Observation: Many of the proverbs address pride. Interestingly, many that cover this topic draw parallels with financial well-being ... humility is aligned to being poor, and pride is aligned with wealth. However, this is often this other element also included, which is that blessing is aligned to obedience (which itself is reflected in humility).
Thus, a man who is obedient to the Lord is humble, which produces blessing and happiness. A proud man will not receive these from the Lord, though he may make himself rich. Thus it is better to be poor, as in not pursue wealth but rather pursue the Lord's ways.
Application: In all these proverbs, it feels like "rich" or wealth has a different definition, that being of extreme wealth that involves much more than one would need for their comfort. I hope that is not just my wishful thinking, for I know that I am - by worldwide standards - very well-off.
In the past, I was proud of my work and my position, and God removed both from me. He reminded me that it is all just his blessing in my life, and I have never forgotten that, nor will I ever forget it. I would like to remove even more pride from my life. I sincerely desire to not put myself first in my daily activities. There are times I struggle with this. For example, I enjoy playing golf and sometimes prioritize that over things that may better serve my family. I would desire to find better balance through humility in this matter.
And yes, I desire God's blessing! I won't deny that I feel best when I experience his love and blessing. I am motivated to humble obedience by desire for blessed happiness. That doesn't seem wrong ... it seems ... relational.
I have more than enough. I don't need more, and I do not want to be richer, for that certainly bring pride into the picture. I hope I am humbly obedient to the Lord, and thus not only receive his blessing, but can use that blessing to overflow to others.
Prayer: Lord, may I do exactly this today, pay forward your blessing to others. I desire to hold what is yours with an open hand. Amen.
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