THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 12
“No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.” (Proverbs 12:21)
Many of the proverbs speak in extremes and ultimates… no harm for the righteous?
We just know from experience – and centuries of history – this is not true.
But the teacher here is highlighting something that is often true.
Those who pick a risky path will more likely find trouble than those who don’t.
Sometimes when I watch the news an innocent bystander is hurt or killed.
Which shows that this proverb isn’t always true in our daily experience.
But often the person hurt or killed is ‘known to the police’.
They may have been part of a gang, or caught up in drugs, or some other crime.
They were walking on troubled paths, and finding their fill of trouble.
Pursuing a right path will not guarantee that we will experience no harm.
But pursuing a bad path will definitely increase our exposure to trouble and harm.
In this life, the good and the bad experience both comfort and pain.
But God (and time) will sort this out, and each path will find its eventual destiny.
“In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.” (Proverbs 12:28)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see the direction where each path (choice, decision) can lead, and to choose wisely. Help me to trust You and persevere when harm does come my way.