Proverbs 22

“A good name is to be more desired than great riches, favor is better than silver or gold” (v1).  The proverbs teach that the most valuable things in life can’t be achieved quickly.  Things like a good reputation and the training of children (v6) take diligence and patience.  Human nature always wants to find a shortcut, but debt and dangerous friends lead to trouble (v24-27).  Quiet virtues, “humility and the fear of the Lord” (v4), produce great things over a lifetime (“riches, honor and life”).

Living biblically sometimes means going against our instant-gratification, super-charged world culture, but the rewards are real and lasting.