The Wisdom of Honour
Pastor Wesley & Yajhna Sing · 1 min read
“Ananias ordered those who stood beside him to strike Paul on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you actually sit to judge me according to the Law, and yet in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” But those who stood near Paul said, “Are you insulting the high priest of God?” Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’””
Paul had been arrested falsely and accused. He was defending himself before the Sanhedrin when he was struck on the mouth at the instruction of the high priest. He first retaliated and when he realized who he was speaking to, he was wise enough to show honour as the scripture indicated. Showing honour to the high priest even though he was wrong, did not belittle Paul at all. In fact, it brought favour to the conversation and managed to alleviate the suffering Paul was facing.
Knowing and understanding the audience you are dealing with helps you a great deal when you are led by the honour principle. Humility and honour go together and bring favour in the midst of a chaotic situation. The wisdom of God will lead you in this way of honour, yield to the Holy Spirit so you know when to honour and whom to honour.
From the November 2024 issue, themed RELENTLESS IN MY DECISION TO SHOW HONOUR.
