We return again to the comparison of evil men to righteous wise men.
In the first 6 verses we are encouraged to not be envious of evil men, for if we look into their hearts, we will find them devising violence. In comparison, a wise man is full of strength and might. In fact,
“Indeed, it is by wise guidance you can wage war”
The chapter goes on setting statements about wise men/wisdom alongside schemers and evil.
But it is the word “war” that grabbed my attention.
In verse 10 the language turns further to action. We are told to be strong so not as to faint when we face adversity. We are told to rescue those being taken to death, and holdfast to those who are stumbling.
It would appear we are in the midst of a battle. This battle calls us to choose whether we will pursue righteousness and wisdom, or not.
You might object. You might be thinking this language is too strong.
Proverbs apparently was expecting that response from some of us. We read in verse 12, “If you say, “Behold we did not know this…” going on to describe that in our hearts we really did know.
The text continues, exhorting us pursue the sweetness of wisdom, and not to lie in wait as a wicked man.
Interestingly this path of wisdom and righteousness is not easy. Note how many times a righteous man falls—seven.
Let’s pause and ponder how the number seven in the Bible means ‘completely’. Might it be that those pursuing righteousness and wisdom will often fall, and fall completely?
Yet, they arise again and again. Not by their own power, but by God’s.
With so much falling, we are cautioned not to rejoice when our enemy falls.
All of this action language brings me back to the question of war. When I awake each day, do I consciously consider that I am entering the battlefield?
Do you?