Proverbs 22:4

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about humility: 

Proverbs 22:4 (ESV)

The reward for humility and fear of the LORD

is riches and honor and life.

Humility has its rewards. Our society tends to think the meek and the humble have little reward. And, in this life it may be true based upon the world's definitions.  But, in 22:4 we read that God has a reward for humility and the fear of the Lord: Riches, honor and life.  We may not define these three in the same way the Bible does, however.  But we do have the Word of God to tell us that there is a reward for trusting God and walking in His steps.  Being humble and fearing God is a blessing in our lives.  God allows us to walk with Him and He rewards us for it.

Note the similarity of the above proverb with the following:

Proverbs 21:21 (NASBStr)

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness

will find life, righteousness, and honor.

Solomon realizes that humility and the pursuit of righteousness and mercy have the same end ... life and honor.   When you seek to be promoted you lose both life and honor.   But, when you seek humility, righteousness and kindness you obtain the very things the proud, arrogant and powerful want ... life, honor and riches.   Christianity is the upside-down religion.  While other faiths tell you to work hard for your righteousness, Christianity tells you to stop working and simply believe.   When other religions tell you to work for riches and honor, even killing others to get it, Christianity tells you to seek humility, righteousness and kindness to find the same things.   Typically the humble are not rewarded by the world.  The world is looking for the powerful and the aggressive.  Those seeking and fulfilling the "warrior" mentality are much more rewarded in our society than the one who seeks humility, meekness and the fear of The Lord.   James tells us that God rewards the humble:

James 4:6

But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “ God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Grace is given to the humble.  Grace helps us to accept the circumstances where we struggle.   Grace helps us to deal with the pain that afflicts us; the disappointment that upsets us; the expectations that fail us.    God gives grace to those who trust in Him.  The proud trust in themselves.   The humble realize they have nothing to offer God and therefore need to simply allow Him to work in their lives and produce something good out of it.   The reward for humility and the fear of The Lord is life.   A great life.