Today’s passage centers around the wicked, the rebellious, the destitute, those who reject the law, evil men and how what they do will have consequences. It also admonishes us to be discerning, upright and righteous.
I would want to lay emphasis today on verse 13 which clearly states that “the one who conceals his sins will not prosper but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
What then is termed as sin? The Bible says every unrighteousness is sin. Romans 3:23 says – all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Have we ever wondered why when we sin and ask God for forgiveness, we sometimes find ourselves there again and if not careful, make excuses for them with words like “that’s how I am”, “it runs in our family”, etc.
The passage says if we confess and renounce, we will find mercy- what this simply teaches is that confession isn’t enough. Making up our minds to renounce them will further help us forsake them.
Another catch for me is verse 19 and 20 – “One who works his land will have plenty of food but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.” The striking thing here is that the Bible encourages us to “work”. It says he that doesn’t work should not eat.
I remember I used to fantasize getting married to a very wealthy man and not having to lift a finger- while this in itself isn’t a bad idea, what happens if I am used to being waited upon and this wealthy man is no more? I would be left struggling as I wouldn’t have any ideas on how to cope etc. Scripture says fantasies without work will lead to poverty- that’s why proverbs tells us to go and learn from the ants.
The concluding part says it’s only a fool who trusts himself but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. We should always trust in God and not in our abilities. It further says we should help the poor- most times we feel we don’t have enough to help and tend to withhold instead of helping- verse 27 says if we help, we won’t be in need but if we turn our eyes away, we will receive curses.
I would rather help the poor and not lack than withhold and receive curses.
How about you?
