June 17, 2024 - Proverbs 16-20

Solomon speaks to a principle that is often ignored or rejected.  It is the normal state of things that, when a subject disobeys or dishonors the king, bad consequences follow.  On the other hand, to honor the king and to obey his just dictates is to receive his favor and blessings:  “A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.  In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain” (16:14-15).  People have always wrestled with the problem of evil in the world and its consequences.  There is a natural cause and effect that takes place – e.g., if one is a drunkard, one’s liver is bound to fail at some point – but there is also the reality that a holy and righteous God explicitly honors those who trust and honor him and who is against those who are against him.  Sometimes, we hear the complaint, “God is love!  I just can’t believe in a God who judges and passes sentences on people.”  However, the Bible is clear:  “God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (Romans 1:18-19) and, at the same time, “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16).  There’s a way to avoid God’s wrath!  Believe the gospel and rest in Jesus and his ministry of atonement:  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”(John 3:16).  Amazing stuff!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.   –Anonymous (1811)