Proverbs 22:4 – “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” — (NIV)
We live in a world that often celebrates self-promotion, power, and the pursuit of wealth. The louder, the better. The stronger, the more admired. But Scripture invites us into a different kind of wisdom, one that turns the world’s values upside down and points us toward a more meaningful and eternal reward.
King Solomon, a man who God gave extraordinary wisdom, knew this deeply. As the author of much of Proverbs, Solomon had experienced success, riches, honor, and influence beyond what most could imagine. Yet in the quiet wisdom of Proverbs 22:4, he shares a secret to true greatness: humility and reverence for God.
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4, NIV)
This verse is not a formula for prosperity—it is a posture of the heart. It teaches us that when we come before God in awe, surrender, and trust, He shapes our lives in ways far more significant than anything the world can offer.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HUMBLE BEFORE GOD?
Humility is not weakness. It’s not self-hatred or shrinking back. It is the honest recognition that we are not self-made. It is the courage to acknowledge our need for God and to trust that His wisdom is higher than our own.
This kind of humility opens the door to true wisdom. It allows us to learn, grow, and walk in a way that aligns with God’s heart. When we revere Him—not out of fear of punishment, but out of love, awe, and trust—we begin to walk the path that leads to life.
RICHES, HONOR, AND LIFE—WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
When Solomon spoke of riches, honor, and life, he wasn’t merely referring to material wealth or worldly fame. Those things, while not inherently bad, are fleeting. Instead, he pointed toward the deeper blessings that come from walking closely with God:
Riches that cannot be stolen, peace of mind, contentment, and the joy of knowing the Creator deeply loves you.
Honor that isn’t about status, but about a life marked by integrity, grace, and lasting influence in the lives of others.
Full life, not just in quantity but in quality, rooted in purpose and relationship with God.
These are the treasures that neither time nor circumstances can diminish.
WISDOM IS A GIFT, NOT AN ACHIEVEMENT
Centuries after Solomon, the apostle Paul wrote to the early believers in Ephesus, praying that they would be given “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation” so they could know God more deeply (Ephesians 1:17). Paul understood, as Solomon did, that true wisdom is not something we achieve through intellect or effort, it is something God gives freely to those who seek Him with a humble heart.
God delights in giving us insight, direction, and understanding. When we posture ourselves to receive, when we lay down our pride and pick up trust, He fills us with wisdom that changes how we see everything.
A LIFE THAT POINTS BACK TO HIM
Not every promise will be fulfilled in the way or timing we expect. Some blessings are for now, others for eternity. However, as we continue to walk in humility and awe before God, He faithfully leads us toward the fullness of His plan.
And when His promises come to pass—when peace floods our soul, when we see lives changed, when our hearts overflow with joy—our natural response will be worship. We’ll know that it wasn’t our doing. It was God, all along.
CLOSING REFLECTION
Humility and reverence for God aren’t just virtuous traits: they are gateways to a deeper, richer, more meaningful life. A life rooted in God’s presence. A life filled with wisdom. A life that points to something greater than us. So today, don’t chase the world’s definition of success. Instead, lean into the quiet strength of humility. Seek God. Trust His heart. And allow Him to lead you into the riches, honor, and life that only He can give. Amen.
