This morning as usual, I read the entire chapter or full titled section to gain context for my study. I found it more challenging this morning as I read through Proverbs 24 as I was looking for the context and not just allowing the verse/stanza to speak for itself.
“19Fret not yourself because of evildoers,
and be not envious of the wicked,
20for the evil man has no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.”
— Proverbs 24:19-20 (ESV)
The above is where I was led this morning for my Bible Study. Proverbs is always a good and interesting place for me be. It is really, in my view, a collection of what to do and what to stay away from. Even the introduction in my ESV Bible indicates that it is a “collection of Israelite wisdom literature”. The verses and stanzas can stand by themselves in a lot of cases.
I am to concern myself with good and know that evil and wickedness will be taken care of by the LORD. When I am presented with evil and wicked, I am to move on and turn to good with my attention and focus. Yes, there is a time for me to work to overcome darkness with the light of the LORD. He will give me those opportunities as I seek to do the Will of the LORD. But, I am also to remember that if/when the LORD is not accepted, I am to move on.
“14And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.” – Matthew 10:14-15 (ESV)
There is no kingdom gain from the continued concern with the evil and wicked. I will only waste away as I try to change them as after all, I cannot, only the LORD can. I plant seeds of the LORD and then He takes over to grow in the heart. Once I have completed my work, I am to move on to the next.
Yes, I can and should continue to pray that God’s Will be done in the heart of the evil and wicked. I am to ask that the LORD continue to do His work. But, I am to move on and not concern myself with more work, once my work is done. I am to move on to the good and devote my concern there.
So, as noted in verse 19 from Proverbs 24 above, I have to “fret not” with regard to that of the evildoers and the wicked. I have to move on to the good and do the work the LORD has for me.
What is your thought on interactions with the evil and wicked? Are you pouring and concerning all of yourself into them? What if you were to plant the seed and then move on to the next good, allowing the LORD to grow the seed?
Trevor's Thoughts 