Proverbs 21:27-22:6 begins by telling us that the “sacrifice of the wicked is detestable – even more when it is brought with evil intent” (verse 27). Wicked actions and behaviors proceed from a wicked heart – which is detestable – and as a result, any offering or sacrifice made from a heart of wickedness will also be detestable to the Lord. Wicked people are not interested in participating in God’s grace. The so-called righteous deeds and actions of wicked people are filthy rags in God’s sight (cf., Isaiah 64:6 and Romans 3:19-23). How detestable are filthy rags? “False witnesses” (verse 28) are inherently wicked, and the “bold front” (verse 29) of wicked man is simply deceptive – plain old wickedness. Wickedness is detestable even among thieves - no thief wants to be lied to. In addition, we also read here several other excellent principles of truth that we should always heed: [1] “An upright man gives thought to his ways” (verse 29); [2] “victory rests with the LORD” (verse 31); [3] “A good name is more desirable than great riches” (22:1); [4] “a prudent man sees danger and takes refuge” (verse 3); and [5] “he who guards his soul stays far from the wicked” (verse 5). It must be understood that verse 6 is a general principle of truth – it is not a blank-check or a guarantee for the spiritual success of any child. God has given us these nuggets of truth and wisdom that we might think about them and put them into practice.
In Isaiah 8:11-10:19, the prophet tells us candidly that “the LORD spoke to him with a heavy (i.e., “strong”) hand upon him – warning him not to follow the way of the people” (verse 11). This is important because we all live within the boundaries of our culture, and it is easy for Christians who are deeply committed to an intimate life with God to become influenced by their culture. God says, “do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it” (verse 12). We are told here by divine revelation that we are to “regard the LORD Almighty as holy – He is the One we are to fear and dread” (verse 13). Does our culture – does any culture – regard the LORD as holy? Isaiah is saying that, when it comes to living within our culture, we need to be biblically discerning. If we regard God as holy, “He will be our sanctuary, and He is the “Stone and the Rock that makes them (i.e., the culture) stumble and fall (verse 14). In chapter 9, Isaiah foresees the coming of Messiah. He says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (verse 2). “A Child is born; a Son is given, and He will be called … the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (verses 6-7). In chapter 10:1-19, Isaiah continues to denounce the sins of Israel and then turns his attention to God’s judgment on Assyria. Isaiah agrees with what we read today in Proverbs 21:30 - nothing can stop His judgment (verses 12-19).
In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Paul encourages giving among the Corinthian believers, and he tells us that giving is a gracious act that flows from the very heart of God. In this passage, we see that giving is both “a privilege of sharing in service to the Lord’s people” (verse 4), and it is a responsibility of the believer (verse 13). Moreover, he says that “if the willingness [to give] is there, the gift is acceptable – based on what we have – not on what we don’t have” (verse 12). God is not stingy, nor should we be. He owns everything and has blessed us, so He desires that we give “according to our means” (verse 11). And “what do we have that we didn’t receive?” (cf., 1 Corinthians 4:7). Everything we have comes from (and belongs to) God, so by our giving, we are participating in God’s grace.
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