“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility” (Proverbs 15:33).
Like happiness, many people think honor is a goal of life, not a by-product of living life wisely. Therefore, they (mis)spend a lifetime pursuing it without ever reaching their desired achievement.
If you want to increase in favor with God and men, pursue the fear of the Lord with humility and wisdom. This is a worthy, ever-challenging pursuit. It is a lifelong quest which will add immense value to your life and increase the rightful respect and honor you will receive. This is what happened in Acts 2 where it is written that the early Christians were “praising God and having favor with all the people” (v. 47).
The best thing about pursuing the fear of the Lord with humility and wisdom is the divine seal of approval found in the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Mat. 25:21, 23).
Keep the main thing the main thing.
Be sure to pursue first things first.
