"Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace" (Proverbs 3:31-35).
People sometimes envy the person who has a lot of money and whose pleasure in life seems endless. It is especially important not to envy the man who has attained these things through violence. Though God never condemns wealth attained in admirable ways, He never blesses the life of the crook. Here are four reasons why:
1. God is disgusted by the person who is devious. There is no fellowship between that person and the Lord. With no fellowship there can be no blessing. (3:32)
2. Instead of blessing the house of the wicked, the Lord curses it. This means He brings a judicious punishment on those who hate Him and His ways. In contrast to this, the Lord blesses those who love Him and follow him. (3:33)
3. Scorners of God will only receive God's scorn while those who are humble before God receive His grace. This means that the life one lives has a boomerang affect. What goes around comes around. We reap what we sow. If we lie down with dogs we get flees. (3:34)
4. Nothing but disgrace comes from the disgraceful life. Those who live wisely, however, are honored. (3:35)
If we find ourselves envious of the violent man, especially as we see the riches he acquires through his devious ways, let's be sure we consider the destination to which his path takes him. It is a path that leads to disgust, punishment, scorn, and disgrace. Who in their right mind could ever be envious of that? Have we not yet learned that the grass is not greener on the wicked man's side of the fence?
No comments:
Post a Comment