Pro “Verbs”

Let’s read Proverbs 11:3-6.

The integrity of the upright will guide them,
But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.  4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death.  5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright,
But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.  6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.

Like many proverbs in this section of the book, Proverbs 11 presents us with many contrasts.  I’d like to point out the different verbs used in the contrasts that are given to us.  First, we read that integrity “guides” the upright but perversity will “destroy” the unfaithful.  I would rather be guided than destroyed.  If we walk with God we will have integrity which guides us instead of being destroyed by perversity.

Next, we see that riches “do not profit” but righteousness “delivers” from death.  When we stand before God, one thing that will not be considered in the judgment process will be our bank account or our credit score.  Earthly riches will not matter one bit in eternity.  In verse 6, righteousness “will direct” but the wicked “will fall” by his own wickedness.  Pretty clear contrast drawn here isn’t it?  Then finally, we see the words “deliver” compared to “be caught”.

Isn’t it a “no brainer” which of these sets of verbs that we want applied to our lives?  We should want the first set of verbs, those that belong to the upright, the blameless and the righteousness.  Those “verbs” are available to us through Christ.  God never seeks to destroy us, cause us to fall or cause us to be caught.  When we choose God, He chooses our “verbs”.

In wisdom,
Eric