RR Favor (Chen/Charis) in Proverbs By David Harwood
Shalom,
Favor (Chen/Charis) in Proverbs
By David Harwood
In Proverbs, a father revealed a path to gaining favor.
Let kindness and truth never leave you— bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will gain favor (chen/charis) and a good name in the eyes of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3–4)
In the following proverb we read that a good reputation is the equivalent of favor. A good reputation brings favor, is the result of favor, and chen/charis is appraised as being more valuable than wealth.
A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, and grace (chen/charis) rather than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1)
Those who are willing to wisely, faithfully, correct a friend may suffer immediate rejection and pushback. It’s not pleasant. However, in the end, the exhorter is appreciated way more than those who simply affirm the desires of the one who is being counseled.
One who rebukes a man will in the end find more favor (chen/charis) than one with a flattering tongue. (Proverbs 28:23)
Why value wise rebuke? Because the path to receiving favor is humbly receiving godly instruction. This may include rebuke. Honoring rebukes are part of life’s journey towards wisdom.
For the mitzvah is a lamp, Torah a light, and corrective discipline the way of life, (Proverbs 6:23)
And wisdom is the way to favor.
Good understanding wins favor (chen/charis) (Proverbs 13:15a)
A woman who displays favor towards others receives respect, a good reputation, and honor. Displaying favor in this context has to do with generosity.
A gracious (chen/charis) woman gains honor (Proverbs 11:16a)
Consider the Proverbs 31 woman.
She spreads out her palms to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy. (Proverbs 31:20)
Upon occasion, grace/favor signifies a quality that causes observers to favor the person who displays it. These are winsome qualities that predispose others to show favor. Proverbs speak of a garland, or ornament, of grace.
In Proverbs 1 we read that receiving a mother’s teaching leads to a crown of favor.
For they are a garland of grace (chen/charis) for your head and a chain to adorn your neck. (Proverbs 1:9)
Proverbs 3:21-22 teaches that meditating upon, and practicing, the principles of wise living will result in favor.
My son, hold on to sound wisdom and discernment, do not let them out of your sight. They will be life to your soul, and an ornament to grace (chen/charis) your neck. (Proverbs 3:21–22)
In Proverbs 4:7-9 we find that Wisdom rewards those who treasure her with favor and honor.
Prize her, and she will exalt you. She will honor you when you embrace her. She will set a garland of grace (chen/charis) on your head. She will give you a crown of glory.” (Proverbs 4:8–9)
A child who highly regards the teaching of his father and mother is obeying the God who commanded that parents would be honored. The obedient, attentive, child is humble. Favor is the reward.
He who highly values wisdom will receive chen/charis from others. Wisdom causes a person to treat others in a way that is generous, merciful, and just. Such people sow favor and reap observable favor.
A garland, crown, is granted because the person merits it. It is noticeable. It conveys status. It’s a reward and a symbol of achievement. In these cases, the grace-garland is the exaltation of the humble who receive instruction. Which leads us to the next proverb I’d like us to consider.
He gives grace (chen/charis) to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34b)
This is quoted twice in the New Covenant Scriptures. (James/Jacob 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5) God gives favor (chen/charis) to the humble.
In Proverbs, favor is described as the result of wisdom.
Do we want more favor manifest in our lives? Well, here’s a thought, let’s humble ourselves.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat 7-June 2025 11th of Sivan, 5785 Parashat Nasso
Day 49 of the Omer
Nu 7:1-89Jdg 13:2-25Ac 21:17-26; 24:14-18
Favor (Chen/Charis) in Proverbs
By David Harwood
In Proverbs, a father revealed a path to gaining favor.
Let kindness and truth never leave you— bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will gain favor (chen/charis) and a good name in the eyes of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3–4)
In the following proverb we read that a good reputation is the equivalent of favor. A good reputation brings favor, is the result of favor, and chen/charis is appraised as being more valuable than wealth.
A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, and grace (chen/charis) rather than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1)
Those who are willing to wisely, faithfully, correct a friend may suffer immediate rejection and pushback. It’s not pleasant. However, in the end, the exhorter is appreciated way more than those who simply affirm the desires of the one who is being counseled.
One who rebukes a man will in the end find more favor (chen/charis) than one with a flattering tongue. (Proverbs 28:23)
Why value wise rebuke? Because the path to receiving favor is humbly receiving godly instruction. This may include rebuke. Honoring rebukes are part of life’s journey towards wisdom.
For the mitzvah is a lamp, Torah a light, and corrective discipline the way of life, (Proverbs 6:23)
And wisdom is the way to favor.
Good understanding wins favor (chen/charis) (Proverbs 13:15a)
A woman who displays favor towards others receives respect, a good reputation, and honor. Displaying favor in this context has to do with generosity.
A gracious (chen/charis) woman gains honor (Proverbs 11:16a)
Consider the Proverbs 31 woman.
She spreads out her palms to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy. (Proverbs 31:20)
Upon occasion, grace/favor signifies a quality that causes observers to favor the person who displays it. These are winsome qualities that predispose others to show favor. Proverbs speak of a garland, or ornament, of grace.
In Proverbs 1 we read that receiving a mother’s teaching leads to a crown of favor.
For they are a garland of grace (chen/charis) for your head and a chain to adorn your neck. (Proverbs 1:9)
Proverbs 3:21-22 teaches that meditating upon, and practicing, the principles of wise living will result in favor.
My son, hold on to sound wisdom and discernment, do not let them out of your sight. They will be life to your soul, and an ornament to grace (chen/charis) your neck. (Proverbs 3:21–22)
In Proverbs 4:7-9 we find that Wisdom rewards those who treasure her with favor and honor.
Prize her, and she will exalt you. She will honor you when you embrace her. She will set a garland of grace (chen/charis) on your head. She will give you a crown of glory.” (Proverbs 4:8–9)
A child who highly regards the teaching of his father and mother is obeying the God who commanded that parents would be honored. The obedient, attentive, child is humble. Favor is the reward.
He who highly values wisdom will receive chen/charis from others. Wisdom causes a person to treat others in a way that is generous, merciful, and just. Such people sow favor and reap observable favor.
A garland, crown, is granted because the person merits it. It is noticeable. It conveys status. It’s a reward and a symbol of achievement. In these cases, the grace-garland is the exaltation of the humble who receive instruction. Which leads us to the next proverb I’d like us to consider.
He gives grace (chen/charis) to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34b)
This is quoted twice in the New Covenant Scriptures. (James/Jacob 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5) God gives favor (chen/charis) to the humble.
In Proverbs, favor is described as the result of wisdom.
Do we want more favor manifest in our lives? Well, here’s a thought, let’s humble ourselves.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat 7-June 2025 11th of Sivan, 5785 Parashat Nasso
Day 49 of the Omer
Nu 7:1-89Jdg 13:2-25Ac 21:17-26; 24:14-18
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