Proverbs 25:7

 The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them self-promotion:

Proverbs 25:7 (ESV)

7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”

than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

What your eyes have seen

The above proverb actually can only be understood when we read the one prior:

Proverbs 25:6 (ESV)

6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence

or stand in the place of the great,

The proverb is talking about self-promotion. Solomon is telling us that it is better to be called up to be in the presence of a king, a leader, or some dignitary, then it is if you try to put yourself there on your own. Too many people self promote. Solomon is probably in a very great position to view this truth. He was the greatest king of his time. There was no doubt people would be self promoting, wanting to sit by him. There were people who are self promoting, wanting to speak into his ear.  Solomon recognizes that it is the meek in here at the earth.  It is not the self-promoting person who actually gets to speak to the King. It is the person who is willing to set them self off to the side, waiting to be called into the presence of greatness, who is truly great. That is meekness. That is humility.  Solomon recognizes that humble people are the people that the king wants to hear for counsel. The self promoter has an agenda. The self promoter typically wants something in return. It is the humble person who has words of wisdom that the King needs to hear. Rather than self promote, we are to practice waiting. We should practice patience. We have to practice being prepared until we are called to speak our wisdom. Self promoting does not fit godly wisdom.