April 27, 2022

Passage Read: Proverbs 22-25
Meditation Verse: 22:1

Thought

A man's reputation is more important than his bank account. A good reputation is worth far more than wealth, and the favor that it brings, the trust and the honor that a good reputation bring are more valuable than silver and gold. Men today care more about money than about their reputation. They even think it's a good thing to have a reputation as a hard-driver, as someone driven after wealth and high position. They praise such a person, but such a person usually has to be somewhat cutthroat and uncaring in order to gain their goal. Men value such people. But God values those who care for the needs of their neighbors, who is kind even to the lowly and insignificant.

Application

A worldly man gains wealth and even favor though he steps on those less than him; the world envies such a man. But God praises the man of compassion, who thinks of the needs of those around him. Even if such a man is poor, the Lord will exalt him. Better to be concerned about the welfare of others, especially their spiritual well-being, than to be concerned about making myself rich and powerful on this earth.