He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Proverbs Concerning: Our Relationship To The
Wicked: Prov 3:31-35
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.
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon now shares with
us several God-given proverbs to guide us to the proper relationship we should
have with those who are not submitted to the cause of Christ….
EXPOSITION:
Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
Solomon
summarizes our relations with the wicked around us in one simple proverb….
1. we are not to be jealous of the possessions,
social status, or physical attributes of
the wicked.
2. we are not to follow their example nor join
with them in their sinful actions.
Notice
here the wicked is described as an “oppressor”.
This teaches us the results of their actions…the selfish profiting from
the mistreatment of the innocent.
“For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I
saw the prosperity of the wicked. For [there are] no bands
in their death: but their strength [is] firm. They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other]
men. Therefore pride compasseth
them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment. Their eyes stand out with
fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak
loftily. They set their mouth
against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
(Psalms
73:3-9)
Solomon
now gives several reasons for the above prohibitions…
For the froward [is]
abomination to the LORD: but his secret [is]
with the righteous.
Reason
# 1. the works of the wicked are a
source of disgust to the Lord, in comparison the Lord has a close relationship
of trust with those who desire to please Him.
Notice
here the wicked are described as the “froward”.
This helps us to understand that the wicked have turned aside from the
will of the Lord for their lives and have chosen to take another path.
“And the Pharisees also,
who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. And he said unto them, Ye
are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for
that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:14-15)
The curse of the LORD [is] in
the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
Reason
#2 – A declaration of coming judgment rests upon the wicked and those who share
in their desires and works. However, a declaration
of future blessings and peace is given to those who submit themselves to the
will and ways of the Lord.
Notice
here the wicked are described by the term “wicked”. This reveals that they are morally guilty in
the sight of God’s law and, therefore, awaiting the execution of their deserved
judgment.
“For [such as be] blessed of him shall
inherit the earth; and [they that be] cursed of him shall be cut off.” (Psalms 37:22)
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Reason
# 3 – Truly, the Lord ridicules the
wicked when they pridefully mock the servants of God. In comparison, the Lord gives undeserved
benefits and blessings to those who possess a spirit of humility and selflessness.
Notice
here the wicked are called “scorners”.
Revealing to us their attitude towards those who are seeking to please
God.
“But he giveth more grace.
Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6)
The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of
fools.
Reason
#4 – Those who apply God’s Word to their lives will inherit eternal blessings
in the presence of the Lord, while those who are not concerned with their
spiritual condition will have their disgraceful actions revealed publically and
put to open shame.
Notice
here the wicked are described by the term “fool”. This explains their attitude about the things
of God… they count them as
insignificant, worthless and stupid.
“Therefore thus saith the Lord
GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants
shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye
shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall
sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for
vexation of spirit. And ye shall leave your
name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his
servants by another name:” (Isaiah 65:13-15)
SUMMARY:
As
servants of the Most High, let us all seek to serve Him sincerely with
self-sacrificial attitude towards the Lord and others around us. In doing so, we will be reaping for ourselves
the temporal blessings of God as well as eternal rewards for faithfulness.
This
is in comparison to the end of the wicked which only holds God’s disgust,
public humiliation and eternal judgment at the hands of Almighty God.
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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