11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the TENT (not fixed nor permanent here), of the upright will flourish. Proverbs 14
FLOURISH OR PERISH, which will it be? God’s Word uses strong language regarding the dwelling place of the wicked. He’s not at all neutral or ambivalent about those who oppose Him, nor deal treacherously with His children.
12 The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked
and brings the wicked to ruin. Proverbs 21
32 For the Lord detests the perverse
but TAKES THE UPRIGHT INTO HIS CONFIDENCE. (Interesting verse, has He something to share with you today? Ask Him!)
33 The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but HE BLESSES THE HOME OF THE RIGHTEOUS. Proverbs 3
Achan, the man who stole some of the plunder from Jericho, dedicated as first fruits to God, is an example of a house that God destroyed. Joshua 7:24-26
In the early Church, Ananias and Sapphira shared a similar fate for lying to the apostles and the Spirit of God. Acts 5 God’s love and mercy through the Christ were being abused and His retribution came swiftly.
On the other hand David, though guilty of sin gave a fantastic testimony at the end of his life.
5 ‘Is not my house right with God?
Has He not made with me AN EVERLASTING COVENANT. (Reaches from time into eternity. We are also HIS COVENANT PEOPLE THROUGH CHRIST.)
ARRANGED AND SECURED IN EVERY PART; (What a comfort to a King who’d served God and his own people during a long life)
Will He not bring to fruition my salvation
and grant me my every desire. 2 Samuel 23
David’s words conclude by contrasting the way of the wicked.
6 But evil men are all to be cast aside LIKE THORNS,
which are not gathered with the hand.
7 Whoever touches THORNS
uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear;
they are burned up where they lie.’ 2 Samuel 23
Thorns are sharp and injure those who touch them, they’ not even worth gathering up, burn them where they lie. A vivid description of the wicked, injurious and of no value. These are the last recorded words of King David in 2 Samuel, so they are worth pondering.
24 ‘“‘The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face towards you
and give you peace.’”
27 ‘So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’ Numbers 6
Blessed weekend to everyone.