(Prov 22:11 NIrV) Have a pure and loving heart, and speak kindly. Then you will be a friend of the king.
This morning we continue our series entitled “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” Here Solomon gives us some sound council for walking in favor with God and man. We want the favor of God on our lives. Favor can do more in a minute, than labor can do in a lifetime! Divine favor can have doors opened for us that no man can close and can conversely close doors for us that no man can open. I have and continue to experience the favor of God and I can tell you that is both awesome and humbling. It’s awesome because time and time again I see God move upon the hearts of others to use their power, their ability, and their influence to help me in ways I cannot help myself. And it is humbling, because when we realize that God is doing so much for you, when those around you want to shower you with accolades you quickly remember and acknowledge the fact that if it were not for God, you would be merely a shadow of the person the Father blesses you to be daily.
You may be thinking, “Okay Rick, sounds good to me. I want the favor of God. How do it get?” While there is no hard-and-fast formula, Solomon does give us a few pointers in this verse. Let’s take a closer look:
Pure heart and loving heart: None of us come to God with a pure heart. We were all born in sin and formed in iniquity. We all walked in darkness in accordance with the prince of this world (satan). But when the Blood of Jesus was applied to our heart and we accepted Him as Lord, we were translated out of the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son, we received God’s precious Holy Spirit down inside of us, and we were then in a position to start learning about and developing in the love of God. God’s love can transform us from the inside out!
Speak kindly (or with grace in your lips): Another major area of transformation is in our lips. Once we learn to align our lips with God’s Word, will, and way, we will then start to experience supernatural favor on the things that we say. We have done much teaching on this subject. Make sure your lips are glorifying and not cursing God.
Will be friend of the king: Scholars seem to disagree here. Some attribute the word “king” here to God (the King of kings) and others attribute it to natural (earthly) kings, or those in positions of authority. Either way, it’s still favor and you still want it!
So what does this mean to you today? It means that when your heart is right before God and when you learn to control your tongue, you will start to experience favor with both God and man and your life will never be the same!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for Your favor. I submit my whole heart to You. Wash me afresh in Your blood today. Your blood cleanses me and makes me whiter than snow. I came to You with a hard and wicked heart, but You have helped make my heart pure and pliable in Your hands. I also came to You with a twisted tongue that routinely spoke against Your Word, will, and way. But through the power of Your Spirit and the instruction of Your Word, my tongue is now an asset and not a liability. I am speaking life and not death, blessing and not cursing, victory and not defeat. My heart and my tongue help position me for Your favor. I have favor with You and man and You raise up people who use their power, their ability, and their influence to help me – today and every day! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
