Proverbs 24 Commentary
Being wise is better than being strong. Verse 5. Read it in the context of the New Testament and you easily appreciate the importance of grace. It is no longer about human effort – skills or good works. “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
The scripture is emphasizing the importance of Wisdom – the LORD Jesus Christ.
Then the saint can learn not to be envious of the wicked. Your building will be founded on Wisdom, on the Rock, and not on sand.
The wisdom of God is foolishness to the perishing. You don’t want to be in that class.
The devil preached rebellion as ‘good’ and the deceived Adam fell for it. After Genesis 3, the scripture has one message: Wisdom is good; eat it. The message has been packaged in many different ways but it remains the same. Wisdom is sweeter than honey; enjoy it. There is a reward for it. There is a bright future for it.
What is good about persecution, a dull life, or indeed a flat and tasteless Christian life? And there is even falling – seven times, the scripture admits. Firstly, falling is never permanent. The saint always gets up again. Of course, not by mighty nor by power, but by the Spirit. By Wisdom. Secondly and importantly for the wicked, their destiny is a complete disaster.
But let not the saint rejoice but rather feel for the wicked. Their disastrous ending is painful to the LORD. He wants them saved. The warning to the wicked is actually a love call.
The thirty sayings are completed here but there is more on diligence, justice, and planning. How do they affect daily living? Diligence earns you a profit. The LORD watches over injustice. Laziness and stupidity are the same.
You have a choice: go ahead and take a nap. Fold your hands and rest awhile, and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. Laziness is ungodly and there are consequences here and now.
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