How to Redeem The Time
July 10, 2019
Commentary
How true it is that “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother” (v. 1). A son marked by wisdom brings joy to his father. This was true of Solomon himself (1 Chron. 22:12; 2 Chron. 1:7–12). Because Solomon asked for wisdom (2 Chron. 1:10), God gave him wisdom, knowledge, riches, wealth, and honor. The righteous may be poor, but the Lord will not allow them to lack what is needed for spiritual life (vv. 2–3). As Scripture says, “The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish” (v. 3). This truth reminds us to trust God daily with humble hearts. It also teaches patience, obedience, and hope during difficult seasons.
We also see the importance of sons and daughters learning to work dil-igently (vv. 4–5). Those who are eager and faithful in their labor and good works (v. 4). But those who waste their opportunities, both now and in the future, will face the results of their choices (v. 5). Blessings rest on those who live uprightly (v. 6). Both the righteous and the wicked will die. Yet there is a great difference between their souls (v. 7). The wise in heart use their knowledge well (v. 8), but careless words will eventually expose the foolish (vv. 8–9). Our daily habits shape our future character and eternal direction. Wisdom grows when discipline shapes choices, speech, and relationships daily.
The value of diligence is also seen in Proverbs 22:29. It is beautifully pictured in Ruth, the Moabitess, who humbly worked among the poor gleaners and was later honored at the right time (Ruth 2–4). Paul also urges believers to “walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Col. 4:5). Faithful effort today prepares us for God’s greater purposes and plans for tomorrow.
Application
Am I choosing wisdom that pleases God, or habits that quietly waste my days? Do my words, work, and attitudes show diligence and faith? What small step can I take now to use my time wisely? I should redeem myself by trusting God, working faithfully, speaking carefully, and using every opportunity to honor Him with joy daily.
Proverbs 10:1–10 (NET)
1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish child is a grief to his mother.
2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord satisfies the appetite of the righteous, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy.
5 The one who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but the one who sleeps during harvest is a shameful son.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the speech of the wicked conceals violence.
7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise person accepts instructions, but the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin.
9 The one who conducts himself in integrity will live securely, but the one who behaves perversely will be found out.
10 The one who winks his eye causes trouble, and the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin.
Time For Life.
According to the authors of a controversial new book entitled Time for Life, the average American has more free time today than at any time. Two time management experts studied the daily routines of Americans over the past thirty years to reach th … Continue