January 20, 2021
Failing #
Proverbs 24:15-20
Introduction
The verses we have for tonight, could not be more appropriate or timely. I could not have planned, or picked a more timely passage. I don’t say that lightly or other than simply a statement of fact. God orchestrates things according to His will… and sometimes He very well changes our will to match His plan.
I. Falling or Failing (Pro 24:15-18) #
A. Falling of the righteous (15-16) #
i. “Lay not in wait” (15) #
Written for the wicked
Prov. 1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
- Those who seek to do harm, or take advantage of righteous people.
- Hunting…
- Jer. 5:26 For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.
Christian be forewarned
- 1Pet. 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
- Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
ii. “just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again” (16) #
This verse is often used as if falling into sin, but in context, we see, he falls into a snare, a trap.
He is hunted… God may allow him be to be caught!
- Job, David it would seem as though he was hunted, and even caught several times.
- God is in control
B. Falling of the enemy (17-18) #
i. “rejoice not” (17) #
ii. Why? 1. LORD see it 2. It displeaseth him 3. He turn away his wrath from him (enemy). (18) #
II. Fretting (Pro 24:19-20) #
A. Evil (19) #
i. Evil: #
Gen. 2:16 ¶ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
- The knowledge of good and evil happened the day that man chose to sin against God, and break His commandment.
iv. Fret not! #
- This world is not my home, I’m Just a passing thru
- My treasure is laid up, somewhere beyond the blue
- 1Pet. 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
- Your worrying isn’t going to change a thing…
- Praying, that changes things!
B. Envy (19) #
i. Don’t be envious of wickedness! #
C. End (20) #
i. “no reward” #
- Many wicked, evil, vile people will stand before God one day, and give an account for their actions!
- Rev 20:11-15
ii. “the candle fo the wicked shall be put out” #
Prov. 13:9 ¶ The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
III. Fear (Pro 24:21-22) #
A. The Lord (21) #
Prov. 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
i. “My son” #
- Once again, this is for the saved… someone who is related to the Author!
B. The Leader (21) #
i. Notice the order… God first! #
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
ii. Wicked leaders do not mean the end of the society. #
iii. Daniel served under some godless, arrogant, wicked leaders #
Joseph served under a pagan, worldly ruler
Paul was under many wicked rulers!
Sometimes a wicked ruler is judgement on a nation for their wrong doing.
C. Change (21) #
i. It doesn’t say to never change… however there is a caution issued to those who are given to change… #
There is a difference between refreshing, cleaning, and changing.
- We change our clothes every day…
ii. “given to change” – that would be people who are looking to make sweeping changes… #
D. Calamity (22) #
- Calamity – great misfortune, cause of misery