Wisdom, portrayed in the Book of
proverbs, is more in the action than in concept. In the earlier verses of
Proverbs 3, the teacher discussed the wisdom of a rich relationship with God. It
stipulates that one should actively pursue relationship with God - to trust Him,
to fear Him and honor Him with our substance, and to respectfully embrace His loving
discipline. In the remaining portion of this chapter from verses 27-35, the
teacher concentrates on the instructions pertaining to the wisdom of rightly relating
with others.
In verses 27-30, he began by dealing
with being benevolent to fellowmen. Wisdom dictates that generosity be practiced
with those who deserve it. Especially when one has the capacity and the
opportunity to do so. The wise person does not delay in helping a needy
neighbor. He will not send a needy person away promising to help tomorrow. Most
of all he must not devise evil or harm against a neighbor, especially the
unsuspecting one. Besides, he does not deliberately pick a fight or quarrel and
stir up dispute without cause. Picking a quarrel is often a result of envy, jealousy
and self-absorption. James 4:1-3 state it this way: “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not
the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit
murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so
you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do
not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”
In verses 31-35, we are then given warning
against the wicked. Not only should a godly, wise person not oppress others, he
should also not associate with people who have a proclivity for violence. He must not be envious of those who gain their
riches via illegal means. In these verses four reasons are given why the wise
should avoid the company of the wicked. Firstly, that kind of people are an
abomination to the Lord. Their very character is repulsive to the Lord. In
contrast, the Lord will be close to the upright. This implies that if we desire
an intimate friendship with God, we make uprightness the end goal in life. Secondly,
it’s because the curse of the Lord is on the wicked and his house. Whereas the home
of the upright will enjoy divine blessings. Thirdly, God repels the scoffers and
frustrate their plans. Scoffers are people who despise the teachings and truths
of God. Whereas a wise person humbly submits to God and finds himself abounding
in the grace and favor of God. Fourthly, the people whom God repels has the
mark of shame and dishonor. On the other hand, He will honor those who pursue a
godly lifestyle. Such a person will enjoy the glorious presence of God in his
journey. Let’s make pleasing God our aim in life!
No comments:
Post a Comment