A kindhearted woman gains honor,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
Summary: Kindness isn’t normally listed as a ‘superpower’ in the comics, but in real life, it is a very important one.
When I read the verse for today, my first thought was, “Rats! Why didn’t I use this for a Mother’s Day verse?” The answer that immediately comes to mind is, “Because the dads might think the other part of the verse referred to them…” So, maybe it was better that I missed that opportunity.
The next thing that came to mind were two names; Dorcas and Lazarus. (You can read about Dorcas in Acts 9: 36-43. Luke writes about Lazarus in Luke 16: 19-31.)
Dorcas sounds like she was a perfect example of a “kindhearted woman.” The text says that “she was always doing good and helping the poor” (verse 36). She apparently was very busy with her hands, always making “robes and other clothing” for people (verse 39). When she died, her friends didn’t just mourn her loss, they complained about it! The love people had for her was so strong that God answered Peter’s prayer on her behalf and restored her life.
The story of Lazarus is about a “rich man” and a “poor man” named Lazarus. Interestingly, the poor man has a name in the story, but the rich man does not. Instead, he is left as a generic symbol of what wealth can do to a man’s priorities and how it affects his spiritual future. He also comes across as a bit ruthless.
So what do we learn from this?
What I see in these stories is a difference in priorities. Dorcas was all about doing things for others. Her love for others was her superpower. The “rich man” was all about taking care of himself. If you see a difference between how men and women operate in these examples, there might be something we can learn from it.
If men seem like they are “wired” differently in their brains this is not a deficiency. There are a lot of times in life when the ability to focus coldly and logically on a problem can be a lifesaver. But some men need help when it comes to remembering to love. Understanding this difference can change our expectations and remove a lot of frustration from our relationships. Godly women who understand this use their “superpower” to help the men in their lives be more loving. Godly men listen to them!
Application: Differences can be good. They can help us see things in ways that help ourselves and others.
Food for Thought: What does the word “honor” mean in this passage?
Honor,
כָּב֑וֹד (kā·ḇō·wḏ)
Noun – masculine singular
Strong’s Hebrew 3519: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Weight, splendor, copiousness.
Other translations use
esteem, honour, respect, glory.
It means to “honor” in this passage……
Thank you, T!
Well researched!
What does the word “honor” mean in this passage?
I like T’s post; esteem, glory, dignity. I would add that a kindhearted woman (or person) gains respect and trust from those they help. In this verse I believe the honor they are given is being known as living a life that is pleasing to God.
Proverbs 22:4 “The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life”
Chris,
Interesting. Honor is tied to our service to God. That is an important connection.
It may also mean notoriety, people wouldn’t know of her if she didn’t do the things she did,..Jesus said IF you want to be great you MUST first learn how to serve. I believe Jesus meant serving others first then it will serve us. Because when we serve others, word gets out about what we’ve done. When it’s done for God that’s where the honor comes in.
Again my take on it,..keep smiling!
John,
Very interesting point! What we do says more about us that what we say we do.
June 14, 2022, Proverbs 11:16, What does the word “honor” mean in this passage?
WELCOME BACK!
Acts 9: 36-43, Dorcas was “ always doing good and helping the poor.” She had physically died and been prepared for burial. Peter prayed over her body, she was again given life and many who heard believed in the Lord.
We are given life through Christ and remain on earth so others will see Him in our daily actions, life and come to believe. Dorcas’ lived in obedience to God’s will as she carried for others over herself and was loved by many.
God honored her service as He responded to the desires of others, the prayer of Peter, restored her life so through Him, she could continue her ministry to others on earth.
This happens today as people are restored to their previous state of health so they can continue their service to God.
Ron,
Thank you! It is interesting to think of God honoring a human being, but you make a valid point. God does honor us with his love. We can respond to that honor by honoring God in return.
How many people see the christian life, living according to Gods word to all mankind, as a burdensome life of being deprived of all that is offered by this world.
How many come to know what an honor it is to submit to God’s calling and live according to the power of His Holy Spirit. To be the living voice of God to those around us as we get out of His way and allow Him to minister through us. Those who live in submission to God are honored as He ministers to others through us.
Great comments. T started it off well with a run down of the range of meanings.
I do find it interesting that the author inspired by the Holy Spirit uses a woman to receive honor. In that culture women had a hard time being seen as worthy of honor. This would be a person born into lower position than half the people on the planet. While she may not have the inherent capability to receive honor, kindness to others will lead them to honor her for her kindness to them. The value of kindness is being emphasized and it might be wise to take notice of this truth.
Thank you, Rich.
Compared to the righteousness of God, all of us fit in the “unworthy of honor” category that you describe. For God to love us as he does is both humbling and honoring.
Amen
First to learn is what is rewarded:
Kindhearted/gracious/favor/elegance/precious/pleasant
Vs
Ruthless/mighty/awe-inspiring/terrifying/powerful/violent
Second is how it’s rewarded:
Kindhearted gets you honor
Simple, I get it, it’s good 😊
Ruthless good you wealth
Wait what,? I thought this would be the wrong thing! Well…. What does God value?
Something new that today’s comments helped me realize is that showing love is honor. I previously thought that showing love, compassion, forgiving or grace was all weakness.