Proverbs 19:23, The Best Is Yet To Be!

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December 17, Proverbs 19:23

Psalm 23; 34:7-11 “and deliver us from evil.”

The Best Is Yet To Be!

Today’s proverb (vs.23) provides a precise summary of the very essence of this Book of Proverbs. The blessings described here are the result of a God-given pattern for life, but not to be confused with some automatic “success-formula” so widely preached today. These blessings are all of God’s amazing grace.

1. A Proposition: The fear of the Lord is simply one’s religion (Rom. 8:15). Now, many religions produce legal fears whereby their devotees must appease a vengeful God. This fear of which we speak is the result of conversion. It is a gift of the Spirit causing the truly converted to regard God with awe, reverence, and a dread of offending One who is their Heavenly Father. To fear God is to fear no man (Ps. 19:9; 33:18-19). This results in:

2. A Progression: It tendeth to life. It is pro-Life, just as sin is pro-Death! It is a Life that grows, a progression that expands our vistas beyond this natural life to life eternal (Jn. 10:10). It sets the affection on things above (Col. 3:1-3), and seeks the City whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10; Rev. 21:1-5). The believer’s life before men is lived in the light of the Sun of Righteousness (Mal. 4:2), but its very nature is a preparation for service above (Rev. 7:16-17). I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. That’s what God means by progression!

3. A Provision: The verse, without the italics, says boldly, and shall abide satisfied. This is no passing emotion, but an abiding provision indwelling the believer as a fixed principle (1 Cor. 2:9). Satisfied, means filled to the full. “Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven; who like me His praise should sing?” The unbeliever has only “an aching void the world can never fill,” while the believer sings, “I’ve got a hope in Glory-land, that out-shines the sun.” Believers have or shall have this satisfaction in God’s time. That’s what God means by provision!

4. A Protection: He shall not be visited with evil. In this sinful world where imperfection persists, even for believers, their satisfaction abides. God has promised to protect His redeemed ones (Ps. 48:3). This is but a foretaste of what He has in store for those who love Him (23:18; 1 Jn. 3:2). There are no evils as such for the believer (Ps. 91:10), but only blessings, sometimes in disguise (2 Cor. 4:1518). Nothing shall separate us from God’s love, Paul declares (Rom. 8:35). Believers rejoice even in tribulation (Rom. 5:3). “No condemnation now I dread; Jesus and all in Him is mine.” That’s what God means by protection (Ps. 23:4-6).

Thought: “The more of Heaven we cherish, the less of earth we covet.”

Prayer: For the fear of God that liberates from all fears.