Monday, February 24, 2014

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 21:27-31”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Practical Life Principles: The Vanity Of Wickedness: Proverbs 21:27-31
27) The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
28) A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29) A wicked man hardeneth his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way.
30) [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31) The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

This text emphasizes for us that living a life of wickedness yields no lasting value, only short-lived, fleshly, pleasure …

EXPOSITION:
27) The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
1.  The moral acts of the man in rebellion against God is disgusting and abhorred by the Lord,
2.  how much more when he presents the moral act to God after making ungodly plans?

The righteous acts of the wicked are hated by God, especially when they are a part of the wicked man’s corrupt plans to find favor with the Lord.

Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.  To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.  When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?  Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting.  Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear [them].  And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.  16) Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;  17) Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.  18) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.   (Isaiah 1:10-18)


28) A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
1. A person who testifies untruthfully shall come to utter ruin
2. but the man that has a teachable spirit will choose his words with confidence of their truthfulness.

A person who lies will be ruined by his own speech while a man who is submitted to the Lord will carefully choose his words, making sure they are true and sincere.

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.   (Proverbs 12:19)


29) A wicked man hardeneth his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way.
1.  An ungodly man shows his stubbornness in his appearance
2.  The upright man watches over his walk of life.

The man who is in rebellion against  the Lord, shows his stubbornness in both his appearance and walk of life, however, the just man guards his appearance and walk, making sure they are following the paths of God.

And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.  O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.  Therefore I said, Surely these [are] poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, [nor] the judgment of their God.
 (Jeremiah 5:2-4)


30) [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
There is no:
1.  wisdom – application of teachings to one’s life
2. understanding – discernment of the true nature of things
3. counsel – advice and plans
That can oppose and overcome the Ruler of All.

The Lord, being Sovereign God over all, cannot be overcome.  His wisdom, understanding, and counsel are perfect and far superior than any other in existence.

Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.  Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.   (Isaiah 8:9-10)


31) The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.
1.  Armour and weaponry is placed upon the horse to prepare for battle
2.  But true security and protection is only found in the Lord.

Although men can prepare for the battles they may face, it will do no good apart from the decrees of the Lord. The Lord, as Sovereign is in control of the battle and the results of that battle.  It is only based upon His decrees that any army can be victorious and protected.

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!   (Isaiah 31:1)


SUMMARY:
Every aspect of a wicked man’s life is of no lasting value, whether it be his actions, plans, preparations, thoughts, or desires.  It is only through submission to the Lord’s desires for us will we find lasting value and worth for our lives.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.



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