9/24/18

Thoughts from Proverbs 24

Proverbs 24:10

¹⁰ If you faint in the day of adversity,
    your strength is small.

What is here?

A. We can expect adversity.

B. There is the possibility of fainting or failing.

C. But there is no necessity of failing.

D. Failing is personal.

E. Seeking and doing what is needed to gain strength is not only desirable but necessary.

Proverbs 24:16

¹⁶ for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
    but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

The righteous are not guaranteed infallibility, but perseverance.

But the wicked are assured that troubles will bring failure.

Proverbs 24:17

¹⁷ Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
    and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,

The prohibition of retaliation extends to the attitude the believer has toward his opponent.

Gloating is not an option.

I personally do not under­stand verse 18.

Proverbs 24:19-20

¹⁹ Fret not yourself because of evildoers,
    and be not envious of the wicked,
²⁰ for the evil man has no future;
    the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

There two reasons we are not to fret.

1. His influence is limited.

2. His life is brief.