Blows That Hurt Cleanse Away Evil
March 29, 2022
Commentary
There are many ways to get money quickly. You might steal money. You might cheat other people. You might make an evil plan. These methods are all evil. If you do these things, then you will suffer punishments and troubles (v. 21). You should earn money from your work. This is slower than if you steal, but God will be pleased with you because you are honest (v. 22). Sometimes we want to punish people who hurt us. This is not a good attitude. We should forgive people (Rom. 12:17-21). We should even love our enemies (Matt. 5:44). But God will punish evil people if they do not ask God to forgive them. (See Deut. 32:35.) “Diverse weights” refers to the loaded scales a merchant might use to cheat his customers (v. 23). Dishonesty is a difficult sin to avoid. It is easy to cheat if we think no one is looking but it effects the very core of a person.
God directs a man’s life. That is why nobody can understand his own life (v. 24). When you promise to give a gift, think first! Otherwise, later you will be sorry (v. 25). A wise king acts as if evil men are like the wheat harvest. He scatters them, and he drives a wheel over them (v. 26). God sees a man’s spirit, and He can see the man’s secret thoughts (v 27). He knows whether our plans are good or evil. Other people might think that we are good and honest, but God knows the truth. Love and truth protect a king and love will make his government safe (v. 28). The best thing about youth is their strength but grey hair gives honor to old people (v. 29). Their grey hair reminds us about their long lives. Often old people have great wisdom. They are too old to be champions in sport, but they can still be our champions and heroes, because of their wisdom. When a wound hurts, the injured part heals (v. 30). So, a whip punishes and removes evil behavior from a man. Nobody likes pain, but a wound often heals, while it hurts.
Application
I never want to take dishonesty lightly. Even the smallest portion will contain enough poison to kill my Spiritual life. Lord, help me to always be above board and completely honest with everyone.
Proverbs 20:21– 30 (NET)
21 An inheritance gained easily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, “I will pay back evil!” Wait for the Lord, so that he may vindicate you.
23 The Lord abhors differing weights, and dishonest scales are wicked.
24 The steps of a person are ordained by the Lord— so how can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is a snare for a person to rashly cry, “Holy!” and only afterward to consider what he has vowed.
26 A wise king separates out the wicked; he turns the threshing wheel over them.
27 The human spirit is like the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.
28 Loyal love and truth preserve a king, and his throne is upheld by loyal love.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.
30 Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil, and floggings cleanse the innermost being.