1 The LORD abhors dishonest scales,
but accurate weights are his delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes
disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. The word for “pride” comes from the word that
suggests boiling up. It refers to
those who must have everything
their way and will not let themselves be “pushed around.” Biblical
examples: Pharaoh, the social rebel (Dt. 17:12,13), the false prophet
(Dt.18:20), murderer
(Ex.21:14) “Humility” is a rare word that suggests the
cooperative spirit that is opposite of arrogant. It is used in Malachi 6:8 “To act justly
and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 3 The integrity of the upright guides
them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Integrity will guide you as you try to make choices
and decisions in life 4 Wealth is worthless in the day of
wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless
makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. Righteousness will avoid many of the unnecessary
detours of life that cause for a winding, hilly, rocky road 6 The righteousness of the upright
delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. “Unfaithful” is the word for “renegades” or the
“treacherous”. They are trapped by their own lusts. 7 When a wicked man dies, his hope
perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. 8 The righteous man is rescued from
trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead. The wicked are caught in their own trap. This also includes the concept of atonement or
exchange. Pro. 21:18, says, “The wicked become a ransom for
the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.” God will deliver the righteous out of a
situation by exchanging them for the wicked. God does this for the redeeming of Israel out of the
Babylonian captivity. He exchanges
them for Egypt, Cush and Seba in Isaiah 43:3,4: “I give Egypt
for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored
in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and
people in exchange for your life.” 9 With his mouth the godless destroys
his neighbor, but through knowledge
the righteous escape. The godless talk and teach rebellion to God by
undermining true values and wisdom. The righteous man will escape the godless mans talk
by having knowledge of righteousness. 10 When the righteous prosper, the
city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. People may want to be wicked in their private lives
but they know that their leaders must be righteous for the community to succeed. Righteousness in public office is clearly a must for
there to be success and prosperity in the community. |