two waysSolomon’s oft repeated theme contrasting the “good man” and the “wicked” continues in today’s devotional (Proverbs 12:2-3).  One might wonder why Solomon stressed to his son the path and pattern of the good and wicked. Perhaps it was because he knew as king, his son would one day act as judge and jury in matters of life and death.

As citizens of the United States, we are sometimes called upon to serve on a jury of our peers in legal matters. In addition, we make judgments every day that affect lives, family and friends. Proverbs 12:2-3 invites us to see the judgment of the good and the wicked from God’s vantage point.

Proverbs 12:2-3 – “A good man obtaineth favour [blessings] of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices [plans] will He condemn. 3 A [wicked] man shall not be established [lacks a solid, moral foundation] by wickedness: but the root [foundation] of the righteous shall not be moved [will not slip or falter].”

Allow me an explanation and application of these two proverbs.scales

The justice of God is sure: He rewards the good and morally upright with His grace and favor, but condemns the plans of the wicked. The wicked man may garner the admiration of his peers, but he merits no favor with God (Titus 3:5).  He is like the man who builds his house on the sand (Matthew 7:27).  He lacks a sure foundation that will withstand storms of trials and temptations (12:3).

What is the foundation of the righteous?  Upon what can man lean? In whom can he trust?

Jesus foundationChrist taught His disciples that He was the spiritual foundation of life. A wise man builds his life on Christ and His Word [not the philosophy of man or the traditions of religion].

1 Corinthians 3:11“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Matthew 7:24-25Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”

The wicked, proud, self-made man rejects Christ and His Word. The foolish reject God, turning to man and the philosophies of men.

Matthew 7:26-27 “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

My friend, don’t be a fool. There is only One Way to heaven and One Person through John 14_6_kjvwallpapersWhom there is salvation and eternal life—Jesus Christ.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”