1) Envying the Unrighteous
If you live righteous, then you know that sometimes the envy can be real–desire unleashed, sexual liberty, financial prosperity, and uncensored words. It’s easy to live unrighteously. Anyone can do that. And it’s easy to envy.
But their end is not well. In the short term they may prosper. Even for a lifetime. But there’s still the fruit of their actions, and they will ultimately have to answer before God.
2) Wise Warriors
Many will boast on their strength. Especially nations and their soldiers.
“A wise warrior is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than one of strength; for you should wage war with sound guidance–victory comes with many counselors” (v. 6).
Show-offs of strength tend to be prideful and arrogant. The humble know that they need more than flexed muscle to save–they need the wisdom found in community.
“Don’t gloat when your enemy falls, and don’t let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the LORD will see, be displeased, and turn His wrath away from him” (vv. 17-18).
3) Courageous Caring
When there is need, there is need to act.
“If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter. If you say, “But we didn’t know wabout this,” won’t He who weights hearts consider it? Won’t He who protects your life know? Won’t He repay a person according to his work?” (vv. 10-12).
