Proverbs 14:14b, Backsliding – Its Remedy!

August 14, Proverbs 14:14b

Matt. 14:28-31; Gal. 6:1-9 “He satisfies the hungry soul, and fills the hungry with goodness.” (Ps. 107:9)

Backsliding – Its Remedy!

Solomon said: “A good man shall be satisfied from himself.” The words in italics in the KJV are supplied by implication from 14:14a. At first sight, they sound more like a humanist’s boast than a humble Christian’s claim. It seems to fit the backslider better. What, then, does this text mean? Who is a good man, and how is he satisfied from himself? It is God alone who defines the good, and it is the goodness of God alone that imparts any good there is in man. There is, first,

1. Repentance toward God: Paul said, “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Ro. 2:4). What Christian does not know the daily need of repentance if he is living in the shadow of the Cross? Truly, repentance costs dear! In the light of that, no true believer can go on sinning with indifference. Repentance must be preached to the converted as well as to the unconverted. The Old Testament rings with the challenge to repent. Did not our Lord come preaching repentance (Matt. 4:17), and, as the Glorified Lord, did He not call the seven churches of Revelation to repent? Peter adds his voice to this call, for judgment must begin at the house of God (1 Pet. 4:17). This is a challenge to every backslider to consider that it is the goodness of God leadeth to repentance, and genuine repentance is never too soon, but, be warned, it can be too late!

2. Dependence upon God: The fruit of the spirit is… goodness, faith (Gal. 5:22). It is instructive that Paul puts these two graces in this particular order. Is he reminding us that only when we know the goodness of God can we have dependence upon God in our walk? God alone is independent; nor can man be self-satisfied, but satisfied from himself because of what he possesses by the grace of God. All backsliding starts, as it did for Adam and Eve, with self-dependence, instead of God-dependence. Does not Scripture urge us, again and again, to trust in the Lord and not our own understanding? Peter found that out when he looked at the waves and stopped trusting and started fearing. In his peril his prayer was a pearl, Lord, save me. “Trust self, and lose all; trust God, and win all.”

3. Obedience to God: Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness (Rom. 11:22). What a warning this is against presumption in the Christian life! We dare not take God’s mercies for granted! Whether we be Jew or Gentile, the goodness of God always calls to obedience, for without obedience there must necessarily be the severity of judgment. Is it not so in our daily Christian lives? Repentance and dependence are not enough. There must be obedience to God in everything. Is there really any alternative? Samuel reminded the king, To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (1 Sam. 15:22). Also our lovely Lord Jesus pleads, If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Thought: If no conversion, no satisfaction, no sanctification.

Prayer: Lord, that I might ever be satisfied from myself through Thee.