June 7, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill\u00a0wisdom\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>in God\u2019s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is\u00a0generally<\/em> true in principle, not a\u00a0universally\u00a0<\/em>true promise. Let\u2019s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proverbs chapter 21 touches on a few different themes. In the middle of the chapter we see the theme of the reward in living wisely contrasted with the ruin brought on by wickedness and foolishness. A repeated notion in this section is that the wicked man who shows no mercy will also find no mercy when he seeks it: verse 15 states that \u201cWhoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n As people who have experienced the rich mercies and extravagant generosity of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to extend that same mercy and generosity towards others! <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proverb implies that the one who shows no mercy should not expect to receive mercy when in need of it; if we fail to be people of mercy, it should cause us to pause and question whether we have truly experienced and been transformed by the mercy of God! \u201cBlessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7).<\/p>\n\n\n\n