HONOR(Part 3): Valuing God (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 27:9; Acts 28:10; Matthew 15:4ff; 1 Timothy 5:3, 17-18; )

Proverbs 3:9,10 says to honor the Lord with our substance and with the first fruits of all our increase, so shall our barns be filled with plenty and our presses shall burst out with new wine.

SETTING A PRICE

The Greek word used here in the Septuagint (LXX) is (timao), which is colored by the Hebrew usage to mean, "to set a price; value; or estimate of worth upon something, or someone". [The Greek word (timao) is a translation of the (Piel) form of the Hebrew (Kaph-Bet-Dal), with the implied sense of "giving weight" to someone or something (i.e., to honor)].

Probably one of the most literal uses of the word group, in the NT, is found in Matthew 27:9, where the scripture says, concerning Jesus, "...I took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of the one being valued, the one who was valued by the sons of Israel..." [or, "...I took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him who was set a price on, whom they of the sons of Israel set a price on..."]. In other words, the "setting a price on" is establishing a sense of value or worth by the actions of someone.

VALUE

Another very literal type of usage, is in Acts 28:10, where the KJV reads, "...who also honored us with many honors..". [More literally, "...who valued us with many things of value..."]. Specifically, the context is speaking of the overwhelming joy of the inhabitants of the island of Malta, at the healing of the father of Publius, the leader of the people, and the healing of many others, by the hands of Paul, so that, in an expression of gratitude, the inhabitants of the island, filled Paul's ship with all that they had need of for their departure.

GIVING THINGS

The Hebrew root, of the English translation "honor", is still seen in the Greek word (timao), in that there is still seen in the Greek, the thought of submitting; bowing to; or giving preference to someone or something, [kaph], based on an internal submission within, [bet], so that it is evidenced in one's daily life, or actions, [dal]. However, there is a stronger emphasis in the Greek, especially the NT, of the tangible expression of giving things; money; or material possessions.

HONORING PARENTS

One of the strongest uses of (timao), "honor", which is also strongly attested in the OT in (kaphbetdal), is in reference to one's parents. In Matthew 15:4ff, Jesus sharply rebukes the Scribes and Pharisees, who because of their greed and desire for power, had perverted the scriptures, to negate the commandment to honor one's parents, by the children dedicating money to the temple; which then the Scribes and Pharisees, and priests, would, with the "donor", have access to the funds, at the expense of the parents rightful care. The whole point of the argument, is that children were, commanded by God, to provide, materially, goods and services, for those parents that required such care and provision.

Judaism universally demanded the honor of one's father and mother, including financial support. Greco-Roman society also had strong standards of morally understood obligations, to listen to and respect one's parents, even when the children entered into adulthood. Inclusive of this "honor", was financial care, if necessary. Many Jewish writers held the command to honor one's parents (Ex.20:12;Dt.5:16), as the most important of all the commandments, since it demonstrated practical obedience to God, thereby honoring Him. In the NT, scripture reminds us that to obey and honor our parents, is the first commandment with a promise, that we will have a long life on the earth, and it will be a good life (Eph.6:1-3).

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Implicit in the word (timao), as seen in the OT concept, is the idea of material or financial support; aid; giving, as seen in "honoring" one's parents. 1 Timothy speaks of "honoring" widows that are truly dependent on financial and material support (5:3), and follows the care of widows, with properly "honoring", or compensating the elders or leaders whose work it is to deliver the unadulterated word of God to His people (5:17-18). In fact, in common Greek language, the word group was often used in reference to payment of professional services, [eg. doctors], and this thought is still maintained in the English word "honorarium". [Not to imply that ministering the word should ever be considered some form of "professionalism", but rather, as it is in truth, another aspect of service, to the Lord, and to His people].

INTERNAL

To re-emphasize, "honor", is an internal disposition that expresses itself in the action of obedience; giving; deference; and respect. This was part of the condemnation of Jesus, upon the religious leaders of the day, when, in quoting Isaiah 29:13, He spoke of them feigning "honor" with their lips, but there was no real worship, but rather merely religious form, devoid of any true heart commitment to Him.

WORSHIP

In ancient Greek culture, pagan deities were shown honor, by sacrifice, and hymns of praise. Every deity was shown "honor" in proportion to their power or sphere of influence. In fact, in religious usage, (timao) identified those actions that expressed worship of the gods. The highest standard of "honor", was that which was demonstrated in the sacrifices and gifts given, in worship.

Correspondingly, the "gods" gave "honor" to men in earthly positions; wealth; influence; and good fortune. In other words, the honor, or acts of worship, demonstrated, had a direct bearing on the honor, men received, in their life. Put simply, honor God, and He will honor you.

PRICE / VALUE

In Greek, the verb, (timao), "to set a price on", was derived from the noun, (time) [long "e"], meaning "price", which in turn, came from (tio), "to value". It is easy to see, from the Greek origins, how the sense of a "dollar figure", or material representation of worth, entered into the equation, in providing definition to the word group. In fact, (time) carries with it, the original sense of "compensation", for something. Earthly goods are almost always connected with "honor". In Greek literature and culture, the landscape is literally strewn with numerous examples of the gods and people, being shown 'honor", frequently with gifts; titles; and possessions, and not just inferiors to superiors, but inversely, honor was shown by gods to men; rulers to subordinates; parents to children, so that to "honor", was to value; to prize; even, to love. All other derived meanings stem from this foundational Greek concept.

GIVING FINANCIALLY

 In relation to Proverbs 3:9-10, it is a true statement, to say that our giving, offerings; tithes; and especially in the context of this study, our first fruits, are acts of worship, "honoring" God, valuing; prizing; even demonstrating, practically, our love for Him. Giving financially, is a visible expression of honor. [(Theo time) is actually translated, "worship of God"].

PHYSICAL ACTION = SPIRITUAL RESULTS

What is truly amazing, almost unfathomable, is that our physical action, originated in spiritual reality, can and does, have profound impact in producing spiritual, supernatural results in our lives. The simple act of giving financially, to God, honoring Him, [an act of worship, in the form of tithes (substance) and first fruits], causes our "barns to be filled with plenty, and our presses to burst out with new wine".

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours