WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.280 We are in Proverbs chapter 21. 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:08.220 We ended at verse 2 last week. 00:00:08.300 --> 00:00:10.980 We're going to start there and go all the way to verse 31. 00:00:16.820 --> 00:00:19.760 Let me pray for the reading and preaching of God's Word. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:41.600 Father, we confess that your wisdom often confounds our human wisdom. 00:00:45.519 --> 00:00:54.980 Your grace, your lavish mercy confounds our sense of what should be. 00:00:57.560 --> 00:00:59.539 Because your ways are not our ways. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:07.140 As far as the heavens are higher than the earth, your ways are higher than our ways. 00:01:09.900 --> 00:01:12.819 And so, Lord, we do not approach your Word arrogantly, 00:01:14.680 --> 00:01:16.939 seeking to conform it to our own liking. 00:01:18.379 --> 00:01:19.780 But, Lord, we approach it humbly, 00:01:21.480 --> 00:01:25.039 wanting to submit ourselves to your will, to your kingship. 00:01:25.040 --> 00:01:34.160 So please address us now in the reading and preaching of your Word. 00:01:36.940 --> 00:01:38.780 In Jesus' name we pray. 00:01:39.780 --> 00:01:40.120 Amen. 00:01:40.120 --> 00:01:49.859 Proverbs 21, verses 2 to 31. 00:01:49.859 --> 00:01:56.439 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, 00:01:56.959 --> 00:01:58.819 but the Lord weighs the heart. 00:01:59.840 --> 00:02:01.980 To do righteousness and justice 00:02:01.980 --> 00:02:05.599 is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 00:02:07.019 --> 00:02:09.060 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, 00:02:09.319 --> 00:02:11.079 the lamp of the wicked are sin. 00:02:11.080 --> 00:02:16.020 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, 00:02:16.540 --> 00:02:19.800 but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. 00:02:21.380 --> 00:02:24.420 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue 00:02:24.420 --> 00:02:27.460 is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. 00:02:28.900 --> 00:02:31.680 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away 00:02:31.680 --> 00:02:34.700 because they refuse to do what is just. 00:02:34.699 --> 00:02:37.939 The way of the guilty is crooked, 00:02:38.399 --> 00:02:40.759 but the conduct of the pure is upright. 00:02:42.500 --> 00:02:45.359 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop 00:02:45.359 --> 00:02:47.579 than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. 00:02:48.759 --> 00:02:51.199 The soul of the wicked desires evil. 00:02:52.019 --> 00:02:54.599 His neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 00:02:55.639 --> 00:02:57.379 When a scoffer is punished, 00:02:57.679 --> 00:02:59.239 the simple becomes wise. 00:02:59.879 --> 00:03:01.719 When a wise man is instructed, 00:03:02.060 --> 00:03:02.979 he gains knowledge. 00:03:02.979 --> 00:03:07.000 The righteous one observes the house of the wicked. 00:03:07.739 --> 00:03:09.899 He throws the wicked down to ruin. 00:03:11.719 --> 00:03:14.179 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor 00:03:14.179 --> 00:03:17.859 will himself call out and not be answered. 00:03:19.759 --> 00:03:22.479 A gift in secret averts anger 00:03:22.479 --> 00:03:25.339 and a concealed bribe strong wrath. 00:03:26.859 --> 00:03:28.280 When justice is done, 00:03:28.399 --> 00:03:29.599 it is a joy to the righteous, 00:03:29.879 --> 00:03:31.219 but terror to evildoers. 00:03:31.219 --> 00:03:34.979 One who wanders from the way of good sense 00:03:34.979 --> 00:03:36.840 will rest in the assembly of the dead. 00:03:37.840 --> 00:03:40.259 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man. 00:03:40.759 --> 00:03:43.020 He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 00:03:44.079 --> 00:03:46.079 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous 00:03:46.079 --> 00:03:48.120 and the traitor for the upright. 00:03:49.400 --> 00:03:51.680 It is better to live in a desert land 00:03:51.680 --> 00:03:53.879 than with the quarrelsome and fretful woman. 00:03:53.879 --> 00:03:57.639 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, 00:03:57.900 --> 00:03:59.799 but a foolish man devours it. 00:04:00.759 --> 00:04:03.120 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness 00:04:03.120 --> 00:04:05.919 will find life, righteousness, and honor. 00:04:07.240 --> 00:04:09.680 A wise man scales the city of the mighty 00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:12.419 and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. 00:04:13.099 --> 00:04:15.060 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue 00:04:15.060 --> 00:04:16.740 keeps himself out of trouble. 00:04:16.740 --> 00:04:20.319 Scoffer is the name of the arrogant, 00:04:20.620 --> 00:04:22.800 haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. 00:04:23.759 --> 00:04:25.980 The desire of the sluggard kills him, 00:04:26.699 --> 00:04:28.900 for his hands refuse to labor. 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:32.500 All day long he craves and craves, 00:04:32.740 --> 00:04:35.199 but the righteous gives and does not hold back. 00:04:36.280 --> 00:04:38.519 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination. 00:04:39.199 --> 00:04:42.060 How much more when he brings it with evil intent? 00:04:42.060 --> 00:04:45.379 A false witness will perish, 00:04:45.660 --> 00:04:48.379 but the word of a man who hears will endure. 00:04:49.639 --> 00:04:51.759 A wicked man puts on a bold face, 00:04:52.019 --> 00:04:54.480 but the upright gives thought to his ways. 00:04:55.360 --> 00:04:57.340 No wisdom, no understanding, 00:04:57.579 --> 00:05:00.199 no counsel can avail against the Lord. 00:05:01.100 --> 00:05:03.360 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:06.480 but the victory belongs to the Lord. 00:05:07.420 --> 00:05:09.399 God's holy and authoritative word. 00:05:09.399 --> 00:05:14.120 Justice is a buzzword nowadays. 00:05:15.299 --> 00:05:18.079 Using Google Books and Graham Viewer, 00:05:18.679 --> 00:05:20.399 you can search for words or phrases 00:05:20.399 --> 00:05:23.079 from over 25 million of their digitized books 00:05:23.079 --> 00:05:24.959 to analyze trends. 00:05:25.839 --> 00:05:28.259 And if you search for the phrase social justice, 00:05:28.939 --> 00:05:31.620 you see steady growth in the use of the phrase 00:05:31.620 --> 00:05:32.959 starting in the 20th century, 00:05:33.959 --> 00:05:36.959 with sharp exponential growth happening 00:05:36.959 --> 00:05:39.779 starting in around 2000, 2004. 00:05:41.180 --> 00:05:43.560 And using LexisNexis, 00:05:43.599 --> 00:05:44.459 that's the name of a company, 00:05:44.639 --> 00:05:45.199 their database, 00:05:45.439 --> 00:05:47.799 which has over 82 billion legal 00:05:47.799 --> 00:05:49.639 and public records related documents, 00:05:50.099 --> 00:05:52.899 you can do a similar search of popular publications 00:05:52.899 --> 00:05:53.939 like the New York Times, 00:05:54.000 --> 00:05:56.639 which yields very similar results. 00:05:57.919 --> 00:05:59.939 Between 2000 and 2020, 00:06:00.240 --> 00:06:01.179 the number of articles 00:06:01.180 --> 00:06:03.240 mentioning the phrase social justice 00:06:03.240 --> 00:06:07.360 spiked from about 170 a year 00:06:07.360 --> 00:06:09.600 to 800 per year. 00:06:11.860 --> 00:06:14.000 And you see the same exponential growth 00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:16.519 with other often associated phrases 00:06:16.519 --> 00:06:17.800 such as white privilege, 00:06:18.379 --> 00:06:20.040 male privilege, etc. 00:06:21.340 --> 00:06:24.139 Some pundits call this the great awokening. 00:06:24.139 --> 00:06:29.039 Now, justice is undoubtedly a hot issue, 00:06:29.599 --> 00:06:31.959 but what exactly is justice? 00:06:33.639 --> 00:06:35.139 Everybody seems to agree 00:06:35.139 --> 00:06:36.779 that justice is a good thing, 00:06:37.259 --> 00:06:39.419 but people disagree vehemently 00:06:39.419 --> 00:06:41.240 about what it should look like 00:06:41.240 --> 00:06:43.659 and how it should be attained. 00:06:44.959 --> 00:06:47.939 How should a Christian think about justice? 00:06:49.219 --> 00:06:51.800 What does it look like for the Christian 00:06:51.800 --> 00:06:53.780 as we are commanded to do 00:06:53.780 --> 00:06:55.480 in Micah 6, verse 8, 00:06:55.840 --> 00:06:58.639 to do justice and to love kindness 00:06:58.639 --> 00:07:01.340 and to walk humbly with our God? 00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:05.060 Our passage for today 00:07:05.060 --> 00:07:07.240 answers some of those questions for us. 00:07:07.840 --> 00:07:09.060 And its main point is this, 00:07:09.100 --> 00:07:12.000 that we should do righteousness and justice 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:15.580 trusting that God will fight on our behalf. 00:07:17.080 --> 00:07:19.680 First, we see the sacrifice of the righteous 00:07:19.680 --> 00:07:20.920 in verses 2 to 8, 00:07:20.920 --> 00:07:22.900 the ransom for the righteous 00:07:22.900 --> 00:07:24.580 in verses 9 to 18, 00:07:24.900 --> 00:07:27.020 and finally the reward of the righteous 00:07:27.020 --> 00:07:28.720 in verses 19 to 31. 00:07:29.600 --> 00:07:34.000 This passage begins with a twofold mention 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:35.980 of the Lord in verses 2 to 3 00:07:35.980 --> 00:07:38.580 and verses 30 to 31. 00:07:38.759 --> 00:07:40.200 The book ends the passage 00:07:40.200 --> 00:07:42.920 showing God's sovereignty over this entire thing 00:07:43.680 --> 00:07:47.660 of justice, of human society, over it. 00:07:47.660 --> 00:07:49.480 And it says in verses 2 to 3, 00:07:49.580 --> 00:07:52.000 every way of a man is right in his own eyes, 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:53.880 but the Lord weighs the heart. 00:07:54.800 --> 00:07:56.900 To do righteousness and justice 00:07:56.900 --> 00:07:58.960 is more acceptable to the Lord 00:07:58.960 --> 00:08:00.400 than sacrifice. 00:08:01.740 --> 00:08:04.640 Immediately, this sets off a sharp distinction 00:08:05.320 --> 00:08:07.780 between the biblical understanding of justice 00:08:07.780 --> 00:08:10.280 and our cultural understanding of justice. 00:08:11.879 --> 00:08:13.260 Righteousness and justice 00:08:13.259 --> 00:08:17.120 are not standards that are determined by man. 00:08:18.639 --> 00:08:20.139 It's determined by God. 00:08:21.180 --> 00:08:21.620 Why? 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:23.259 Because every way of a man 00:08:23.259 --> 00:08:24.779 is right in his own eyes. 00:08:26.099 --> 00:08:27.939 In our community group this past Friday, 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:29.519 we talked about how this proverb 00:08:29.519 --> 00:08:33.159 reminded us of the refrain in the book of Judges, 00:08:33.720 --> 00:08:34.840 that in those days, 00:08:34.939 --> 00:08:36.639 there was no king in Israel. 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:40.080 Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 00:08:41.659 --> 00:08:43.000 This is the consequence 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:45.019 whenever a sinful human being 00:08:45.019 --> 00:08:47.480 refuses to submit to Christ the King. 00:08:48.360 --> 00:08:49.960 Every man for himself. 00:08:51.179 --> 00:08:52.399 A sinful human being 00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:55.299 is incapable of correctly defining 00:08:55.299 --> 00:08:56.860 righteousness and justice 00:08:56.860 --> 00:08:58.879 because he is too prideful. 00:08:59.419 --> 00:09:01.120 He is too self-righteous. 00:09:01.860 --> 00:09:03.539 He is too biased toward himself. 00:09:03.539 --> 00:09:06.459 Only the Lord who weighs the heart 00:09:06.459 --> 00:09:08.199 can be the true judge. 00:09:08.679 --> 00:09:10.839 Only he can be the arbiter of justice. 00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:14.599 This reality runs contrary to popular opinion 00:09:14.599 --> 00:09:17.699 because we live in a functionally atheistic society 00:09:17.699 --> 00:09:19.399 that tries to untether 00:09:19.399 --> 00:09:22.000 its ethical system from God's law. 00:09:23.439 --> 00:09:26.259 Once you lose that vertical accountability to God, 00:09:26.779 --> 00:09:28.980 what God says is right and just, 00:09:29.319 --> 00:09:30.839 once you're untethered from that, 00:09:30.840 --> 00:09:32.460 then all you have left 00:09:32.460 --> 00:09:34.100 is horizontal accountability. 00:09:35.540 --> 00:09:37.660 You should do no harm to other people. 00:09:39.139 --> 00:09:41.180 So then, to give you an example, 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:44.000 the entire realm of sexual ethics, for example, 00:09:44.820 --> 00:09:46.620 gets reduced to consent. 00:09:49.259 --> 00:09:50.620 In this context, 00:09:50.740 --> 00:09:51.860 there is no higher law 00:09:51.860 --> 00:09:53.240 by which people can say 00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:54.580 fornication 00:09:54.580 --> 00:09:56.840 or homosexual relations 00:09:56.840 --> 00:09:58.060 or adultery 00:09:58.059 --> 00:09:59.419 or pornography 00:09:59.419 --> 00:10:00.619 is immoral. 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:02.479 There's no basis for that. 00:10:03.939 --> 00:10:05.000 No one can say 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:06.279 that that is sin 00:10:06.279 --> 00:10:07.699 because God has been removed 00:10:07.699 --> 00:10:08.359 from the picture. 00:10:08.659 --> 00:10:09.979 All they can ask is, 00:10:10.139 --> 00:10:11.159 was it consensual? 00:10:13.119 --> 00:10:14.759 Did your boyfriend or girlfriend 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:15.699 consent to it? 00:10:16.579 --> 00:10:17.139 Well then, 00:10:17.379 --> 00:10:18.179 it's fine 00:10:18.179 --> 00:10:19.019 even if you're not married. 00:10:20.559 --> 00:10:22.199 Did the other man or woman 00:10:22.199 --> 00:10:24.099 consent to the same-sex relationship? 00:10:24.100 --> 00:10:25.560 Well then, 00:10:25.920 --> 00:10:26.779 it's fine 00:10:26.779 --> 00:10:27.159 because 00:10:27.159 --> 00:10:28.920 you get to choose 00:10:28.920 --> 00:10:29.940 whomever you want to love. 00:10:31.100 --> 00:10:32.860 Did your husband or wife 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:33.820 consent to it? 00:10:34.440 --> 00:10:34.820 Well then, 00:10:34.879 --> 00:10:35.659 it's not adultery. 00:10:35.759 --> 00:10:36.720 That's an open marriage. 00:10:38.420 --> 00:10:40.000 Was the pornography marriage, 00:10:40.180 --> 00:10:41.460 the pornography video rather, 00:10:41.840 --> 00:10:42.700 legally produced 00:10:42.700 --> 00:10:43.320 and distributed 00:10:43.320 --> 00:10:44.399 with the consent 00:10:44.399 --> 00:10:45.680 of all the individuals 00:10:45.680 --> 00:10:46.500 involved in it? 00:10:47.240 --> 00:10:47.820 Well then, 00:10:48.259 --> 00:10:49.980 there's nothing wrong with it. 00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:51.259 It's just business. 00:10:51.259 --> 00:10:54.899 This is a woefully inadequate 00:10:54.899 --> 00:10:56.639 and unreliable 00:10:56.639 --> 00:10:57.559 standard of ethics. 00:10:58.720 --> 00:10:59.620 It is the Lord, 00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:00.860 not man, 00:11:01.200 --> 00:11:02.700 that sets the standard 00:11:02.700 --> 00:11:03.419 for righteousness 00:11:03.419 --> 00:11:04.639 and justice. 00:11:05.740 --> 00:11:06.759 Verse 3 says, 00:11:06.939 --> 00:11:07.879 To do righteousness 00:11:07.879 --> 00:11:08.679 and justice 00:11:08.679 --> 00:11:10.200 is more acceptable 00:11:10.200 --> 00:11:10.980 to the Lord 00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:12.200 than sacrifice. 00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:13.860 The words 00:11:13.860 --> 00:11:14.360 righteousness 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:15.159 and justice 00:11:15.159 --> 00:11:17.000 are often paired together 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:17.799 and have some 00:11:17.799 --> 00:11:18.819 overlap in meaning. 00:11:19.360 --> 00:11:20.179 But with the risk 00:11:20.179 --> 00:11:21.220 of oversimplification, 00:11:21.259 --> 00:11:21.939 one can say 00:11:21.939 --> 00:11:22.740 that righteousness 00:11:22.740 --> 00:11:24.679 refers to right living 00:11:24.679 --> 00:11:26.080 and justice 00:11:26.080 --> 00:11:28.039 refers to fair judgment. 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:30.399 Deuteronomy 6, 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:31.439 verse 25 says, 00:11:31.580 --> 00:11:32.059 And it will be 00:11:32.059 --> 00:11:33.539 righteousness for us 00:11:33.539 --> 00:11:35.019 if we are careful 00:11:35.019 --> 00:11:36.899 to do all this commandment 00:11:36.899 --> 00:11:38.179 before the Lord our God 00:11:38.179 --> 00:11:39.340 as He has commanded us. 00:11:40.039 --> 00:11:40.759 So righteousness 00:11:40.759 --> 00:11:42.340 entails living 00:11:42.340 --> 00:11:43.059 in accordance 00:11:43.059 --> 00:11:44.299 with God's commands. 00:11:45.799 --> 00:11:46.919 Deuteronomy 16, 00:11:47.179 --> 00:11:48.179 verses 19-20 00:11:48.179 --> 00:11:49.059 defines the word 00:11:49.059 --> 00:11:50.379 justice this way. 00:11:50.379 --> 00:11:51.899 You shall not 00:11:51.899 --> 00:11:53.179 pervert justice. 00:11:53.919 --> 00:11:54.840 You shall not 00:11:54.840 --> 00:11:56.240 show partiality. 00:11:56.740 --> 00:11:57.519 And you shall not 00:11:57.519 --> 00:11:58.659 accept a bribe, 00:11:58.740 --> 00:11:59.820 for bribe blinds 00:11:59.820 --> 00:12:00.820 the eyes of the wise 00:12:00.820 --> 00:12:01.600 and subverts 00:12:01.600 --> 00:12:02.679 the cause of the righteous. 00:12:03.539 --> 00:12:04.139 Justice, 00:12:04.600 --> 00:12:05.840 only justice, 00:12:06.279 --> 00:12:07.340 you shall follow. 00:12:08.340 --> 00:12:09.820 So justice entails 00:12:09.820 --> 00:12:11.039 judging everyone, 00:12:11.460 --> 00:12:13.080 whether they're rich 00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:13.720 or poor, 00:12:14.159 --> 00:12:15.320 man or a woman, 00:12:15.659 --> 00:12:16.759 strong or weak, 00:12:16.759 --> 00:12:18.120 white or black, 00:12:18.659 --> 00:12:20.519 on their own merits 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:21.860 rather than 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:23.039 showing partiality. 00:12:24.720 --> 00:12:26.460 It means to give people 00:12:26.460 --> 00:12:27.919 what is their rightful due. 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:31.100 That's why in Genesis 18-25, 00:12:31.220 --> 00:12:32.460 Abraham reasons with God 00:12:32.460 --> 00:12:32.939 this way, 00:12:33.299 --> 00:12:34.379 Far be from you 00:12:34.379 --> 00:12:35.439 to do such a thing 00:12:35.439 --> 00:12:36.399 to put the righteous 00:12:36.399 --> 00:12:37.220 to death 00:12:37.220 --> 00:12:38.159 with the wicked, 00:12:38.620 --> 00:12:39.740 so that the righteous 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:41.059 fare as the wicked. 00:12:41.399 --> 00:12:42.600 Far be that from you. 00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:44.720 Shall not the judge 00:12:44.720 --> 00:12:45.420 of all the earth 00:12:45.420 --> 00:12:47.100 do what is just? 00:12:48.060 --> 00:12:49.100 To do what is just 00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:49.860 is to give people 00:12:49.860 --> 00:12:50.639 what is their due. 00:12:51.399 --> 00:12:52.840 To punish the righteous 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:53.759 along with the wicked 00:12:53.759 --> 00:12:55.519 would be an injustice 00:12:55.519 --> 00:12:56.899 because it's not 00:12:56.899 --> 00:12:57.519 judging people 00:12:57.519 --> 00:12:58.940 fairly based on their merits. 00:12:59.800 --> 00:13:00.519 We'll unpack 00:13:00.519 --> 00:13:01.519 these two terms further 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:02.340 in the following verses, 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:02.960 but these are 00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:04.620 good working definitions 00:13:04.620 --> 00:13:05.120 for now 00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:05.920 to understand 00:13:05.920 --> 00:13:07.200 what this means. 00:13:07.279 --> 00:13:07.980 In verse 3, 00:13:08.379 --> 00:13:09.519 to do righteousness 00:13:09.519 --> 00:13:10.580 and justice 00:13:10.580 --> 00:13:12.620 is more acceptable 00:13:12.620 --> 00:13:13.440 to the Lord 00:13:13.440 --> 00:13:14.700 than sacrifice. 00:13:16.020 --> 00:13:17.820 This comparative construction 00:13:17.820 --> 00:13:18.879 takes something 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:19.540 that is otherwise 00:13:19.540 --> 00:13:20.639 considered good, 00:13:21.020 --> 00:13:22.300 in this case sacrifice, 00:13:22.780 --> 00:13:23.980 and compares it 00:13:23.980 --> 00:13:24.420 to something 00:13:24.420 --> 00:13:25.980 that is even better, 00:13:26.879 --> 00:13:27.300 righteousness 00:13:27.300 --> 00:13:28.840 and justice, 00:13:29.200 --> 00:13:30.259 in order to emphasize 00:13:30.259 --> 00:13:31.560 just how important 00:13:31.560 --> 00:13:32.840 that really is. 00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:35.180 Sacrifice is not unimportant. 00:13:36.040 --> 00:13:37.420 It is commanded by God, 00:13:37.480 --> 00:13:38.220 as we see clearly 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:40.040 in Leviticus chapters 1-7. 00:13:40.580 --> 00:13:42.200 But to do righteousness 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:43.200 and justice 00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:44.780 is more acceptable 00:13:44.780 --> 00:13:45.460 to the Lord 00:13:45.460 --> 00:13:47.220 than even sacrifice. 00:13:48.259 --> 00:13:49.200 And this truth, 00:13:49.340 --> 00:13:51.440 this is not an isolated incident, 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:53.980 this truth echoes 00:13:53.980 --> 00:13:55.360 again and again 00:13:55.360 --> 00:13:56.680 throughout many pages 00:13:56.680 --> 00:13:57.200 of Scripture. 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:01.160 God does not care 00:14:01.160 --> 00:14:02.900 for empty rituals 00:14:02.900 --> 00:14:05.259 devoid of sincere devotion. 00:14:05.259 --> 00:14:08.519 God does not care 00:14:08.519 --> 00:14:09.240 for worship 00:14:09.240 --> 00:14:10.939 without obedience. 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:14.240 That you are joining us 00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:14.879 this Sunday, 00:14:15.279 --> 00:14:16.279 whether here in person 00:14:16.279 --> 00:14:16.819 or virtually, 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:18.299 is a good thing. 00:14:18.879 --> 00:14:19.960 It is commendable. 00:14:20.740 --> 00:14:21.860 God commands it. 00:14:22.439 --> 00:14:23.580 And it's indispensable 00:14:23.580 --> 00:14:24.639 for your perseverance 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:25.319 and faith. 00:14:26.319 --> 00:14:27.840 But is the rest 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:28.559 of your life, 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:30.700 Monday through Saturday, 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:33.279 consistent with the faith 00:14:33.279 --> 00:14:34.539 that you profess? 00:14:36.459 --> 00:14:37.980 Does your day-to-day life 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:39.000 bear out the truth 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:39.839 that you sing 00:14:39.839 --> 00:14:40.980 on Sunday morning 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:42.100 during the worship service? 00:14:43.659 --> 00:14:45.259 If people were to observe 00:14:45.259 --> 00:14:46.100 your life, 00:14:46.159 --> 00:14:47.059 would they conclude 00:14:47.059 --> 00:14:48.839 that you love God 00:14:48.839 --> 00:14:50.199 with your whole heart? 00:14:50.899 --> 00:14:51.980 Would they even know 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:52.860 that you are a Christian? 00:14:54.620 --> 00:14:56.860 Verse 27 escalates this further. 00:14:56.860 --> 00:14:58.360 The sacrifice of the wicked 00:14:58.360 --> 00:14:59.659 is an abomination. 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:01.340 How much more 00:15:01.340 --> 00:15:02.100 when he brings it 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:03.220 with evil intent? 00:15:04.039 --> 00:15:04.820 Why do you, 00:15:04.899 --> 00:15:07.240 it's helpful to ask, 00:15:07.680 --> 00:15:08.800 why do the wicked 00:15:08.800 --> 00:15:09.419 even bother 00:15:09.419 --> 00:15:10.320 to bring a sacrifice 00:15:10.320 --> 00:15:10.840 to God? 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:13.659 They do it 00:15:13.659 --> 00:15:14.840 to preserve 00:15:14.840 --> 00:15:15.560 a sense, 00:15:16.120 --> 00:15:16.899 a semblance 00:15:16.899 --> 00:15:17.620 of piety 00:15:17.620 --> 00:15:18.820 and respectability. 00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:20.680 They do it 00:15:20.680 --> 00:15:21.240 to maintain 00:15:21.240 --> 00:15:22.620 their own credibility 00:15:22.620 --> 00:15:24.000 in order to advance 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:25.460 further their evil agenda. 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:27.940 But the Lord 00:15:27.940 --> 00:15:28.840 abominates 00:15:28.840 --> 00:15:29.980 such sacrifice. 00:15:31.060 --> 00:15:31.920 He rejects 00:15:31.920 --> 00:15:33.000 hypocritical worship. 00:15:34.100 --> 00:15:34.879 God cannot be 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:35.820 any more emphatic 00:15:35.820 --> 00:15:37.600 than Amos chapter 5 00:15:37.600 --> 00:15:39.040 verses 21 to 24. 00:15:39.540 --> 00:15:40.540 I hate, 00:15:41.259 --> 00:15:42.420 I despise 00:15:42.420 --> 00:15:43.120 your feasts 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:44.759 and I take no delight 00:15:44.759 --> 00:15:46.120 in your solemn assemblies. 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:47.460 Even though you offer me 00:15:47.460 --> 00:15:48.460 your burnt offerings 00:15:48.460 --> 00:15:49.280 and grain offerings, 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:50.540 I will not accept them. 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:51.960 And the peace offerings 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:52.900 of your fat animals, 00:15:52.980 --> 00:15:54.320 I will not look upon them. 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:55.879 Take away from me 00:15:55.879 --> 00:15:57.240 the noise of your songs 00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:58.080 to the melody 00:15:58.080 --> 00:15:58.740 of your harps, 00:15:58.760 --> 00:15:59.820 I will not listen. 00:16:00.200 --> 00:16:01.440 But let justice 00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:03.060 roll down like waters 00:16:03.060 --> 00:16:04.280 and righteousness 00:16:04.280 --> 00:16:06.680 like an ever-flowing stream. 00:16:08.600 --> 00:16:10.460 Are you living rightly 00:16:10.460 --> 00:16:11.740 in your relationship 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:12.840 with God and man? 00:16:13.600 --> 00:16:15.440 Are you judging fairly 00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:16.500 and giving people 00:16:16.500 --> 00:16:18.500 what is their rightful due? 00:16:20.280 --> 00:16:21.680 According to Jesus, 00:16:21.820 --> 00:16:22.740 even in the New Testament, 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:24.039 Mark chapter 12 verse 33, 00:16:24.159 --> 00:16:25.139 to love God 00:16:25.139 --> 00:16:26.279 with all of your heart, 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:27.580 with all the understanding 00:16:27.580 --> 00:16:28.560 and with all the strength 00:16:28.560 --> 00:16:29.940 and to love one's neighbor 00:16:29.940 --> 00:16:30.639 as oneself 00:16:30.639 --> 00:16:32.460 is much more 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:34.759 than all whole burnt offerings 00:16:34.759 --> 00:16:35.680 and sacrifices. 00:16:38.180 --> 00:16:39.240 You may have 00:16:39.240 --> 00:16:41.259 a faith, sure, 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:42.379 but is there love 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:43.480 and good works 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:44.560 to accompany it? 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.740 Do you love your neighbors 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:48.700 enough to serve them, 00:16:49.100 --> 00:16:50.180 to share the gospel 00:16:50.179 --> 00:16:50.979 of Jesus Christ 00:16:50.979 --> 00:16:51.399 with them? 00:16:52.599 --> 00:16:53.719 Is your work 00:16:53.719 --> 00:16:55.279 characterized by integrity? 00:16:57.139 --> 00:16:58.479 Is your spending 00:16:58.479 --> 00:16:59.979 characterized by generosity? 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:04.359 Are your relationships 00:17:04.359 --> 00:17:05.960 characterized by selflessness? 00:17:07.579 --> 00:17:09.779 God cares intensely 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:12.240 about how you live. 00:17:12.899 --> 00:17:13.899 God is jealous 00:17:13.899 --> 00:17:15.139 that you love Him 00:17:15.139 --> 00:17:16.119 with your whole heart. 00:17:16.119 --> 00:17:17.879 God insists 00:17:17.879 --> 00:17:20.179 on your total allegiance. 00:17:22.199 --> 00:17:22.859 The sacrifice 00:17:22.859 --> 00:17:23.739 of the righteous 00:17:23.739 --> 00:17:24.559 is not merely 00:17:24.559 --> 00:17:25.699 a cultic thing. 00:17:26.079 --> 00:17:26.699 It entails 00:17:26.699 --> 00:17:27.439 an ethic. 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:29.439 That's why Romans 12 verse 1 00:17:29.439 --> 00:17:29.659 says, 00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:30.459 I appeal to you, 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:30.659 therefore, 00:17:30.819 --> 00:17:31.059 brothers, 00:17:31.139 --> 00:17:32.239 by the mercies of God 00:17:32.239 --> 00:17:33.599 to present your bodies 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:35.259 as a living sacrifice, 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:36.579 holy and acceptable 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:37.179 to God, 00:17:37.519 --> 00:17:38.339 which is your 00:17:38.339 --> 00:17:39.959 spiritual worship. 00:17:42.419 --> 00:17:42.859 Then, 00:17:43.259 --> 00:17:43.979 Solomon gives 00:17:43.980 --> 00:17:45.759 some specific examples 00:17:45.759 --> 00:17:47.099 of this in verses 4 to 8. 00:17:47.779 --> 00:17:48.460 Verse 4 says, 00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:49.220 Haughty eyes 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:50.220 and a proud heart, 00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:51.779 the lamp of the wicked, 00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:53.059 are sin. 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:55.319 Like verse 2, 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:56.720 this verse also mentions 00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:58.019 the eyes and the heart. 00:17:58.980 --> 00:17:59.480 And earlier, 00:17:59.900 --> 00:18:01.140 in Proverbs 20, 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:01.900 verse 17, 00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:02.579 it mentioned 00:18:02.579 --> 00:18:03.779 the spirit of man 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:05.140 as the lamp 00:18:05.140 --> 00:18:05.819 of the Lord. 00:18:06.339 --> 00:18:06.980 That God, 00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:08.059 to God, 00:18:08.140 --> 00:18:08.779 even the inner, 00:18:08.920 --> 00:18:10.079 the hidden inner person, 00:18:10.400 --> 00:18:11.319 the spirit of man 00:18:11.319 --> 00:18:12.279 is illuminated. 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:13.399 He uses it 00:18:13.399 --> 00:18:13.859 to search 00:18:13.859 --> 00:18:14.839 our innermost parts. 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:16.139 So this verse 00:18:16.139 --> 00:18:16.700 is continuing 00:18:16.700 --> 00:18:17.399 that imagery. 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:18.139 It's saying that 00:18:18.139 --> 00:18:19.359 the God who exposes 00:18:19.359 --> 00:18:20.519 the spirit of the wicked, 00:18:21.019 --> 00:18:21.879 the God who weighs 00:18:21.879 --> 00:18:22.660 the proud heart, 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:23.519 the God who sees 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:24.359 the haughty eyes, 00:18:24.720 --> 00:18:25.460 denounces them 00:18:25.460 --> 00:18:26.559 altogether as sin. 00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:27.920 Something that misses 00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:28.519 the mark, 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:29.339 the standard that He 00:18:29.339 --> 00:18:30.200 has set for us 00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:30.660 to meet. 00:18:33.019 --> 00:18:33.960 Those with haughty eyes 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:34.899 and a proud heart 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:36.000 forsake righteousness 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:36.700 and justice. 00:18:37.619 --> 00:18:38.220 This is evident 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:38.899 in their greed. 00:18:39.160 --> 00:18:40.339 Look at verses 5 to 6 00:18:40.339 --> 00:18:40.720 with me. 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:42.779 The plans of the diligent 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:44.140 lead surely to abundance, 00:18:44.579 --> 00:18:45.920 but everyone who is hasty 00:18:45.920 --> 00:18:47.420 comes only to poverty. 00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:49.720 The getting of treasures 00:18:49.720 --> 00:18:51.039 by a lying tongue 00:18:51.039 --> 00:18:52.600 is a fleeting vapor 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:54.400 and a snare of death. 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:56.220 Here we see 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:57.019 that the righteous 00:18:57.019 --> 00:18:58.079 are diligent 00:18:58.079 --> 00:18:59.120 and that the wicked 00:18:59.120 --> 00:19:00.259 are hasty 00:19:00.259 --> 00:19:00.839 in their attempt 00:19:00.839 --> 00:19:01.600 to gain wealth, 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:02.920 which reveals 00:19:02.920 --> 00:19:03.559 their greed. 00:19:04.579 --> 00:19:05.279 They are willing 00:19:05.279 --> 00:19:06.220 to take shortcuts. 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:07.279 They are willing 00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:08.259 to cheat others. 00:19:09.140 --> 00:19:09.559 They are because 00:19:09.559 --> 00:19:10.119 they believe 00:19:10.119 --> 00:19:10.899 that the end 00:19:10.899 --> 00:19:12.200 justifies the means. 00:19:12.839 --> 00:19:14.119 So they get treasures 00:19:14.119 --> 00:19:15.399 by a lying tongue, 00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:16.839 but this is ultimately, 00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:18.279 this passage teaches us, 00:19:18.379 --> 00:19:18.960 futile 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:21.240 because of God's justice. 00:19:22.440 --> 00:19:23.299 Whoever is quick 00:19:23.299 --> 00:19:24.299 to breathe out lies 00:19:24.299 --> 00:19:24.859 in order to gain 00:19:24.859 --> 00:19:26.099 an advantage over others 00:19:26.099 --> 00:19:26.859 will learn that 00:19:26.859 --> 00:19:27.539 their wealth 00:19:27.539 --> 00:19:28.659 is but a breath, 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:30.700 a fleeting vapor 00:19:30.700 --> 00:19:31.339 that vanishes 00:19:31.339 --> 00:19:31.879 in a moment. 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.639 He comes only 00:19:33.639 --> 00:19:34.220 to poverty 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:34.919 and gets caught 00:19:34.919 --> 00:19:36.240 in a snare of death 00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:36.779 in contrast 00:19:36.779 --> 00:19:37.559 to the righteous 00:19:37.559 --> 00:19:38.279 who, 00:19:38.799 --> 00:19:39.639 through patient 00:19:39.639 --> 00:19:40.460 diligence, 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:42.319 not hasty schemes, 00:19:42.559 --> 00:19:43.379 arrives at wealth. 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:46.160 Verses 7 to 8 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:47.039 continue this theme 00:19:47.039 --> 00:19:47.859 of divine retribution. 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:48.440 The violence 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:48.940 of the wicked 00:19:48.940 --> 00:19:50.160 will sweep them away 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:51.379 because they refuse 00:19:51.379 --> 00:19:52.660 to do what is just. 00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:54.200 The way of the guilty 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:54.700 is crooked, 00:19:54.839 --> 00:19:55.440 but the conduct 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:56.139 of the pure 00:19:56.139 --> 00:19:56.839 is upright. 00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:58.259 Though the wicked 00:19:58.259 --> 00:19:59.319 do violence 00:19:59.319 --> 00:19:59.980 to others, 00:20:00.339 --> 00:20:01.240 in order to get 00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:01.819 their way, 00:20:01.819 --> 00:20:03.500 in God's poetic justice, 00:20:03.680 --> 00:20:04.660 they will be undone 00:20:04.660 --> 00:20:06.279 by their own violence. 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:08.600 As all of you know, 00:20:09.380 --> 00:20:10.560 the shortest distance 00:20:10.560 --> 00:20:11.900 between two points 00:20:11.900 --> 00:20:13.300 is a straight line. 00:20:14.600 --> 00:20:15.320 Though the guilty 00:20:15.320 --> 00:20:17.320 try to take shortcuts, 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:19.820 their way is crooked, 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:21.480 so they end up 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:22.880 going the long way around 00:20:22.880 --> 00:20:24.160 and in fact 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:25.519 never arrive 00:20:25.519 --> 00:20:26.259 at their destination. 00:20:27.420 --> 00:20:28.259 In contrast, 00:20:28.440 --> 00:20:28.920 the conduct 00:20:28.920 --> 00:20:29.680 of the pure 00:20:29.680 --> 00:20:30.720 is upright. 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:31.800 It's literally 00:20:31.800 --> 00:20:32.460 straight. 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:34.259 They are the ones 00:20:34.259 --> 00:20:34.879 who will prosper 00:20:34.879 --> 00:20:35.339 in the end. 00:20:37.920 --> 00:20:38.619 And then in verses 00:20:38.619 --> 00:20:39.460 9 to 18, 00:20:39.599 --> 00:20:40.700 Solomon talks about 00:20:40.700 --> 00:20:41.879 the ruin of the wicked 00:20:41.879 --> 00:20:42.920 and how they will become 00:20:42.920 --> 00:20:43.539 the ransom 00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:44.299 for the righteous. 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:46.680 But between these sections, 00:20:46.799 --> 00:20:48.599 we find an unexpected verse. 00:20:50.059 --> 00:20:50.900 Verse 9 says, 00:20:51.259 --> 00:20:52.299 It is better to live 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:52.900 in a corner 00:20:52.900 --> 00:20:53.900 of the housetop 00:20:53.900 --> 00:20:54.900 than in a house 00:20:54.900 --> 00:20:55.500 shared with 00:20:55.500 --> 00:20:56.440 a quarrelsome wife. 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:59.359 This same surprising thing 00:20:59.359 --> 00:21:00.220 happens between 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.299 the next two sections 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:02.339 of this passage as well. 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:04.160 It says in verse 19, 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:05.180 It is better 00:21:05.180 --> 00:21:06.400 to live in a desert land 00:21:06.400 --> 00:21:07.279 than with a quarrelsome 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:08.160 and fretful woman. 00:21:08.859 --> 00:21:09.599 And these verses, 00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:10.379 if you're like me 00:21:10.379 --> 00:21:11.119 and you're just reading 00:21:11.119 --> 00:21:11.559 through it, 00:21:11.660 --> 00:21:13.000 come out of the blue, 00:21:13.099 --> 00:21:13.440 don't they? 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:14.839 Like, what in the world 00:21:14.839 --> 00:21:15.859 is going on? 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:19.019 What does this have to do 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:19.660 with righteousness 00:21:19.660 --> 00:21:20.339 and justice? 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:21.279 That's the theme 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:22.000 of this passage. 00:21:23.879 --> 00:21:24.720 One of the most 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.819 prominent metaphors 00:21:25.819 --> 00:21:26.559 in this book, 00:21:26.599 --> 00:21:27.519 in the book of Proverbs, 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:29.079 is that of the woman 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:30.000 or the wife 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:31.319 as a personification 00:21:31.319 --> 00:21:32.220 of either 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:33.779 wisdom or folly. 00:21:34.679 --> 00:21:35.319 So, for example, 00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:37.179 in Proverbs 8.35, 00:21:37.439 --> 00:21:38.399 Lady Wisdom says, 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:40.039 Whoever finds me 00:21:40.039 --> 00:21:41.299 finds life 00:21:41.299 --> 00:21:42.240 and obtains favor 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:42.960 from the Lord. 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.980 And this was paralleled 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:45.399 as we saw 00:21:45.399 --> 00:21:46.200 in chapter 18, 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:46.859 verse 22. 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:48.159 He who finds a wife 00:21:48.159 --> 00:21:49.539 finds a good thing 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:50.500 and obtains favor 00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:51.179 from the Lord. 00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:52.419 So often, 00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:53.379 literary units 00:21:53.379 --> 00:21:54.359 within Proverbs 00:21:54.359 --> 00:21:56.039 begin with an exhortation 00:21:56.039 --> 00:21:56.879 to listen to 00:21:56.880 --> 00:21:58.420 or find wisdom. 00:21:58.940 --> 00:21:59.640 And sometimes, 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:00.740 that's substituted 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:01.700 by Proverbs 00:22:01.700 --> 00:22:02.740 about the wife 00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:05.380 as the organizing principle. 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.380 Solomon's doing 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:08.240 the same thing here. 00:22:08.600 --> 00:22:09.620 The comparison format 00:22:09.620 --> 00:22:11.240 of verses 9 and 19 00:22:11.240 --> 00:22:12.480 bring to mind 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:13.160 the comparison 00:22:13.160 --> 00:22:14.160 of verse 3, 00:22:14.680 --> 00:22:15.340 which began 00:22:15.340 --> 00:22:16.120 the first section 00:22:16.120 --> 00:22:16.800 of this chapter. 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:18.160 To do righteousness 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:18.900 and justice 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:19.960 is better, 00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:21.380 is more acceptable 00:22:21.380 --> 00:22:22.580 to the Lord 00:22:22.580 --> 00:22:23.460 than sacrifice. 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:25.220 It is better 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:25.780 to live 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:26.399 in a corner 00:22:26.399 --> 00:22:27.440 of a housetop 00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:27.980 than in a house 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:29.079 shared with a quarrelsome wife. 00:22:29.119 --> 00:22:29.779 It is better 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.480 to live 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.279 in a desert land 00:22:31.279 --> 00:22:32.019 than with a quarrelsome 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:32.859 and fretful woman. 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:35.279 Even though Proverbs 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:36.339 speaks repeatedly 00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:37.059 of the fact 00:22:37.059 --> 00:22:38.039 that it is a good thing 00:22:38.039 --> 00:22:39.379 to find a wife, 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:40.240 a wise wife, 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:41.859 just that it's a good thing 00:22:41.859 --> 00:22:42.839 to find wisdom 00:22:42.839 --> 00:22:44.599 and that both things 00:22:44.599 --> 00:22:45.240 are a gift 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:45.920 from the Lord. 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:47.980 Having no wife 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:48.680 is better 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:50.420 than having a quarrelsome 00:22:50.420 --> 00:22:51.440 and foolish one. 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:53.819 Living in a corner 00:22:53.819 --> 00:22:54.660 of the housetop 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:55.200 like living 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:56.400 in the desert land 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.519 is a lonesome 00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:58.980 and tiresome experience. 00:23:01.640 --> 00:23:03.100 It means being exposed 00:23:03.100 --> 00:23:04.360 to the harsh elements, 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.779 to the beating rain, 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:07.640 to the scorching sun, 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:08.880 and yet, 00:23:09.720 --> 00:23:10.759 the Proverbs tell us, 00:23:10.860 --> 00:23:11.640 such a life 00:23:11.640 --> 00:23:12.140 is better 00:23:12.140 --> 00:23:13.059 than sharing a house 00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:14.080 with a quarrelsome wife. 00:23:14.960 --> 00:23:15.580 This makes 00:23:15.580 --> 00:23:16.539 the obvious point 00:23:16.539 --> 00:23:17.539 that a wife 00:23:17.539 --> 00:23:18.120 should strive 00:23:18.120 --> 00:23:18.740 to cultivate 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.259 the gentle 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:20.039 and quiet spirit 00:23:20.039 --> 00:23:21.240 that 1 Peter 3, 00:23:21.360 --> 00:23:22.319 verse 4 tells us 00:23:22.319 --> 00:23:23.319 is very precious 00:23:23.319 --> 00:23:24.139 in God's sight, 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:25.480 but it makes 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:26.919 another less obvious 00:23:26.919 --> 00:23:27.339 point. 00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:29.659 Having the semblance 00:23:29.659 --> 00:23:30.819 of respectability 00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:32.359 by having a wife 00:23:32.359 --> 00:23:33.279 to share a home with, 00:23:33.899 --> 00:23:35.019 having the appearance 00:23:35.019 --> 00:23:35.759 of wisdom, 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:37.740 being a scoffer 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.519 who acts like 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.319 he already has 00:23:39.319 --> 00:23:39.939 all the wisdom 00:23:39.939 --> 00:23:40.700 he needs 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:41.859 is worse 00:23:41.859 --> 00:23:43.559 than being unmarried 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:44.579 and unsheltered, 00:23:45.099 --> 00:23:45.859 is worse 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:46.779 than being known 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:47.659 as a simpleton 00:23:47.660 --> 00:23:48.580 who lacks wisdom. 00:23:49.140 --> 00:23:49.900 It is better 00:23:49.900 --> 00:23:50.940 not to offer 00:23:50.940 --> 00:23:52.300 sacrifices at all 00:23:52.300 --> 00:23:53.420 than to offer 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:55.060 disingenuous sacrifices. 00:23:55.940 --> 00:23:56.580 It is better 00:23:56.580 --> 00:23:57.600 not to worship 00:23:57.600 --> 00:23:58.700 than to worship 00:23:58.700 --> 00:23:59.640 hypocritically 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:00.380 without doing 00:24:00.380 --> 00:24:00.860 righteousness 00:24:00.860 --> 00:24:02.040 and justice. 00:24:03.620 --> 00:24:04.820 Verses 10 to 12 00:24:04.820 --> 00:24:05.220 continue, 00:24:05.300 --> 00:24:06.480 The soul of the wicked 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.700 desires evil. 00:24:08.300 --> 00:24:08.820 His neighbor 00:24:08.820 --> 00:24:09.940 finds no mercy 00:24:09.940 --> 00:24:10.640 in his eyes. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:11.779 When a scoffer 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:12.279 is punished, 00:24:12.360 --> 00:24:12.740 the simple 00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:13.660 becomes wise. 00:24:13.880 --> 00:24:14.940 When a wise man 00:24:14.940 --> 00:24:15.680 is instructed, 00:24:15.800 --> 00:24:16.800 he gains knowledge. 00:24:16.799 --> 00:24:18.259 The righteous one 00:24:18.259 --> 00:24:19.319 observes the house 00:24:19.319 --> 00:24:19.839 of the wicked. 00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:21.220 He throws the wicked 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:22.139 down to ruin. 00:24:22.980 --> 00:24:24.159 Verses 10 and 12 00:24:24.159 --> 00:24:25.019 repeat the words 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:26.240 wicked and evil 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:27.480 to bracket these verses. 00:24:28.139 --> 00:24:29.000 And the word ruin 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:29.819 in verse 12 00:24:29.819 --> 00:24:30.980 is the same Hebrew word 00:24:30.980 --> 00:24:31.659 that is translated 00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:33.019 evil in verse 10. 00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:34.359 And this repetition 00:24:34.359 --> 00:24:35.659 highlights once again 00:24:35.659 --> 00:24:36.839 God's poetic justice. 00:24:37.519 --> 00:24:38.879 The soul of the wicked 00:24:38.879 --> 00:24:40.180 desires evil 00:24:40.180 --> 00:24:41.519 to bring evil 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:42.200 upon others. 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:43.720 But God overthrows 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:44.099 the wicked 00:24:44.099 --> 00:24:45.720 down to evil. 00:24:45.720 --> 00:24:46.900 In other words, 00:24:46.920 --> 00:24:47.759 they get what 00:24:47.759 --> 00:24:48.799 was coming to them. 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:51.120 And since righteousness 00:24:51.120 --> 00:24:52.579 includes obeying 00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:53.500 and imitating 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:54.779 the righteous one, 00:24:55.339 --> 00:24:56.740 it requires mercy 00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:57.640 toward our neighbors. 00:24:59.640 --> 00:25:01.220 But the wicked person 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:02.819 finds no mercy 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:03.380 in his eyes 00:25:03.380 --> 00:25:04.000 for his neighbor. 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:06.259 And once again, 00:25:06.360 --> 00:25:06.900 here we see 00:25:06.900 --> 00:25:07.860 three types of people 00:25:07.860 --> 00:25:08.360 that appear 00:25:08.360 --> 00:25:09.039 again and again 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:09.700 throughout the book 00:25:09.700 --> 00:25:10.240 of Proverbs. 00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:11.380 The scoffer, 00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:11.960 the simple, 00:25:12.140 --> 00:25:12.740 and the wise. 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:14.860 As we saw in 1925, 00:25:14.859 --> 00:25:15.639 the scoffer 00:25:15.639 --> 00:25:17.299 is the close-minded person, 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:18.279 the proud. 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:19.879 The simple 00:25:19.879 --> 00:25:21.240 is empty-minded, 00:25:21.579 --> 00:25:22.679 and the wise person 00:25:22.679 --> 00:25:23.899 is open-minded. 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:25.179 The scoffer, 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:26.259 as verse 24 says, 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:27.240 is a haughty man 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:27.719 who acts 00:25:27.719 --> 00:25:28.759 with arrogant pride. 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:30.139 He is brazen. 00:25:30.279 --> 00:25:31.019 He's fixed 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:31.939 in his sinful, 00:25:32.139 --> 00:25:32.959 erroneous ways. 00:25:33.639 --> 00:25:34.539 And for this reason, 00:25:34.619 --> 00:25:35.219 the scoffer 00:25:35.219 --> 00:25:36.000 never learns, 00:25:36.099 --> 00:25:37.539 even when he is punished. 00:25:37.539 --> 00:25:41.519 But if justice 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:42.460 is executed, 00:25:42.759 --> 00:25:43.539 it's upheld, 00:25:43.639 --> 00:25:44.019 and the wicked 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:44.599 are punished. 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:45.599 The simple 00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:47.079 who sees that 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:47.980 and learn, 00:25:48.159 --> 00:25:48.980 sees the wicked 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.299 punished, 00:25:49.399 --> 00:25:50.099 sees the scoffer 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:50.440 punished, 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.099 will learn 00:25:51.099 --> 00:25:52.019 and become wise. 00:25:52.819 --> 00:25:53.859 In contrast, 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:54.899 both the scoffer 00:25:54.899 --> 00:25:55.659 and the simple, 00:25:56.259 --> 00:25:57.099 a wise man 00:25:57.099 --> 00:25:57.680 only needs 00:25:57.680 --> 00:25:58.779 a word of instruction, 00:25:59.000 --> 00:25:59.700 and he gets 00:25:59.700 --> 00:26:00.940 wiser still. 00:26:01.859 --> 00:26:02.879 That's the hallmark 00:26:02.879 --> 00:26:04.440 of wisdom, 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:05.440 humility, 00:26:05.440 --> 00:26:06.740 the receptiveness 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:07.779 toward the word of God. 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:10.820 The wisest among men 00:26:10.820 --> 00:26:12.120 is the most teachable 00:26:12.120 --> 00:26:12.779 before God, 00:26:13.640 --> 00:26:14.980 while the foolish scoffer 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.900 is incorrigible. 00:26:17.360 --> 00:26:18.140 And it's better 00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:19.400 to be a simpleton 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:20.360 whose ignorance 00:26:20.360 --> 00:26:21.180 is exposed 00:26:21.180 --> 00:26:22.440 than a scoffer 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:23.720 whose folly 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.200 is hidden, 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:25.960 just as it is better 00:26:25.960 --> 00:26:26.900 to live in the corner 00:26:26.900 --> 00:26:27.720 of the housetop 00:26:27.720 --> 00:26:28.539 than in a house 00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:29.720 shared with the quarrelsome way. 00:26:31.360 --> 00:26:32.880 Then in verses 13-15, 00:26:33.000 --> 00:26:33.700 Solomon gives us 00:26:33.700 --> 00:26:34.360 more details 00:26:34.360 --> 00:26:35.180 about the demands 00:26:35.180 --> 00:26:35.840 of justice. 00:26:36.660 --> 00:26:37.440 Whoever closes 00:26:37.440 --> 00:26:38.039 his ear 00:26:38.039 --> 00:26:38.600 to the cry 00:26:38.600 --> 00:26:39.100 of the poor 00:26:39.100 --> 00:26:39.779 will himself 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:40.500 call out 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:41.600 and not be answered. 00:26:42.180 --> 00:26:43.460 A gift in secret 00:26:43.460 --> 00:26:44.580 averts anger 00:26:44.580 --> 00:26:46.000 and a concealed bribe 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:46.980 strong wrath. 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:49.000 When justice is done, 00:26:49.060 --> 00:26:49.580 it is a joy 00:26:49.580 --> 00:26:50.160 to the righteous 00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:50.779 but terror 00:26:50.779 --> 00:26:51.759 to evildoers. 00:26:52.680 --> 00:26:54.420 In order to do justice, 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:55.640 and this is expanding 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:56.820 our working definition 00:26:56.820 --> 00:26:57.340 of justice, 00:26:57.880 --> 00:26:59.160 we must not close 00:26:59.160 --> 00:26:59.720 our ears 00:26:59.720 --> 00:27:00.440 to the cry 00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:01.160 of the poor. 00:27:02.420 --> 00:27:02.900 Why? 00:27:02.900 --> 00:27:03.720 Because as we saw 00:27:03.720 --> 00:27:05.180 earlier in chapter 17, 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:07.519 verse 5, 00:27:08.080 --> 00:27:09.060 whoever mocks 00:27:09.060 --> 00:27:09.620 the poor 00:27:09.620 --> 00:27:11.580 insults his maker. 00:27:12.800 --> 00:27:14.800 Because every human being, 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:16.200 no matter how downtrodden 00:27:16.200 --> 00:27:17.200 and poor they are, 00:27:17.380 --> 00:27:18.840 is created in the image 00:27:18.840 --> 00:27:20.480 of Almighty God. 00:27:21.019 --> 00:27:23.240 There is a basic decency, 00:27:24.140 --> 00:27:25.360 basic respect 00:27:25.360 --> 00:27:27.380 that is owed to them, 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:29.120 that is due to them, 00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:29.979 and that is not 00:27:29.979 --> 00:27:31.099 merely a matter 00:27:31.099 --> 00:27:31.759 of charity, 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:33.339 it is a matter 00:27:33.339 --> 00:27:34.059 of justice. 00:27:37.639 --> 00:27:39.039 And for that reason, 00:27:39.939 --> 00:27:41.719 even though 00:27:41.719 --> 00:27:42.779 bribes are often 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:43.719 effective 00:27:43.719 --> 00:27:44.579 in this sinful world, 00:27:44.699 --> 00:27:45.539 we must never 00:27:45.539 --> 00:27:46.959 receive or take 00:27:46.959 --> 00:27:47.500 bribes, 00:27:47.939 --> 00:27:48.719 because doing so 00:27:48.719 --> 00:27:50.000 subverts justice 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:51.079 for the poor 00:27:51.079 --> 00:27:52.699 who cannot afford 00:27:52.699 --> 00:27:53.500 to pay a bribe. 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:56.579 And when justice 00:27:56.579 --> 00:27:57.500 is done, 00:27:57.619 --> 00:27:58.400 it is a joy 00:27:58.400 --> 00:27:59.200 to the righteous, 00:27:59.380 --> 00:27:59.900 but terror 00:27:59.900 --> 00:28:00.619 to evildoers, 00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:01.420 because the righteous 00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:02.680 know and can live 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:03.339 confidently 00:28:03.339 --> 00:28:04.640 that their integrity 00:28:04.640 --> 00:28:05.720 will be vindicated 00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:06.259 in the end, 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:07.779 while the evildoers 00:28:07.779 --> 00:28:08.380 will learn 00:28:08.380 --> 00:28:09.460 that they will be punished 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:10.440 for their wickedness. 00:28:12.420 --> 00:28:13.599 Deuteronomy chapter 10, 00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:14.519 17 to 19 00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:15.160 says this, 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:16.400 The Lord your God 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:17.700 is God of gods 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:19.180 and Lord of lords, 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:20.119 the great, 00:28:20.279 --> 00:28:20.779 the mighty, 00:28:20.900 --> 00:28:21.940 and the awesome God 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:23.980 who is not partial 00:28:23.980 --> 00:28:25.380 and takes no bribe. 00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:27.580 He executes justice 00:28:27.580 --> 00:28:29.240 for the fatherless 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:30.180 and the widow 00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:32.000 and loves the sojourner, 00:28:32.120 --> 00:28:33.059 giving him food 00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:34.299 and clothing. 00:28:35.019 --> 00:28:36.259 This is a wonderful passage 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:37.519 because it juxtaposes 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:39.420 how high and mighty 00:28:39.420 --> 00:28:40.080 God is, 00:28:40.580 --> 00:28:41.580 God of gods 00:28:41.580 --> 00:28:42.660 and Lord of lords, 00:28:42.820 --> 00:28:43.440 the great, 00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:44.000 mighty, 00:28:44.120 --> 00:28:44.779 awesome God, 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:46.340 and it juxtaposes that 00:28:46.340 --> 00:28:47.039 with people 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:48.039 who are most powerless 00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:48.759 in society, 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:50.500 the fatherless, 00:28:50.600 --> 00:28:51.100 the widow, 00:28:51.940 --> 00:28:52.840 the sojourner, 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:53.420 the immigrant, 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:55.940 the most vulnerable 00:28:55.940 --> 00:28:56.980 members of society, 00:28:57.539 --> 00:28:58.500 whose rights 00:28:58.500 --> 00:28:59.400 were often 00:28:59.400 --> 00:29:01.059 disregarded by people, 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:02.180 by people 00:29:02.180 --> 00:29:03.500 who were more empowered 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:04.960 and better resourced. 00:29:06.360 --> 00:29:07.360 Giving them 00:29:07.360 --> 00:29:08.480 what is their due, 00:29:08.580 --> 00:29:09.700 these poor people, 00:29:10.360 --> 00:29:11.640 as God defines it, 00:29:12.120 --> 00:29:13.559 giving them legal protection, 00:29:13.759 --> 00:29:14.980 giving them basic provision, 00:29:15.080 --> 00:29:16.120 this is not a matter 00:29:16.120 --> 00:29:17.279 of charity, 00:29:17.279 --> 00:29:20.680 it's a matter of justice, 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:22.019 giving them 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:22.899 what is their due. 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:27.299 This shows us 00:29:27.299 --> 00:29:28.160 how nuanced 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:30.680 God's wisdom is, 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:31.740 how nuanced 00:29:31.740 --> 00:29:32.579 the biblical picture 00:29:32.579 --> 00:29:33.599 of justice is. 00:29:34.420 --> 00:29:35.440 You can't 00:29:35.440 --> 00:29:36.639 fit it neatly 00:29:36.639 --> 00:29:38.180 into our conservative 00:29:38.180 --> 00:29:38.980 or liberal 00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:39.980 political categories. 00:29:39.980 --> 00:29:43.099 On the one hand, 00:29:43.900 --> 00:29:44.940 conservative economic 00:29:44.940 --> 00:29:45.460 theorists 00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:46.839 generally emphasize 00:29:46.839 --> 00:29:48.559 individual responsibility 00:29:48.559 --> 00:29:49.700 and believe 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:50.759 that the root 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:51.860 causes of poverty 00:29:51.860 --> 00:29:53.140 are broken families, 00:29:53.960 --> 00:29:54.900 character defects, 00:29:55.460 --> 00:29:56.799 like lack of self-control 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:57.579 and laziness, 00:29:58.180 --> 00:29:59.079 and bad habits 00:29:59.079 --> 00:29:59.960 and lifestyles. 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:02.960 They would applaud 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:03.900 verses like 00:30:03.900 --> 00:30:04.579 verse 5, 00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:06.559 The plans of the diligent 00:30:06.559 --> 00:30:07.740 lead surely to abundance, 00:30:07.879 --> 00:30:09.099 but everyone who is hasty 00:30:09.099 --> 00:30:10.240 comes only to poverty. 00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:11.939 It's the lack 00:30:11.939 --> 00:30:12.599 of diligence 00:30:12.599 --> 00:30:13.480 and falling 00:30:13.480 --> 00:30:15.099 forget-rich-quick schemes 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:16.099 that brings poverty. 00:30:17.019 --> 00:30:18.000 Or verse 17, 00:30:18.179 --> 00:30:19.179 Whoever loves pleasure 00:30:19.179 --> 00:30:20.359 will be a poor man. 00:30:20.819 --> 00:30:22.159 He who loves wine and oil 00:30:22.159 --> 00:30:23.079 will not be rich. 00:30:23.759 --> 00:30:25.199 It's the love of pleasure, 00:30:25.319 --> 00:30:26.439 a taste for luxury 00:30:26.439 --> 00:30:27.659 that leads to poverty. 00:30:28.139 --> 00:30:29.019 Or verse 20, 00:30:29.439 --> 00:30:30.720 Precious treasure and oil 00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:32.039 are in a wise man's dwelling, 00:30:32.039 --> 00:30:33.299 but a foolish man 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:34.220 devours it. 00:30:34.579 --> 00:30:36.339 It's undisciplined spending, 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:38.659 devouring one's goods 00:30:38.659 --> 00:30:39.539 too quickly 00:30:39.539 --> 00:30:40.779 that leads to poverty. 00:30:40.899 --> 00:30:41.740 Or verse 25, 00:30:41.819 --> 00:30:42.899 The desire of the slugger 00:30:42.899 --> 00:30:43.480 kills him, 00:30:43.759 --> 00:30:45.559 for his hand refuses to labor. 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:47.679 It's sluggishness, 00:30:48.919 --> 00:30:49.480 indolence, 00:30:49.679 --> 00:30:51.359 the unwillingness to work 00:30:51.359 --> 00:30:52.259 that leads to poverty. 00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:54.379 And they would be right. 00:30:56.019 --> 00:30:57.279 And it's for this reason 00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:57.980 they argue 00:30:57.980 --> 00:30:59.339 that there being 00:30:59.339 --> 00:31:00.759 prosperity for some 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:02.259 and poverty for some 00:31:02.259 --> 00:31:03.879 they argue is just. 00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:06.399 Because people are different. 00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:08.399 Their work ethic 00:31:08.399 --> 00:31:08.919 is different. 00:31:09.579 --> 00:31:10.359 Their intelligence 00:31:10.359 --> 00:31:11.019 is different. 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.179 Their character 00:31:12.179 --> 00:31:12.779 is different. 00:31:13.419 --> 00:31:14.480 So then engineering 00:31:14.480 --> 00:31:15.599 equal outcomes 00:31:15.599 --> 00:31:16.659 for different people 00:31:16.659 --> 00:31:17.799 is to treat them 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.679 unequally, 00:31:18.919 --> 00:31:20.139 which is inverted 00:31:20.139 --> 00:31:20.799 injustice, 00:31:20.960 --> 00:31:21.339 they argue. 00:31:21.339 --> 00:31:24.480 On the other hand, 00:31:25.159 --> 00:31:27.059 liberal economic theorists 00:31:27.059 --> 00:31:28.059 generally emphasize 00:31:28.059 --> 00:31:29.519 societal responsibility 00:31:29.519 --> 00:31:30.639 and believe 00:31:30.639 --> 00:31:31.619 that root causes 00:31:31.619 --> 00:31:32.139 of poverty 00:31:32.139 --> 00:31:33.859 are systemic injustices 00:31:33.859 --> 00:31:35.839 beyond people's control, 00:31:36.839 --> 00:31:38.599 such as racial prejudice, 00:31:39.419 --> 00:31:40.019 joblessness, 00:31:40.579 --> 00:31:42.119 educational deprivation, 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:43.679 mass incarceration, 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:45.099 redlining, 00:31:45.099 --> 00:31:45.899 etc. 00:31:46.939 --> 00:31:47.899 They would applaud 00:31:47.899 --> 00:31:48.679 verses like 00:31:48.679 --> 00:31:50.039 Proverbs 13, 23. 00:31:50.579 --> 00:31:51.539 The fellow ground 00:31:51.539 --> 00:31:52.059 of the poor 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:53.359 would yield much food, 00:31:53.719 --> 00:31:55.039 but it is swept away 00:31:55.039 --> 00:31:55.899 through injustice. 00:31:57.419 --> 00:31:58.639 It's the injustice 00:31:58.639 --> 00:31:59.299 of the wicked 00:31:59.299 --> 00:32:00.279 that wipes out 00:32:00.279 --> 00:32:01.099 the gains 00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:02.240 of the hardworking poor. 00:32:03.699 --> 00:32:04.740 Or chapter 21, 00:32:04.859 --> 00:32:05.459 verse 14, 00:32:05.539 --> 00:32:06.059 in our passage, 00:32:06.139 --> 00:32:07.319 a gift in secret 00:32:07.319 --> 00:32:08.219 avert's anger 00:32:08.220 --> 00:32:09.839 and a concealed bribe 00:32:09.839 --> 00:32:10.779 strong wrath. 00:32:11.620 --> 00:32:12.940 The judicial system 00:32:12.940 --> 00:32:14.440 and the economic system 00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:15.440 are both weighted 00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:16.640 toward the powerful 00:32:16.640 --> 00:32:17.860 and the wealthy, 00:32:18.680 --> 00:32:19.740 keeping others 00:32:19.740 --> 00:32:21.000 trapped in poverty. 00:32:21.839 --> 00:32:23.200 And they, too, 00:32:23.960 --> 00:32:24.700 would be right. 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:27.460 And for this reason, 00:32:27.519 --> 00:32:28.160 they argue that 00:32:28.160 --> 00:32:29.000 income inequality 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:30.519 is fundamentally unjust. 00:32:31.960 --> 00:32:33.339 But they both 00:32:33.339 --> 00:32:34.720 miss a part 00:32:34.720 --> 00:32:35.319 of the picture 00:32:35.319 --> 00:32:37.519 because Scripture 00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:38.920 highlights both 00:32:38.920 --> 00:32:40.339 individual responsibility 00:32:40.339 --> 00:32:43.339 and societal responsibility. 00:32:45.420 --> 00:32:47.740 Both individual sins 00:32:47.740 --> 00:32:50.599 and systemic injustices. 00:32:52.220 --> 00:32:53.519 The Christian 00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:54.639 who seeks to do 00:32:54.639 --> 00:32:55.240 righteousness 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:56.339 and justice 00:32:56.339 --> 00:32:58.420 must recognize both. 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:00.720 And Proverbs 00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:01.740 carefully makes 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:02.379 this distinction 00:33:02.379 --> 00:33:03.500 consistently. 00:33:04.059 --> 00:33:05.000 As I've said 00:33:05.000 --> 00:33:05.619 several times 00:33:05.619 --> 00:33:06.460 throughout this series, 00:33:06.460 --> 00:33:07.480 while the word 00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:08.059 poverty 00:33:08.059 --> 00:33:09.180 is used 00:33:09.180 --> 00:33:10.140 consistently 00:33:10.140 --> 00:33:11.100 in a negative way 00:33:11.100 --> 00:33:11.740 in Proverbs, 00:33:12.440 --> 00:33:13.180 the word 00:33:13.180 --> 00:33:13.640 poor 00:33:13.640 --> 00:33:14.140 is used 00:33:14.140 --> 00:33:14.740 consistently 00:33:14.740 --> 00:33:15.900 in a positive way. 00:33:17.440 --> 00:33:18.000 Poverty 00:33:18.000 --> 00:33:18.920 in wisdom literature 00:33:18.920 --> 00:33:19.660 is a result 00:33:19.660 --> 00:33:20.660 of divine judgment 00:33:20.660 --> 00:33:21.559 for sins 00:33:21.559 --> 00:33:22.519 such as laziness, 00:33:22.740 --> 00:33:23.319 stinginess, 00:33:23.500 --> 00:33:24.240 love of luxury, 00:33:24.640 --> 00:33:25.160 carelessness. 00:33:25.819 --> 00:33:26.940 But the poor 00:33:26.940 --> 00:33:27.500 are so 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:28.759 because of circumstances 00:33:28.759 --> 00:33:29.579 that are outside 00:33:29.579 --> 00:33:30.420 of their control, 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:32.160 such as 00:33:32.160 --> 00:33:33.140 societal injustice. 00:33:33.140 --> 00:33:35.040 and therefore 00:33:35.040 --> 00:33:35.820 they receive 00:33:35.820 --> 00:33:36.580 God's special 00:33:36.580 --> 00:33:37.560 compassion and care. 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:39.940 Chapter 21, 00:33:40.100 --> 00:33:40.660 verse 17 00:33:40.660 --> 00:33:41.780 is not an exception 00:33:41.780 --> 00:33:42.520 to this rule. 00:33:43.240 --> 00:33:44.540 Even though the ESV 00:33:44.540 --> 00:33:45.400 obfuscates this 00:33:45.400 --> 00:33:46.340 by translating it 00:33:46.340 --> 00:33:47.160 poor man, 00:33:47.160 --> 00:33:48.100 that expression 00:33:48.100 --> 00:33:48.740 is literally 00:33:48.740 --> 00:33:49.360 in the Hebrew 00:33:49.360 --> 00:33:50.720 man of poverty. 00:33:51.560 --> 00:33:53.060 Whoever loves pleasure 00:33:53.060 --> 00:33:53.860 will be a man 00:33:53.860 --> 00:33:54.540 of poverty. 00:33:55.500 --> 00:33:55.759 Yes, 00:33:55.860 --> 00:33:56.300 the wicked 00:33:56.300 --> 00:33:57.200 should come 00:33:57.200 --> 00:33:57.780 to poverty. 00:33:58.420 --> 00:33:59.600 That is just. 00:33:59.599 --> 00:34:01.859 But we cannot 00:34:01.859 --> 00:34:02.519 assume, 00:34:02.699 --> 00:34:02.959 therefore, 00:34:03.379 --> 00:34:04.359 that all poor 00:34:04.359 --> 00:34:05.019 are wicked. 00:34:06.359 --> 00:34:06.740 Instead, 00:34:06.959 --> 00:34:07.699 our disposition 00:34:07.699 --> 00:34:08.460 must be one 00:34:08.460 --> 00:34:09.219 of mercy 00:34:09.219 --> 00:34:10.579 because we serve 00:34:10.579 --> 00:34:11.219 a God 00:34:11.219 --> 00:34:12.059 who has been 00:34:12.059 --> 00:34:13.420 merciful to us 00:34:13.420 --> 00:34:14.259 even though 00:34:14.259 --> 00:34:15.000 we were all 00:34:15.000 --> 00:34:15.679 spiritually 00:34:15.679 --> 00:34:16.860 impoverished. 00:34:19.860 --> 00:34:21.119 God is described 00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:21.960 as the defender 00:34:21.960 --> 00:34:22.839 of the poor, 00:34:23.279 --> 00:34:23.739 orphans, 00:34:23.920 --> 00:34:24.199 widows, 00:34:24.299 --> 00:34:24.719 and immigrants. 00:34:24.719 --> 00:34:25.599 God will not 00:34:25.599 --> 00:34:27.019 listen to the cries 00:34:27.019 --> 00:34:27.799 of those who 00:34:27.799 --> 00:34:28.719 refuse to listen 00:34:28.719 --> 00:34:29.279 to the cry 00:34:29.279 --> 00:34:29.819 of the poor. 00:34:32.419 --> 00:34:33.439 The one who 00:34:33.439 --> 00:34:34.199 wanders from 00:34:34.199 --> 00:34:34.639 the way 00:34:34.639 --> 00:34:36.179 of good sense, 00:34:36.819 --> 00:34:37.459 though it might 00:34:37.459 --> 00:34:38.059 seem like they're 00:34:38.059 --> 00:34:38.939 doing just fine 00:34:38.939 --> 00:34:39.559 for a while, 00:34:39.799 --> 00:34:40.539 will ultimately 00:34:40.539 --> 00:34:41.239 rest in the 00:34:41.239 --> 00:34:42.000 assembly of the 00:34:42.000 --> 00:34:42.299 dead, 00:34:42.879 --> 00:34:43.779 as verse 16 00:34:43.779 --> 00:34:44.199 says. 00:34:45.199 --> 00:34:45.699 Because as 00:34:45.699 --> 00:34:46.299 verse 18 00:34:46.299 --> 00:34:46.619 says, 00:34:46.679 --> 00:34:47.039 the wicked 00:34:47.039 --> 00:34:47.919 is a ransom 00:34:47.919 --> 00:34:48.779 for the righteous 00:34:48.779 --> 00:34:49.879 and the traitor 00:34:49.879 --> 00:34:50.919 for the upright. 00:34:51.859 --> 00:34:52.579 The wicked 00:34:52.579 --> 00:34:53.699 seek to sacrifice 00:34:53.699 --> 00:34:54.480 the righteous 00:34:54.480 --> 00:34:55.239 for their own 00:34:55.239 --> 00:34:55.699 enrichment. 00:34:56.239 --> 00:34:56.939 They seek to 00:34:56.939 --> 00:34:57.839 use the righteous 00:34:57.840 --> 00:34:58.519 as stepping 00:34:58.519 --> 00:34:59.660 stones to 00:34:59.660 --> 00:35:01.140 climb the 00:35:01.140 --> 00:35:01.559 ladder of 00:35:01.559 --> 00:35:02.079 society. 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:02.900 But in the 00:35:02.900 --> 00:35:03.079 end, 00:35:03.160 --> 00:35:03.620 they will be 00:35:03.620 --> 00:35:04.340 reduced to a 00:35:04.340 --> 00:35:05.039 ransom for 00:35:05.039 --> 00:35:05.500 the righteous, 00:35:06.160 --> 00:35:06.559 paying the 00:35:06.559 --> 00:35:07.380 price for the 00:35:07.380 --> 00:35:07.800 freedom, 00:35:08.340 --> 00:35:09.059 the vindication, 00:35:09.240 --> 00:35:09.960 and prosperity 00:35:09.960 --> 00:35:10.760 of the righteous. 00:35:13.019 --> 00:35:13.800 Having spoken 00:35:13.800 --> 00:35:14.559 of the ruin of 00:35:14.559 --> 00:35:14.900 the wicked, 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:15.600 how they become 00:35:15.600 --> 00:35:16.519 the ransom for 00:35:16.519 --> 00:35:17.039 the righteous, 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.980 Solomon finally 00:35:17.980 --> 00:35:18.640 speaks of the 00:35:18.640 --> 00:35:19.340 reward of the 00:35:19.340 --> 00:35:19.840 righteous in 00:35:19.840 --> 00:35:20.660 verses 19 to 00:35:20.660 --> 00:35:21.120 29, 00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:22.380 which is again 00:35:22.380 --> 00:35:23.360 introduced by a 00:35:23.360 --> 00:35:24.320 better than proverb 00:35:24.320 --> 00:35:24.800 about the 00:35:24.800 --> 00:35:25.460 quarrelsome wife. 00:35:25.460 --> 00:35:27.099 And then it 00:35:27.099 --> 00:35:27.519 says in verse 00:35:27.519 --> 00:35:27.960 21, 00:35:28.240 --> 00:35:29.139 whoever pursues 00:35:29.139 --> 00:35:30.039 righteousness and 00:35:30.039 --> 00:35:31.139 kindness will 00:35:31.139 --> 00:35:32.079 find life, 00:35:32.539 --> 00:35:32.900 righteousness, 00:35:33.320 --> 00:35:33.960 and honor. 00:35:35.240 --> 00:35:35.940 Once again, 00:35:36.039 --> 00:35:36.780 the theme of 00:35:36.780 --> 00:35:37.579 righteousness and 00:35:37.579 --> 00:35:38.639 justice predominate 00:35:38.639 --> 00:35:39.340 this passage. 00:35:39.880 --> 00:35:40.280 And here, 00:35:40.420 --> 00:35:41.079 righteousness is 00:35:41.079 --> 00:35:41.599 paired with 00:35:41.599 --> 00:35:42.099 kindness. 00:35:42.800 --> 00:35:43.280 This is a 00:35:43.280 --> 00:35:44.159 wonderful verse 00:35:44.159 --> 00:35:45.260 with a pun on 00:35:45.260 --> 00:35:45.659 the word 00:35:45.659 --> 00:35:46.280 righteousness, 00:35:46.699 --> 00:35:47.519 which depending 00:35:47.519 --> 00:35:48.380 on the context 00:35:48.380 --> 00:35:49.280 can also mean 00:35:49.280 --> 00:35:50.519 vindication or 00:35:50.519 --> 00:35:51.099 salvation. 00:35:52.139 --> 00:35:52.699 So it says, 00:35:52.820 --> 00:35:53.760 whoever pursues 00:35:53.760 --> 00:35:55.140 righteousness and 00:35:55.140 --> 00:35:56.480 kindness will 00:35:56.480 --> 00:35:57.480 find life, 00:35:58.100 --> 00:35:59.000 righteousness or 00:35:59.000 --> 00:35:59.640 salvation, 00:36:00.020 --> 00:36:00.680 vindication, 00:36:01.200 --> 00:36:01.920 and honor. 00:36:03.200 --> 00:36:04.400 It's teaching us 00:36:04.400 --> 00:36:05.500 this, don't be 00:36:05.500 --> 00:36:07.020 fixated on the 00:36:07.020 --> 00:36:08.060 pursuit of honor, 00:36:08.520 --> 00:36:09.360 on the pursuit of 00:36:09.360 --> 00:36:10.280 health, on the 00:36:10.280 --> 00:36:11.280 pursuit of wealth, 00:36:11.620 --> 00:36:12.940 on the pursuit of 00:36:12.940 --> 00:36:14.740 the worldly good 00:36:14.740 --> 00:36:15.160 life. 00:36:16.600 --> 00:36:18.080 Aim higher than 00:36:18.080 --> 00:36:18.460 that. 00:36:19.940 --> 00:36:21.080 Pursue instead 00:36:21.080 --> 00:36:22.760 righteousness and 00:36:22.760 --> 00:36:23.260 kindness. 00:36:23.840 --> 00:36:24.900 Pursue instead 00:36:24.900 --> 00:36:25.800 justice. 00:36:26.740 --> 00:36:27.460 And then to 00:36:27.460 --> 00:36:28.580 your surprise 00:36:28.580 --> 00:36:29.540 and delight, 00:36:29.900 --> 00:36:30.640 you will find 00:36:30.640 --> 00:36:32.040 life, salvation, 00:36:32.400 --> 00:36:32.940 and honor. 00:36:35.300 --> 00:36:36.180 Look at verses 00:36:36.180 --> 00:36:37.240 25 to 26. 00:36:37.320 --> 00:36:38.200 The desire of 00:36:38.200 --> 00:36:39.140 the slugger kills 00:36:39.140 --> 00:36:39.300 him. 00:36:39.380 --> 00:36:40.020 The desire of the 00:36:40.020 --> 00:36:40.600 slugger kills 00:36:40.600 --> 00:36:41.240 him, for his 00:36:41.240 --> 00:36:41.980 hands refuse to 00:36:41.980 --> 00:36:42.260 labor. 00:36:42.640 --> 00:36:43.660 All day long he 00:36:43.660 --> 00:36:44.360 craves and 00:36:44.360 --> 00:36:45.220 craves, but the 00:36:45.220 --> 00:36:46.260 righteous gives 00:36:46.260 --> 00:36:47.280 and does not 00:36:47.280 --> 00:36:48.200 hold back. 00:36:49.040 --> 00:36:49.860 The wicked are 00:36:49.860 --> 00:36:50.820 defined by their 00:36:50.820 --> 00:36:51.680 cravings. 00:36:51.679 --> 00:36:52.500 The righteous 00:36:52.500 --> 00:36:53.500 are defined by 00:36:53.500 --> 00:36:54.299 their giving. 00:36:55.759 --> 00:36:56.759 This is so 00:36:56.759 --> 00:36:57.739 counterintuitive, but 00:36:57.739 --> 00:36:58.539 it is wonderfully 00:36:58.539 --> 00:36:58.980 true. 00:36:59.519 --> 00:37:00.379 If you are 00:37:00.379 --> 00:37:01.379 driven by your 00:37:01.379 --> 00:37:02.419 cravings, if you 00:37:02.419 --> 00:37:02.960 are concerned 00:37:02.960 --> 00:37:03.940 primarily with 00:37:03.940 --> 00:37:04.960 pursuing wealth 00:37:04.960 --> 00:37:06.399 and pleasure, 00:37:06.859 --> 00:37:07.659 then you will 00:37:07.659 --> 00:37:08.019 hoard. 00:37:10.019 --> 00:37:10.659 But if you are 00:37:10.659 --> 00:37:11.779 primarily concerned 00:37:11.779 --> 00:37:12.759 with doing 00:37:12.759 --> 00:37:14.099 righteousness and 00:37:14.099 --> 00:37:15.679 justice, then you 00:37:15.679 --> 00:37:17.359 will give and not 00:37:17.359 --> 00:37:18.139 hold back. 00:37:18.139 --> 00:37:19.379 look and you 00:37:19.379 --> 00:37:20.019 will learn that 00:37:20.019 --> 00:37:20.679 you cannot 00:37:20.679 --> 00:37:21.779 outgive God. 00:37:22.719 --> 00:37:23.219 And you will 00:37:23.219 --> 00:37:23.960 find life, 00:37:24.259 --> 00:37:25.279 salvation, and 00:37:25.279 --> 00:37:25.659 honor. 00:37:27.059 --> 00:37:27.639 As Proverbs 00:37:27.639 --> 00:37:28.980 11, 24 said, 00:37:29.079 --> 00:37:29.639 one gives 00:37:29.639 --> 00:37:30.819 freely, yet 00:37:30.819 --> 00:37:31.500 grows all the 00:37:31.500 --> 00:37:31.779 richer. 00:37:32.539 --> 00:37:33.539 Another withholds 00:37:33.539 --> 00:37:34.099 what he should 00:37:34.099 --> 00:37:35.219 give and only 00:37:35.219 --> 00:37:36.339 suffers want. 00:37:38.500 --> 00:37:39.779 Generosity, not 00:37:39.779 --> 00:37:41.159 stinginess, is the 00:37:41.159 --> 00:37:42.019 principle of 00:37:42.019 --> 00:37:42.579 prosperity. 00:37:42.579 --> 00:37:42.659 prosperity. 00:37:44.739 --> 00:37:46.000 This paradox is 00:37:46.000 --> 00:37:46.539 seen in verses 00:37:46.539 --> 00:37:47.819 22 to 23 as 00:37:47.819 --> 00:37:48.039 well. 00:37:48.159 --> 00:37:48.880 A wise man 00:37:48.880 --> 00:37:49.799 scales the city 00:37:49.799 --> 00:37:50.299 of the mighty 00:37:50.299 --> 00:37:51.500 and brings down 00:37:51.500 --> 00:37:52.400 the stronghold in 00:37:52.400 --> 00:37:53.159 which they trust. 00:37:53.739 --> 00:37:54.519 Whoever keeps 00:37:54.519 --> 00:37:55.340 his mouth and 00:37:55.340 --> 00:37:56.219 his tongue keeps 00:37:56.219 --> 00:37:57.259 himself out of 00:37:57.259 --> 00:37:57.579 trouble. 00:37:58.860 --> 00:38:01.279 This is not 00:38:01.279 --> 00:38:02.239 another way of 00:38:02.239 --> 00:38:03.619 saying simply 00:38:03.619 --> 00:38:04.500 that brain is 00:38:04.500 --> 00:38:04.980 better than 00:38:04.980 --> 00:38:05.360 brawn. 00:38:06.440 --> 00:38:07.440 It's not talking 00:38:07.440 --> 00:38:07.980 about human 00:38:07.980 --> 00:38:08.819 intelligence or 00:38:08.819 --> 00:38:09.639 worldly wisdom. 00:38:10.039 --> 00:38:10.619 It's saying 00:38:10.619 --> 00:38:11.319 something much 00:38:11.319 --> 00:38:12.119 deeper than that, 00:38:12.119 --> 00:38:12.599 and it's a 00:38:12.599 --> 00:38:13.380 shocking image. 00:38:14.039 --> 00:38:14.900 A single 00:38:14.900 --> 00:38:16.859 wise man, a 00:38:16.859 --> 00:38:17.980 solitary wise 00:38:17.980 --> 00:38:19.420 man, scales the 00:38:19.420 --> 00:38:20.460 city of the 00:38:20.460 --> 00:38:20.779 mighty. 00:38:21.619 --> 00:38:22.380 And after having 00:38:22.380 --> 00:38:23.099 climbed up, he 00:38:23.099 --> 00:38:24.219 single-handedly 00:38:24.219 --> 00:38:26.119 brings down the 00:38:26.119 --> 00:38:27.380 stronghold in 00:38:27.380 --> 00:38:28.179 which they trust. 00:38:28.980 --> 00:38:30.619 The stronghold of 00:38:30.619 --> 00:38:31.279 the world's 00:38:31.279 --> 00:38:32.839 mighty, fortified 00:38:32.839 --> 00:38:34.019 with their ungodly 00:38:34.019 --> 00:38:35.319 riches, connections, 00:38:35.639 --> 00:38:37.039 and power, is 00:38:37.039 --> 00:38:38.259 no match against 00:38:38.259 --> 00:38:39.599 a single wise 00:38:39.599 --> 00:38:40.179 man who is 00:38:40.179 --> 00:38:41.159 backed by the 00:38:41.159 --> 00:38:42.059 wisdom of 00:38:42.059 --> 00:38:42.739 the almighty 00:38:42.739 --> 00:38:43.159 God. 00:38:44.199 --> 00:38:45.139 It is better to 00:38:45.139 --> 00:38:46.099 be alone on 00:38:46.099 --> 00:38:47.579 God's side than 00:38:47.579 --> 00:38:48.460 to be with the 00:38:48.460 --> 00:38:49.659 millions arrayed 00:38:49.659 --> 00:38:50.440 against God. 00:38:52.440 --> 00:38:54.000 And verse 23 is 00:38:54.000 --> 00:38:54.980 linked to verse 22 00:38:54.980 --> 00:38:56.019 by the military 00:38:56.019 --> 00:38:56.440 metaphor. 00:38:56.980 --> 00:38:58.400 The word keep is 00:38:58.400 --> 00:38:59.139 the same word that 00:38:59.139 --> 00:39:00.000 refers to guarding 00:39:00.000 --> 00:39:01.019 or defending a 00:39:01.019 --> 00:39:01.340 fortress. 00:39:02.420 --> 00:39:03.019 And so this verse 00:39:03.019 --> 00:39:03.779 teaches that the 00:39:03.779 --> 00:39:04.759 security of the 00:39:04.759 --> 00:39:06.059 wise comes from 00:39:06.059 --> 00:39:07.500 guarding, defending 00:39:07.500 --> 00:39:09.239 his mouth by being 00:39:09.239 --> 00:39:10.119 judicious in his 00:39:10.119 --> 00:39:11.159 speech and refusing 00:39:11.159 --> 00:39:12.079 to speak evil 00:39:12.079 --> 00:39:13.099 unlike the 00:39:13.099 --> 00:39:13.839 blabbering fool 00:39:13.839 --> 00:39:14.699 who gets himself 00:39:14.699 --> 00:39:15.219 into trouble. 00:39:16.319 --> 00:39:17.420 And this military 00:39:17.420 --> 00:39:18.059 metaphor is 00:39:18.059 --> 00:39:18.759 continued and 00:39:18.759 --> 00:39:19.239 brought to a 00:39:19.239 --> 00:39:20.059 climax in verses 00:39:20.059 --> 00:39:21.379 30 to 31 at the 00:39:21.379 --> 00:39:21.819 end of this 00:39:21.819 --> 00:39:22.159 chapter. 00:39:23.679 --> 00:39:25.679 No wisdom, no 00:39:25.679 --> 00:39:27.179 understanding, no 00:39:27.179 --> 00:39:28.500 counsel can avail 00:39:28.500 --> 00:39:29.819 against the Lord. 00:39:30.679 --> 00:39:31.940 The horse is made 00:39:31.940 --> 00:39:32.699 ready for the day 00:39:32.699 --> 00:39:33.779 of battle, but the 00:39:33.779 --> 00:39:35.000 victory belongs to 00:39:35.000 --> 00:39:35.559 the Lord. 00:39:35.559 --> 00:39:37.940 verses 30 to 31 00:39:37.940 --> 00:39:39.019 form a powerful 00:39:39.019 --> 00:39:40.079 poetic pair in 00:39:40.079 --> 00:39:40.380 Hebrew. 00:39:40.980 --> 00:39:41.820 The words wisdom, 00:39:42.000 --> 00:39:42.579 understanding, 00:39:43.460 --> 00:39:44.699 counsel, battle, 00:39:45.119 --> 00:39:46.139 victory, they all 00:39:46.139 --> 00:39:47.139 end with the same 00:39:47.139 --> 00:39:47.900 vowel sound. 00:39:48.880 --> 00:39:50.500 And word no is 00:39:50.500 --> 00:39:51.739 repeated three times 00:39:51.739 --> 00:39:52.320 at the beginning of 00:39:52.320 --> 00:39:53.139 each phrase in the 00:39:53.139 --> 00:39:53.739 verse 30. 00:39:54.159 --> 00:39:54.920 And these poetic 00:39:54.920 --> 00:39:55.799 devices, this 00:39:55.799 --> 00:39:56.539 alliteration, 00:39:56.719 --> 00:39:57.420 anaphorah, they 00:39:57.420 --> 00:39:59.039 build toward this 00:39:59.039 --> 00:40:00.179 halting, this 00:40:00.179 --> 00:40:00.920 interrupting, 00:40:01.179 --> 00:40:02.659 climactic declaration 00:40:02.659 --> 00:40:04.179 that nothing can 00:40:04.179 --> 00:40:05.519 avail against the 00:40:05.519 --> 00:40:07.199 Lord, which is the 00:40:07.199 --> 00:40:08.119 last word of verse 00:40:08.119 --> 00:40:08.559 30. 00:40:10.239 --> 00:40:11.480 Words wisdom and 00:40:11.480 --> 00:40:12.379 counsel are often 00:40:12.379 --> 00:40:13.239 used in the context 00:40:13.239 --> 00:40:14.420 of waging warfare. 00:40:14.960 --> 00:40:15.960 Proverbs 20, 18 00:40:15.960 --> 00:40:16.859 says plans are 00:40:16.859 --> 00:40:17.559 established by 00:40:17.559 --> 00:40:18.099 counsel. 00:40:18.579 --> 00:40:19.719 By wise guidance 00:40:19.719 --> 00:40:20.639 wage war. 00:40:21.119 --> 00:40:22.219 Proverbs 24, 6 00:40:22.219 --> 00:40:23.099 says for by wise 00:40:23.099 --> 00:40:23.799 guidance you can 00:40:23.799 --> 00:40:24.679 wage your war. 00:40:25.039 --> 00:40:25.899 In abundance of 00:40:25.899 --> 00:40:26.980 counselors there is 00:40:26.980 --> 00:40:27.379 victory. 00:40:28.099 --> 00:40:29.039 But this proverb 00:40:29.039 --> 00:40:30.599 assures us that no 00:40:30.599 --> 00:40:31.839 amount of counselors 00:40:31.839 --> 00:40:32.539 and worldly 00:40:32.539 --> 00:40:34.300 wisdom can prevail 00:40:34.300 --> 00:40:35.739 against the 00:40:35.739 --> 00:40:36.119 Lord. 00:40:36.679 --> 00:40:37.279 There is an 00:40:37.279 --> 00:40:38.619 insurmountable gap 00:40:38.619 --> 00:40:39.500 between the Lord 00:40:39.500 --> 00:40:40.340 and man. 00:40:41.059 --> 00:40:42.139 Like a biker 00:40:42.139 --> 00:40:46.559 that comes to a 00:40:46.559 --> 00:40:47.559 splattering halt 00:40:47.559 --> 00:40:49.500 as he sprints 00:40:49.500 --> 00:40:50.779 headlong into an 00:40:50.779 --> 00:40:51.679 immovable wall 00:40:51.679 --> 00:40:52.340 thinking he can 00:40:52.340 --> 00:40:52.880 crush it. 00:40:56.139 --> 00:40:57.239 Human wisdom, 00:40:57.500 --> 00:40:58.039 understanding, 00:40:58.239 --> 00:40:59.619 counsel have no 00:40:59.619 --> 00:41:00.920 chance against the 00:41:00.920 --> 00:41:01.139 Lord. 00:41:01.139 --> 00:41:03.219 And this is why 00:41:03.219 --> 00:41:04.159 those who pursue 00:41:04.159 --> 00:41:05.119 righteousness and 00:41:05.119 --> 00:41:06.799 justice can rest 00:41:06.799 --> 00:41:07.719 assured in their 00:41:07.719 --> 00:41:09.259 ultimate victory, 00:41:09.480 --> 00:41:10.839 on their ultimate 00:41:10.839 --> 00:41:11.559 vindication. 00:41:12.039 --> 00:41:12.980 The horse is made 00:41:12.980 --> 00:41:13.940 ready for the day of 00:41:13.940 --> 00:41:14.539 battle but the 00:41:14.539 --> 00:41:16.039 victory belongs to 00:41:16.039 --> 00:41:16.599 the Lord. 00:41:17.599 --> 00:41:18.839 As Jeremiah chapter 00:41:18.839 --> 00:41:20.619 9, 23-24 says, 00:41:20.619 --> 00:41:21.920 let not the wise man 00:41:21.920 --> 00:41:22.639 boast in his 00:41:22.639 --> 00:41:23.920 wisdom, let not 00:41:23.920 --> 00:41:24.679 the mighty man 00:41:24.679 --> 00:41:25.239 boast in his 00:41:25.239 --> 00:41:26.219 might, let not 00:41:26.219 --> 00:41:26.940 the rich man 00:41:26.940 --> 00:41:27.519 boast in his 00:41:27.519 --> 00:41:28.739 riches, but let 00:41:28.739 --> 00:41:29.859 him who boasts 00:41:29.859 --> 00:41:31.079 boast in this, 00:41:31.480 --> 00:41:32.639 that he understands 00:41:32.639 --> 00:41:33.819 and knows me, 00:41:34.159 --> 00:41:34.900 that I am the 00:41:34.900 --> 00:41:35.920 Lord who practices 00:41:35.920 --> 00:41:37.000 steadfast love, 00:41:37.299 --> 00:41:38.199 justice, and 00:41:38.199 --> 00:41:39.259 righteousness in the 00:41:39.259 --> 00:41:39.539 earth. 00:41:40.179 --> 00:41:41.199 For in these 00:41:41.199 --> 00:41:42.380 things I delight, 00:41:42.619 --> 00:41:43.699 declares the 00:41:43.699 --> 00:41:43.960 Lord. 00:41:43.960 --> 00:41:49.659 As Emily shared 00:41:49.659 --> 00:41:50.079 during the 00:41:50.079 --> 00:41:51.400 prophecy, we live 00:41:51.400 --> 00:41:51.880 in a really 00:41:51.880 --> 00:41:52.699 broken world. 00:41:53.400 --> 00:41:54.280 We live in a 00:41:54.280 --> 00:41:55.760 sinful world and 00:41:55.760 --> 00:41:56.679 we lament that, 00:41:56.980 --> 00:41:57.920 we mourn that. 00:41:59.980 --> 00:42:00.500 Wouldn't it be 00:42:00.500 --> 00:42:01.460 nice to live in a 00:42:01.460 --> 00:42:02.300 world where God's 00:42:02.300 --> 00:42:03.119 perfect justice 00:42:03.119 --> 00:42:03.639 reigns? 00:42:04.679 --> 00:42:05.220 Wouldn't it be 00:42:05.220 --> 00:42:08.360 nice to live in a 00:42:08.360 --> 00:42:09.320 world where all the 00:42:09.320 --> 00:42:10.099 wicked are punished 00:42:10.099 --> 00:42:11.900 justly and all the 00:42:11.900 --> 00:42:12.980 righteous thrive and 00:42:12.980 --> 00:42:13.440 flourish? 00:42:17.699 --> 00:42:18.800 But that's not the 00:42:18.800 --> 00:42:19.579 world we live in. 00:42:21.079 --> 00:42:22.340 And this points to 00:42:22.340 --> 00:42:23.360 something that is 00:42:23.360 --> 00:42:24.300 most important for 00:42:24.300 --> 00:42:25.099 us to understand. 00:42:28.039 --> 00:42:29.320 Do we always like to 00:42:29.320 --> 00:42:30.240 think of ourselves as 00:42:30.240 --> 00:42:31.480 being on the right 00:42:31.480 --> 00:42:32.280 side of history? 00:42:33.240 --> 00:42:34.280 Do we always like to 00:42:34.280 --> 00:42:35.699 think of ourselves as 00:42:35.699 --> 00:42:36.619 being righteous? 00:42:39.320 --> 00:42:40.679 Scripture tells us, 00:42:41.199 --> 00:42:42.280 God's infallible 00:42:42.280 --> 00:42:43.440 word tells us, 00:42:43.880 --> 00:42:44.800 that there is no 00:42:44.800 --> 00:42:45.700 one righteous, 00:42:46.260 --> 00:42:47.960 no, not one. 00:42:51.100 --> 00:42:52.820 We think that 00:42:52.820 --> 00:42:53.760 those wicked people 00:42:53.760 --> 00:42:54.519 should be sacrificed 00:42:54.519 --> 00:42:55.740 for our flourishing, 00:42:56.140 --> 00:42:56.820 that they should be 00:42:56.820 --> 00:42:58.160 the ransom for the 00:42:58.160 --> 00:42:58.500 righteous. 00:43:00.000 --> 00:43:01.160 But in reality, 00:43:01.340 --> 00:43:03.500 we are like the 00:43:03.500 --> 00:43:04.960 rat that Lauren 00:43:04.960 --> 00:43:05.880 saw in her prophecy. 00:43:06.920 --> 00:43:08.680 We are the scums of 00:43:08.680 --> 00:43:09.080 the earth, 00:43:09.260 --> 00:43:10.060 spiritually speaking. 00:43:10.059 --> 00:43:12.259 we are the rats, 00:43:13.000 --> 00:43:14.279 the filth of society 00:43:14.279 --> 00:43:16.460 that pollutes our 00:43:16.460 --> 00:43:16.940 streets, 00:43:17.440 --> 00:43:19.440 that should be 00:43:19.440 --> 00:43:20.340 exterminated. 00:43:22.279 --> 00:43:23.759 We are the ones who 00:43:23.759 --> 00:43:25.320 should be the ransom 00:43:25.320 --> 00:43:27.380 for the righteous one, 00:43:27.900 --> 00:43:28.820 Jesus Christ, 00:43:28.940 --> 00:43:29.759 the Son of God. 00:43:29.760 --> 00:43:33.680 that is what justice 00:43:33.680 --> 00:43:34.400 looks like. 00:43:36.000 --> 00:43:37.100 But instead, 00:43:38.040 --> 00:43:39.260 the righteous one, 00:43:40.040 --> 00:43:40.640 instead, 00:43:40.980 --> 00:43:41.960 Jesus Christ, 00:43:42.320 --> 00:43:43.500 for whom we should 00:43:43.500 --> 00:43:44.500 have been sacrificed, 00:43:45.240 --> 00:43:47.200 the righteous one 00:43:47.200 --> 00:43:48.340 gives his life 00:43:48.340 --> 00:43:50.020 and dies on the cross 00:43:50.020 --> 00:43:51.740 for our sins, 00:43:52.140 --> 00:43:53.420 for our vindication, 00:43:53.820 --> 00:43:54.880 for our salvation, 00:43:55.000 --> 00:43:55.640 so that we 00:43:55.640 --> 00:43:57.260 might live. 00:43:57.260 --> 00:43:59.580 brothers and sisters, 00:43:59.680 --> 00:44:00.280 that's not 00:44:00.280 --> 00:44:01.980 justice. 00:44:04.540 --> 00:44:05.640 That's mercy. 00:44:10.400 --> 00:44:11.860 Jesus satisfies 00:44:11.860 --> 00:44:13.040 God's justice 00:44:13.040 --> 00:44:14.800 so that God 00:44:14.800 --> 00:44:15.540 might show 00:44:15.540 --> 00:44:16.160 mercy 00:44:16.160 --> 00:44:17.860 to undeserving 00:44:17.860 --> 00:44:19.300 people like us. 00:44:19.300 --> 00:44:26.300 if you want 00:44:26.300 --> 00:44:26.900 to live 00:44:26.900 --> 00:44:27.440 a life 00:44:27.440 --> 00:44:28.240 of righteousness 00:44:28.240 --> 00:44:29.740 and justice, 00:44:30.300 --> 00:44:31.940 the only way 00:44:31.940 --> 00:44:32.500 is to be 00:44:32.500 --> 00:44:33.060 gripped 00:44:33.060 --> 00:44:34.440 by the God 00:44:34.440 --> 00:44:36.740 whose steadfast 00:44:36.740 --> 00:44:37.060 love, 00:44:37.160 --> 00:44:38.019 whose faithfulness, 00:44:38.280 --> 00:44:38.940 whose righteousness 00:44:38.940 --> 00:44:40.120 and justice 00:44:40.120 --> 00:44:41.820 has made way 00:44:41.820 --> 00:44:42.720 for our salvation. 00:44:42.719 --> 00:44:48.759 please take a moment 00:44:48.759 --> 00:44:49.759 to reflect on that. 00:44:51.519 --> 00:44:52.459 How is God 00:44:52.459 --> 00:44:55.419 speaking to you 00:44:55.419 --> 00:44:55.879 this morning 00:44:55.879 --> 00:44:56.699 through this passage, 00:44:57.879 --> 00:44:58.599 comforting you, 00:44:58.739 --> 00:44:59.419 convicting you? 00:45:00.899 --> 00:45:01.819 And after you've 00:45:01.819 --> 00:45:02.659 reflected for a moment, 00:45:02.779 --> 00:45:03.579 we're going to respond 00:45:03.579 --> 00:45:04.379 corporately together 00:45:04.379 --> 00:45:05.480 by praying as a church. 00:45:05.480 --> 00:45:05.579 Amen. 00:45:05.579 --> 00:45:05.639 Amen. 00:45:05.639 --> 00:45:05.699 Amen. 00:45:05.699 --> 00:45:05.779 Amen. 00:45:05.779 --> 00:45:05.839 Amen. 00:45:05.839 --> 00:45:05.879 Amen. 00:45:05.879 --> 00:45:05.899 Amen. 00:45:05.899 --> 00:45:05.939 Amen. 00:45:05.939 --> 00:45:05.980 Amen.