Hobart Herd Devotional – Proverbs 22:17-23:11
April 23, 2020
In Chapter 22:17-24:34, we are given 30 sayings of wisdom. Today we are going to look at the first 10, 22:17-23:11, and get our devotional thoughts from these verses. Today and tomorrow we will conclude our devotions from Proverbs as I started on these on the 25th with chapter 25. I would encourage you to continue to read a Proverbs a day for daily wisdom to help guide your life in God’s way. So starting on Sunday we will begin the book of Psalms and have devotions together there.
Yesterday we ended with answering the question of why we should apply our hearts to God’s wisdom. The answer is that we might learn to put our complete trust in the Lord. Another reason for studying and applying the Proverbs of God’s wisdom is found in Proverbs 22:21, “To make you know the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer to him who sent you?”(NAS) May we study and know the certainty and reliability of God’s wisdom and truth found in His Word. This little book of 30 sayings of wisdom (22:17-24:34) may well be like the Cliff’s Notes of wisdom that we can use to guide us in learning and sharing God’s wisdom for today.
The verses that struck my heart today are: Proverbs 22:22-23, 22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate; 23 For the LORD will plead their case, and take the life of those who rob them; and Proverbs 23:10-11, 10
Do not move the ancient boundary, or go into the fields of the fatherless; 11 For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you.(NAS) We are continually challenged by God’s Word and the examples of Jesus to care for the poor, needy, afflicted, orphaned and widows. In fact one of the first acts of the early church during times of extreme persecution and suffering was to sell all their possessions and take care of each other.(Acts 4:32-35)
Maybe it is because of our situation of need and the way that this virus has affected everyone, but isn’t it great to know that we have a God and Savior whose heart is open to those who cry out to Him in need and desperation. This section of 10 sayings of wisdom start and finish with the challenge to make sure that we are caring for, serving and loving those in need. The reason is more than just our sympathy, but is based on the fact that “their Redeemer is strong and will plead their case against you”, if you try to take advantage or oppress those hurting and in need. God reclines His ear to the cries of the broken and hurting, and we are called to serve and care for those in His power and love. (Sing: I will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever)
Father, I am so thankful that You hear our cries when we are hurting and broken. Your mercy, grace and love endure forever. Forgive me when my heart becomes callused to those who are hurting and in need. I truly want my heart to hurt and react with Your heart in serving others. Today we cry out together for Your mercy for those hurting from this terrible virus, whether they are physically sick from it, or are heart broken, anxious and fearful from it. We know only You can bring the healing we need and mend our broken hearts and minds together in Your promises and wisdom. Thank You that we can cast our cares on You, the Redeemer of the broken and needy, knowing that You care for us. In Jesus name, Amen. Pastor Rob