Proverbs 11 begins with (NIV) “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
Duplicity is defined as: deceitfulness in speech or conduct, as by speaking or acting in two different ways to different people concerning the same matter; double-dealing.
This chapter continues with comparisons of righteousness against the darkness of evil.
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God is Just and this becomes ever more evident throughout the book of Proverbs and is particularly true through this chapter. God detests dishonest scales—in business and in life. Yet, were it not for Grace it is certain that we would all perish as these verses penetrate the depth of our hearts
. Each verse could stand alone as a Proverb for the day; yet, the whole of the chapter is about justice and just rewards. So, I encourage you to read the whole chapter and glean the particular richness from each verse; but, for here and now let’s look at four principles gleaned from this chapter.
1. God is just and is concerned about the everyday affairs of our life. Each detail of our lives, He knows and is concerned with. Did I unjustly accuse someone? Did I forget to return the money when the teller accidentally gave me too much? Did I pay my taxes with 100% honesty? Did I assume the beggar got what they deserved without knowing their story? Did I judge the scantily-dressed, flirtatious girl without ever seeking to know her heart? Has envy ever played a role in my own decision making? Have I always given 100% at work? How often have we tipped the scales in some dishonest way?
2. God is concerned with the affairs of government. God places rulers and laws that are to prevent this world from falling into total chaos. He is concerned with justice and judges those rulers good and bad for all that they do. How often did an unwise King or ruler lead the children of Israel down a road of destruction?
3. God is Sovereign over all of the affairs of our life and the world we live in. The Creator of this Universe reigns supreme. We may not understand why He allows all that He does allow; but, we can trust in Him because He is Just. His plan may be a mystery to us; but, He has a perfect plan of love that will be carried out in every detail. Yes, He allows suffering and for a blink of an eye may appear to be silent in the midst of great injustice or travesty; but, the truth is He is not silent. Only He can see the whole picture from eternity past to eternity future. He knows what is necessary that there be a remnant who will come to enjoy Him in all His Glory, Beauty, Joy and Love. Romans 9: (NIV)22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory” Do I dare to try to say I understand the pain, sorrow and agony that He has endured and continues enduring so that I might one day be lavished with all His riches? Imagine this, God the Father had to endure the rejection and agonizing death of His Son so as to purchase my righteousness. And more than endure, He ordained this extreme act of injustice because it was the only way He could save me.
4. Without Grace we would all perish—More than even the study of the law, each chapter in Proverbs has been a source of condemnation and agony for me. Each chapter has ripped open my heart with condemning commands revealing how very unworthy I am of the Grace so freely given. If He did not cover my sins with His righteousness, I could never hope to stand before Him. This is the Grace of the gospel pure and simple. There is also the common grace that is ever present so that this world has not yet plummeted into eternal darkness from its evil. Deuteronomy 32: (NIV)
35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay.
In due time their foot will slip;
their day of disaster is near
and their doom rushes upon them.”
The very fact that God’s waits one more day is an act of Grace that one more might be saved.
Proverbs 11 ends with (ASV) “31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: How much more the wicked and the sinner!” Oh for Grace that has provided my Righteousness. Each favor I have received on the earth and the future Grace which will sustain me is all about Him and has nothing to do with me. Oh, that I never forget this truth.
Listen to this song, Jesus Lover of My Soul (It’s All About You). Lord, let me never forget this truth.
Jesus Lover Of My Soul (It’s All About You Jesus)
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Copyright © 1901 by Public Domain
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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