Contrasting The Wicked And The Righteous

Proverbs 21:1-16

“The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” (Proverbs 21:1-2)

As we look at the things our government does, it is easy to forget that God controls their thoughts to get them to do whatever he wants.  When they consistently do what things we believe are bad for our country, it may be because God is trying to get us to look at what we are doing.  Unless he does something to call our attention to what is wrong, we just assume we are right and keep doing it.

“To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3)

God is more pleased by prudent decisions and fair and right behavior than by any amount of sacrificial gifts.

“An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” (Proverbs 21:4)

A haughty arrogant appearance, an attitude of superiority, or talking about doing something wrong, even if we have no intention of doing it, is sin.  Matthew 5:27-28 illustrates this point.  “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.   “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.  The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.” (Proverbs 21:5-7)

A person who tries to do his job well and take care of his business thinks in a way that makes him prosperous.  A person who is in a hurry to get rich tends to get further and further behind because he can’t wait until he can afford things.  People who foolishly try to get ahead by fraud and deceit Don’t realize how meaningless it is or danger of death they face as a result.  Because they refuse to exercise good judgment, thieves and robbers actions destroy them. 

“The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.” (Proverbs 21:8)

When people go their own way, their behavior is inconsistent and illogical.  The pure has a standard of right and wrong that makes them able to consistently do what is right.

“It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.” (Proverbs 21:9)

It is better to be homeless and live in a protected corner of somebody else’s roof than to live in a beautiful home with somebody who just wants to fight.

“The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.” (Proverbs 21:10)

A wicked person looks to do evil things, and he will not hesitate to steal from or otherwise take advantage of his friends and neighbors.

“When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.” (Proverbs 21:11)

When the person who thinks he is above the law gets punished, even those who are a little slow mentally learn to do what is right.  The smart ones learn from listening to other people. 

“The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.” (Proverbs 21:12)

The man who has the right attitude is considerate and thinks even of the wicked.  God says that vengeance is his and he punishes them for their wickedness. 

“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” (Proverbs 21:13)

The person who ignores the poor or needy will not be able to get anyone to listen when he needs help.

“A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.” (Proverbs 21:14)

Doing something nice for someone when no one is looking tends to make even ones worst enemy relent, because it is obviously not just and attempt to make oneself look good or embarrass him. 

“It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.   The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” (Proverbs 21:15-16)

People who do what is right find pleasure in their actions, but those who don’t have nothing but sorrow and destruction to show for it.  A person who turns his back on thinking things through and doing right has nothing but judgment to look forward to.