Read Proverbs 20 – 22
Highlights:
We see a lot about integrity and having a good reputation. Warning against strong drink, wickedness and evil actions. Then how we should treat the less fortunate, and our children. Chapter 22 is unique in that the writer begins giving us 'thirty sayings of the wise.' He tell us why in 22:17-21. He lists the first four to complete today's reading. The rest follow in the next chapters.
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set (Prov. 22:28).
As is many times the case in the Word of God, there are physical as well as spiritual applications that can be discussed from this verse. Each of the applications had their own merit during Old Testament times. However, they can also have bearing on our lives today.
These landmarks that are being spoken of are the borders by which lands, estates and territories were marked for both identification and inheritance. Most of the time these borders were set by the landowner many years ago as they came to an agreement with their neighbors. It was a serious crime to change any of these borders. There is even a curse placed upon an individual who did. Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen (Deut. 27:17).
The lesson here is that we are to be honest in our dealings with those around us. It is never wise to set out to cheat anyone. This includes both personal and business affairs.
There is also a spiritual application that can be made in this situation. It could be said that these landmarks are the rights of an individual as a human or as a citizen. These could even be the laws and statutes of the Word of God. There are many that protect the rights of a person.
In speaking of human rights, it is a matter of justice that these rights not be infringed upon. However, every day in our world people are oppressed because of their race, nationality, age or religion. Some are even imprisoned or killed for a belief.
As believers, we have brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world who are being persecuted, jailed and even murdered for their belief in Christ. They stand in the face of oppressors who many times include their own governments. We are joined with them as members of the family of God. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body (Heb. 13:3).
We need to remember to pray for those who may be suffering for the cause of Christ. They are working like many in the New Testament were working. They are facing many things that are trying to tear the landmarks of their lives away. All of us who believe in Christ have the promise that no other person can tear us away from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:38-39).
Thought for Today:
Laziness leads surely to poverty and shame.
Christ Revealed:
As the King who sits on the throne of judgment (Prov. 20:8). For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22).
Word Studies:
20:10 divers, differing; 20:19 meddle not, do not associate; 20:25 make inquiry, reconsider; 21:7 robbery, violence; 21:9 brawling, contentious; 21:14 a reward in the bosom, a secret gift; 22:2 meet together, have this in common; 22:26 sureties for, responsible for.
Prayer Suggestion: Magnify the Lord; exalt His Name (Ps. 34:3).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:9
