Tuesday, December 3, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 14:19-22


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

The Pursuit Of The Wise: Gaining Respect For Others (Part 1): Proverbs 14:19-22
19) The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20) The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich [hath] many friends.
21) He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy [is] he.
22) Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise good.


EXPOSITION:
19) The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
1.  Those who are wicked are humbled in the presence of those who are God’s lawful
2.  Those who are lawbreakers in God’s sight are ashamed when they attempt to enter the place of the forgiven and cleansed.

Although wicked men appear to have the “upper hand” over the righteous in this world… when others compared their lives, the wicked are humbled.  Also, when they enter into eternity they are rejected by God and put to public shame before all of God’s creation. 

“The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.”  (Isaiah 60:14)


20) The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich [hath] many friends.
1.   The nature of the world is to reject those who have nothing to offer them in return for their friendship.  In many cases, these poor ones have chosen to put the things of the Lord first in their lives and have degraded the importance of material possessions.
2.   But the world readily accepts those of wealth and power who can do much to aid them in distress.  Many times, the wealthy have dedicated their life to its accumulation.

The “normal” attitude of the world leads them to reject those who are materially poor and to form friendships with those who are rich in the things of the world.

This is much like Job’s situation.  Once Job lost his wealth and power, his family and friends rejected him…

“He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.  My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.”   (Job 19:13-14)

However, with this attitude the Lord is not pleased…. 

21) He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy [is] he.
1.  Those who reject others because they are poor is displeasing to God by committing sin.
2.  Those who show mercy by giving of themselves to help the poor is a person finds favor with God and receives His blessings.

The “normal” attitude of the world only results in sin.  Those who follow the desires of the Lord by caring for others sacrificially will be blessed by God.

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?  But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?”   (James 2:5-6)


22) Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise good.
1.  Those who plan evil practices to gain advantage over others are committing sin and missing God’s desires for their life. 
2.  Those who plan on doing things beneficial to others will be shown mercy and a further revelation of God’s truth.

Not only are evil outward acts looked upon by God as sin, but also the wicked thoughts and intents of the heart of men are sinful in God’s sight as well.  When men apply the teachings of the Lord to their thoughts and plans it please the Lord and He then blesses them with mercy and a further understanding of the truth.  When we are faithful with the truth He has given to us, He blesses us with a further revelation of truth.

“The instruments also of the churl [are] evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.  But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.”   (Isaiah 32:7-8)

“His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”   (Matthew 25:21)


SUMMARY:

What a blessing it is to recognize that, no matter how this fallen world may look upon us, when we wisely apply
God’s Words to our intents and actions we will be shown mercy, blessed and given further truth by God.  When we
enter eternity it will be clearly seen by all that we have wisely lived our lives and are accepted by the Lord.

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”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org



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