The Gift of Favor

“Then you will find favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:4 NIV

“Man’s favor means nothing unless in the final tally you have God’s favor.”

My thoughts today are about “the gift of favor.”

There is no one that gets very far in their career without favor. A definition of favor is: “something granted or done out of goodwill; unearned.” Hopefully, you are one of those people who finds favor in your interaction and association with others. I know that you have seen such people, whether or not you identified their special something as favor.

They stand out in a crowd. Favor comes from God through man. The Bible describes Esther as “obtaining favor in (King Ahasuerus’) sight.” Esther 2:17 NKJV. Samuel is described this way: “Samuel grew . . in favor both with the Lord and men.” 1 Samuel 2:26 NKJV. Joseph’s whole story is about favor: “The Lord was with Joseph . . and God gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” Genesis 39:21-23 NKJV. Never forget who you are living to please; God gives favor.

They are likable, because they genuinely like others and people see that and respond accordingly. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” Proverbs 18:24 NKJV. It may start with personality and attractiveness, but there is a lot more to gaining favor than just a smile and a pretty face.

A dearest friend of mine, Ed, is the nicest guy and has built a successful new car dealership. Many years ago, I heard a high compliment said of him that is still true today, “When you buy a car, you are proud to say you bought it from Ed!” Ever met anyone like that? I meet them in every career – education, health services, retail sales, hospitality, community service, charities, and churches – everywhere ordinary people are serving others extraordinarily. Why? Because nice matters!

They are diligent in their efforts. “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.” Proverbs 22:29 NKJV. Diligence opens doors of opportunities for you. If you are not doing well what you are doing now, why expect someone to assume you would do better if given a bigger and better opportunity? “Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones . . if you are untrustworthy . . who will trust you?” Luke 16:10-12 NLT.

They live wisely. People respect and trust those who live with practical and Godly wisdom in everyday matters. “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength . .” Proverbs 24:3-5 NIV.

There is much that I wish for you. High on the list, my wish is found in today’s Bible verse, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you . . then you will find favor and a good name in the sight of God and man . . A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor more than silver and gold.” Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV/Proverbs 22:1 NKJV. However well others regard you and whatever goodwill they may have the power to grant you, man’s favor means nothing unless in the final tally you have God’s favor. God’s favor means everything!

My prayer for you today is to receive favor graciously and grant favor generously.