“A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.”
This seems a bit biased doesn’t it. Who hasn’t witnessed mean girls? I’ve seen it in my daughters life and even glimpses in my granddaughters lives. In Solomon’s experience women tended to display charm and agreeableness which is the meaning the original word translated kindhearted. He sees these as more prevalent in women. He is also telling the student that moral excellence is of even greater value. Therefore the contrast with ruthless is more a revelation that moral people not only thrive but also retain the benefits of their efforts. In our culture we may observe the ruthless get rich through their immoral or unGodly actions. The point here is also to remind us of what many of us have witnessed, those people end up mean, cold and alone. The ruthless ultimately desires their prosperity to the exclusion of growing old with kind and loving friends or a loving spouse. The ruthless end up broken and sad. The kindhearted cannot count those who desire their company. Rich and alone or comfortable and loved. This does not imply rich people are ruthless. He is simply reminding us that being kindhearted is a reflection of the God we serve. Today choose the honor of reflecting your King. #BeTheEdge
“But the fruit of the Spirit is…kindness…,” Gal 5:22
