Proverbs 19:10, 12, Of Pigs And Passions

Posted on Posted in Devotions Tagged with ,

December 11, Proverbs 19:10, 12

1 Cor. 7:17-24 “The lion hath roared who shall not fear?”

Of Pigs And Passions

Derek Kidner entitled 19:10 “Pearls before Swine” hence our reference to pigs! With an angry king and a fierce lion in vs.12, we may imagine the passions of the “king of beasts” or “dangerous despots,” of which breed there still is no lack. In both verses we will consider who is fit to “lead the pack.” What is the proper role for a fool or a king? Apostle Paul stresses the vital importance of knowing our vocation in life. How many are unhappy in their “jobs” because they are square pegs in round holes.” Has the Christian ministry once again become to many a career instead of a calling?

1. On Fortune and Folly: Just as fools and eloquence, and fools and honour are misfits (17:7; 26:1), so fools and fortune are not seemly (10a), not a thing of beauty, but rather an absurdity, like casting pearls before swine! Delight expresses the idea of luxury, of delicate, effeminate living (BDB). Both these words appear in Jeremiah 6:2 where the prophet likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman who is pampered and spoiled! We can call this Delight a great fortune that it is not seemly for a fool to possess. He won’t know how to use it justly. “The prosperity of fools discovers their folly and destroys them” (Henry). If luxury is not seemly, unfitting, for fools, even more so is it for a servant to be in a position of rulership (10b). What folly it is for a servant to rule over those who ought to rule over him (Eccl. 10:5-7; Hos. 7:3-7)! He doesn’t know how to supervise himself, much less others in high places (Isa. 3:5-6). Both fool and slave are out of their depth, and consequently, will do more harm than good. They will oppress those whom God has made kings and priests on earth. To such, God gives a word of wisdom: Seekest thou great things for thyself, seek them not (Jer. 45:5).

2. On Frowns and Favours: The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion: but his favour is as dew upon the grass (vs.12). The despot is always dangerous (Pr. 18:23). While some rulers are benevolent, the warning here is of the fickle king whose frowns or favours are never quite certain (Pr. 20:2; Est. 7:7-8; 8:4; Dan. 2:12-13). If angered, because he has the power, his wrath is like the roaring of a lion sensing its prey (Amos 3:8; Pr. 28:15). How terrible, therefore, are the king’s frowns, and how foolish needlessly to provoke his wrath (storming, Jonah 1:15)! Who would not rather enjoy his favour which is as dew upon the grass (Ps. 72:6; Hos. 14:5). Better to refrain from disloyalty or law breaking because of his frowns, if not because of his favour. Where, however, there is conflict between the king’s laws and God’s, we must obey God rather than man. Far better the king’s wrath than to lose the peace with God that steeled every martyr’s heart, even for the stake. Christ is a King whose wrath against His enemies will be as a roaring lion, but His favour to His people as refreshing dew (Acts 3:19; Rev. 10:3; 14:10-11).

Thought: “Whom God calls he qualifies” (Richard Sibbes).

Prayer: Lord, keep me faithful in the place where thou hast placed me.