²⁹ Do you see someone skilled   in their work?    

They will serve   before kings;     they will not serve before officials of low rank.

Skilled Labour

It is possible to get many cheap imitations from Asia.  It is possible to get a factory manufactured version of a piece of fine art and throw it up in the living room.  However, there is still value in being skilled in carpentry, artistry, and construction.  People with money often crave quality and those who learn their trade well master it.  They can make a good income from a well marketed trade.

Another thought about this verse is that princes and kings should probably use their resources to employ skilled labourers who can construct works of beauty and things that will last.  This is especially true when we see how the temple of God in the Old Testament was constructed.  If we have the resources that grant us a choice between something a little more expensive but well made and something less expensive but shoddy – God values the craftsmanship that went into the well made product.  The creativity mirrors his nature and the skills were provided by him.

Questions

1. Who is the verse looking at?
2. Where will they serve?
3. To whom is this verse addressed?
4. What skills for employment have you developed?
5. What kind of artisans’ work can you afford?