Humans in general like status and wealth. We endless work to achieve it. Yet most of us are middling or poor. The wealthy and powerful are the elite. The few when compared to the world’s population total. So, since most of us do not become rich or powerful, we often elevate those who do. We care more about their opinions or tastes. Isn’t this why celebrities are so interesting to folks? Isn’t this why everyone cares what men like Gates and Musk think, say, and do? In a way, society has turned the elites into versions of idols for the masses. You can find one that agrees with your life view and then you can adore and respect and defer aka worship that person. Truly it’s over the top in American status – elite idol worship.
But Solomon tells us it ought not be. Why? Because to God we are the same. The wealthiest and the poorest. Our souls are equal to Him. Nothing we own or don’t own changes that. To God, we are all His creation. So, why does that equality matter? Because the Scriptures tells us ALL will stand before their creator. We will all stand before God. The equality matters:
💰 The wealthy and powerful will not be able to use their welath and status before God. They will not evade or buy off justice. Their earthly power and wealth mean nothing to God so they will answer for their actions just the same as everyone else.
💰The poor will not be looked down on or judged for their wealth and status. They will be seen for who they are not what they do not possess. Their lack of earthly power and status will not dictate their terms of their judgment.
Since status and power and money don’t matter – the previous proverb tells us what does. Solomon tells us a good name is far better than wealth and power.
So, our actions and reputation are far more valuable. Why? Well, one because we cannot buy a good reputation. You’ve got to earn it through actions – a good name is an equaling status. The wealthy and the poor have can good or bad names. And two, because all we will take with us before God in judgment day is our name – our actions.
Wealth and power maybe something we wish wr had here on earth but it is not something we can take with us to stand before God. The only thing we will all take is our name – our reputation which will be based on our actions.
So, focus on building up your good name and not your bank account. One matters and will last forever. One does not and will not.
Choose wisely.
Adonai's Appeal 