Proverbs 22:4:
4 The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.
"Reward" is the Hebrew word "`eqeb" , which means: a consequence, a gain, a reward. The "consequence" of being humble (accepting something you don't deserve and agreeing with God - ALWAYS!) and operating in the reverent and worshipful fear of the LORD (being awed in His presence) is:
- riches - Hebrew `osher - meaning: riches and wealth
- honor - Hebrew kabowd - meaning: glory, honor, abundance, splendor, dignity, riches
- life - Hebrew chay - meaning: living, flowing, fresh, lively, active, sustenance, maintenance, renewal
It doesn't COST to do things God's way - it pays tremendous rewards! AMEN!
Galatians 6:9:
9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.
The word "and" is a continuative word, meaning it continues this thought from the previous verse: but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. It means to CONTINUE sowing to the Spirit! Continue "doing right" in the eyes of God and in "due", or "appropriate" time, we SHALL reap a harvest of good things! That is, IF we don't grow weary and faint or quit or give up!
Esther 9-10 brings us to the end of the book of Esther. The Jews were given 9 months to prepare for the day when their enemies would try to annihilate them do to the orders drafted by Haman and signed by the king.. The Jews were basically a peaceful people. They were commanded to lie at peace - Jeremiah 29:7 - "Seek the peace of the city where I have cased you to be carried away captive". WE are told this in Hebrews 12:14: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD". But THIS situation had been forced on them and they were going to save themselves and their families! They had the backing of the king and they rejoiced in the deliverance of the LORD! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
