Honor

For Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Proverbs 3:35

The wise will inherit honor,
but fools get disgrace.

The wise inherit the honor often received for showing good judgment, rendering fair decisions, and coming up with good solutions. It is one thing to be famous, yet another to be liked, and another to be honored. Fools can be popular and liked (as can foolish activities such as TV programs) even as they are recognized as fools (often because they are foolish.)

But the true honor which the wise inherit, and for which they strive, is the honor received from the Lord. Is there any greater honor than to hear the words, "well done, good and faithful servant"? Is there any greater glory than that bestowed by the King of Glory"?

Fools see only what their eyes can see, only what is temporary. The wise see what is unseen, what is permanent. Thus they look to an inheritance that is eternal, that cannot be destroyed or stolen, and for which they are guarded, because in the wisdom granted them they have become not mere servants, but the sons of God who inherit eternal life.