Proverbs 24:11-22
Q.1. What responsibility did God give for the welfare of the oppressed? Why? – (Prov.24:11-12)
God is not impressed by the indifference of the strong against the defenceless, when it is in their power to help. He demanded – Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, oh hold them back (Prov.24:11). All of us have a Day of Reckoning – If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work? (Prov.24:12).
Q.2. What is wisdom like? How does wisdom benefit us? How does it apply when we are responding to evildoers and the unstable? – (Prov.24:13-14, 19-22)
Wisdom is as sweet as honey. It gives us a future and a hope (c.f. Jer.29:11). Wisdom helps us to not be charmed by the influence of evil-doers, knowing that their end is terrible. It is unwise to join with those who are unstable because their fall will be sudden and complete.
Q.3. What promise of protection is extended to the righteous? Why is it unwise to rejoice in the calamity of others? – (Prov.24:15-18)
It is pointless to oppose the righteous – For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity (Prov.24:16). Paul wrote – Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth (1 Cor.13:6). This grace should be extended even to our enemies. We should not be glad to see them stumble. Why? – Or the Lord will see it and be displeased and turn His anger away from him (Prov.24:18). It is hard to suffer, but it becomes even more painful when others sneer. We should cultivate kindness.