by Audrey Bauman

Proverbs 18: 11and 12   NLT

11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
     they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

12 Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.

When I see the word "rich", I don't think it applies to me - so whatever this proverb has to say, it won't relate to me. But ...

I decided to check the internet for some information about being rich.  One question I looked up was - How rich are Canadians compared to the rest of the world? The answer is: Canada is one of the world's largest economies and is currently at rank 10. It also said Canada is considered one of the best countries to live in. Did you know that since 2019, Canada is considered to have the largest middle-class income?

I lived in Kenya for close to a year several years ago in an area about an hour's drive from Nairobi. The villagers mostly lived in huts made of clay or poorly constructed small houses. If they came to my house in Canada, they would be shocked. They would definitely say I was rich. The last years of my teaching career, I taught in alternative education. Many of my students came from families struggling financially. Some of them were just sleeping on a friend's couch. Am I rich?

So, once again I look at those verses in Proverbs. I am rich. And, you know what?  I have a tendency to think of my income as a "strong defense", "a high wall of safety". I watch my budget carefully, but I'm not worried about where my next meal comes from. I do lean towards thinking I am safe and just fine.

Once again, God speaks in these verses from Proverbs. "Humility precedes honor." As I go through my day, I need to rely on God. He is my source of strength, not me. 

"He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name." Psalm 23: 3

Our song for today is How Deep the Father's Love For Us by Selah.