June 17 – The Value of Humility

 

Proverbs 15:33

“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”

SITREP:

What’s more important—being seen as strong or actually walking in wisdom? True wisdom is not found in pride but in humility. Be willing to learn, to listen, and to seek God’s guidance. The road to honor doesn’t start with accolades—it starts with reverence.

Solomon, known for his wisdom and influence, often linked spiritual insight to a fear of the Lord. In a world where military rank, public respect, and personal image carry weight, Solomon makes a surprising statement: before honor comes humility. Before wisdom can shape your decisions, reverence for God must shape your heart.

Breaking Down the Verse:

“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord…” – Wisdom isn’t just knowing what to do—it’s knowing who God is. And revering Him sets the tone for every wise decision.

“…and humility comes before honor.” – You won’t rise by pushing others down. You rise by first kneeling—before God, before truth, and sometimes before correction.

How This Speaks to a Combat Veteran’s Faith:

You’ve likely been in rooms where respect had to be earned, where strength had to be proven. You know what it means to stand tall. But Proverbs 15:33 reminds us: if you want real strength—the kind that lasts beyond a rank, a mission, or a uniform—it starts with humility.

Maybe you’ve seen pride ruin leadership.

Maybe you’ve wrestled with your own need to control outcomes.

Maybe you’re learning that strength doesn’t mean silence, and wisdom doesn’t mean always being right.

This verse is your spiritual debrief:

Drop the ego—it’s heavy and doesn’t help you see clearly.

Let reverence guide your thoughts—not just logic or training.

The wisest warriors ask questions, stay teachable, and know when to say, “God, I need You.”

Humility isn’t weakness. It’s the doorway to wisdom. And those who fear the Lord walk with clarity, conviction, and quiet confidence—even when no one’s watching.

ENDEX:

Honor isn’t earned by standing tall—it’s born by bowing low. Proverbs 15:33 is your directive to trade pride for perspective. The path to lasting strength is paved with humility, and true wisdom begins with fearing the Lord. Don’t chase applause. Chase reverence—and let honor follow.

AAR:

When was the last time you saw humility as a strength—not a weakness? Proverbs 15:33 says, “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.” That flips most battlefield logic on its head. So here’s your checkpoint: are you chasing recognition, or are you submitting to correction? You’ve lived in environments where rank and reputation mattered—but in God’s command structure, the promotion comes after the posture. If your pride’s been making decisions lately, it’s time to recalibrate. The only way to rise in the Kingdom is to bow first.

Earning Honor by Dropping the Ego

You’ve worked your way up through chain of command, but Proverbs 15:33 reminds you that in God’s army, advancement starts with reverence, not resume. For the combat veteran, this verse reframes leadership as submission. Wisdom isn’t just tactical knowledge—it’s shaped by fearing the Lord, staying teachable, and walking low before walking tall. Honor isn’t earned through swagger; it’s given by the One who watches your heart. Humility isn’t soft. It’s strategic. It's how you lead without becoming dangerous, how you carry weight without becoming self-important. If you want to wear the honor, carry the humility first. That's the only way God's warriors advance.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.