Read Proverbs 27:23–27
Questions from the Scripture text: What should the son be diligent to do (Proverbs 27:23)? Why (Proverbs 27:24)? At what season (Proverbs 27:25) does what occur (Proverbs 27:26)? With what outcome (Proverbs 27:27)?
What should we value more than wealth or power? Proverbs 27:23–27 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must learn from nature to value what God gives greater value.
Riches are used up (Proverbs 27:24a), but lambs and goats (Proverbs 27:26), and the grass that feeds them (Proverbs 27:25), are renewable resources. Men are constantly in danger of esteeming the assigned value of wealth above the inherent value of things that God created.
This is a metaphor for the son’s conduct as king. “A crown does not endure to all generations” (Proverbs 27:24). A king must care about more than the power and wealth he is able to attain in his own reign. He should care for his people, both now, and for generations to come.
In our lives, we will be tempted to prioritize accumulating money or maintaining power. But we must prioritize the care of those whom the Lord has entrusted to us. Far more than grass or goats, His image-bearers have the true value.
We are the sheep of His pasture, and the flock of His hand. And He gives us His sheep to care for, too.
What are some situations in which you are tempted to value wealth or control too much? Whom has the Lord given to you to care for? What are some situations in which you are tempted to care for them too little?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for caring us as the sheep of Your own hand. It is amazing to us that You have bestowed upon us the value of being image bearers. Forgive us, for how we have neglected Your image in others. Forgive us for valuing wealth and power above people. Give us to love them and care for them as those who bear Your image, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP100 “All Earth, With Joy” or TPH100B “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”
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