Text: “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men” (Pr 22:29).

Questions: Have you ever reflected upon the quality of work you produce? Are you proud of it? Are you willing to have others vet it for quality? Regardless of our lane of work, do we produce work that is commendable?

Context, Context, Context: Proverbs 22:29 is a call to quality. It’s a poetic aphorism that teaches a fundamental, wise precept: Regardless of our calling, we should produce work to the best of our abilities. We should not be half-hearted people. We should give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. We should not be lazy.

Think, for example, of when the Queen of Sheba came to visit King Solomon. Do you remember her words to the king? “Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom” (1 Kings 10:8). Even the Queen of Sheba, a denizen of a foreign land, recognized the quality of Solomon’s early kingship. Of course, Solomon would in short order blow much of his testimony through his own selfishness, but for a while, he ruled well and ruled wisely.

Encouragement: As a chaplain and minister, I conduct scores if not hundreds of funerals each year. Funerals provide opportunities to step back and take inventory of our lives—to see what we who remain might learn about stewarding our time and vocations wisely. Do you long to stand before kings? Then work well. Work to the best of your ability. Produce quality products. Take your lane seriously and serve with distinction. Why? Because the holy evaluator of us all sees and is never fooled. And that truth should drive us to long to please him by the manner in which we perform our duties, so that we are not ashamed.