Proverbs Devotion - Day 10

In chapter 10, we now meet a new format to the book of Proverbs: individual proverbs covering an array of topics. Sometimes there are pairings that have a similar theme, while other times it can be seemingly random. But there is something that should be considered about this format. Considering that Solomon is teaching his children about wisdom, what is found beginning in this chapter is a snapshot of regular life. Parents teach children throughout every day life. So, it can bounce from relationships, to money, to work ethic, to integrity, to how you use your words. Life doesn’t have a curriculum and so much of raising a child happens as situations occur. Therefore, instead of thinking of this large section of the book as “random”, think of it as an example of what it looks like to “talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:7)

Secondly, there is a right and wrong way to read this section of Proverbs. Proverbs should be seen first as a best practice but not 100% guarantee. What that means is that we should not read Proverbs as “if I do this, then God must bless me.” That is reading it like a Pharisee or like the Prosperity Gospel. Proverbs are not guarantees but rather best practices for the follower of Jesus to live a blessed life. An example would be verse 3. In the world right now, it is very likely that there are righteous people who are hungry. Another example would be verse 30. There are righteous who are removed from positions, relationships, careers while wicked seem to prosper. 

So how should we understand the blessing of Proverbs? Mark Dever explains it like this: “The key to understand the Proverbs is that we must view them in light of Christ and eternity. Do not view them in terms of immediacy. Generally these things are true immediately, but they will always be true ultimately.” 

So when you read Proverbs like verse 9, we can read it in two lights. As a follower of Jesus, we should walk in integrity at all times. Integrity meaning in truth and without hypocrisy. We do and say what is right, no matter what. As a child of God, we trust Him and honor Him in all of our ways because that is our heart’s desire. 

But let’s be honest: sometimes doing and/or saying what is right and true may not always produce a positive result for us. In fact, Jesus told us that the world will hate us because it hated him too (John 15:18-25). So it would be tempting to think that God is not faithful. But if we remember Dever’s words, what is generally true now will be true ultimately in eternity. If we honor God now and live a life of integrity, then we can know the peace we have with God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We do not have to fear being “found out” like the crooked, who will one day stand before Jesus, not as Savior, but as Judge. 

So when we look back at verse 30, we can think about the eternal promises of God. Even if you suffer, struggle, people turn away from you and abandon you now, the promise of your Heavenly Father is true. He will never remove any of His children. Your adoption is based on His love and care for you. We are secure in Christ. “But the wicked will never dwell in the land” meaning God’s ultimate land for His people: the New Heavens and the New Earth. Don’t take shortcuts for comfort today and miss out on the greater peace that is promised for those in eternity.

So this steps up the Proverbs application for us: Live today (and each day) to honor God, no matter what, and trust and believe that God’s promise for you to be with Him is sure. He is worthy of worship and obedience! Let these truths drive you to knowing God more and going to make Jesus known to the world.