The Biblical Key to Favor
Righteousness is the foundation of favor, but wisdom is the master key that unlocks it.
There is no substitute for wisdom. If you were to ask, “What is the most important thing for a successful life?” very few would answer, “Wisdom.” But Proverbs 4:7 tells us that wisdom is the principal or primary thing you will need for success in life.
Whoever finds wisdom finds life and obtains favor from the Lord (Prov. 8:35). Wisdom includes prudence, discretion, knowledge, understanding, counsel, subtlety, and discernment. We need these things if we want to live a life of favor.
The Bible says a wise servant has the favor of the King.
The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame. —PROVERBS 14:35, KJV
Are you a wise servant of the King? Do you steward the gifts God has given you with wisdom? Is wisdom a part of your life and decisions? This is a key to walking in the favor of God.
Solomon was the wisest of kings, and he received great favor from the Lord. Solomon was not only given wisdom, but God “magnified him exceedingly” (2 Chron. 1:1, KJV). As a result of God’s favor on his life, Solomon had favor with kings and queens. King “Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire” (1 Kings 5:10, KJV). The queen of Sheba came to hear the wisdom of Solomon and brought a train of costly gifts to him (1 Kings 10:2). This is the power of God’s favor.
Solomon became the wealthiest and greatest king of his day (1 Kings 10:10, 25). He was the most blessed man of his generation and was exalted and promoted because of God’s favor. God made Solomon famous.
Sadly, Solomon lost this favor later in his life because he married strange women and worshipped strange gods. Pride gripped his heart, and he lost the favor that made him great. His kingdom was split after his death because of his disobedience.
Listening with reverence and awe (fear) to the voice of God over your life and then walking in obedience to what you hear is wisdom. God will not steer you wrong. He has set the boundary lines—His path for you to have abundant life and great favor—out before you. He has set you in a pleasant place (Ps. 16:6). He leads you by still and quiet (peaceful) waters and restores your soul (Ps. 23:2–3). To fear God means that you are careful to follow His guidance and direction, knowing that you risk your very life if you don’t. (See Matthew 10:28.) When you fear God, you are submitted to His ways and trust that He has a good plan for your life (Jer. 29:11).
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