2019 Mar 06 Proverbs 6, Psalm 107
2019 Mar 06 Proverbs 6, Psalm 107
Hello, warmly welcoming you! Let’s complete Proverbs 6, considering verses 30-35:
“30 People do not despise a thief If he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry. 31 Yet, when found, he will repay sevenfold; He will give up all the valuables of his house. 32 Anyone committing adultery with a woman is lacking good sense; The one who does so brings ruin on himself. 33 He will get only wounds and dishonor, And his disgrace will not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy makes a husband furious; He will show no compassion when he takes revenge. 35 He will accept no compensation; He will not be appeased, no matter how large you make the gift.”
Prove 6:30,31 This is found in the midst of a discussion of the serious sin of adultery. Even a hungry person stealing to feed himself or his family must still pay the penalty for his sin when found out. Did he really need to violate God’s law to meet his need, or could God have found another way to provide for him? David wrote, at Psalm 37: “25 I was once young and now I am old, But I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, Nor his children looking for bread.” Yes, God can provide what’s needed, even rightly desired, for one keeping His law, remaining righteous before Him.
Prove 6:32,33 Likewise, is an act of adultery to be committed in the name of “love”? True, it is possible for genuine love to diminish in a relationship, between a husband and wife. Should this, however, be viewed as an opportunity to steal another man’s wife, or another woman’s husband? Or, rather, should they receive encouragement and support to strengthen and restore their love for each other, if possible, not throwing away all the love they’ve shared in the past? Should not the marriage union be so honored? “4 Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.” (Hebre 13:4). For a discussion of what may be hindering love in a marriage, see the article “Fortify Your Marriage by Rejecting Idolatry” under the MISC heading on this website. God wants trust to be the order of the day in His new world of peace and righteousness, with everyone having a loyal marriage partner into eternity, day by day, year by year, millennium by millennium. How long, for instance, should Adam and Eve have remained together if obedient to God? How long would they have been the grandparents of everyone on earth? According to Bible chronology, it has been thousands of years since their beginning. It is reasonable to believe that the person you are now married to, or even if younger you may soon marry, may or may not become your everlasting partner. In time, you may grow so fond of your spouse that you both deeply wish for that--God may help married ones determine that, perhaps at some future time. May you “trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Prove 3:5-7). Either way, most married persons will likely remain together for the thousand year Reign of Christ, during the earthly cleanup and resurrection and assistance to ancestors of the past. Thus may loyalty between married partners be treasured, while looking to God for any adjustments to the arrangement if truly needed in the future. There is generally no need now to be looking outside of the marriage bond for another partner--work on loving the one you are now with, learning true faithfulness and loyalty, to God and each other, even if that one is not your everlasting partner-to-be. May the sin of adultery be rejected by those wishing to please God, and seen as a gross disrespect for God’s lovely marriage arrangement, blessed by Him.
Prove 6:34,35 Thus a husband dearly loving his wife may become very jealous over having been wronged in such a way by another man. Such sin may bring great spiritual harm to participators and disgrace. Thus was the lesson of ancient Israel, with the severe punishment usually administered. Now, God’s arrangement through Christ makes mercy possible, but it is up to the offended spouse to decide whether to end the marriage or forgive. Resumed sexual relations after being aware of the sin is indicative of extended forgiveness and continued marriage. Matthew 19:9 Jesus says “9 I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the grounds of sexual immorality [or, “fornication”], and marries another commits adultery.” It may be reasonable to believe that Jesus had not only literal fornication in mind, but also spiritual fornication, or a gross violation of true worship, as a legal ground for separation or divorce. Still, “mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13). If a mate is revilingly abusive, for instance, this should be addressed urgently, as it grossly misrepresents the love that God has for the family arrangement. As mercy is extended for a time, help should be offered to overcome such a habit. Hopefully, genuine progress can be made and appreciated, and love restored or strengthened between marriage partners. (1Cori 5:9-11; 1Cori 7:12-16)
Psalm 107:31-34 shows how God can discipline a people leaving Him by withholding His blessing on their land, even causing unproductive soil. Certainly, as Proverbs 10:22 states, “22 It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, And He adds no pain with it.” Notice these verses of Psalms:
“31 Let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loyal love And for his wonderful works in behalf of the sons of men. 32 Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people, And let them praise him in the council of the elders. 33 He turns rivers into a desert And springs of water into parched ground, 34 Fruitful land into salty wasteland, Because of the wickedness of those dwelling in it.”
May we not take for granted God’s blessing, as if we have a right to every benefit just for being alive, or being of a certain race, ethnicity, or nationality, regardless of our practices and ways. It is true righteousness that brings God’s blessing, which is found on the basis of faith in God, His Son, and his ransom sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. This is found with humility and godly fear, as opposed to selfishness and pride, “before a crash.” (Prove 16:18). May we make God’s heart rejoice as we seek His wisdom in our life, finding His blessing. (Prove 27:11).
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Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
