Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.

The NIV gives the translation the Japanese uses for the first half of the verse as a footnote: “Wisdom teaches the fear of the Lord.” The translation the NIV gives in the text itself is echoed several places in the Bible, in Job 28:28, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10, and Micah 6:9, with a more oblique reference in Isaiah 33:6. However, the translation the Japanese chooses is certainly true as well. A wise person will certainly honor and respect their Creator! The second half of the verse is also echoed in many places, but this one is more in the New Testament, perhaps most notably in James 4:10. Both halves deal directly with the human tendency to forget that we didn’t create ourselves; we aren’t the ultimate. It is only when we acknowledge our Creator and submit ourselves to Him by our own choice that we put ourselves in line to fulfill the purpose for which we were created, which is of course the path to greatest joy, satisfaction and blessing. A wise analysis of the facts will lead us to that understanding, and will liberate us from the tyranny of trying to push ourselves forward by our own efforts apart from God. After all, as Jesus pointed out very explicitly, apart from Him we can do nothing! (John 15:5)

This is something I’ve been learning all my life, sometimes the hard way! Human praise and honor can feel very good at the time, and they re not bad per se, but they should not be goals in themselves, because that will distract us from seeking God’s approval. I have been hungry for human approval, but the result has never been particularly good, even when I got what I was seeking. We do need acceptance from one another, but the accolade we should seek is the Lord’s “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21 & 23) To be honest, it’s not easy to have that degree of focus. The glitter of the world can be very distracting! I need to choose God and obedience to Him at every turn, remembering that only He can meet my true needs.

Father, I deal with people all the time who are bound by what they want people to think of them, or are afraid they might think of them. I ask for wisdom in turning their eyes to You, to understand that if they will submit themselves to You, everything else becomes insigni­ficant. Help me remember my own struggles in that area so that I may be an open channel of Your grace, love, and encouragement to them. May we together walk in all that You intend, for our blessing and the blessing of many, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!