August 26 ▪ Day 238

Scripture Readings

Proverbs 22:4
Joshua 17–18
I Corinthians 3–4
Psalms 54

Verse Focus (Proverbs 22:4)

Humility is the fear of the LORD;
     its wages are riches and honor and life.

Meditation

Our verse focus today is Proverbs 22:4, which says, in the NIV, “Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.” The ESV translates the verse a little bit differently, saying, “The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.” I took a look at the interlinear Bible to see if I could understand from the Hebrew where the difference in interpretation is coming from. According to the interlinear text, the Hebrew simply says, “By humility the fear of Yahweh riches and honor and life.” The Hebrew lacks a clear verb, which doesn’t mean that it isn’t implied. I haven’t really studied Hebrew, so I don’t know what verbs would be implied in the absence of one. However, in Greek, if the verb is missing, the verb “to be” is implied. So saying “Humility is the fear of the LORD,” fits with that kind of implication. On the other hand, so does the way the ESV translates the verse. And, since the word of God is living and active, I have to assume that God intends us to understand both English translations of the proverb.

The NIV verse defines humility as the fear of the Lord and tells us that riches, honor and life are a consequence of humility. Yet when we think of humility, we don’t always think about its connection to God. Instead, we think of humility as it relates to other people. People who are humble are not proud or arrogant: they recognize they are flawed and fallible. As a result, they doesn’t consider themselves to be better than anyone else. They may even discount their best qualities, giving credit elsewhere.

Yet the Bible teaches us that true humility comes from recognizing who God is and who we are in relation to Him. God is our sovereign Creator who rules over the earth and time. He is holy. And, incredibly, He loves us enough that He sent His Son to die for us so that we might have access to Him and His grace.

The ESV verse doesn’t see humility as creating fear of the LORD, but instead pairs the two qualities together. To me, it’s a bit like the chicken and egg. Which comes first? The humility? Or the fear of God? In either case, it doesn’t seem like it’s possible to have one without the other.

Father God, thank you for who you are. Thank you for your power and holiness and steadfast mercy. Thank you for creating us, and also for sending Jesus to redeem us. Forgive us our pride and arrogance; cleanse our hearts and enable us to serve you in true humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Joshua 17 and 18 continue with the story of the division of the Promised Land amongst the tribes of Israel. Yesterday began the topic of the inheritance for the sons of Joseph. Now, in chapter 17, we learn in detail what the second half of Manasseh receives — a very large territory that will later encompass Samaria. Again, Scripture shows us how revolutionary God’s new governmental society is as Zelophehad’s daughters receive a portion along with the rest of Manasseh’s descendants.

Verse 12 tells us that “the Canaanites were determined to live in that region;” indeed, the tribe is never able to fully conquer the Canaanites but subjects them to forced labor. Whether it is because of their difficulty in possessing the land, or because the tribe more than doubled in size during the years in the wilderness, the people of Manasseh cry out for more territory. Joshua tells them that the forested hill country is also theirs, but they must oust the Canaanites. Joshua reminds the sons of Joseph that, regardless of the Canaanites’ iron chariots, they are both numerous and powerful.

In chapter 18 verse 3, Joshua asks a very important question of the remaining seven tribes of Israelites. “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?” In many ways, this is a very peculiar question since they are currently living in the Promised Land. Verse 1 even tells us that the land is already subdued before them. And yet the Israelites have not taken hold of all the inheritance; they have not claimed portions for every single tribe. Yes, there are more difficulties, more enemies, and more fighting to do. But the land is waiting for them. So they make a plan to survey what remains and to divide it into seven portions. Joshua will then cast lots for these different portions. As chapter 18 continues, we learn all about the portion that is given to the tribe of Benjamin.

Joshua’s question to the Israelites is an important question for us today. We are living in the “promised land” of the Lord’s redeemed; we have the Holy Spirit living within us as our guide. Yet is there territory we have yet to claim? God wants us to live vibrant, abundant, grace-filled lives. What is holding you back from living such a life? Is fear or sin keeping you stuck in place? Is there a dream that you are not pursuing? This chapter in Joshua reminds us that we may simply need to go out and fight to claim our inheritance.

Six months ago when we read 1 Corinthians 3, I commented on the sting of recognizing ourselves to be immature believers. I spoke of humility in service. Paul reminds us that what people do to enhance our spiritual growth does not matter since “only God… gives the growth (v. 7).” Lastly, in chapter 3, I commented on the need to be very careful in how we build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. These are all topics and concerns that come to mind as I read the chapter again. But there are other truths to be mined from our readings today.

Verse 16 says, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” Paul continues in verse 17, saying, “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” It’s important to know that the word “you” in these verses is a plural word. “You are the temple of God” refers to the body of believers, not to a particular individual. This is true even in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, where Paul exhorts us to sexual purity because the body of believers is the temple of God. In modern-day thought — perhaps particularly because of the command to flee sexual immorality — we are used to thinking of this “you” as referring only to oneself. And there is benefit in that because as an individual I also am part of the temple of God.

Yet it’s also very important to understand that the temple of God is a group. What I do as an individual may pollute the entire group. Or what I do may strengthen the body.

When Paul promises that God will destroy the person who destroys God’s temple, we need to understand that God is not promising to kill someone who murders an individual believer in Christ. On the other hand, if the church is persecuted, God will take action against those who are harming His body on earth.

Chapter 4 brings to mind some truths that always strike me: we have been given a trust and must prove ourselves faithful (v. 2). Verse 7 is always a call to humility: “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” And verse 20 always resonates for me. “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.”

Today I am struck by the sarcasm in verse 8. Paul cries, “Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich!” And while it is true that we have already been gifted with what we need to live a godly life, we must beware the complacency that keeps us immature and stunted.

In verse 13, Paul says that as apostles, “We have become like the rubbish of the world.” Just a few verses after that he exhorts us to become his imitators. Now granted, on the surface there is not a lot appealing in Paul’s description of the apostles’ life — they are weak, hungry, homeless, reviled, persecuted, and slandered. But they labor for God’s kingdom and are able to respond to difficulties with endurance. They are able to bless others in spite of the treatment they themselves receive. And the impact of their ministry has echoed throughout the centuries. Isn’t that what you really want out of life? To work for things that matter, to have eternal significance? In other words, don’t you want your life on earth to have made a difference to other people?

Psalm 54 is a psalm for those who are in trouble. David wrote this psalm when ungodly men betrayed his hiding place to his enemies. In many ways, this is the kind of trouble that Paul and the other apostles faced — slander and persecution. But God is our “helper (v. 4).” We can trust Him with whatever distresses us.

I love how the psalm ends. David says in verse 7, “For he has delivered me from every trouble.” Amen!

Father God, give us confidence in you and your salvation. Whatever our circumstances, we know that our future is secure because you are the one in charge. Thank you for this day. Thank you for your great love for us. And thank you for your Word. Please open my eyes today as I read your Scriptures. Renew my mind and cleanse my heart; speak to me and show me how I can be practical in my obedience. Give me the courage to claim all that you wish me to inherit. May my life make a difference for your kingdom; may my words and actions bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.