“Fear of The Lord Is The Beginning of Wisdom.”

The Book of Proverbs is part of the Old Testament’s wisdom literature, a collection of divinely inspired practical advice for living a virtuous life. Its central message is: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” and that godly wisdom shapes one’s character, decisions, relationships, knowledge and discipline. King Solomon is credited with being the primary author of this collection.

As we walk through the opening verses of Proverbs 22, we are reminded of what matters most in the eyes of God. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” (V. 1)

In a world that prizes wealth, status, and image, the Lord calls us to value integrity and character above all. Our reputation is a reflection of our heart, a heart shaped by kindness, honesty, and a steadfast walk with God.

Verse 2 tells us, “Rich and poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all.”
No matter our station in life, or circumstance every person is beloved and hand-crafted by God. We are knit together in His image, united more by our Creator than divided by our circumstances. This truth humbles us and calls us to treat everyone we meet with dignity and respect.

These verses also encourage wise and thoughtful living: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” (v. 3)

God's wisdom guides us not only to honesty but also to caution and discernment. Choices have consequences, and seeking wisdom protects us from unnecessary harm.
Humility and respect run like golden threads through these verses.
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” (v. 4)
True humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less, and placing God at the center. When our hearts are reverent before Him, He blesses us in ways greater than material wealth.

These verses remind us, too, about relationships, generosity, and compassion. (v. 9)
Verse 9 offers a beautiful encouragement: “The generous themselves will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”

God Delights in kindness and sharing. When we give from the heart, we reflect the generous love He pours out on us each day.

As we meditate on Proverbs 22: 1 - 9, I let us pray for hearts that treasure integrity, humility, and generosity. Let God shape our names, guide our steps, and open our hands to bless others. These are the riches that truly last. As we consider our day-to-day choices, let us reflect on this one question: What is one tangible way we can value integrity, humility, or generosity above worldly success this week? Ask the Lord to show us how He wants to shape our hearts and actions.

Across the globe there is great suffering among God’s creation. Wars, famine, floods, religious persecution, social unrest born of political ideology, and financial distress caused by backward thinking economic policy. The Thesaurus lists 253 synonyms for the term topsy-turvy, look them up! Let us pray fervently for God to bring relief to this broken world.

Let us pray:
Gracious and loving God,
Thank you for the gentle wisdom of Your Word. Help us to seek a good name and a pure heart above all riches. Teach us to walk in humility, maintaining our integrity, to value every person as your beloved creation and to be generous with what you have entrusted to us. Shape our character to reflect your love and kindness each day. Holy Spirit, guide our actions and words so they may bring honor to you. Let our lives be testimonies, living testimonies to your grace, and may we find love, joy, peace and unity in blessing others. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.