Proverbs 18 and 20
Years ago men built towers by their city gates, and near highways, and in fields, to be used as forts or safe places in times of trouble. These were made of bricks or stones and were very strong, and if a man saw an enemy coming, he would run swiftly to a tower, and the watchman would let him in.
We now have a fierce enemy, Sin, and we need a safe place; these proverbs tell what is as a strong tower:
The “righteous” are those who believe God; He sets their hearts above trouble. He gave His Son to be their Saviour, a “safe tower”. The angel said,
“Thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt, 1:21.
God is now waiting for all who will, to believe in His Son, but at last will punish all sin; so, do not delay to “run” to Jesus as a safe “tower”, trust “Him now.
Even now those who call upon the name of the Lord in times of trouble, fad they have a “strong tower”. The Lord Jesus must also be the true Friend meant in this proverb:
What is a mocker? One who ridicules, laughs at, or imitates another scornfully. Here is a proverb calling something which cannot speak or laugh, a “mocker”; you may wonder at that:
A little wine can help one ill, or very weary, as a medicine (Prov. 31:66Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. (Proverbs 31:6)), but if a person drinks much, he only feels a craving for more; and more does not satisfy nor do good; instead, he has headache, a stupid mind, and often his body is quite helpless. That is how he is “mocked,” thinking to have pleasure, when he really has sorrow. Sometimes people give these drinks to boys and girls, so remember the warning, “Wine is a mocker”, and be “wise”, and not “deceived.” The Lord is able to help any who have been so deceived, with a desire for better things, if they put their trust in Him. Notice this question:
There have never been any who could say they have made their heart pure; only the Lord can clear from sin.
ML 03/02/1941