Life often present itself with
different settings. Some situations are to be preferred over others. Everyone
has different personalities and temperaments. Of course, there are those that may
have similar personalities in how they will respond or react to some situations
but yet very different in others. Hence, we can either bring harmony or
disruption to a relationship. It is only natural that we would prefer those who
will contribute positively to a meaningful living. Proverbs 21:14-19 give us a
set of alternative ways people will act. One is more desirable than the other. Let’s
go for what will make the life of others more pleasant and meaningful rather
than those that make them recoil from us.
Proverbs 21:14 tells us the intention
in a gift is important. When a gift is offered to someone with the intention to
curry favour or pervert justice, it will create unfairness in relationship. There
is no denial that God expects us to be righteous and fair. But when we give something,
money or goods, secretly to someone in order to gain favour and cause someone else’s
disadvantage, that’s not a gift. It is a bribe. When there is a reason for a gift,
one that is given not to tip the scale to one’s advantage but is given openly, than
that gift is truly a gift. We may offer a gift but we should never bribe. A gift
given at the right time and place expresses one’s gratitude.
Proverbs 21:15 tells us justice rightly
administered brings joy to the righteous but ruin to the wicked. We must rejoice
with someone for his or her right action. When we do not register our disapproval
for any sinful and wrong action, we have inadvertently encouraged iniquities. Any
thriving and growing community must include justice within its core agreement. Those
who choose to live righteously will be comforted and relieved but those who
prefer the path of wickedness should be petrified.
Proverbs 21:16 tells us to stay on the
right path of life. In the book of Proverbs, we see wisdom and folly often clearly
contrasted. They are given to help us to choose the path of wisdom and
understanding. In this verse we are encouraged to stay on this path of wisdom
and understanding and have the assurance of true life. If we stray from this
path, we will be led to a life full of nightmares and eventual death. Remember there
is a path that may seem right and good but the end thereof is destruction.
Proverbs 21:17 is an advice to be
frugal. A wanton, pleasure-seeking life is not only hedonistic but also destructive.
It is true that overindulgence causes one to be wasteful. A person who chooses
such a life-style will not consider the end. We always give up something in order
to have others. No one can sleep on two beds in one night. Frugality and
riotous living are mutually exclusive. We cannot have one as well as the other.
It is a choice we must make to live frugally or to live wastefully.
Proverbs 21:18 in essence is saying
that the righteous will be rewarded but the wicked will be punished. This
suggests that the righteous will be delivered from destruction whereas the
place of destruction is reserved for the wicked. It suggests that a righteous lifestyle
is to be preferred over a wicked one.
Proverbs 21:19 clearly tells us that a peaceful relationship
is more desirable than a disruptive and contentious one. The word desert land is
used to tell us that it’s a place devoid of modern convenience and hence not conducive
for living. But even this place of great inconvenience is better than living in
a war zone. The home can be a place of comfort and rest or it can be a place we
shun. The choice is ours to make. We can
exist harmoniously when everyone lives with moderation and consideration. Choose
wisely, live harmoniously and bring glory and honour to the Lord
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