A Study in Values

GOLDEN TEXT: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” —Proverbs 22:1

PROVERBS 11:27,28; 13:7 15:13-17; 20:11,12; 22:1-4

THE principles set forth in the various scripture passages cited for this lesson are true during the present time only when applied upon the basis of faith. Many of the “values” mentioned in these texts, however, are generally recognized among honest and upright people, even though they may not make definite professions of religious belief.

Many people, for example, highly treasure a “good name,” and like to feel that they have a favorable standing in the community in which they live. It is also quite generally true that a “merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.” (ch. 15:13) It is also true, as a rule, that a “prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself,” that is, he anticipates the trouble and endeavors to avoid it.—ch. 22:3

On the whole, however, these various texts can be understood correctly only when applied to the life and experiences of a consecrated follower of Jesus, one who has covenanted to sacrifice all human hopes, aims, ambitions, and riches, in return for the spiritual values—those who set their affections “on things above.” For these, to have their names worthy of being enrolled in heaven, and to be assured of the “favor” of the Lord, means more than all the wealth the world has to offer.

It is also true of these consecrated followers of Jesus that in diligently seeking “good,” they procure the favor of the Lord, and “flourish as a branch.” (ch. 11:27,28) They do not necessarily flourish along temporal lines, but they do become rich in the spiritual blessings which the Lord so abundantly supplies for those who wait on him and make his will the first consideration in all things.

The Apostle Paul speaks of those who are “poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.” (II Cor. 6:10) Jesus was our greatest example in this. He was rich in heavenly glory, yet for our sakes became poor, so poor that he had not where to lay his head. At the same time, how rich he was, for the Heavenly Father made him heir of all things; and now we are joint-heirs with him. Thus it is that we, in making ourselves poor by sacrificing all in the Lord’s service, attain great riches, as stated in chapter 13:7 of our lesson.

Chapter 20:11 speaks of a “child” and of the purity and rightness of his work. Using a little child as an illustration, Jesus said, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 19:14) Children as a rule are straightforward in what they do, and this is a quality which is very essential to those whom the Lord would bless with heavenly riches.

Verse 12 of chapter 20 speaks of those whom the Lord blesses with a “hearing ear” and a “seeing eye.” Natural sight and hearing are great blessings to those who possess them. These are common blessings which are enjoyed by practically all humankind—a heritage of God’s human creation. But Jesus spoke of spiritual sight and hearing, saying to his disciples, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears for they hear.”—Matt. 13:16

It is to this priceless gift that our lesson evidently refers. And this gift is not given to any except the humble and childlike. Jesus said that it had been denied to many righteous men, and even prophets. (Matt. 13:17) The evidence of having this special spiritual vision and sight is the God-given ability to know “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven”—God’s great kingdom plan of salvation.

The heavenly riches are gained through “humility and the fear [reverence] of the Lord.” (ch. 22: 4) Those who have this proper humility and reverence, and by the Lord are given an insight into the precious truths of his Word, realize that it is wholly. a matter of his grace. Some of these may have originally been rich, and some poor, but now they are all one in Christ Jesus, and enjoy sweet fellowship together upon the basis of their common faith.—ch. 22:2

The Lord’s people who learn to appreciate these various spiritual values do not neglect their temporal responsibilities. It is simply that they have learned the wisdom of Jesus’ admonition to “seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness,” realizing that when they do this, all other obligations and values find their proper place.—Matt. 6:33

The way of the Christian which leads to eternal and heavenly riches is not an easy one. Physically, it is often a way of difficulties and suffering. But these “light afflictions,” Paul says, which are “but for a moment,” cannot be compared with the “eternal weight of glory” for which we are striving—while we “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.”—II Cor. 4:17,18

QUESTIONS

To what extent are the lessons of the Book of Proverbs true in the experiences of noble-minded non-Christians?

What are the “values” primarily referred to in our lesson?

Is it true of Christians that they “flourish as a branch”?

How do Christians become “rich” by making themselves “poor”?

Is it possible, apart from God’s favor, to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven?

Should there be any class distinctions among the Lord’s people?

What expression did Jesus make which sums up the main thoughts of today’s lesson?

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