Sayings of the Wise #5 - Work with Excellence (Prov. 22:29)

✨ Saying 5 — Work with Excellence

📖 “Do you see a person skilled in their work? They will serve kings rather than working for obscure people.” — Proverbs 22:29

🌿 Meaning of the Text

In Hebrew, the word for “skilled” is mahir — a word that speaks not just of talent, but of a spirit that is ready, diligent, and responsive. It paints the picture of someone who does not delay when duty calls, but moves with focus and faithfulness. Excellence, then, is not measured by natural gifting alone, but by the readiness of the heart to rise to the task.

The word for “work” (melakhto) is broad — it can mean one’s craft, assignment, or responsibility. It covers both what is seen and unseen, the public roles and the hidden tasks. Whether sweeping floors, teaching children, preparing a sermon, or encouraging a sister, melakhto reminds us that all labor entrusted to us is sacred when done for the Lord.

The phrase “stand before kings” is a Hebrew image of honor and influence. Those who are faithful in small, unnoticed things are one day entrusted with greater responsibilities. Jesus echoed this in Luke 16:10: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.”
To “stand before kings” does not mean chasing status or power, but being placed by God in positions of trust and usefulness because of a proven record of diligence.

👉 True excellence is not perfectionism. It is not striving for flawlessness to impress others. Instead, it is the steady rhythm of faithfulness in action, day by day, offered up as worship to God.
Excellence is devotion made visible — the work of our hands becoming the reflection of our heart toward Him.

✨ Excellence is faithfulness polished by the light of God’s presence.

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💬 A Conversation Among Four Women

The women sit together after Bible study, tea cups in hand, reflecting on Proverbs 22:29.

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Naomi:
“You know, when I read ‘Do you see a person skilled in their work?’, I thought — that’s who I want to be! Someone who shines in whatever she does. But then the Hebrew word mahir — ready, diligent, responsive — really caught me. It’s not about performing for applause; it’s about showing up when God calls. I’m realizing excellence isn’t excitement alone; it’s consistency. Even when the crowd is gone, the heart still serves.”

Melanie:
“That’s so true, Naomi. Your joy draws people in, but excellence refines that spark with steadiness.”

Naomi (smiling):
“Yes! It’s faithfulness with flair. Like singing in the choir with all my heart — not to impress, but to worship.”

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Dana:
“When I saw the phrase ‘stand before kings,’ it hit me differently. I’ve always liked that — it sounds like recognition, leadership, influence. But this passage shifted my thinking. It’s not about climbing up; it’s about being placed by God where your diligence earns trust. ‘Kings’ might be your boss, your team, your family. If I’m faithful in the unseen work — preparing lessons, mentoring others — that’s the real promotion.”

Phoebe:
“I like how you said ‘being placed.’ It reminds me that we don’t promote ourselves — the Lord does.”

Dana:
“Exactly. Excellence isn’t about being the best. It’s about being trusted.”

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Melanie:
“The word melakhto — one’s craft or assignment — really spoke to me. It covers everything, even the things nobody notices. That comforts me, because I often pour hours into little things others overlook. But this verse reminds me God sees the invisible work. My spreadsheets, my careful notes, my prayers over a single sentence — that’s sacred too.”

Naomi:
“Melanie, your carefulness keeps us grounded. You remind me that hidden work has heavenly worth.”

Melanie (softly):
“Thank you. I just want to offer my best — not out of fear of imperfection, but as worship. That line you read, ‘Excellence is faithfulness polished by the light of God’s presence,’ — I wrote it down. It’s exactly what my heart needed.”

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Phoebe:
“I love that excellence isn’t about hurry. Mahír means ready, not rushed. I used to think I was slow — but maybe God calls my calmness a strength. Diligence doesn’t mean speed; it means faithfulness. Even quiet consistency has a place before kings.”

Dana:
“That’s powerful, Phoebe. Your steadiness is a kind of excellence I’m still learning.”

Phoebe:
“I guess excellence is like breathing grace into our work — whether we’re cleaning, teaching, or comforting. The Lord measures the heart, not the headline.”

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🌿 Reflection Moment

Melanie:
“So maybe excellence looks different for each of us — energy for Naomi, drive for Dana, precision for me, and peace for Phoebe.”

Naomi:
“But it’s the same Spirit shaping it.”

Dana:
“And the same King we serve.”

Phoebe (smiling):
“Then our hands, whatever they touch, can become worship.”

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✨ Closing Thought

True excellence isn’t the spotlight — it’s the steady glow of faithfulness.
It’s how the ordinary becomes holy, and how the diligent heart finds itself — one day — standing before kings.

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💭 Reflection Question

✨ Which woman’s words remind you of your primary temperament — the way you naturally think, feel, and respond?  Kindly share your ONE answer in the comments below.  

Let her words stay with you as you move forward.
Because excellence is not a moment — it’s a manner of life.

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🌿 Up Next: Saying #6 — Invite Self-Control at the Table (Proverbs 23:1–3)
A new lesson in wisdom — not about what’s on the table, but what’s ruling the heart.

Have a weekend overflowing with joy, strength, and God’s blessings in all you do!

✨ Reflection Question Response Check:

“Keep Ancient Landmarks” (Sayings of the Wise #4)

🌿 Now it’s time to see how your ONE response from yesterday’s question connects with your temperament blend!

If you happened to choose two answers, no worries! 😊 I’ll be recording only your first choice, so when adding up your points, please use that first response as your official answer.

📝 Keep track of your points — every half point adds up!
✅ Give yourself 1 point if your answer matched your full blend.
➕ Give yourself ½ point if it matched only one part of your blend.

1. I carefully protect what’s entrusted to me.
(I value faithfulness and responsibility, guarding what God has given me with precision and care so that nothing is lost or wasted.)
🔵 Melancholic & 🟢 Phlegmatic — steady, loyal, and meticulous, this temperament preserves and protects what God has entrusted.

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2. I speak boldly when someone crosses a line.
(I cannot stay silent when God’s boundaries are ignored — I step up with courage, voicing truth clearly and directly.)
🔴 Choleric & 🔵 Melancholic — courageous and principled, this blend defends righteousness without hesitation.

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3. I encourage others to honor what is right.
(I uplift people with words of kindness and inspiration, urging them to respect the standards that keep us safe and strong.)
🟡 Sanguine & 🟢 Phlegmatic — warm and compassionate, this temperament motivates others gently through affirmation and grace.

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4. I stay steady and consistent with boundaries.
(I hold firm to what is right without wavering, showing by my calm and dependable example that God’s order still matters.)
🟢 Phlegmatic & 🔵 Melancholic — patient and reliable, this blend stands strong and unwavering through quiet consistency.

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5. I enjoy reminding people of truths that matter.
(I speak with energy and enthusiasm, keeping old truths fresh in people’s minds so that they don’t forget what God has established.)
🟡 Sanguine & 🔴 Choleric — lively and persuasive, this temperament brings zeal and passion to every reminder of truth.

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6. I look for practical ways to keep boundaries in place.
(I find down-to-earth, workable solutions to protect what’s valuable, making sure boundaries are not just spoken but lived out.)
🔴 Choleric & 🟢 Phlegmatic — balanced and efficient, this person turns conviction into action with structure and wisdom.

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7. I bring creativity to highlight why boundaries are valuable.
(I use expressive ideas, stories, or examples that help others see the beauty and wisdom in the limits God has set.)
🟡 Sanguine & 🔵 Melancholic — artistic and thoughtful, this blend communicates deep truths with beauty and imagination.

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8. I think deeply about why boundaries were set before acting.
(I reflect on the purpose and history of God’s instructions, analyzing carefully so that I act with wisdom and conviction.)
🔵 Melancholic & 🔴 Choleric — insightful and principled, this temperament studies before acting, ensuring decisions align with God’s purpose.

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9. I quietly step in to guard what’s at risk.
(I prefer to work behind the scenes, but when something sacred is threatened, I move gently and firmly to protect it.)
🟢 Phlegmatic & 🔵 Melancholic — calm and protective, this person safeguards truth without seeking attention or praise.

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10. I’m quick to act when something seems threatened.
(I respond decisively and with urgency to preserve what matters, refusing to let danger or compromise take root.)
🔴 Choleric & 🟡 Sanguine — bold and energetic, this blend acts swiftly and passionately to defend what is right.

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11. I reassure others of the safety boundaries provide.
(I comfort people by showing them that God’s order isn’t meant to harm but to protect, reminding them of the peace that comes from obedience.)
🟢 Phlegmatic & 🟡 Sanguine — gentle and soothing, this temperament brings comfort and calm, helping others trust God’s loving order.

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12. I make careful plans to preserve what is important.
(I map out thoughtful steps that secure God’s values for the long term, organizing in a way that ensures nothing of worth is lost.)
🔵 Melancholic & 🟢 Phlegmatic — methodical and dependable, this blend plans carefully and preserves faithfully for future generations.

NOTE:  Moving forward, the responses will be on your WOW chat.

Thank you, everyone, for journeying along on this wisdom path with us.