Proverbs 3:27-35
Subconsciously, I’ve become more tolerant with violence. I’m very selective with the kind of movies / shows I watch that have sexual content, but when it comes to violence it’s really, “whatever” because it’s all fake right? I watched the first episode of Gotham, and it’s violent, but I enjoyed it. I’m not saying not to watch Gotham; I am saying I think violence is subconsciously rooted within me.
Here’s why I care: Several months ago, our team was playing in a soccer championship. Game’s tied, and everyone on the pitch is tired—we’re in America so it’s “field” not “pitch.” The player from the other team and I are aggressively running shoulder-to-shoulder. After a few yards, he irritably pushes me over. I laid there for a second and realized, “Wait this guy just pushed me!” So I jumped up and put my hands around his neck. Here’s the deal: I don’t normally try to choke people out, I’m not a violent person, but I think subconsciously I was acting out what I saw on TV. If I have a problem with someone, then I should do something about it. We’re never too old to be influenced by what we watch. Now to God’s Word!
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
The book of Proverbs is about action. Take action of your life. Understand that wisdom is elusive, and if you don’t seek it out, you’ll miss it. Same principle here: If someone comes to you in need—whatever that may look like—don’t put them off. Solomon’s two parameters:
First, give to those who deserves it. If it’s in your means “ power” to help them.
When I was younger, there was a homeless individual in a wheel chair begging for cash. She told me of her miserable story and the circumstances that landed her in a wheel chair. So I gave her some money. I moved on. She moved on. An hour later, I was walking and saw this same homeless woman jump up from her wheel chair and ride off in a cadillac… Hustled.
Second parameter Solomon gives: if you have the means. Giving something you don’t have is extremely dangerous. I’ve fallen into this many times. You want to pay for a special dinner, but you know you’ll have no money for the week. That’s not wise.
29 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.
31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
Honestly, when I read passages like this, I naturally feel that they don’t apply to me. I don’t strategically plot to hurt someone. It’s not my intention to bring harm to anyone, but according to Jesus, sinful thoughts are just as bad. What leads to violence? Anger does. Are you angry with someone? Angry to the point that you wish something negative may happen to them? Not just physical harm, but maybe you wish that this person wouldn’t grow in their influence, that this person wouldn’t get a promotion, that God wouldn’t elevate this person. I think those thoughts reflect our hearts more accurately.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33 The lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright.
34 The lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.
These verses have the sentence structure of, The Lord doesn’t like this, BUT he likes this instead. As Christ followers our prayer each day must be, “God please make me humble. Make me upright. Make me godly.” Each day, we must be striving to become closer to Him and shed our sin.
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!
This is my prayer and hope for everyone I meet. I want everyone to to inherit honor. Another word for honor is glory. I want everyone to inherit glory! I want everyone I meet to put the foolish worldly things away and inherit the beautiful honor & glory that God has prepared for his people.
We need to tell everyone! We need to desire to see people inherit this honor! Our lives need to be a reflection of Jesus’ redemptive work. Our lives are the biggest reflection of Jesus’ love and the best tool we have to share the gospel. For many, seeing is believing and what better physical proof that Jesus exists than our lives!
Photography: @carrlosluna