This past month, many high school and college graduates heard how to be successful. Perhaps the advice came from a beloved teacher, a college president, a governmental official, or a rich benefactor to the school. While much of the advice may have been positive, the true keys to success were recorded long ago by inspired writers revealing insight into the mind of God. The sixty-six books of the Bible reveal a clear picture of success as God defines it.
The book of Proverbs is very helpful in learning how to succeed. Discussing many situations in life, the short, pithy statements found in the latter portions of the book succinctly reveal what constitutes a good character. The earlier portion of the book presents wisdom in a different way; it is written as a father’s speeches to his sons. Of particular interest is this fatherly wisdom:
“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man” (3:3-4).
Steadfast love is a beautiful and constant thread woven throughout the Bible. It is a love that is kind in all situations, thus the older translations’ use of lovingkindness aids in understanding what it entails. Simply put, it is a love that does not fail to do good for the recipient. The father admonishes his sons to never abandon this kind of love. The faithfulness he also encourages in his sons is not a distant idea from steadfast love; in fact, the two form a complete idea. Combined, they describe an attitude that puts the needs of others far above one’s own and never fails to help satisfy those needs, even though it may be costly to do so.
Such an idea should always be included in the “success” advice given to young hearers. It is essential instruction for those looking to build a solid marriage. In a time when the concept of love has been battered, it is important for young men and women to understand that love is always kind. Biblically, kindness is always presented in concrete actions. For a marriage to be built on the kind of love God desires, the man and woman are always seeking to do good for one another. Such an attitude will keep fidelity as supreme, harsh words at bay, and selfish actions in the dust bin. When this kind of love is bound around the neck and written on the heart of both husband and wife, marital success will ensue.
Young people should also hear this teaching concerning successful friendships. Later in Proverbs, a test of friendship is given: “A friend loves at all times” (17:17a). Steadfast love and faithfulness will not give up on friends, even when friendships are strained. Loneliness plagues the modern era for a host of reasons, but can be thwarted by solid, loving people who are committed to the wellbeing of others.
In a similar manner, young Christians should learn how these ideas impact brotherly love. Friendships that are built on the foundation of Jesus Christ are of such great value that the apostle John wrote, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” (I John 4:20). It is not hyperbole to say that these relationships are of eternal significance. One who feels abandoned by fellow believers can often feel so overwhelmed that he or she gives up on spiritual success. A steadfast and faithful friend can often make a huge impact on the willingness to spiritually press on.
Ultimately, all of these relationships rest on a steadfast and faithful love of God. God Himself has shown this kind of love to His human creation. As Paul notes, though “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” they can be “justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). The redeemed child of God should be in such awe that the perfect God would demonstrate love to sinners, everything in his or her life should revolve around reciprocating this kind and faithful love. To learn and appreciate this in youth builds the foundation for a successful future.
The wise father’s words to his sons are not limited to the young; indeed, each passing year of life should make them even more precious. A good marriage, good friendships, and good relationships with fellow believers are of more value than the most prestigious diploma one can receive. Of even greater value is the comfort in knowing that when one’s eyes close for the final time, the God who has been kind and faithful throughout this life is ready and waiting to continue this steadfast love eternally.
