truth and consequencesI have titled this devotional “Truth and Consequences” because that is the overriding theme of today’s proverbs (3:33-35).  A man’s response to God’s Truth has consequences that will follow him and his household long after his death.

Proverbs 3:33“The curse of the LORD [Jehovah; Eternal, Self-existent God] is in the house [household; family] of the wicked [ungodly; guilty; those deserving punishment]: but He [the Lord] blesseth [praise] the habitation [dwelling place] of the just [lawful; righteous].”

The just, law-abiding, righteous man may never have wealth or fame; however, he and his family (should they share his love for the Lord) will have something no amount of money can buy—the peace and joy only those whose sins are forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ.  The wicked and their families bear the curse and sorrow of sin while the redeemed enjoy the blessing of God’s grace and presence.he_giveth_more_grace

Proverbs 3:34“Surely He [the Lord] scorneth [mocks; derides] the scorners [mockers; those who make a mock]: but He [the Lord] giveth [delivers; shows; grants] grace [kindness; favor] unto the lowly [depressed; weak; needy; humble; poor].”

The mocking of the scorner has taken center stage in the 21st century and his hatred of God, His Word and His people has become sport to the wicked.  The public media and the public-at-large applaud scorners and these modern-day Goliaths boldly taunt and deride the faithless and weak.  Like David when he was a shepherd boy, it is the “lowly” in heart, the man of humility ever conscious of his weakness that finds his courage and confidence in God’s promises and knows the grace of God when facing the insults of the wicked.

Proverbs 3:35 – “The wise [wise hearted; cunning; skillful in wisdom] shall inherit [occupy; possess] glory [honor; great reputation]: but shame [disgrace; dishonor; reproach] shall be the promotion [exaltation; rank] of fools [stupid; silly; one given to making immoral choices].”

shame is the promotion of foolsWho are the wise who will “inherit glory”?  They are the “just” whose household is blessed (3:33) and the “lowly” that know God’s sufficient grace (3:34).  The “wise” who love God’s Truth are skilled in defining and discerning good and evil, moral and immoral, and are promised the joy and satisfaction of Christ’s glory.  Fools, however, because they reject God and therefore His moral absolutes will come to shame.

Psalm 53:1 – The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.”

Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith