A Life in Exile

Our last post dealt with the positive aspects of walking in wisdom, but as we move forward in Solomon’s words to his son, we are faced with a group of verses containing “do not.” Don’t let this phrase put you off. Some may see these verses as restrictive, but when we dig deeper, we can find positive implications for living by the wisdom of God.

The Lord is your confidence

What takes away the fear that comes in the face of war and trials? Knowing the Lord.

Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. (Proverbs 3:25-26 ESV)

Any confidence you have in this life comes not in yourself, but in the Lord. Being confident in the Lord means that we trust He is sovereign over all and in control. He alone knows the beginning from the end. He is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. Christ is the solid rock on which we stand, even as the world shakes and storms come all around us.

This anchor of truth guides us through the next section of directives for the one who rests in the wisdom of the Lord.

Do good and get along with people

Those who trust in the Lord and maintain their confidence in Him do not live as the world. The do nots of these verses are what we see people actually doing all around us. As Christ-followers, we are to live differently and thus reject such actions, living instead according to the wisdom and goodness of God.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. (Proverbs 3:27-32, emphasis added)

To live according to God’s wisdom begins with doing good. When we withhold good from the one in need, we are refusing to display God’s grace and compassion for others. Many in our world have had little good done for them. We must do good when we can, showing them that the good, good Father sees them and cares for their needs. He does that through us.

Our relationship with our neighbors is affected by our relationship with God. If our neighbor is in need and asks for our help, who are we to refuse him when we have the ability or supply to share? Do we serve a begrudging God? Has He denied us? Does He withhold good from us? No, so we should not begrudge our neighbor help. Helping our neighbor builds bridges to enable us to share the gospel and give witness to the God who cared to the point of sending His Son to help us know salvation.

Along with helping our neighbors, we must actively work for their good. How often do we hear of fights between neighbors over frivolous matters? Some neighbors actively do evil to others. We should not be like this. Will our neighbors trust us or question our testimony, because we say we follow God but act in discord with the faith we profess?

While the world seeks to argue and attack, how are we relating to others? To argue and contend for no reason makes others question our character and argue against our stand as Christians. If a person does us no harm, why would we start a fight? To serve the Prince of Peace means to live as peacemakers and in peace with God and man.

We see the way of the world—why would we envy their ways? When a person withholds good, begrudges help for his neighbor, plans evil, and argues for no reason, what is the result? Violence, both inwardly and outwardly. Denying good comes from a hard-heartedness. The ways of such a person are an abomination to the Lord. Would we not rather be upright and in His confidence?

If yes, then do good and get along with people! Be wise in the ways of the Lord, and your confidence can rest firm in Him.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.