PROVERBS
PROVERBS 11
13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,
but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
16 A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.
17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
18 The wicked earns deceptive wages,
but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
– Proverbs 11:13-18
PROVERBS 11 WHEN THERE IS NO GUIDANCE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When one does not seek counsel, he will surely fall
It is unwise to think that you know it all
The Lord knows all things and sees all things
It is foolish to think that you can stand on your own
When there is no guidance, there is chaos and destruction
A wise person listens to advice; a wicked man ignores it.
Solomon continues to lay down differences between the righteous and the wicked and the consequences that their actions bring about. Verse 14 of this chapter stood out to me as it lays the foundation for living a life of humility and dependence on God. All the resources God provides for us comes from him alone and we ought to humbly glorify him with what we were given. Arrogance and pride are opposites of humility which lead people to bring glory to themselves instead of thanking and praising God.
A proud and arrogant person would never acknowledge the existence of God because that will defy his self love. Naturally, they would never seek counsel from anyone since that would mean that they are not the center of the universe. Because of their foolishness, they will surely fail and fall in whatever they pursue.
REFLECTION
- What does Romans 1:28 say about those who do not acknowledge God?
