Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl: Wise Ways to Live IV: Actions Have Consequences, Proverbs 13:20-25

Friday, September 23, 2022

Proverbs 13:20–25

[20] Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

[21] Disaster pursues sinners,

but the righteous are rewarded with good.

[22] A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,

but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.

[23] The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,

but it is swept away through injustice.

[24] Whoever spares the rod hates his son,

but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

[25] The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,

but the belly of the wicked suffers want. (ESV)

Wise Ways to Live IV: Actions Have Consequences

v.20 We are influenced by the company we keep. If you hang out with Wise people, their Wisdom will rub off on you. Similarly, if you keep company with fools, your foolishness will likewise increase.

v.21 This proverb is an observation about the consequences of our behavior, good and bad. Trouble pursues sinners. They may skate by in this life. To all appearances, their actions do not seem to have consequences. But the consequences are hard on their heels and will surely catch up to them on the last day. In the same way, also, the reward to the Wise for their actions will also be delivered with just as much certainty. As Jesus said, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little. I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21).

v.22 This verse is connected to the previous by the words "good" and "righteous." This time, instead of pointing to eternal consequences, it teaches about justice in this life. It may speak about worldly inheritance as from a parent's estate. More likely, it speaks to the inheritance of righteousness as the wise child reaps the benefits of the Wisdom he was taught and inheritance that benefits generations to come as it is handed down. The wealth that would belong to the wicked were they to turn from their wickedness is instead divided among the righteous.

v.23 The interpretation of this verse has been a source of argument for hundreds of generations. When a government is corrupt, the poor fail to benefit even when God has blessed them because the poor are easily preyed upon by those who are both unjust and powerful. It may also be a proverb extorting the wise ruler to care for the disadvantaged so that they may have the opportunity to prosper.

v.24 Sometimes, it is difficult to discipline a loved one, especially for a parent toward a child. Likewise, it is difficult for the child to comprehend that good discipline from their parents is a sign of love. Discipline should be appropriate to the infraction of the child and their capability to learn and understand the consequences of their actions. Regardless of the means of discipline or the actions that caused it to be required, the key word in this passage, above all, is “love.”

v.25 The Wise in Christ are content with what they have. The blessings of God are always sufficient, for God will neither leave nor forsake us (1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5). They are grateful for what they have and do not seek more than what they need.