Proverbs 13:9 – “The light [life; happiness] of the righteous rejoiceth [rejoices more and more]: but the lamp [candle; light] of the wicked [guilty; ungodly] shall be put out [dried up; made extinct].” Solomon sets forth a truth in Proverbs 13:9 that society ignores and denies—the fruit of right living is joy; but the way of the wicked ends in death. It is a sad irony that the deeds and lifestyle of stars, sports figures, the rich and powerful will dominate celebrity news, but also become the contributing factor to their premature deaths. The world mourns, at least for a brief season, the premature deaths of the likes of Michael Jackson and Anna Nicole Smith, but takes no responsibility for exploiting their lifestyle choices as a model to be lived vicariously by foolish youth. It is my suggestion that there is a deeper truth found in Proverbs 13:9 that is not evidenced by a hasty reading. The implications of this proverb is that the lives of the righteous and wicked carry a generational effect set forth in the 2nd Commandment: Exodus 20:5 – “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Knowing the sins of parents carry generational consequences, read Proverbs 13:9 again. Proverbs 13:9 – “The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.” The “light”, life and joy of the righteous “rejoiceth”—literally, increases and grows brighter with the passing of time. The offspring of the righteous have cause for rejoicing in their godly heritage; however, the lamp, candle and light of the wicked, representing their lineage is soon put out—extinguished. Because of their sinful lifestyles, the ungodly often die young and perish without an heir. The wicked and their children often come to an early ignoble end. Generally speaking—the righteous enjoy long life, but the wicked often die early—paying the toll of promiscuity, alcohol and drugs. Proverbs 3:1-2 – “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”
Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith