Winning the King's Favor

Proverbs 14:35

A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor,
but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

The servant who has the king's favor deals wisely in two ways. The work that he carries out on behalf of the king is wisely done. He is efficient and fruitful in his labor; he makes wise decisions that benefit the king's welfare. Secondly, he is wise in his dealings with the king. He pays deference to him; he takes time to understand the king's personality and adapt to it. Thus, the servant is conscientious in his labor for the king and in his relations with the king.

The shameful servant fails in one or (most likely) both. He may be dishonest or honest but thoughtless in his behavior. He may be extremely efficient and productive, but also arrogant and belittling of others. He may make wise decisions for the king, but then speak ill of him, even to him.

The point is that wisdom encompasses both the work accomplished and the manner in which the work is carried out. It is not only accomplishing the goal, but the way in which the goal is achieved that impacts how you will be regarded. If you want "the king's" favor, be he a boss, a teacher, even a spouse, act wisely in both work and relationships.

Now, let us give thanks for our King, who because already his favor was upon us, carried out his work of redemption, fulfilling both the labor necessary and in the spirit of absolute obedience for his Father, so that the Father could say, "This is my Son with whom I am well pleased."