Hey, good day! I hope you had a great day.
I’m currently reading the book of Proverbs every day, and today I read Proverbs 25.
Here’s the insight I got from it:
I was particularly drawn to verses 6 and 7, which are actually identical to verse 27b:
6. Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great.
7. It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace.
27. …and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.
Proverbs 25:6–7, 27b (NLT)
One of the ways the Bible drives home important truths is through repetition. In fact, a good test of sound theology is whether it can be found in multiple places in the Bible.
These verses struck me because so many of us spend our days pursuing something, and we build a habit of desiring validation for our work, whether through recognition, respect, or simply being seen the way we see ourselves. When that recognition doesn’t come, it often creates inner turmoil. Sadly, this bleeds into our work with God.
I believe these verses apply especially within the church. In our service to God, the only validation we should seek is His. We should not be driven by recognition, awards, or titles. At the right time, God Himself will place us where we need to be. Our responsibility is to keep seeking Him and allowing His work to shape us.
Interestingly, verse 4 adds another layer(I like how NASB puts it):
“Take away the impurities from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith.”
Proverbs 25:4 NASB2020
Before silver can be shaped, it must first be refined. The refining process involves intense heat; melting the silver so that impurities can be separated and pure silver can be extracted (this is because of the different melting points of metals, amongst other reasons).
I like this metaphor because it highlights the need for impurities to be removed before silver is ready to be used by the one who can repurpose it best, a silversmith. In the same way, we cannot be used by Gid for his work to our full capacity without first being purified. This is why seeking validation too early can be dangerous. Impurities must first be removed.
Note that these impurities aren’t necessarily “sins” per se, but habits, attitudes, behaviors, and false preconceived notions/beliefs that hinder God’s work in us. Apostle Paul oftentimes refers to this refining as “circumcision of the heart.”
This refining takes time. During this season, we may not be ready for certain responsibilities or recognition. If God were to entrust us prematurely, we might mishandle His gifts and make a mockery of them. That’s why we must resist the urge to seek applause while God is still purifying us.
Jesus himself didn’t start his ministry until he was 30 years old! Think about that…
This message may not resonate with everyone right now, but if it’s for you, I’m sure the Spirit will confirm it. And if not, in your ongoing walk with God, it may become clearer in time.
I pray as we continue to work with God, the patience to remain where he wants us and the sensitivity to do more for him at the right time, God will grant unto us in Jesus’ name.
Thanks for reading! I pray that the seed of this word will grow in you in Jesus’ name.