Medicine

 ”Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” - Proverbs 22:29

    This proverb caught my attention. Upon reading this over and over again. I often wonder how does this apply to me. I started asking what types of jobs or occupations during those ancient times for ordinary people. Carpentry? Fishing? farming? perhaps? Or maybe soldier? cupbearer? writer or secretary from the king? or how about slave? Compared to a lot of occupations in the 21st century with a variation fields from doctor to engineering, law to computer programming, cameraman to pilot, there quite a lot. In previous chapters, there were verses talk about being diligent and hard workers. This time it refers specifically to skill. A skillful worker. NLT says, “truly competent workers”. NKJV says, “who excels in his work”. 

    In those days some of the people who serve in the king’s palace are the cupbearers, commanders, musicians, palace administrators. Working in a king’s palace should have an extensive background check. According to Bellinger that the most of the sayings were probably during the pre-exilic era¹ which means people have experiences different kings in their nation. Some kings were killed due to internal factors. People surrounding the king must be trusted. Whatever position they are in [whether the cook or watchmen or security guard] they have an access to the king. If someone wants to assassinate the king they are your leads.

    I think the main idea behind this verse is that a truly skillful worker with a strong work ethic continuously excels on his work. He has both an attitude, passion, and he improves his skill. He has great qualities of any employer seeks. I bet he has both the soft and hard skills, extensive experience, strong values, and work ethic, and could provide a number of employer and character references if he is on the job interview. During the interview, he would get the job offer right away. 

    This is the kind of man that is being portrayed here. There’s a futuristic element that has a high chance of happening which is, “He will serve before kings, he will not serve before obscure men.” The tone is more inviting and motivating compared to Proverbs 6:10-11. If you are lazy poverty awaits you. Compared in Proverbs 22 it alludes that you will be working in a more honorable or privileged rank other than for obscure men. This leads me into thinking about what might be a modern equivalent of this second line. The Message version says that they are “in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone”. Demand and admiration. Perhaps if I were to rewrite this proverb in a contemporary language I would translate it as,

“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will get a raise; he will get a promotion; he will get an award; he will get commendations from customers and co-workers; he will get job offers”.

    I can say that this is true especially in my life. I remember when I first started to work in a customer service field as a barista in Starbucks I tried to do the work expected of me to the best of my ability. Being a barista requires making quality drinks and greeting the customers going in and going out of the store maintaining a high energy and positive attitude. With those core elements of the job I always make it a point to embody it. Weeks and months passed I’ve received commendations from people both from my managers, colleagues, and patrons.

    Part of being a skilled customer service professional. I tried to innovate myself by creating new lines (puns) to get customers’ attention and just to create an environment more fun and positive. In greetings, I would say, “Welcome to Starbucks! The best coffee in the world!”. In responding, “Wonderful! It’s a wonderful life isn’t it?”. In upselling a product, “I have a good news and a bad news!”. In entertainment, “Do you wanna see magic?”.

    As I reflect it reminds me of this verse which is truly fitting in my line of work before at Starbucks and even now in Goodlife which is, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” - Proverbs 17:22. I make it a point to share with the people the joy and cheerfulness that I received from God in every interaction I make in Starbucks. I became faithful and just to do my work excellently and with pleasure every day as a barista. You don’t know how you could make someone else’s day. Maybe that person or customer is having a bad day. But just a smile will lift up his/her spirits up. Hearing those words from people, “Thank you! You don’t know how much you help me through my day with your smile and friendliness.” melts my heart because at least just for a short interaction I was able to cheer up someone.

    We, being a barista is expected to connect with the customer while waiting to deliver great service but not everyone is doing that. One time, I was just doing my job with enthusiasm as normal connecting with every customer. I was at the drive-thru counter and waiting for the customer’s drink to hand it over to her. I told her, ”When I become a Mayor I’m going to give you free drinks every day!” I successfully built rapport and she played along with me responding, “If you work for me! I’m going to give you a free gym membership!” And I thought to myself wow! This must be like an opportunity! Then we chatted a little bit and found out that she’s a manager.

    The next day, I showed up at her office at Goodlife to drop my resume. The rest is history.

    In your work today, let me invite you to think of the areas where you could excel more. Opportunities for growth and development. What are some steps you can make to do a better job in your work? Whether honing your skills specific to your work or just showing a more positive attitude in your workplace. Or how about just being an example of cheerfulness and joy. A nice smile and a warm greeting as you start your work and finish it. That applies to any type of work. If you are retired and are just gardening or staying at home painting, whatever it is. You can still remain to have an attitude of improving and excelling on whatever you are doing. So, I invite you to keep on excelling and look for ways to do your job well. Whether just a temporary work, or vocational job, or even just at home.

1W. H. Bellinger, Jr., The Testimony of Poets and Sages: ThePsalms and Wisdom Literature (Macon: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc., 1998), 61.