Proverbs 16:17-33
In this passage we see the contrast between righteous and wicked people. It begins with the expression of the value of humility and avoiding the evil of pride. V. 17-18 What follows is the description of the humble wise man in verses 19-24. Each of these proverbs stands alone, but they also follow the theme of the humble-wise. Verse 25 is a sort of pivot or introduction to the evil plotter, the arrogant man. Three men, or aspects of the proud evil, are given in verses 27-29, and verse 30 tells about his conspiratorial signals. The last three verses offer a sort of conclusion.
Many hours could be spent in fruitful discussion as we compare and contrast the righteous and the evil. For the moment we will focus on vs 25-29. The evil man believes that his is the right way. Shaped by wrong motives, an absence of the Word of God, and his fallen nature, he vigorously takes a path that ends in death (v. 25). All of us work for that which we desire. The parable of v. 26 works at many levels, from the man putting in a garden to have food to the wicked man whose sinful desires move him on in his efforts. Those efforts are expressed in the description of 3 wicked men. Verse 27 is about the worthless man. This word means more than useless; it means by his uselessness he is destructive. Beyond being a non-productive person, his actions, rooted in gossip, lies, and deception, actually bring harm. Think of a completely corrupt criminal politician. In verse 28 we see the perverse man. As a society we no longer use the word "pervert" to describe people because we have lost the concept of what is right. To call a homosexual a pervert means there must be a right form of sexuality. This principle applies to all moral law. Finally, in verse 29, we have the violent man, who draws his innocent neighbor into his sin. Notice the use of the tongue to lead to such behavior. Long before we act with evil, we speak with evil.
“Lord, help me live a life of virtue and righteousness. AMEN.”
