June 10, 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 This chapter of the book of Proverbs concludes the \u201csayings of the wise\u201d. It covers a range of topics including prudent and wise home building, good work ethic, and refusing to join with the schemes of the wicked or to envy them. It also addresses issues of justice and how God\u2019s people are called to live in times of adversity: verses 10-11 say \u201cIf you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to slaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n God\u2019s people are meant to show the strength and integrity of their character during the \u201cday of adversity\u201d by looking to the good of others, stepping out to rescue those who cannot defend themselves. Throughout the Scriptures God makes His concern for the oppressed, the lowly, and the \u201cleast of these\u201d clear, and He calls His people to love, care for, and show mercy on such. Those who suffer injustice and oppression move God\u2019s heart to compassion in a special way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This truth, coupled with the prohibition of partiality in verse 23 and the commendation to rebuke the wicked in verse 25, is a timely reminder for the people of God in our culture and context right now. We are commanded to rise up on behalf of the oppressed, to shine the light of God\u2019s truth, compassion, love, mercy, and justice into the darkness of the world around us. We must<\/em> respond to the injustice and oppression we see around us, showing the same depth of care, concern, and boldness that Jesus demonstrated on behalf of those who were marginalized during His earthly ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n