Secret Weapon
Proverbs 22:4 ESV
Probably one of the greatest questions we face in modern times is the definition of riches and life. More to the point, as we consider the original context what did the author (wise King Solomon) mean when he wrote about riches and life?
It’s no surprise that the modern way of thinking is extremely different than the meaning of the word in Solomon’s day.
Rich today generally means financial wealth. That can be in the form of possessions like gold jewelry.
It can mean land.
It can mean children (sons or daughters) in some cultures today.
Those are the things modern man views as making someone wealthy.
Solomon referred to a rich man who is truly humble…so humble he can connect to God.
So a man who did not seek coins but who sought spiritual characteristics that connected him/her to Godly insights was rich. For example, a man who sought the wisdom of God was wealthy.
A wealthy man in Solomon’s view was a man of grace. In the Old Testament having grace was akin to receiving the gift of God’s favor. More than likely it has little to do with gold coins.
In Proverbs 22:4 Solomon wrote, “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.” Putting that in context the reward is riches that refer to God’s favor. So it would refer to having great wisdom or perhaps having the ability to sing well.
In some (many) cases it could refer to being blessed with many sons and daughters.
The point is that as we read scripture we need to try to do it through the lens of the time period when it was written. Based on the timing and circumstance it can change the overall meaning significantly.
When we read scripture it will help if we sit with the text. I am primarily a visual learner and remembering how Solomon lived and how we live today tells us there are many many differences. After sitting with the text if you are still curious about the difference, do a little research to discover the changes.
It really is like digging for gold (non-tangible wisdom).
Happy digging,
Deborah/acrazyjourney.com
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