Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Proverbs+011
Proverbs 11 (ESV)
1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight,
but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
REFLECTION:
This passage continues from the previous chapter and continues to make a strong contrast between the actions and endings of the upright and the treacherous. “The day of wrath” refers to the day when people complete their journeys in the world and give accounts to God. On that Day of Judgment, everyone must face God individually and declare everything we have done. At that time, no wealth or “achievement” in the world can make us reconcile with God. Only by loving God and obeying God, without deceit in our hearts, and with integrity in our words and deeds, can we be pleased with God. However, this is not to say that God has no mercy on human weakness. God’s people walk on the path of righteousness, not without suffering and struggle, nor without the temptation of the world and falling. But whether in adversity or after a fall, as long as you act in accordance with God’s wisdom, look to God and repent wholeheartedly. God will have mercy and forgiveness and save His children from suffering and temptation. The wicked think they are wise and don’t know how to rely on God, and their end is to perish in their sins. Is there no deceit in your heart, words and deeds? Have you forgotten God’s promise in the midst of adversity or temptation?
PRAYER:
Come to God humbly, ask God to cleanse your life, make your heart upright, your tongue not deceitful, and your behaviour be pleasing to Him. Ask God to save you from adversity and temptation and to give you peace to live a sanctified life. If you are weak and fall, ask God to give you the faith and courage to confess your sins and repent, and stand up and continue to run. Don’t forget that God always holds your hand and leads your life.
HYMN:
He Will Hold Me Fast: www.youtube.com/watch?v=unLKmJJPExk&ab_channel=TheSelahVideos
