The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.

What I love about Proverbs is that they get right to the point. Let’s look at these four verses and see what we can glean.

What do I really trust in for my safety, security, and protection? On a day when our President authorized the use of US-made guided missiles to be launched by Ukraine into Russia, when previously he had stated that this would likely result in Russia retaliating against the US, it is a good question. With Sweden and Finland preparing their residents for war, and a “lame duck” President making a decision to escalate a war after he lost an election, we could be headed into World War III. So, if everything were to fall apart in our national peace landscape, what do I ultimately trust in for my security, protection, and provision?

The Bible says to trust in the Lord. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭8‬)

We are to run to him and he will surround us like a fortified tower. “Under his wings you will find refuge”, (Psalm 91:4) and he “hems me in behind and before” (Psalm 139:5). Whatever the calamity, God is for his faithful! So we must stay faithful and seek a right relationship with God. This comes through Jesus Christ.

Related to this verse are those that follow: 1) The wealthy think their riches will protect them, 2) The proud are setting themselves up for a big fall, 3) The humble will be honored, and 4) Those who listen to really understand will be wise and not put to shame.

The implications here are clear: Who do you depend on and rely on for your confidence in life? Is it yourself or others, governments or powers? Is it even the leaders in your church? Or is it solely the name of the Lord? It is only the name of the Lord that is a fortified life tower!

Thank you, Lord, for your promise of protection for me and those who follow you. You are my protection and my strength. Go before me today and help me to be successful at sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ!