As Solomon has just finished his plead for God’s wisdom being so precious that we be willing to suffer whatever trials are needed in order to learn of God. He pleaded with his sons to keep focus upon God’s love, God’s righteousness, God’s justice, and God’s Grace.
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2012 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws.
As he finishes this plead, suddenly he turns and provides these warnings—“Owe no one, Injure No one, Argue with No one, and Envy Not those who prosper by evil”. As though suddenly, he remembered the predicament of the human heart and it’s propensity to evil.
Proverbs 3: 27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.32 For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.”
As though, don’t become so complacent with God’s grace toward you that you ignore that which is just and right. Indeed, Solomon is reminding his son’s of what had already been written in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. When you hire a
laborer, pay them their wages then—don’t make them wait to be paid. (Deuteronomy 24:14-15) Don’t gossip, slander and devise evil against those who trust you. In selfish pride, have you ever injured a friend, family, or a co-worker? If we be honest, we all have– too often. Have you ever envied someone who cheated their way to the top-wishing you had what they do? Have you ever asked God why you are struggling financially when others who don’t worship Him are prospering? Solomon goes on as a reminder that the cantankerous (forward) are an abomination to the Lord. Scorners are pride-filled arrogant, self-exalting people. God’s grace is unto the lowly—in them lie true wisdom—God’s wisdom. His Grace overflows to those who humbly seek Him. He will cover them in His Righteousness and they will inherit His Glory. Once more, Solomon is saying—“Don’t lose focus of what is your only true treasure—Seek God and learn from Him. He will guide you in His wisdom and teach you in the ways you should go. He will be your joy, your hope, your grace and your ultimate Glory—His Glory engulfing You.
I don’t know about you, but I know I need to awaken each morning with a prayer that“Christ be in my Waking” as so displayed by this song by Stuart Townend. You see the more I know Him the more I know of my utter unworthiness of His Grace. How can I do less than fall before Him in awe? How can I desire less than to love Him with all my heart, my life, my spirit and my soul?
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2012 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws. If you desire copies please go to:
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