He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. Proverbs 3:34 NIV
Which side of the see-saw do you focus on in this verse? God is sitting on both sides, but one side gets a better ride. Let’s break it down so that we can experience God’s favor.
The context of the verse in Proverbs highlights those who reject God’s laws versus those who embrace His commands. Mockers reject God’s way, and the humble bend to its wisdom.
The word mocker, also scornful in other translations, is tied specifically toward the laws and commands for right living as opposed to mocking other people. The mocker is one who violates God’s principles and says to God, “Look, I didn’t get hurt and nothing bad happened to me.”
The mocker plants seeds of disobedience all along his path. A little lie here, misuse of money there, a lingering look, a damaging tongue, a prideful response, or deeds done in secret. All of these actions plant seeds that will bear fruit. Some seeds take longer to grow. God is able to wait for the messy crop to entangle and burden the one who sowed the mockery of God’s way.
To be humble is not perfection. We can’t impress God with our righteous pursuit of following His ways. He is not obligated to show kindness because of your good behavior. In other words, there is no one that we can point to say, “I’m doing this way better than Him”, so now, God shows me favor.
So, how do we get on the right side of the see-saw for God’s favor to rest on us? How do we overcome all of the bad crop of seeds that we have already sown?
Lean, Bend and be Broken to follow the path of humility before God.
Lean is a directional intention of the heart toward God and His ways. It is both spoken and the lever of intentionality pulled in the heart. Romans 10:9-10 speaks of confession of the mouth and the belief in the heart toward Jesus. Daily lean into His goodness and a desire to follow His way.
Bend is the action of changing direction. Not my way, but your way O Lord. It goes beyond good intentions, for good thoughts requires no bending. Rather, this is all about adjusting behavior to the path God lays before us. For example, we respond with a soft answer, instead of trying to convince the other person we were right. Bend away from your own understanding of how you feel, toward the action of God’s ways.
Broken is the awareness of our constant need for a savior. We aren’t perfect. We make mistakes. No excuse makes our hurtful action any better. Confession is the agreement with God, that we blew it, with no one else to blame.
AND while we are broken, God’s favor pulls up the wicked seeds that were sown. God’s grace covers the broken, so that joy comes in the morning…true joy. Light shines through our darkness to reveal the beauty that surrounds us. Jesus forgives us and allows love to nurture and guide us.
On this Monday Mantra may you experience His Favor on your humility before Him. May God’s grace cover the multitude of sins. May you enjoy the journey as His face is always toward you with loving affection.
Blessings, Love y’all