Proverbs 13:13-25

Proverbs 13:13-25

More than a few church leaders, both professional and volunteer, have found themselves in ruin. A young man I know, who had all the potential in the world, is now in jail and will likely be there for a very long time. Verse 13 says the one who “despises the word” (NASB) or “scorns instruction” (NIV) would be better translated, “the one who handles the word, or matter, negligently cannot escape consequences.” When we treat the word of God carelessly, we will not be able to avoid the consequences of wrong moral development. When we take the Word as a quick fix or try to find proof to support our own lives, we end up reinforcing our bad ideas and/or wrong behaviors. In contrast, the one who “fears the commandment” has the opposite outcome. What does it mean to “fear the word”? Simply put, be terrified of getting it wrong because of the dangers involved. When taking a powerful medication, we need to fear taking it wrong. We need to fear improper handling of a firearm. We need to fear improper use of a chainsaw. All of these, used properly, can be extremely beneficial. But in negligence there is death. Even the most bright, talented, and potentially great people who don't take the word seriously will be ruined.

Truett Cathy once said, “It is easier to succeed than to fail.” That seems odd because success requires so much work. But we see this principle expressed at work in verse 15. Wisdom and right choices will produce favor. Favor is more than something we ask for; it is the result of good understanding, i.e., both thinking and doing. Verse 15b says the path or way of the treacherous or transgressor is hard. His is a harsh and forbidding path, as if walking down a stony descent. The choices of green meadows and pastures or barren deserts are ours. So which is the harder place to travel to and live in?

“Lord, help me see the intrinsic value of doing the right thing. AMEN.”