TALENTED AND SKILLED HANDS (1)

“Do you see a man SKILLED IN HIS WORK? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men” – Proverbs 22:29, NASB

Expertise, Excellence, Prominence and Impact are fruits of TALENTED and SKILLED HANDS: “Do you see a man SKILLED IN HIS WORK? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men” (Pro.22:29, NASB). The New King James says, “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” Linking talent, skill, and competence, this verse is often referred to as the sixth “saying of the wise”: “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise…” (v.17a). Beginning with a rhetorical question, it asks “do you see a man skilled in his work?” The phrase “do you see” comes from the poetic Hebrew word often used for “visions.” This implies: “Can you imagine someone who…” is experienced, capable, and able to quickly diagnose a problem and fix it right?

Someone describes this verse of scripture as ‘God’s Call to Skill, Excellence, and Expertise’! The skills, experience, and competency of such  persons who heed this call to service, would not go unnoticed or unappreciated. They’ll rise to a place of prominence and influence – they’ll “stand before kings” or “serve before kings.” It would have been sufficient if this proverb stopped here, but a final line adds something this skilled person would not be doing: “He will not stand before obscure men” or “they will not serve before officials of low rank” (NIV). The phrase “officials of low rank” comes from a single word used only this once in the Hebrew Bible. It means: obscure, low, nameless! The diligent, capable, competent, experienced, and talented person will not be labouring namelessly or in quiet obscurity.

In essence, this proverb commends skilled craftsmanship as a way to gain favour and recognition with high-ranking officials. As we seek to do good work for the glory of God, we should not be surprised if that skill and work ethic leads to earthly rewards; not guaranteed, but likely. Indeed, it's important to note that the verse doesn’t say that skilled and talented persons will become rich, famous, or powerful! However, their talents will be recognized and appreciated; they’ll be able to make a difference wherever they serve; they’ll make positive impact. It means more to such persons, be impactful than important!

It is a treat to see a true craftsman at his craft. Although craftsmanship skills are becoming rare in these days of technological advances and industrialisation, with more digital skills than manual, the virtues of competence, expertise, and excellence remain the same. In whatever work God has called us to, or provided for us to do, we must seek to do it to the best of our ability, to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). God promises to grant us contentment and bring about the fruit of our labour: “The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much” (Ecc 5:12). Even if one doesn’t work for a literal king, the point is clear: Those who have disciplined themselves to become highly skilled in their profession will not only find benefactors in high places but will be the kind of people who are highly sought after for their help.

Excellence does not come cheaply. We may not change the world with our first job or on our first day at work. Building relationships, respect, and competence takes time. In the pathway of growing into expertise, we must practise patience and be humble to learn. Just because we are uncomfortable does not mean it isn’t God’s will. Growth can be strenuous, but God will give the opportunities. It’s our responsibility to work hard and maximise our potentials. We must be faithful when God brings opportunities. We may not be responsible for the opportunities we receive but we are responsible for how hard we work at those opportunities. That starts with gratitude: thanking the Lord for giving us the chance to be on a project or move up in the organisation. Then, being diligent at all the skills God has allowed us to develop.