Proverbs 19 Commentary
By being an honest employee, or by using honest scales in the marketplace, you won’t probably make as much cash as a dishonest and lying neighbor. But that is fine according to the Creator God. Chapter 19 is brutally honest. A man of integrity may remain poor but that is fine. The world may use terms like smart, intelligent, or clever for a dishonest businessman. But the scripture has one word for it. Fool.
But integrity is not the only reason for poverty. Laziness and lack of friends can cause poverty as well. Equally, lack of integrity isn’t the only reason for wealth. Connect and interconnect and you have a good chance of gaining wealth. Learn and work hard. You increase your chances of wealth.
Abhor poverty. To be in the position of the poor is terrible. You may even lose friends. But if integrity means poverty, so be it. The LORD commands so. It is better than being a rich fool. A fool here denotes one living in disobedience to the commands of the LORD.
The chapter is highlighted by the following poster verse: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” How the LORD wins each and every battle remains a mystery. But He wins. Wise people know this fact of life and adjust accordingly.
Obey the LORD and you will live a long life, content and safe from harm – another undeniable fact. Let the elements of nature hear this word and work in obedience. This includes the plans of man, be it himself or others. The purposes of the LORD are firmly established against the wishes, plans, or even efforts of men and women.
A conceited fool is sure to get a beating. In view of the fact that the LORD always wins, we want to see beyond the ‘cause and effect’ principle. How and when are questions only the LORD God answers, but a beating you always get.
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