1 Kings 4:31-32 English Standard Version (ESV) For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005.

The man mentioned here was King Solomon. Whatever you think about the man, it is only what you have read. We did not know the man. This is his fame but is it his reputation?

A reputation is based on being known and we did not know King Solomon. 

Where are all 3,000 proverbs? Lost to the ashes of time? Are those proverbs that lasted the test of time and appear in our bibles all the wisdom that Solomon shared? No. We cannot even say that only the best proverbs made it into the Book.

What I publish in this format is under my control. I share what I decide is right for consumption. Reading this does not mean you know me. Only those who are with me all the time can say they know me, and that person is my wife. She knows me.

Why is this article entitled “Be Known”?

Matthew 7:22-23 English Standard Version

22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

I can write inspirationals and quote the bible my whole life and become famous for the work that I do but it does not mean the Lord my God knows me. He knows His Bride in the same way I know my bride. I abide with her. Christ abides with His Bride. 

Let us not be concerned with our fame or legacy.

Isaiah 40:8 English Standard Version (ESV) The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Only the Word of God survives our passing. Jesus is the Word of God. He alone survives us.

Hebrews 10:24-25 English Standard Version

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

My meditations in Psalm 22 stirred up some old wounds. The only person that knows my struggles over the past few years is my accountability partner. We will not find the term accountability partner within scripture but the sentiment is expressed here in Hebrews.

We would meet once a week when our schedules allowed. I moved four hundred miles away so our meetings have been relegated to emails, text and phone calls. It is not the same.

I shared my turmoil with him in the form of a writing and I agree with his analysis that it is not for general consumption. It is very private, very personal and can only be trusted in the mind of someone who knows me well and has my best interest at heart. That is what love does.

While we all have the potential for being stirred up emotionally by scriptures, our personal experiences will differ in detail. The stronger the emotion the more likely we will be prone to emotional outbursts. In this format my thoughts are being shared with many unseen faces. It is best for their sake that I restrain myself from crying out like a wounded animal.

Women in general are better at confiding in one another. Men are often encouraged to be strong and not to show weakness. Confession of condition is not a weakness but our confessors must be a trusted partner in the gospel of Christ.

We cannot stir up in one another what we do not possess ourselves. Sound counsel comes from those who have experience in taking counsel before coming to an age to give it.

Youths may play together but none of them can give sage counsel to one another.

1 Kings 4:31 English Standard Version (ESV) For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations.

Your partner will be known by reputation. Ask around.