A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
When we look at all the sin and heartache in the world, wickedness seems so strong. It seems like the evil prosper and the righteous are always struggling. In the opening verses, it is like seeing the world through God's eyes. Wickedness does indeed lead to destruction. The righteous truly are blessed by the Lord and will prosper. It's interesting that even in the world they see this at times. In verse 10, it talks about how the whole city rejoices when things go well with the righteous. There are times even in the world when goodness is lauded. It's interesting that people do not recognize that they are celebrating the right. The way that God calls us to live.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read verses 12 & 13, I cannot help but think of reality shows and also the reality of life and the way people treat one another. People (sometimes even we) are so entertained by quick-witted people belittling others and betraying each other telling secrets and even slandering. When you stop to think about it, it is disgusting, but in the moment it seems so funny on a show. It is so rare to ever see on TV the person who is silent and keeps a secret covered. Even though that is the true friend that we all need, it does not make for good entertainment. That is the person of understanding who is truly trustworthy.
ReplyDeleteVerse 24 talks about remembering that all we have comes from God. Growing up as a missionary kid, my family had many times when we really did not know where the money for what we needed was going to come from. However, my dad has faithfully given an offering every Sunday. He also frequently gives to those in need. Since I have seen over and over God meeting our family's needs, it is easy to see the reverse as well. Those who do not give only suffer want. It may seem counterintuative, but that is exactly how God reminds us that all we have is really His.
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