The Rewards of Humility Proverbs 22:4 and 29:23:

Proverbs 22:4 and 29:23: “The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life.” “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” It is a truism, even in contemporary society, that being humble will actually bring honor. That’s where much false humility comes from: “Oh, no, you shouldn’t have. … It was nothing. … No problem.”

 “I didn’t do much,” we say, hoping to be contradicted. James says to choose the lower seat, and the host will give you a better one. It’s doubtful that he meant we should do it for that reason. Hang back, waiting for someone to notice and draw you forward. People can usually tell when we have that attitude. If we do succeed in fooling them, it won’t be for long, and it won’t happen next time. In fact, it’s likely to backfire.

That said, this is a promise of God. Jesus, the Bible teaches, gained even more honor and exaltation than He already had, if that’s possible, because He willingly reduced Himself to the lowest of the low in order to save us.

Humility, with reverence for God, brings “riches, honor and life.” This is one of those texts that’s a little confusing on first sight. Most of the truly humble people we know are not, in fact, rich. They don’t necessarily live longer, and their faces aren’t in the news. What kind of riches, honor, and life? This must be the treasure one stores in heaven, the abundant life Jesus promises, the honor of knowing one’s name is in the Book of Life. As for long life? Well, you can’t beat eternity!