June 18, 2024 - Proverbs 21-24

Solomon’s proverb – “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” (21:3) – reminds me of the prophets.  Isaiah:  “Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations-- I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. . . . cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause” (Isaiah 1:13, 16-17).  Amos:  “Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them.  Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen.  But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:22-24).  Micah:  “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high?  Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?  Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:6-8).

Lest the gifts we offer,

Money, talents, time,

Serve to salve our conscience

To our secret shame:

Lord, reprove, inspire us

By the way you give;

Teach us, dying Savior,

How true Christians live.   –Fred Pratt Green (1968)