Proverbs 21:10-14 – God’s Wrath
Verse 10 – Evil is the very nature of the wicked – it’s what he desires. This is the difference between the wicked man and the believer. The one desires to disobey, the other desires to obey. The wicked makes a god out of himself and cares for no one but himself.
Verse 11 – No punishment of God is without its effect. The blow that hits one, reaches two – the mocker for punishment, the simple for improvement. The mocker is not just one who has no time for God, but one who makes fun and scorns His ways. His punishment can help those who are in danger of following his bad example. The wise man thankfully receives more knowledge. He knows he is a sinner and is glad to be corrected and kept closer to God. He wants to grow in his understanding.
Verse 12 – Sometimes we wonder why wicked men and women are allowed to get away with their wickedness. This verse reminds us that their day is coming. God sees all they do and will call them to account.
Verse 13 – We are to show not only a helping hand but a feeling heart to the poor; hearing them with sympathy, cheerfulness, and self-sacrifice. We are not to be cruel or insensitive, turning away from real trouble, or oppressing and beating them. Showing love to others means doing what’s best for them. Sometimes this requires us not to give them money but to find them work. It always requires us to tell them the Gospel. God warns us if we turn a deaf ear to the needy, He will turn a deaf ear to us.
Verse 14 – Men and women can be easily bought. They can be flattered and bribed out of their anger and resentment. But you can’t buy God, and He is angry with the sinner every day. There is only one way to turn that anger away – through trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Questions
- How does the punishment of the mocker help others?
- How can we help the needy?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would put others before ourself.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.