Sunday, February 14, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 3:25-32, we learned about some of the additional benefits of gaining godly wisdom and understanding. Solomon wrote, first of all, that we do not need to be afraid of sudden fear. The Hebrew word for sudden means a fear that catches us by surprise, and the Hebrew word for fear means terror or dread. When we have acquired godly wisdom and understanding, we will be able to rest comfortably at night and not have to worry about anything in this world. During those quiet, still hours of the evening, we will be able to rest peaceably in the comfort and hope of the Lord. Secondly, Solomon wrote that we do not need to be afraid of the desolation of the wicked when it comes. The Hebrew word for desolation means devastation, ruin, or waste. The Hebrew word for wicked means guilty one or one guilty of crime. This word can also mean guilty of sin against God or man. As this chapter has advocated from the start, when we trust the Lord in all matters and accept His forgiveness for our sins, then we will not have to worry or fret about anything. When fears or troubles come to the ungodly, the Lord will be the confidence of those who are trusting in Him. Wisdom and understanding will cause us to lean on Him, and He will protect us and keep us from falling.
In the second part of this passage, Solomon wrote about a couple more important matters, that of being fair to those around us and also of helping those around us who are in need. He said that we should give good to those to whom it is due, when and if we are able to do so. Also, we should not put off our neighbor in need if we are able to help. James 2:15-17 says, "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." We are not to commit evil acts against our neighbor, nor strive with anyone without cause. We should not envy those who always seem to get ahead by oppressing others, and we should never take on the ways of the oppressor. Evil people, or those who are froward, are an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 3:33 says, "The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just." God watches over the righteous. Therefore, it pays to live right before the Lord. He has placed a curse on the wicked, He has blessed the just, He has scorned those who scorn, and He has given grace to the lowly. In God's economy, the wise shall inherit glory, and the just shall be blessed.
This week's lesson has focused on establishing and maintaining a right relationship with God, also on establishing and maintaining right relationships with those around us. When we concentrate on these areas of our life, we will have peace and comfort, and we will receive a river of blessings from above. As you go through the coming week, seek the Lord first. Seek Him with all your heart, mind, and soul, and do your best to live each day by the wise principles that are taught in the Book of Proverbs. When this life is over, you will be glad that you did.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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