Proverbs 24:19-29 – Growth
Verses 19-20 – Again and again we are told not to worry about the wicked, not to envy him. Think of what God has given you, think of the mercy and grace you have experienced, and pity rather than envy the wicked.
Verses 21-22 – The Christian is loyal because he is Godly. God’s Word tells us to submit to the rulers God has placed over us. But always our primary duty is to obey God first, then men. Where the rule of man comes into conflict with the rule of Christ, our Lord must be obeyed.
Verses 23-26 – Those in authority are not to show partiality. Even unbelievers often hate injustice. But rulers and leaders that rebuke the wicked and praise the righteous, that treat all fairly and honestly, are a blessing and will be respected by their people. You may not be a leader of a country, but you might still be in authority in the church, in your family, at your job. You must be faithful, consistent and honest in all you do.
Verse 27 – The principle here is not to start a job until we are sure we have all the tools we need and have thought it through. This applies to our Christian life as well – do we have the tools we need to grow? Have we thought through what it means to be a Christian, and are we prepared to do it. It applies to the jobs we undertake for Christ – have we thought them through? Will they be our best work?
Verses 28-29 – We may not lie about our neighbours in the witness box, but we may testify against him to others. We may exaggerate what others do wrong, judge them more harshly than we judge ourselves, and jump to all sorts of unloving conclusions about him to others.
Questions
- Whose law do we obey first?
- Where do we have the tools we need to grow as a Christian?
- How can we testify unfairly against others?
- Who should carry out revenge?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.