Proverbs 20:6-7, Promise and Performance

December 26, Proverbs 20:6-7

2 Cor. 8:7-12; 9:1-7 “He that swears to his own heart, and changes not.”

Promise and Performance

There’s an old saying, “Promises may get friends, but only performances can keep them.” Promises should be given with caution, and kept with care.

1. The Common Experience of Self-deception (6a): What vanity is this! Parading one’s own imagined merits is both offensive, and a hindrance to true self-growth, but how widespread this condition is! We meet with fair promises almost everywhere. We are not surprised to find them in the political arena or in society in general. Sadly, it is all too prevalent in churches. The person who speaks of his own goodness knows neither goodness nor himself, for to trumpet one’s goodness, is to proclaim one’s folly, and also breeds disgust in any honest man. Do not the profane and the ungodly feel quite as confident of their goodness? Hence the protest we encounter when witnessing to them of their sin! The Pharisee parades his goodness in the streets (Mat. 6:1-5, 16), and even in the very presence of God (Lu. 18:11-12). Such self-esteem, so much applauded today, is surely opposed to the true spirit of Christ. We had better deal first with our own folly before we try to correct others for plugging theirs. Did not Christ say, Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth? He made himself of no reputation, but took on him the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7). Paul admonishes every believer not to think of himself more highly than he ought (Rom. 12:3). “It is hard to find those that have done, and will do, more good than they speak, or care to hear spoken of” (Henry). Beware of proclaiming your own goodness!

2. The Uncommon Excellence of Selfless – devotion (6b): The Bible itself attests that this is a rare quality, but all the more precious for that (Ps. 12:1; Lk. 18:8). The boaster may convince the crowd of his own goodness, but one honest man who knows him can put him to silence. Our Proverb teaches, “Fair promises are common; faithful performances are rare” (Perowne). Now therefore perform the doing of it (2 Cor. 8:11) is the practical Scriptural injunction. Fidelity, integrity are all too rarely seen in any age (Jer. 5:1; Mic. 7:2; Ps. 15:2). Counterfeits exist in abundance, but to experience fidelity and abiding love is not so common (Ps. 26:1, 11). We need to ask ourselves how others see us, but even more, how the Lord sees us (Jn. 1:47)? Are our actions as good as our promises? The just man, the justified, walks in his integrity (vs.7a). Every Christian man (or woman) should have such a walk! This steady faith in God is the safest guide through life. Such a man will have no uneasiness as to what he has done or shall do as have others who walk in deceitful ways. The only applause he covets is God’s Well done! He has no need for any other approval. Yet, his children are blessed after him (vs.7b). A beautiful bonus this is, is it not? What will you leave for your children (Ps. 112:2; 3 Jn. 3-4)?

Thought: “Integrity in little things is a big thing.”

Prayer: To beware of “loose-tongued” profession.