Proverbs 10:2-3, God’s Audit!

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April 19, Proverbs 10:2-3

Matthew 6:24-34 “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

God’s Audit!

Righteousness (v.2) and righteous (v.3) contrast with wickedness and their substance. Righteousness is what profits. It delivers from famine and death.

2. Righteous Riches: How shall we define righteous riches and righteousness? The righteousness referred to by Solomon, in the case of the Jews, was, first a ceremonial and then a meritorious righteousness. Christians, however, receive first the imputed righteousness of Christ, and secondly, an actual righteousness of their own. The first is our justification, and the second it’s necessary outcome and proof. This is the righteousness that delivers from all the evils of death. “Though, not from the stroke of death, yet it delivers from the sting of it, and consequently from the terror of it” (Henry). The accountant’s audit can show a man’s cash worth, but cannot begin to estimate the worth of a righteous man’s character. Only God does that audit. Like the good investment it is, this righteousness continues to increase in spiritual vigour and eternal value.

a. God’s Plentiful Provision: This is true even for the wicked, though they acknowledge it not. Will God then disregard the righteous? He preserved David from famishing by using his enemies. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger (same word as famish), but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing (Ps. 34:10; 37:25). Paul testified: I have all, and abound; I am full (Phil. 4:18).

b. God’s Peculiar Provision: The righteous are God’s peculiar treasure above all people. If His people have little faith, Jesus uses the birds and lilies of the field to reassure them of God’s faithfulness. There are exceptions, but generally the righteous do not starve, and wicked persons do not prosper, in the end.

c. God’s Pledged Provision: Exceeding great and precious are the promises that God has given to His people (Isa. 40:29-31). To strengthen faith, He may suffer us to hunger, yet not to famish. He, who cares thus for the body, will He not care for the soul? Will He let it famish? Whatever the worldly wealth of the righteous may be, they are the truly rich. Our Lord Jesus said: Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. The aging Apostle gave the younger Timothy this advice. O man of God, flee these things (vain disputing and love of money) and follow after righteousness.

I’m feeling very rich today, for Jesus holds my purse.
I need not count its scanty store as all the assets at my door;
Behind it stands a wealthy name, and vast resources I may claim
Since Jesus holds my purse.

Thought: “Worldlings make gold their God; saints made God their gold” (Henry). 

Prayer: “Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more” (W. Williams).