Proverbs 21
Great comfort it is, often, to the child of God, to know that God overrules the hearts of those in authority; if it were not so, the path of the Christian would be involved with many difficulties and dangers, for the world knows not God and cares not for those who are His.
Verse 2. Man doing what is right in his own eyes, and God weighing, or pondering the hearts; this verse gives us a true picture of the course of this age, and lets us know that the unseen and almost forgotten Creator, Saviour and Judge is taking notice and will in due time reveal Himself. Sinner, beware! (Revelation 20:1212And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12).) Child of God, be watchful of yourself (Romans 14:1212So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)).
Verse 4. The plowing of the wicked is rather the “lamp”, or the “tillage”, of the wicked. Lofty eyes and a proud heart are the fruit of the sinful nature within.
Verse 6 compares, O so pointedly! One of the great aims of man lost and ruined by the fall, with the fearful prospect of eternity under the judgment of God. (See 1 Kings 21.) When one thinks of eternity for such as forsake the true knowledge of God, life is “a vanity tossed to and fro,” or more simply translated in modern speech, a fleeting breath.
Verse 13 is one of many telling of God’s concern for the poor. Sound principles for the believer’s conduct fill the verses of this chapter; everyone deserves our close consideration. Verse 15 is a pointed observation: the righteous man finds joy in doing what is right, but the workers of iniquity would be ruined if they did as the righteous do; they need a change of heart.
Another subject several times mention ed in the Scriptures is the need for watch fulness about the tongue (verse 23). With this little member (James 3:55Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5)) almost every one offends at one time or another. We know of but one who never had to regret or apologize for a single word: the Lord, our perfect Example. (See 1 Peter 2:22, 2322Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (1 Peter 2:22‑23); John 18:2323Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? (John 18:23).)
Sacrifices, however costly, or whatever else may be done, professedly in the name of the Lord, are valued by Him according to the heart of the offerer (verses 3 and 27). The outward display may deceive one’s fellowmen, but not God, to whom the sacrifice of the wicked is abomination.
The 30th verse today is another testimony to the unchangeable purpose of our God. There is no wisdom, nor under standing, nor counsel against Him. The devil’s wicked plans will all prove unavailing when the day of the Lord is present.
Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1932