Favor

Proverb 3: 4

So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.

God wants you to have favor with Him and with people. That is why He put this verse in the Bible, to instruct you in how to obtain favor. Read verse 3 to find what you should do. I want to, instead, give you a mini study on favor so that you will be clear that this is something God has established and ordained for you.

In Proverb 8: 35 Wisdom is speaking. She says, “For he who finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord.” Psalm 111: 10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So, putting those together and remembering that the fear of the Lord is a reverential awe instead of terror, we find that revering God brings us the favor of God. Those who love and revere God will find favor and wisdom.

We see examples of God’s favor in both the Old and New Testaments. “Now the boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men1 Samuel 2: 26. Luke 2: 52 records the favor of another important figure, “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

So, this brief walk through the scriptures shows a definite pattern. God has provided for us to walk in His favor. He also expects you to have favor with people. So then, each morning when you say your prayers, ask God for favor for the day. Remind yourself of Proverb 3: 4 and that you are supposed to have favor with God and men. Speak favor over your life every day and when you see it manifest make sure you give God all the credit and glory, with thanksgiving.

Divine Favor

Psalm 5: 12

Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield.

All of your protection is in the Lord. We claim it every day according to Psalm 91. In the same way, you are surrounded by the goodwill of the Lord. You are to receive favor and walk in it. It is intended for you to have favor with both God and man (Proverb 3: 4) and that favor surrounds you. It encompasses you on every side. No one nor anything can come to you except through the favor of God. Favor is the unmerited (you didn’t have to earn it) blessing of the Lord. People and God see you and receive you with goodwill and a kind heart. They are willing to be gracious to you because you have an abundance of favor. You can expect the best, not in an arrogant way because you did nothing to earn or deserve it. You can receive it, though, in the graciousness of God. Just because He loves you, He gives you favor. Receive His favor and watch it bless your life daily.