Friday, May 2, 2014

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 28:8-11”


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

Our Relationship To The Law Of God: Results Of Rejecting God’s Law 2: Proverbs 28:8-11

8) He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9) He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.
10) Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good [things] in possession.
11) The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.


In this chapter, Solomon directs our attention to having the proper relationship to the moral laws of the Lord (this would include the 10 commandments and the other manifold laws of God that are based upon His person and His character.  As such, these laws are in effect for all time periods and peoples...

EXPOSITION:
In this devotion, we will be continuing to look at the results of rejecting the law of God.  This section was begun in Proverbs 28:4…

8) He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
1. He that by charging interest on a debt and by adding on dishonest charges will multiply his wealth
2. He will accumulate this wealth for the one who will bend down and help those in great need.

All the wealth in the world cannot justify selfishness, dishonesty and a lack of love for others.  Although great wealth can be secured through dishonest practices, in the end the Lord will bless those who are willing to use their substance for the benefit of others. 

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;  He may prepare [it], but the just shall put [it] on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.   (Job 27:16-17)


9) He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.
1.  He that willing turns from listen intently to the commands of the Lord
2.  Even his attempts to commune with the Lord will be looked upon with disgust and loathed by Him.

Those who refuse to hear and submit to the law of the Lord, are separated by the Lord due to their sinfulness and rebellious spirit.

But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.  Yea, they made their hearts [as] an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.  Therefore it is come to pass, [that] as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:   (Zechariah 7:11-13)


10) Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good [things] in possession.
1.  Whoever leads the righteous down a sinful walk, he will cast himself into the trap he had set for others
2.  but those who are lawful will possess benefits (from the Lord)

Many times the lawless will attempt to lead the Godly down a path of lawlessness and harm.  This will place the wicked in a position of judgment at the hand of God. However, the lawful, who refuses to be misled by the wicked will receive the blessings of God for his faithfulness to Him. 

I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.   [He is] ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed [is] blessed.   (Psalms 37:25-26)


11) The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
1.  The wealthy man, misled by his own wealth, sees himself as wise.
2.  those who are destitute of worldly wealth, if they possess Godly discernment,  will see the true character of the wicked and will not be fooled by his wealth.

The poor man who possesses Godly understanding will recognize the folly of accumulated wealth and lawless living.

Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.  Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard.  The words of wise [men are] heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.   (Ecclesiastes 9:15-17)


SUMMARY:

The results of lawlessness in our lives cannot be overestimated.  They are grave results that range from earthly shame to spiritual bankruptcy.  May we all seek to serve the Lord by trusting in Him as our Savior and then seeking to glorify Him by living our lives in accord with the standards He has given to us.

May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.

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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