Author: Denis Gibson

By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. The first clause tells how the sinner’s guilt is purged; the second shows how its power is subdued and broken. The first tells of pardon that comes down from God to man; the second shows obedience offered up from man to God. Perowne observes that “it is a lifting of man’s appropriation of the atonement out of the ceremonial and ritual into the moral sphere of action.” So much that goes for Christianity today, is empty ritualism and vain worship, making little or no moral or spiritual impact on everyday life. “Christian names are everywhere; Christian men are very rare.” A reverent regard for the Divine will is a major proof of true Christianity.

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged. This must not, we believe, be taken as referring merely to man’s mercy and truth, as Perowne and Kidner assert. Dr. Alden writes, “Sin does not go unpunished, and though righteous men also sin, God’s love and faithfulness have provided a way of atonement.” Yes, Solomon was speaking in the spirit of the O.T., but he saw no contradiction between between mercy and truth. God has revealed Himself as the God of Righteousness and Truth, who purged sin by the sacrifice of a substitute!

Pride loves to Parade. “It is the perverse desire for height,” said Augustine, but at what terrible cost! “God was wroth with the angels, and drove them out of heaven. God was wroth with Adam, and drove him out of Paradise” (Thomas). Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. “Though sinners strengthen themselves and one another, they shall not escape God’s judgments” (Henry).

It began as rebellion among the angels, but will have its end in the regions of the damned! Pride is the supreme evil! It even hides under the pretence of the humble look (Mt. 6:16). It is always placed among the worst sins in the Book of Proverbs. It “tops the charts” of the Seven Abominable Things God hates (6:17). It is up there with adultery (6:29), and even with perjury (19:5). It is so perverted that the proud can thank God they don’t resemble the adulterer or perjurer (Lu. 18:11)! How proud they are of their pride!

We have attempted to show in our last study that all things are to God and for God (Rom. 11:36). He made all things according to His perfect will and purpose. All things must fulfill His designs, and they will, without fail. The wicked, while they live, glorify Him not, but He will still be glorified upon them. He surely foresaw their wickedness. Try to understand this explanation from Jonathan Edwards. “Infinite foreknowledge proves the necessity of the event foreknown, yet it does not cause the necessity.” God permits evil by not stopping it. He hates all evil, yet permits it for the greatest possible good. He manifests His own glory through it. “It is the greatest praise of his (God’s] wisdom that he can turn the evil of man to his own glory” (Bishop Hall). This is what we would expect in a Sovereign God, that He is both the Author of All and the Finisher of all.

On first reading this Proverb it seems to raise a question about the character of God. Closer study will remove any such thought. Its message is simply, “There are no loose ends in God’s world.” When we are told that God hath made all things for himself, it means that the final end of everything answers to God’s intended purpose. This is what we would expect from the Sovereign God of Scripture!

God’s command joins hands with God’s promise. He keeps His promises! We began with personal surrender, Commit! This led to practical instructions, Commit thy works unto the Lord. Now, the promise pronounced: Thy thoughts shall be established, but “guard well your thoughts, for they are heard in heaven.”

Have you asked, in a moment of trial, “Can God really care about my problems or my needs?” Note carefully what our Proverb says. Commit (roll) thy works unto the Lord. That’s our personal surrender first. Then thy thoughts (plans) shall be established. That’s the practical outcome. The sequence is vital. First, surrender; then your thoughts will be established. Proverbs distinguish between the thoughts of the wicked (15:26), and the thoughts of the righteous (12:5; 21:5).

God has a plan for all His redeemed children. Man is not left to grope for truth on his own, nor can he! Ps. 37 affirms, The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Jesus said, He that follows me shall not walk in darkness (Jn. 8:12).

Jeremiah, in dealing with the sins of Judah, asks, How canst thou say I am not polluted? For though thou wash thee with nitre, and make thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord God. (2:22-23). Outward cleansing cannot remove the stains of the heart. Many in Judah, when confronted with the evidence of their sins denied the charges. So it is with us today, but our scales are not the same as God’s!