Read Proverbs 24:13-22

Proverbs 24:15-16 states, "Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: 16For a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief."

This passage should encourage every person who is truly doing their best to walk in the ways of the LORD.  The biblical charge is given to the wicked to not do harm to the things, or person, of the righteous.  "For a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again..."  The word "falleth" speaks of something or someone that causes us to fall.  Clarke in his commentary states:  "Though God permits the hand of violence sometimes to spoil the just man's tent (house), temptations to assail his mind, and afflictions to press down his body, he constantly emerges; and every time he passes through the furnace, he comes out brighter and more refined."  The Bible teaches this principle also in Psalm 37:23-24, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."  You see, God is our ultimate protector and sustainer.  It is the LORD who upholds us in such a manner that we have the strength and the ability to rise up again.

 "But the wicked shall fall into mischief" Here the word "fall" speaks of stumbling into mischief or wrong.  The principle here is this person will lie, having no help or hope.  So, there they shall lie; having no strong arm to uphold them.  You see, God is not present in the wicked man's life to help or sustain him. 

I thank God today for His strong arm and for the strength and sustenance he provides us, though we fall, we can get up again and continue to live for Him.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How would you judge your life thus far?  Are there any failing moments that come to your mind?

2.  How would you describe God’s faithfulness to you in your difficult moments?

3.  Describe something God did to make you stronger and better because of testing.

4.  Is there anyone you would prefer to help you more than God?  Explain.