Page 84 - The Prosperous Way _ (APRIL 2024 v3)

THE PROSPEROUS WAY

The second significant word in this passage is “truth.” This word is
sometimes translated as “faithfulness.” It is derived from a root word that
means “certainty, stability, support.” Here we are speaking of the
character traits of dependability, reliability and constancy. So then, this
passage is teaching us that favour with man is won by treating others
with kindness and dignity, and by being faithful and dependable to
honour one’s word. It is by growing in character internally, so that we
act externally in these ways, that we increase in favour with those
around us.

FAVOUR WITH KINGS

To be successful, we need the favour of those to whom we are
accountable. In today’s context, this might mean a boss or our
customers or both. In the Old Testament, this kind of favour was often
described as finding favour with a king. Proverbs 14:35 tells us that that
“a king’s favour is towards a wise servant, but his wrath is against him
that causes shame.”

The Hebrew word translated “wise” in this proverb means “to be
intelligent, skillful, expert, prudent, to guide wittingly, etc.” Similarly, in
Proverbs 13:15, we learn that “a good understanding” (meaning sound
judgement, good sense, prudence, etc.) gives favour. Therefore, if we
want to have favour with earthly “kings” (whoever they may be to our
own context) then we must be able to give expert and sound guidance.
We must properly learn our craft and become competent at whatever it
is that we do.

Conversely, Proverbs 14:35 teaches us that the way to fall out of favour
is to bring your king shame or disgrace. The word translated to “shame”
.
here can also mean disappointment or delay This implies failing to
follow through with a promised act (disappointment) or failing to carry
it out in a timely manner (delay). In short, we must be reliable in the
execution of our work. Proverbs 10:26 puts it in very strong terms: “Like
vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those
who send him.” Therefore, if we want to have favour, we must not just
manage our competence but also our time and energy so we can deliver
on our commitments.

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