Proverbs 21

By thissmallgroup, October 21, 2019

King Solomon returns to a previous comparison during this chapter of Proverbs, telling his readers that it would be better to live in discomfort than to share a house with a nagging wife. However, when not giving out marriage advice, Solomon drops a single verse that resonated with me during my quiet time. In the third verse, Solomon writes, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” As believers, the idea of sacrifice is ingrained within us, a common term in our faith that signifies the ancient gifts of Old Testament believers in the Tabernacle as well as the ultimate gift of Christ dying on the cross. We are encouraged to lead our lives in the form of a living sacrifice, giving our money, our time, and our resources in order to further the kingdom of Heaven. Solomon furthers this idea of sacrifice by challenging his readers to check their choices; in his words, the greatest sacrifice we can make is to do what is right and just. Solomon almost seems to be asking, “What’s the point of giving offerings or serving in church on Sundays, if you’re making the wrong choices Monday through Saturday?”

Verse 3: “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

Verse 21: “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.”

Verses 30-31: “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”