Reciprocity!
Foundational to our promotion is our relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the power of God and the wisdom of God, made for us wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30). The opposite of wisdom is foolishness. Throughout Scripture there are many contrasts given between the wise and the foolish–who they are (character profile), how their lives look, the rewards and benefits of wisdom, and the consequences of foolishness.
The latter part of Proverbs 3:35 says that shame shall be the promotion of fools. In other words, fools will know shame. Take a few minutes and see how the Bible describes fools. These people will know “greater,” but it will be shame because they refuse wisdom. What then, is the opposite option?
Proverbs 4:8 says that if we exalt and value wisdom, then wisdom will promote and bring honor to us. The use of honor here is the same as we learned in a previous blog; it means the weight of glory. Who is wisdom? Christ is wisdom. How, then, do we show that we exalt and value wisdom? This verse tells us how: we embrace wisdom. That is, we make room for Christ in promotion.
Before you plan it, decorate it, use it, operate in it, buy it, get measured for it, sketch it, rent the space, enlist the help, create the flyer, open the social media accounts, expand it, restrict it, share it…make sure you embrace and make room for wisdom.
…for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
1 Samuel 2:30
God said this to Eli the priest when He cut off his corrupt sons from the priesthood. At one time, Eli made room for wisdom, but his sons did not regard wisdom. Their promotion was shame, and as a result of Eli not correcting his sons, God cut off his lineage from holding the priestly office.
A pattern of wise living acknowledges Christ who is wisdom and gives God the chance to keep His word…and honor you and me. God promised that honor (the weight of glory) is reciprocal. Now let me share all of Proverbs 3:35. It says, “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.” There will be a heritage of promotion when we are wise and value wisdom. When we get our “greater,” let’s remember to make room for wisdom. We’ll take up a heritage of glory (weight, honor).
Amen? AMEN.
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The Bereans' Commentary with Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D. 