Excellence

It is interesting to note that the term “excellent” is not often used to described individuals in the Word.

In the Bible we can find three excellent women…

ØRuth 3:11 Ruth—she is known throughout the city as virtuous, excellent, noble, brave, strong.

ØProv. 12:4 Unknown Woman—she is a crowning joy to her husband. She is earnest and strong in character.

ØProv.31:10 Unknown Woman—she is worth more than rubies, capable, intelligent and virtuous. She is excellent above all others (Pr. 31:29).

…one excellent man (no comments)…

ØDaniel 5:14 Daniel—The Spirit of God was in him, also light and understanding and excellent wisdom.

…one excellent King…

ØPs. 45:2 Solomon/Christ—The King in this verse refers to Solomon and/or Christ: You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you for ever. NIV

The word “excellent,” here means that the excellent one has built the family name

…and multitudes of excellent believers….

ØPsalm 16:3 Unknown Saints of God—excellent, majestic, glorious noble ones—The delight of the Lord is in these. In the NLT He calls them His true heroes:

The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!

The Lord takes pleasure in His excellent people.

Excellence is attainable in any area of life and character, it is found in the details of all that we are and all that we do. Excellence is built upon the seemingly small details of every day decisions.

Perfection, fortunately, is not the only alternative to mediocrity.

A more sensible alternative is excellence.

Striving for excellence is stimulating and rewarding;

striving for perfection, in practically anything,

is both neurotic and futile.

Edwin Bliss