Saturday, November 9, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 12:12-14


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

Wisdom’s Opposing Counterparts: Lifestyle Results: Proverbs 12:12-14
12) The wicked desireth the net of evil [men]: but the root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit].
13) The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14) A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of [his] mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

In this section of our study, we are presented with wickedness which is the counterpart to a wise, righteous lifestyle…. 

EXPOSITION:
Here we can see that wickedness is the counterpart to righteousness of character which is reflected in the end results of the perspective lifestyles…

12) The wicked desireth the net of evil [men]: but the root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit].
Our lifestyle affects others….
1. Those whom are sinful long for, and find delight in, the trap that rebellious men set to catch and harm others.
2.  The inward righteousness that springs from the new nature within will give forth fruit that is lawful, just and pleasing to both God and man.

The lifestyle of the wise will help others and please God, the wicked lifestyle of the wicked will give delight and hunger for the illicit profits taken from others.

They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.   And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection.  But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.   (Luke 8:13-15)


13) The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
Our lifestyle affects ourselves…
1.  The sinful are caught in a trap that is laid by their sinful speech.
2.  The lawful and Godly will be delivered in the midst of dangers, trials, and the stresses of life.

The evil speech of the wicked ensnares them with self-created troubles, while the Godly man will not be overcome by the troubles of this world.

But God shall shoot at them [with] an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.  So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.   (Psalms 64:7-8)

Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.  (Psalms 34:19)


14) A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of [his] mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
The blessings of God are determined by the lifestyle that is lived.  
1.  If his mouth has borne beneficial speech, he will have returned to him beneficial blessings from God.
2.  How his hands have treated others will be turned back upon him.


Man will be given back what he has sent forth with the words of his mouth and the works of his hands.

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:   (Psalms 63:5)

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.   (Isaiah 3:11)


SUMMARY:

The lifestyle of the righteous stands in stark contrast to that of the wicked.  For the righteous, a Godly lifestyle results in the receipt of temporal and eternal blessings while being a blessing to others. The lifestyle of the wicked results in temporary, minimal gain followed by great eternal harm.

Which one do we choose to follow?

May we all clearly see the differences between living wise, righteous lives and living a life characterized by wickedness and enmity against 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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