Proverbs 22:4
Humility is the fear of the Lord;
its wages are riches and honor and life.
What riches? Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, the riches of God’s grace, forgiveness of sin, redemption, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, adoption by God as his child, God’s steadfast, unmerited love.
What honor? To be called a child of God, to hear “well done, good and faithful servant,” to be called brother or sister by Jesus Christ, to actually receive “praise and honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” to someday receive an “eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” to wear the crown of life.
What life? Abundant life in Christ, a forgiven life, a redeemed life, an eternal life of joy, a meaningful life, a transformed life, a life to come in which we will not sin nor be sinned against nor feel any effect of sin, a life spend in the presence of God and of the Lamb.
Not a bad deal.
Psalm 56
Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
2 My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?5 All day long they twist my words;
all their schemes are for my ruin.
6 They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
hoping to take my life.
7 Because of their wickedness do not[c] let them escape;
in your anger, God, bring the nations down.8 Record my misery;
list my tears on your scroll[d]—
are they not in your record?
9 Then my enemies will turn back
when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise—
11 in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?12 I am under vows to you, my God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.