Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 14:35
The king’s favour is toward a wise servant,
But his wrath is against him who causes shame
The Jews had long protected their territory from foreign domination. They had been invaded by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and the Persians. They had fought, lost and fought again. Then came the Romans. They swooped on the Jews in the first Jewish-Roman war in 66AD. Josephus, a descendant of the priestly order of Jehoiarib, which was the first of the 24 orders of priests in The Temple of Jerusalem, had gone to Rome to negotiate the release of some priests from Emperor Nero.
Upon his return, Josephus was drafted to command the Galilean forces against the Romans. They fought a valiant battle but were soon overwhelmed by Vespasian’s (the Roman commander) forces. Trapped in a cave, they were forced to surrender, but refused. They settled, instead, on a method of collective suicide: they drew lots and killed each other, one by one, counting to every third person. Josephus emerged the sole survivor and was forced to surrender to the Romans. He became Vespasian’s prisoner. Josephus soon proved himself valuable to his captors. His wise conduct earned him renown.
Citing divine revelation from the Jewish Messianic prophecies, Josephus predicted Vespasian would soon become Emperor. And he did. After his prediction came true, Vespasian gave him his freedom and made him a trusted counsellor to the Flavian dynasty, earning him the name, Flavius Josephus. Wise conduct will procure favour, and our opening text agrees as much.
Most great men love to have a person of wise conduct around. They provide fine counsel and know how to contribute positively to the lives of everyone around them. Joseph found favour with Potiphar, in prison and with Pharaoh mostly because he conducted himself wisely.
The Bible states, “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be ruler over my house and all my people shall be ruled according to your word…” (Genesis 41:39-40). Wisdom will earn you favour, just as it earned Daniel favour with all the kings of his time. Wisdom will not only earn you favour with great men, it will earn you favour with God too.
Proverbs 2:35, speaking of wisdom, says: “For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favour from the Lord.” The Word of God is able to instruct us in all manner of wisdom. We can get wisdom by studying and applying it. Jesus has become to us the wisdom of God. To allow His Word dwell richly in our hearts is to walk in wisdom. Keep an eye out for wisdom today. Be mindful of it in your dealings with others, small and great. Kings will show you exceptional kindness. God will give you wisdom. You will obtain favour from Him, in Jesus’ name.
Memorise & Meditate:
“For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favour from the Lord.” Proverbs 2:35
Prayer & Confession:
I ask for wisdom today, Lord. Teach me Your Word; teach me Your Way. I will find favour before kings as I obtain favour from You today, and always, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
