Thru the Bible: Proverbs 24

This proverb contains a statement which I have never personally heard used in its given context. It says, “…the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”

The context is not regarding sin at all which is how it is typically used. No, the saying is less about the righteous and more TO the wicked. it is a warning to them to not attempt to come against the righteous, but to consider them. IF the righteous fall or find themselves as prey to the wicked, they will never fail to rise again. But if the wicked fall, it will be to their destruction. So the wicked are being advised to consider the end of the righteous man and amend their ways.

Then the next two verses are to the righteous, warning THEM not to take delight in the destruction of the wicked. If we do God may very well turn from judging them and bless them instead, and turn His anger towards you in chastisement.

While the typical use of this verse is a truism – it is true that if a righteous person falls into sin, even seven times – each time they will repent, get up and continue on in their race. Nevertheless, this warning to the wicked and the righteous is even more instructional and shows God’s concern for both.

He IS good!

There is much in this chapter about wealth, the pursuit of it, the rich and the political elite as well as the dangers of yielding to the appetites of the flesh.

These are the recurring themes, while other singular wise saying are peppered throughout, these appear to have been primary on Solomon’s mind.

This chapter ends with a warning about lingering long over alcohol. It is not a prohibition against it, anymore than gluttony is a demonizing of food. It is both the abuse of alcohol and its underpinning drive which is ALWAYS an attempt to find answers outside of intimacy with God. This is why the scriptures encourage believers to “not be drunk with wine, but by filled with the Holy Spirit”.

Contrary to how this sounds, the idea of ‘filled’ means controlled by. If we would put to death the deeds of the body by the power and influence of the Holy Spirit we would LIVE!