Living His Word

Proverbs 18:10-11 (ERV): The name of the LORD is like a strong tower. Those who do what is right can run to him for protection. The rich think their wealth will protect them. They think it is a strong fortress.

In a world full of trials, troubles, and tribulations there are at least two ways of acquiring protection from their destructive effects. One can turn to the LORD for protection, or one can turn to riches. Those who turn to their riches, our verses for today imply, are making a big mistake.

The “name of the LORD” refers to the various ways that the LORD reveals Himself to us. The LORD reveals Himself as a God who is longsuffering, merciful, loving, good, true, etc. Given the nature of these revealed attributes, the LORD is a God who can be relied upon in troubled times. He is a God to whom we can turn for help. He is like a strong tower to whom we can run for protection from everything that comes against us.

The rich of our verses for today do not look to the LORD for protection. They rely instead on something more tangible and concrete. They rely upon their riches. They think that they can buy their way out of the troubles of life and, as a result, have no need for the LORD above. Riches are deceptive in this regard, because they often can solve problems of various kinds. The trouble with relying on them, however, is that ultimately they can’t be relied upon. As the story of Job in the Bible tells us, riches can be lost overnight. Indeed, even great riches can be lost overnight. Anyone who relies on them, therefore, has been deceived by them.

Those who rely on their riches are essentially relying on themselves. They think that the riches they have acquired have placed them in a strong fortress above the reach of the troubles of life. They forget that the LORD opposes the proud. They forget that He can bring down to the dust anyone who thinks the strong fortress of wealth is invulnerable.

Those who rely on the LORD, in contrast, are humble. They know that riches, power, and any other earthly thing do not offer ultimate protection. They know that the LORD lifts up the humble. They know they can run to Him and be lifted up above the troubles of life.

Run to the LORD, therefore, for He alone is the ultimate protection.