December 11, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 11
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Following Scripture Verses

1. A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
2. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7. When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8. The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
10. When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12. He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16. A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18. The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19. As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22. As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23. The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29. He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

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"Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished:" - Proverbs 11:21

Today's verse gives a promise to both the ungodly and the righteous. It states that no matter what measures the wicked may go to in order to avoid punishment, they will still receive it from the Lord.

This proverb specifically mentions the wicked joining hand in hand. This means that they are building a confederacy of some kind. They are in rebellion against God as individuals, and apparently have decided that if they join together they will be invincible. This is reminiscent of Proverbs 1:14, in which sinners call upon Solomon's son to "Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse." The ungodly seem to be under the impression that if there are enough of them, and if they stay united, and if they become powerful and rich enough, then no one can stop them. Man may indeed struggle to defeat them, but God will chasten them with no trouble at all.

This verse serves as a warning to the wicked. They shall not go unpunished, not matter who joins forces with them. We know that Satan himself will be cast into the Lake of Fire, so if he can't avoid judgment, they certainly can not either. The proverb also serves as an encouragement to the believer. It often seems like the ungodly are prospering, and that they grow mighty together. Their power seems to defy anyone to try to stop them. Yet the child of God need not worry about them. Though they may thrive for a brief time, God will deal with them harshly in His time.

Don't worry about the wicked, no matter how many folks join with them. God will handle them with ease.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery