The Favored & The Unfavored

(Encouraged reading: Proverbs 14)

“The king’s favor is toward a wise servant…” Proverbs 14:35a

     Throughout the Proverbs, righteous, upright, wise, and prudent men are looked on with favor from the Lord because they delight in doing what is good and just. They value telling the truth and refraining from idle words. For such it is easy to find knowledge and to perceive hidden things. They know that the convenient, easy, and sometimes seemingly logical step is not always the right one if Christ is not in it. Wrath is not on their tongues or in their actions. They care for the poor and do not care to rub elbows with the rich.

“…but his wrath is against him who causes shame.” Proverbs 14:35b

    Those who are foolish, unwise, wicked, and scoff lack the Lord’s favor. Their actions drive them from all sound and wise counsel. They have a passion for lying and are impulsive in their wrath. They perceive nothing and what is simple always seems best to them; they are self-confident. They hate the poor, though eternally they are poor, and they are quick to make friends with the rich.  

Application:

     In the past few chapters Solomon has spoken heavily on the false and true witness, the treatment of the rich and poor, and the wise and simple. Proverbs 13:5-6: “A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame. Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.”

     Sometimes we can be torn between what we desire, the Spirit says one thing and the flesh another. But, if we ask whether we want the King’s favor or the King’s wrath we will know which choice to make, do so sooner, and have peace.

Prayer:

     Lord, may we live a life reflecting who You are, because when we do we live in Your favor. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.