Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Proverbs 21:24-31

Sins of pride.
v.24 Pride: the scoffer. An arrogant, prideful, haughty man is called a "scoffer" (or mocker). Blessed is the man who stays away from scoffers (Ps 1:1). Scoffers refuse to learn from wisdom (13:1) and will be punished, 19:29.
v.25-26 The sluggard. The sluggard (lazy) refuses to do his labor and is overcome by his desires (13:4). He craves, craves, and craves all day long, while the righteous gives without holding back (the more you give the more you get, 11:24). His unfulfilled craving kills the sluggard.
v.27 Wicked sacrifice. The sacrifice of the wicked is unacceptable especially when he brings it with evil intent (also 15:8). If your heart is not right with God you gain nothing from a sacrifice. For Christians I understand this as hypocritical worship (vice wicked sacrifices). You must truly repent and worship God in spirit and truth (Jn 4:24).
v.28 False witness. A false witness will not stand (19:5); but the word of he who listens (to wisdom) will endure. This suggests that the false witness does not listen well.
v.29 Bold face. The wicked bluff their way through a situation, but the righteous think carefully before they speak and act.

Sovereignty of God.
v.30 Prevail. No wisdom, understanding or counsel (plan) can prevail against the Lord. See v.1.
v.31 Battle. The horse (main battle tank) is made ready for battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. Military power is impotent without the Lord's blessing.

Read Proverbs 21:24-31

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