“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” –Proverbs 22: 4, RSV
Humility — who wants it?
Exploring this proverb is difficult. Humility is often interpreted to mean weakness, lack of strength, inability or failure. From the literal and more physical sense, humility does not bring earthly riches, nor does it always bring honor or life. To the contrary, humility (especially the kind that results from understanding and obeying God) can result in poverty, misunderstanding and “non-life” from an earthly perspective.
From an emotional perspective, there can be a gross misunderstanding of “humility,” where kindness or respect is misinterpreted and/or blatantly abused or trampled. Socially, an attitude of humility goes a long way in making friends, being collaborative, and working together as friends, families or communities. But what kind of humility brings riches and honor and life?
What makes this proverb true?
This is where the spiritual dimension comes into focus. This proverb is talking about a certain kind of humility — the kind of humility that comes from, and is associated with, a different kingdom.
From God’s perspective, everything gets turned upside down.
The rich are poor and the poor are rich; those who serve are greatest and those who are first go to the back of the line. The “reward” for this kind of humility only makes sense from a spiritual perspective. These people win a different kind of jackpot. They develop inner strength, a richness of being and see the sacredness of ordinary moments. They enter a different way of seeing God, others and the world — one that rightly estimates and values.
They have riches — the kind that matter. They have honor — the kind that endures. They have life — period.
Folks, this is a different kind of humility, originating from a different kind of kingdom. It results in riches, honor and life that is misunderstood and often undervalued on the roads where our feet get dirty.
Who wants this kind of humility? These riches? This honor? This life?
Do you?
—Carla Gober-Park, PhD, is assistant vice president of Spiritual Life and Mission at Loma Linda University Health.
