Reigning in RoyaltySample

Wisdom and Gold 

Wisdom is the basis for promotion in the kingdom. God looks for an occasion to promote and give honor to His children. He loves everyone unconditionally, but it would be foolish to think we all have the same measure of favor. In a very real sense, the favor on our lives is determined by what we have done with the love we have received. And regardless of what we started with, favor increases through faithful use.

Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.

—Proverbs 8:33, 35–36, NKJV

Wisdom is said to be more valuable than gold and silver. I only know I believe that if my pursuit of wisdom actually cost me something. It’s more than an inspirational statement; it is a value that shapes life. And when wisdom is valued the way God intended, He extends His scepter of favor over that life. Wisdom attracts divine favor, which is more valuable than all riches.

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

—Proverbs 11:11, NKJV

When those who live righteously are blessed enough to be a blessing, a city receives its promotion. God still thinks in terms of cities and nations. And the well-being of those who follow Jesus can mark a city for blessing and eternal purpose. Conversely, the mouths of the wicked will rob a city of its potential promotion by the damage done through the ideas, ambitions, and values revealed in their speech. Truly, life and death are in the power of the tongue. The righteous must make godly decrees over our cities in order for them to reach their God-given potential. 

The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

—Proverbs 11:25–26, NKJV

This verse is a personal favorite because Solomon doesn’t do what we’d expect. The subject is generosity, a highly valued kingdom virtue. But while he honors the generous, we expect him to say the one who grows grain should give it away. And while there is a place for that, Solomon declares the blessing and favor of God comes upon the one who sells it to the citizens of his community. This is astonishing! Generosity is likened to working hard in our assignment in life, making a product that benefits people around us, and then selling it. Using our skills, gifts, and resources to benefit others is honored by God. If I grow a crop and you buy it and have food, God calls me generous. I have become a contributor to your life and, in a broader sense, to society. Making a profit for my family’s benefit is not evil. In fact, this process is honored by the Lord. It’s what makes for healthy communities.

He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil.

—Proverbs 11:27, NKJV

The pursuit of our lives in thought, ambition, and plans determines the measure of favor we will enjoy in life. The word good here means pleasant and agreeable. Those who prioritize their role in benefiting others socially will find favor throughout their lives.

He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.

—Proverbs 11:28, NKJV

It’s very interesting that those who trust in riches fall, but those who live righteously flourish. The implication is that they’re righteous because of their trust in God. While to flourish is not limited to money, it certainly includes it.

A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

—Proverbs 12:2, NKJV

This is such a beautiful verse as it deals with the simpler parts of a person’s makeup and personality. Here the word good means pleasant, friendly, kind, and joyful. If you own a restaurant and you’re looking to hire or even promote someone, the person who is kind and friendly will probably be your choice. We instinctively know the answer to that one. But this verse is saying that the promotion you, the owner, give to that person, the employee, is actually from the Lord. God is the One who highlighted and honored the one who chose to live in such a way that they were a social benefit to those around them. They bring an emotional wealth to others.

Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.

—Proverbs 13:15, NKJV