Humility’s Reward

"The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life." 

Given the abuses of promises such as this from prosperity gospel preachers, many of us, me included, tend to overcorrect and basically run from the reward that God intends for us to enjoy.  Overcorrection becomes an abuse of its own form, and thus we continually need the Holy Spirit to grant us discernment as we reflect on His promises.   

We should first consider the nature of humility and the fear of the Lord. Humility is the recognition of our true position relative to God. It is an acknowledgment of our weakness, sinfulness, and utter dependence on His grace. The fear of the Lord, on the other hand, is not a cringing dread for those that are no longer under judgment, but rather a reverent awe and respect for God’s majesty, holiness, and sovereignty coupled with a healthy fear and desire to avoid the repercussions of disobeying our loving Father.  

Humility and the fear of the Lord are foundational virtues that shape our entire walk with God. They are the soil in which all other Christian graces grow. Without humility, we cannot receive grace, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Without the fear of the Lord, we cannot walk in wisdom, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).  The natural outflow of walking in God’s grace and wisdom are riches, honor, and life.  Let’s look at each of these in turn. 

Riches: The Scriptures do not primarily refer to material wealth, although God has established practical principles in His creation that often favor His humble children. The true riches primarily spoken of here are the spiritual treasures found in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 tells us that God has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. These riches include the forgiveness of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the promises of God, and the inheritance of eternal life. A humble heart, aware of its own poverty, is ready to receive the boundless riches of God’s grace. 

Honor: The world may not always recognize or reward humility and godliness, but God does. True honor comes from God alone. Jesus said, "If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." (John 12:26) The humble believer is honored by God with a good name, a testimony of faithfulness, and the ultimate honor of hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23). This honor is eternal and surpasses all earthly accolades. 

Life: The promise of life here is both present and eternal. Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) Humility and the fear of the Lord lead to a life of peace, joy, and fulfillment. This life is marked by the presence of God, the guidance of His Spirit, and the assurance of His love. Ultimately, it culminates in eternal life, where we will dwell with God forever. 

As a practical matter, the fear of the Lord leads us to live righteously, avoiding the pitfalls of sin and foolishness. It keeps us on the firm path of obedience and integrity, which God blesses. Psalm 25:14 says, "The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant." God delights in those who fear Him and rewards their faithfulness with His guidance and favor. 

Moreover, humility and the fear of the Lord foster healthy relationships with others. A humble person is kind, patient, and forgiving, reflecting the character of Christ. Such a person earns the respect and trust of others, leading to honor and harmonious relationships that give life and vitality rather than consume it. 

So, let us walk humbly before our God, revering Him in all we do, and in freedom and faith experience the fullness of His promised reward.