Proverbs 3:4

 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 about our relationship with wisdom and God and man:

Proverbs 3:4 (NASBStr)

So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

As Jesus was growing Dr. Luke tells us that He grew in "favor of both God and man" (Luke 2:52).   In Proverbs 16:7 we are told that those who are wise and follow God and please God will have even their enemies to come in favor with them.  

Proverbs 16:7 (NASBStr)

When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

In the above proverb we have just been told to keep God's Word close to us and to secure it into our hearts.   One of the positive results that is stated for keeping God's Word in your heart is that we will have favor and a good repute with God and man.   There are a lot of people who give advice and consult others on how to get along with everyone.    Some have great suggestions and have enlightened (they think) concepts.   Few, however, would say to corporate America that if you want everyone to get along read God's Word and keep it in your heart, securely.  Read again what proceeds this proverb:

Proverbs 3:1-3 (NASBStr)

 My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

 For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

 Bind them around your neck,

 Write them on the tablet of your heart.

This is the formula for team work and great success in business, churches, families, military and non-profit organizations.   You might not hear someone tell a corporate board or an organization administrative team the exact above words, but almost every consultant who is the lest bit successful would tell his/her clients to seek truth, kindness and bind those things in the corporate culture.   The above proverb is a formula for success no matter how it is said.  The truth of the proverb is taught by everyone who wants people to do right.   Pursuing kindness and truth would be to pursue God.   As a corporate coach I spend most of my days telling leaders to pursue the teachings of God's Word; embodied in truth and kindness.   They may not immediately know that  the principles I teach are simply God's Word, but they soon discover their ability to bring them closer to each other (in favor of men) and, eventually and hopefully, later closer to God.