Skill

For Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Proverbs 22:29

Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men.

Skill is admired. Whether it be skill with one's hands and one's mind; whether it be artistic work or that of the laborer, a person of skill is admired especially by his peers. It is they who will bring him before "kings" for recognition.

The skillful person not only has the skill but delights in using it. That is what separates him from others. Such delight compells him to perfect his craft. He is dedicated to his work because the very work itself (perhaps even more than the finished product) gives him pleasure. The tragedy for many persons of skill is letting the recognition of "kings" divert their attention to fame and thus lose their focus and pleasure in their work. They become more interested in being known for their skill than in exercising their skill.

The proverb is not dismissing recogntion. It is presenting recognition as a reward for skill. But remember - it is the skill, not promotion that leads him before the kings. Keep attentive to what you do well. For some day you will stand before the King to present your work. Take pleasure in that work now; take joy in the ability given you now to serve your King.