It’s hard not to read the Proverbs in one hand and the news in the other, or at least in your mind. So much of Proverbs is about righteousness, justice, and living in integrity. As the facade of the world has been stripped away, we are seeing a lot of really ugly things.
But it doesn’t mean all the verses in this chapter are easy.
1) How does the Lord direct the King’s heart?
“A king’s heart is like streams of water in the LORD’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses” (Prov 21:1).
What does that mean really? Because right now the kings of this earth seem to be driving a little drunk.
When I think of this, I think of the proverb that ‘the same sun that melts the wax also hardens the clay.’ Righteous leaders like David God used in righteous ways. And even unrighteous leaders like the Egyptian Pharoah he also used.
This isn’t saying that every decision a king makes is of the LORD, but rather that when the Lord wants to use a king, he does so. Sometimes acting like the sun that intensifies whatever is there. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and no king is above him.
2) What is more important to the Lord
“Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice” (v. 3).
“The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable–how much more so when he brings with ulterior motives!” (v. 27)
Scripture talks often about people who give generously in their tithes and do “great” things, but they do so with sin in their heart, not having done what is right. Scriptures repeatedly say God would rather have a right heart than any level of offering or sacrifice.
3) Nagging wives
I had to laugh at this one a few times. I mean, if Solomon had 300 wives and 700 concubines, what did he expect? There was going to be nagging because there was jealousy, competition and attempts to get the favor of the king. But here it is:
“Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife” (v. 9).
“Better to live in a wilderness than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife” (v. 19).
Just an aside here too, women typically don’t like to nag. But nor is their dream man someone who doesn’t take initiative or fix issues without constant provocation. Just sayin… ” 🙂
4) The Poor. Always the Poor.
God’s heart for the poor cannot be underestimated. Of course, he says a lot about laziness, but what he means is the truly poor. The ones whose circumstances make it very difficult to get ahead or even just make it.
“The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered” (v. 13).
5) Victory is in the hands of the LORD, do not put your trust in military might
“A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the LORD” (v. 31)
It makes me think of a FB post I read the other day that came out of Ukraine. There was great frustration with the powers of the world to take action but none are had. It’s complicated, yes. But not for the people on the ground.
