Category: Devotions

At first sight this verse seems a repeat of others (3:14; 8:10-11, 19), but notice the phrase, How much better than. Here the obtaining of wisdom and understanding are not only better, but better beyond the greatest wealth! It suggests a wonder at the inequality of value. How few really believe that this understanding is rather to be chosen than silver! The verb to get, in both places, means to acquire, sometimes to buy, and clearly indicates that it is something requiring specific effort, and is a matter for definite choice.

Great has been the power of kings! Life and death are in their hands! The Manual for Kings can apply to military dictators or religious fanatics today. Such thrones are sitting on moral dynamite! “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled….” (Acts 24:25).

Verses 10-15 have been called A Manual for Kings and Model Monarchs. Perhaps Solomon is referring to himself, and what he knows his duty to be. If this is a general application to all kings, then, these verses set out what kings ought to be, what in fact God demands of them. It is God’s ideal for kings (Deut. 17:18-20). The Bible nowhere teaches that kings are without fault. Rather, they are peculiarly under authority (Ps. 72:1-4). Since, however, most of us have some power that can give happiness or hurt to others, these verses can apply to us ordinary mortals too!

1. God’s Riches: Better is little with righteousness, than great revenues without right. We have had this proverb, in substance, before. Treasures with trouble (15:16) have become revenues without right (16:8). The one dealt with material wellness, while this one stresses the spiritual, what is right! It seems too obvious to need much illustration. Few, however, actually possess great revenues, but that desire is still insatiable in the human breast. Every new Casino or lottery has crowds lining up to “try for the millions”. We blindly go on thinking that there will be true peace and contentment at the end of the golden rainbow. “The treasures of wickedness will be found treasures of wrath eternal,” is Bridges’ sober reminder. When will we learn this simple, yet oft repeated warning? “Far better to have little than to have much accompanied by guilt and fear” (Alden).

This is a beautiful verse, is it not? From “fear” we now move to the best of all thoughts, namely, that of a life pleasing to God. It should be easy and very pleasant to comment on such a theme. In contrast, it was quite difficult to write the previous page on the fear of the Lord, but just the same, there is a vital connection between the two verses. The man or woman who fears God aright need fear no fiend, no foe, or no falsity. Here is sweet encouragement to a life of godly fearlessness. When we consult God’s wishes, not our own or other people’s, we can gladly obey the divine will. Only when this is our Supreme Good, will we truly “please” ourselves as well (2 Cor. 4:10-12).

By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. The first clause tells how the sinner’s guilt is purged; the second shows how its power is subdued and broken. The first tells of pardon that comes down from God to man; the second shows obedience offered up from man to God. Perowne observes that “it is a lifting of man’s appropriation of the atonement out of the ceremonial and ritual into the moral sphere of action.” So much that goes for Christianity today, is empty ritualism and vain worship, making little or no moral or spiritual impact on everyday life. “Christian names are everywhere; Christian men are very rare.” A reverent regard for the Divine will is a major proof of true Christianity.

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged. This must not, we believe, be taken as referring merely to man’s mercy and truth, as Perowne and Kidner assert. Dr. Alden writes, “Sin does not go unpunished, and though righteous men also sin, God’s love and faithfulness have provided a way of atonement.” Yes, Solomon was speaking in the spirit of the O.T., but he saw no contradiction between between mercy and truth. God has revealed Himself as the God of Righteousness and Truth, who purged sin by the sacrifice of a substitute!

Pride loves to Parade. “It is the perverse desire for height,” said Augustine, but at what terrible cost! “God was wroth with the angels, and drove them out of heaven. God was wroth with Adam, and drove him out of Paradise” (Thomas). Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. “Though sinners strengthen themselves and one another, they shall not escape God’s judgments” (Henry).

It began as rebellion among the angels, but will have its end in the regions of the damned! Pride is the supreme evil! It even hides under the pretence of the humble look (Mt. 6:16). It is always placed among the worst sins in the Book of Proverbs. It “tops the charts” of the Seven Abominable Things God hates (6:17). It is up there with adultery (6:29), and even with perjury (19:5). It is so perverted that the proud can thank God they don’t resemble the adulterer or perjurer (Lu. 18:11)! How proud they are of their pride!

We have attempted to show in our last study that all things are to God and for God (Rom. 11:36). He made all things according to His perfect will and purpose. All things must fulfill His designs, and they will, without fail. The wicked, while they live, glorify Him not, but He will still be glorified upon them. He surely foresaw their wickedness. Try to understand this explanation from Jonathan Edwards. “Infinite foreknowledge proves the necessity of the event foreknown, yet it does not cause the necessity.” God permits evil by not stopping it. He hates all evil, yet permits it for the greatest possible good. He manifests His own glory through it. “It is the greatest praise of his (God’s] wisdom that he can turn the evil of man to his own glory” (Bishop Hall). This is what we would expect in a Sovereign God, that He is both the Author of All and the Finisher of all.