"By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life."
Proverbs 22:4
“By humility and the fear of the LORD.”
How can we learn to fear the LORD? Good question, but the answer is, it must begin with humility. Think about it, does a proud man fear the LORD? No, of course not. He doesn’t think he needs anyone but himself. To the proud man’s way of thinking, “God only gets in my way, I can take care of my own life!” By the time he finally discovers that he really does need God, it may be too late for him to trust in the Lord, especially if he is a “self-made” man who has made money.
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God,” (Mark 10:25).
Without humility, a man will not have the fear of the LORD. But with the fear of the LORD a man will be humble. It works both ways. These two ideas are in apposition to each other. Think about it, pride will destroy our relationship with Jehovah.
The root of wisdom is “the fear of the LORD.”
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding,” (Proverbs 9:10).
“Are riches, and honor, and life.”
The result of “humility and fearing the LORD” are “riches,” “honor,” and “life.” Wisdom, beginning with the “fear of the LORD,” is personified in Proverbs and is in the line of these rewards.
“Length of days is in her [“Wisdom’s”] right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor,” (Proverbs 3:16).
“Riches and honor are with me [“Wisdom”]; yea, durable riches and righteousness,” (Proverbs 8:18).
“Riches” – the Hebrew word is translated as “riches” or “wealth.” For the Old Testament, Hebrew “riches” were blessings from God for His people and were physical riches that were in some way attached to, “the land.” For the New Testament believer “riches” are more the spiritual blessings of belonging to Jesus and serving Him (see Ephesians 1-3).
The Lord Jesus does promise us that all of our needs will be met by our Heavenly Father.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” (Matthew 6:33).
This is the way of humility.