A Friend Loves at All Times
July 14, 2020
Commentary
To justify the wicked and to condemn the righteous is to call evil good, and good evil (v. 15). This is hated by the Lord and any who operate in this manner are fools. There are many examples of this going on in our society today but one that is very glaring is the abortion issue. Abortion has been legalized all across our land and even by the Supreme Court. This is nothing less than murder and think of the millions that are being murdered under the banner of “women’s rights."
Why should fools have money for an education when they refuse to learn (v. 16)? The idea is portrayed that both a friend and a brother should be greatly valued (v. 17). The true friend proves himself in times of trouble by helping whenever and wherever he is needed. Our Lord Jesus Christ is that Friend whose love never changes, and who is in reality a brother born for adversity. A person does not demonstrate sound judgment who will guarantee someone else’s financial note (v. 18). There are repeated warnings throughout the Scriptures concerning our standing good for someone else’s debt. If a person or an organization does not have the money to buy something it is a good idea not to get it. This can be God’s way of saying you don’t need it or at least not right now."He that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction” (v. 19). Private homes in Solomon’s day were often entered through a high and elaborate gateway which spoke of wealth and social prestige. People who did not have the money were often tempted to construct such a gate and thus brought themselves to financial ruin. Men today also often adopt a life-style that is beyond their means.
Application
What is my chief goal in life? Do I find myself spending more time thinking about how I can improve my living standard than I do about what I can accomplish for Christ?
Proverbs 17:15– 19 (NET)
15 The one who acquits the guilty and the one who condemns the innocent — both of them are an abomination to the Lord.
16 What’s the point of a fool having money in hand to buy wisdom, when his head is empty?
17 A friend loves at all times, and a relative is born to help in adversity.
18 The one who lacks sense strikes hands in pledge, and puts up financial security for his neighbor.
19 The one who loves a quarrel loves transgression; whoever builds his gate high seeks destruction.
Illustration: Charles Swindoll Faith And Planning go HandinHand
Charles Swindoll says, “To walk by faith does not mean that we stop thinking. To trust God does not imply becoming lazy or apathetic. What a distortion of biblical faith! You and I need to trust God for our finances, but that is no license to spend foolishly. You and I ought to trust God for safety in the car, but we’re not wise to pass in a blind curve. We trust God for our health, but that doesn’t mean we can chain smoke, and subsist on potato chips and twinkies without consequences. …Faith and careful planning go hand-in-hand. They always have.” (Charles Swindoll. Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication p. 27).