Read Proverbs 20:20–28
Questions from the Scripture text: What might one do (Proverbs 20:20a)? What will happen to such an one (verse 20b)? To what type of inheritance does Proverbs 20:21a refer? What will it not be (verse 21b)? What shouldn’t one do (Proverbs 20:22a)? What should he do instead? What are an abomination to YHWH (Proverbs 20:23a)? What are not good (verse 23b)? Who determines a man’s steps (Proverbs 20:24a)? What rhetorical question does verse 24b ask? With what implied answer? What does Proverbs 20:25a say is a snare? What might this rash vower then do (verse 25b)? What two things does a wise king do with the wicked (Proverbs 20:26)? Who has given man his spirit (Proverbs 20:27a)? To do what? What does this lamp reveal (verse 27b)? What two things preserve the king (Proverbs 20:28a)? By what does he uphold his throne (verse 28b)?
How does YHWH emphasize to us that all of life is lived in relationship to Him? Proverbs 20:20–28 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, in relating to parents, kings, and even ourselves, we discover that all of life is a relating to YHWH.
Honoring YHWH our Father, Proverbs 20:20-21. The one who cursed father or mother (Proverbs 20:20a) in Israel was to be executed (cf. Exodus 21:17). This is because parents are the Lord’s first representatives to their children. Whatever punishment they receive in this life, such children will ultimately suffer the wrath of God (Proverbs 20:20b). Honoring parents is also the theme of Proverbs 20:21. The prodigal’s sin began by essentially wishing that he could hurry up and profit from his father’s death. And, as in the case of the prodigal, those who value inheritance in such a mercenary way cannot expect it to be a blessing to them. Honor YHWH in all of life!
Trusting in YHWH our God, Proverbs 20:22-24. The middle section gives instruction in several areas, where it is vital that we not trust ourselves, but the Lord. We must not take revenge for ourselves, but trust the Lord to avenge (Proverbs 20:22, cf. Romans 12:17–19). We must not rely on abominable business practices (Proverbs 20:23), but trust the Lord to enrich us. We must not rely on our understanding of our life (Proverbs 20:24b), but trust the Lord to order our steps (verse 24a). Trust YHWH, in all of life, in order to avoid the pitfalls of self-reliance!
Pledged to YHWH our King, Proverbs 20:25-28. Just as with the parents in Proverbs 20:20-21, kings are representative to us of YHWH, the holy King. We must consider, in accordance with His Word, what we will consecrate to Him (Proverbs 20:25). We must fear Him, both as the One Who winnows and threshes the wicked (Proverbs 20:26), and as the One Who sees our breath and spirit (Proverbs 20:27). Most of all, we must rejoice to be ruled by Him, the essence of Whose kingship is ḳessed and emmet; steadfast love and covenant faithfulness (Proverbs 20:28). (this is the standard by which all true kingship is to be measured). Pledge yourself, reverently, to YHWH in all of life!
How is your honoring God related in how you think about, feel toward, and interact with, your parents? In what ways has it been coming out, in your life, that you are relying on yourself in ways that you should be relying on the Lord instead? How is your devotion to your king and country reflective of, and participatory in, your devotion to the Lord?
Sample prayer: Lord, we honor, trust, and give ourselves to You, our Father, God, and King. Forgive us for the ways in which we have not done so, and conform us to Christ by Your Holy Spirit, we ask in Jesus’s Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP72A “God, Give Your Judgments to the King ” or TPH119M “O How I Love Your Holy Law”
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