect we can have for someone else, a respect that leads one to trust in the Lord and Him alone for all things. It’s these people who show that kind of devoted dedication, loyalty, and commitment to the Lord God Almighty, the people whose life reflects His caring, compassionate, charitable, and loving heart that deserve our honor.

Have you honored someone lately who has shown themselves to be a devout disciple and servant of the Lord?

My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalm 62:7

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool. Proverb 26:1

Ultimately, any honor worth anything comes from the Lord, our mighty Rock and Refuge, a very present help in all times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). He is our Sun and Shield, the One who always answers every prayer, the One who always delivers and saves. Ultimately, He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the only One worthy of all our praise and glory, and the only One who can in turn mete out honor to those who deserve it.

Have you lived in a way that has been pleasing to the Lord, a way that would make Him want to honor you for your faithful, devoted service to others in His holy and precious name?

Or have you lived apart from the Lord’s will and way, in the world and of it, leaning on your own understanding while shunning the word and Spirit of the Lord?

If you are in the latter category, you are not worthy of receiving honor because you are a fool. The scriptures are clear on this. Reject the Lord and you are a fool. It seems pretty fundamental to me because only a fool would choose to reject the very One who has the power to save them and instead place their trust in themselves.

These fools will not see honor as long as they remain foolish. For a fool receiving honor makes as much sense as a snowstorm in the middle of summer or rain falling during a season when the harvest is occurring. That analogy comes straight from Solomon himself.

So what will it be for you?

Will you opt for obedience and a consistent hunger for the Lord and His ways of righteousness, a life that will bring you to a place where you are honored by the Lord and others?

Or will you opt to shun the Lord and seek to glorify yourself in everything you do?

There is no middle ground. You are either with the Lord or you are against Him. One brings honor and eternity while the other brings shame and destruction.

My hope is that you see that the Lord is really the only option. If you don’t, then you’re showing the Lord that you are a fool and unworthy of any good thing He could provide you, especially honor.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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