Proverbs 22:4-5 (ESV)

[4] The reward for humility and fear of the LORD

is riches and honor and life.

[5] Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;

whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.

What are you striving for in life? Are you motivated by the needed to be needed, by the desire to be wealthy, or by the yearning for peace, safety, and prosperity? These things quickly become idols. “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it” (Prov 22:3). When wealth is our motivation in life we often find poverty and debt. “Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty” (Prov 22:16). Humility, knowledge, and understanding ought to be the focus of our pursuit, not wealth. Service, responsibility, and diligence ought to be our practice, not seeking the approval of others.

The need to be needed is a powerful force. It results in overcommitment, and fails to adequately train others. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6). No wise parent trains their child to be dependent on the parent. Wisdom trains a child to take responsibility, to be wise, to understand the value of a strong work ethic, and to use money wisely, not pursue money selfishly. That is what this chapter in Proverbs is about.

Neither should we lead ministries, shepherd congregations, or influence co-workers in such a way that we become their Bible answer-man. Humility always points those we influence to Christ, not to us. The need to be needed can quickly undermine and destroy effective ministry.

Proverbs 22 contains a collection of wise sayings. At its heart is this question: What are you striving for in life? What is at the base of your decisions, actions, and life direction? If it is the need to be needed then failure will result. If it is the desire for wealth, then abuse, compromise, or debt often result. Is it a yearning for peace, safety, and prosperity? That begins with humility, service, and commitment. It results from the wisdom of listening well to others. It results from taking personal responsibility for one’s decisions and tasks. It results from a willingness to humbly pursue God above all else. As believers in Jesus Christ we need to stop pursuing these idols and learn to trust God.

Proverbs 22:17-19 (ESV)

[17] Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,

and apply your heart to my knowledge,

[18] for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,

if all of them are ready on your lips.

[19] That your trust may be in the LORD,

I have made them known to you today, even to you.