The wicked are a frequent topic of Solomon’s proverbs to his son. Because he would one day be king, it was important that the prince of Israel be discerning of the person and ways of the wicked. For today’s devotional, we will focus on two parables that address the wicked, Proverbs 18:3, 5.
Proverbs 18:3 – “When the wicked [ungodly; morally corrupt] cometh [enters; abides], then cometh also contempt [disrespect; shame; i.e. mocking of the righteous – Ps. 31:18], and with ignominy [disgrace; dishonor] reproach [reproach; imputing someone’s character].”
Solomon warned his son when the wicked have a place of influence and 
prominence, they bring with them contempt for the law, righteousness, moral goodness and honor. One need look no further than the moral corruption of our nation to realize the fruition of Solomon’s warning. Immoral leaders, contemptuous of moral judgment, now occupy every branch of government and the result has been an open assault on morality.
In Proverbs 18:5, Solomon offers an elementary lesson in justice by stating two things that are not good.
Proverbs 18:5 – “It is not good to accept [carry; take; bear; support] the person [face; presence] of the wicked [ungodly; morally corrupt], to overthrow [stretch; bend; put aside; turn away] the righteous [lawful; just] in judgment [passing sentence or judgment; verdict].”
The first lesson: It is not good to enable or support the ungodly in their sin (18:5a). Compromising with the wicked and their ways is never right! This truth applies to every walk of life. It is not good for a parent to enable a child’s sin and rebellion. It is not good to be unequally yoked, in partnership, with the ungodly (2 Corinthians 6:14, 16-17). It is not good to abide the murder of the unborn (Exodus 20:13) or the depravity of homosexuality (Romans 1:26-28) in the name of political correctness.
The second lesson: It is not good to deny the righteous justice (18:5b). The sad reality of our nation is that our judicial and political systems are tilted in favor of the criminal. Too often the victims of crime bear scars that will follow them the rest of their lives, while the criminal is slapped on the wrist and set free to wrong again.
Regardless of what the rest of the world is doing, let God’s people be committed to 
“Do Right” regardless of the cost. Let us determine to never deny the innocent justice.
The late evangelist, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. said: “It is never right to do wrong!”
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith