Wise Men Understand That Truth

Most any man would be pleased with such a description of himself. The Chronicler called his subject a man of valor, a famous man and a head of his household. That is a praiseworthy epitaph.

In truth, the words characterized a group of men — the sons of Reuben, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh. What was true of one was true of all, the writer says. All were men of valor. All were famous men in their own rights. All were worthy heads of households. What a community they must have formed. In 1 Chronicles 5:18, their story begins. Not only were their spirits strong, their know-how was outstanding. The writer says they were skillful in battle, knowing how to bear the shield and sword and shoot the bow.

The details might be different, but the goals are the same today for most men as for those described in this story. Most men want to be true to their commitments. They want to be dependable and trustworthy. They want to keep their word. Most men like to think of themselves as “men of valor.”

Vocationally, most men want their know-how to be outstanding. Most want to excel. They would like to be the expert, the master, the one to whom people turn when questions arise. It is hard to find a more appreciated commendation than one coming from one’s peers for outstanding accomplishments.

Most men would be pleased to hear themselves described as “skillful” in their chosen vocations.

Not only were the Chronicler subjects skillful, they were successful. When the sons of Reuben, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh went to war, they routed their enemies. They brought home the rich spoils of conquest. With such a result, it is no wonder they were famous.

Today most men strive for such success. Most men want to provide for their families. They want to succeed in their jobs. They want to help their neighborhoods and communities. They want to make a difference. In the process, most men would not object to a little recognition, a little fame, if you will.

The Chronicler says the Israelites were successful because “the war was of God.” Earlier the writer says the Israelites “cried out to God” and “they trusted in Him.” That is why they succeeded.

The writer makes it clear. It was not the Israelites’ valor or bravery that provided the victory. It was not their knowledge or their hard work. It was God. Wise men understand that truth. Valor, understanding, skill, hard work — all are important. But in the end, it is one’s relationship with God that determines ultimate success.

Unfortunately, over time, the sons of Reuben, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh forgot this lesson. They were still men of valor. They were still famous men. They were still heads of households. But they forgot God. Instead of being true to the God of their fathers, the God who gave them victory in earlier days, they went after the god of the people whom they had defeated.

It sounds like a modern day tragedy. Men are raised to love God. In their early years, they struggle to get ahead vocationally, to raise a family, to carve out a place for themselves in the community. Times are hard and the challenges daunting. Faith in God is a part of these early days and God proves Himself a “very present help.”

Slowly, success comes. A promotion, a little left in the bank account, a prayed-for vacation, a better car, the children do well — all the things one worked for, prayed for.

Isn’t it strange that as things get better in life, the temptation is to honor one’s own valor, one’s own know-how, one’s own skills, one’s own efforts? Isn’t it strange that God gets left behind so often?

The chapter closes with these same brave and famous men going off into captivity along with the households which they head. The reason? When they had no time for God, God had no time for them. God gave them over into the hands of their enemy.

Their bravery, their valor, their fame, their knowledge, their skill, their hard work were not enough. The ultimate legacy these men left their families was one of despair and defeat because they neglected the most important aspect of their lives — a relationship with God. Wise men understand that truth.

The best legacy a man can leave his family is that he loved God through a personal faith in Jesus Christ. That is a praiseworthy epitaph for any man.