Proverbs 19:25, 29, A Vital Object Lesson
December 18, Proverbs 19:25, 29
Acts 5:1-11 “He hath smitten, and he will bind us up.”
A Vital Object Lesson
Wrong must be rebuked. Are we not all capable of wrongdoing? If anyone should think that he is perfect, it means that he does not know himself or the extent of his fallen nature. Today’s wise men debate the morality of punishment, but God’s Word is our guide as to what is or is not moral. True, great care is needed as to how we handle this matter, because punishment usually bears upon it the image of sin! Consider the three persons contrasted in this Proverb and the results.
1. The Scoffer has the Closed Mind (25a). This one is depicted frequently in Proverbs as proud, irreverent, cruel, a mocker at sin. He scoffs at God, and scorns other persons’ opinions. He is one who is thoroughly wrong, and the blessed man is admonished to avoid him (Ps. 1:1). The Scoffer or Scorner must be chastened, but sadly it will prove useless (9:8, 15:12). He is incapable of discipline (vs.29), yet smiting him will serve as a warning to others (24:9). He will not escape, for the judgments of God are prepared for Scoffers (Dt. 13:11; 21:21). Paul warns us, To have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11). Matthew Henry observes that, “Christ himself, when bearing sins not his own, was not spared. Justice and judgment took hold of our Surety; and will God spare obstinate sinners?”
2. The Simple has the Empty Mind. The simple will beware. We have also met this one before in Proverbs, and in life. Simple, here, does not mean weak-minded, but trusting-minded. It refers to youth at its most impressionable stage. Simple believes every word that comes from those he trusts. Where the Scoffer is against religion, Simple is inexperienced in such matters, and so is easily led. He needs to be startled into attention. “God strikes some that he may warn all” (Bishop Hall). It is hoped he will take notice of the Scoffer’s punishment and beware. The word beware, in Hebrew, can mean either to act craftily or prudently (14:15, 22:3). It usually has the second meaning in Proverbs. The Simple one becomes prudent as he sees and begins to walk in the right way.
3. The Sensible has the Open Mind (25c). Here is one who shows wisdom and understanding. When he is reproved he does not take offence, but he will understand knowledge. He humbly acknowledges that he too can be wrong, and requires and accepts reproof. He takes it as a service to himself. He is a true man of God. He exemplifies genuine Christ-likeness. You need never fear to correct such a man (17:10; Hos. 6:1). “A gentle rebuke may go far with a man of understanding” (Henry). Luther expressed this when he once remarked, “I had rather that true and faithful teachers should rebuke and condemn me, and reprove my ways, than that hypocrites should flatter and applaud me as a saint.”
Thought: “The power of man can never reverse the sentence of God.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, for more “Sensible Saints” in our assemblies.