Amazing Grace

He who loves purity of heart
and whose speech is gracious,
the king is his friend.
— Proverbs 22:11

Scripture is replete with examples of righteous individuals who stood before royalty,
ministered in kings’ courts, and rose to positions of prominence. Scripture testifies
that our God selects the humble and promotes them to accomplish His divine assignments.
This short but profound proverb reveals two key qualifications for such appointments:
integrity and graciousness—characteristics that are fundamental to godly wisdom
(James 3:13–18).

Wisdom is not measured by the volume of one’s words but by the good they affect.
The words of the wise are invaluable, for they give life. Those in authority,
if they are upright, will be the friend of the wise woman or man and make them
part of their council. King David and his son, King Solomon, surrounded themselves
with such people. The same goes for the King of kings. A person whose spirit is pure
and honest, and whose speech is continually filled with grace and kindness,
is a friend of God (James 2:23).

Abraham was called a “friend of God” (James 2:23)—and today, the Jewish people
remain God’s Chosen People. As Israel rebuilds after war, ask yourself:
How can you be a friend of God and a friend of Israel today?