Proverbs - Be Faithful NOT Phony

Proverbs 20:6

Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

This truth is great to know about ourselves and those who surround us.  Proclaiming means to speak forth and let others know.  We will often let people know how good we are and what we are capable of.  There might even be an element of truth in what we are proclaiming, but here the Lord tells us that we should rather focus on being faithful rather than how we represent ourselves verbally to others.  Faithfulness involves a few things.

·        Prov 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. – a faithful person keeps a confidence and doesn’t let others know about situations revealed to them that are meant to be protected

·        Prov 13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. – A faithful person will be reliable in their duties.  They will be on time for responsibilities and do what they say they will do.

·        Prov 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.- A faithful person will not slant the truth, exaggerate the truth or deceive.  They say they will do something and they will do it.  If they make a mistake they will admit it.

·        Prov 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters. – A faithful person is a good employee and is a blessing to anyone who is over them in authority.  They make the load lighter and refresh their leaders.  They follow through with integrity.

Do you remember the parable that the Lord used about the one man who said he would go and do what his master said and then didn’t’ do it?  Do you remember the other man refused to do it but ended up doing it anyway?  Jesus asked the group, “Whether of them twain did the will of his father?” (Matt 21:31).  We would, as the listeners said, agree that the one who actually did the father’s will rather than the one who said they would.  This is an excellent example of this proverb.  Let us be slow to speak our own praises and focus on demonstrating our faithfulness.  When seeking someone out for a responsibility let us not focus on the verbal discussion but on the observation of their character and duties.  Lord, help us be faithful women that glorify You.