(Prov 23:10-11 GNB) Never move an old property line or take over land owned by orphans. The LORD is their powerful defender, and he will argue their case against you.
This morning we continue our series, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” This is the 11th Saying: another Admonition on Moving Boundaries. With the 5th saying, in the last chapter, Solomon said, “Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations” (22:28). When teaching on that verse I explained how the land of Canaan was divided up and parceled out to each Tribe, and then each within the Tribes. The families then put up boundary markers to identify their parcel of land. The warning was against succumbing to the temptation of moving the boundary markers in order to enlarge one’s territory unlawfully. To ensure the people knew right from wrong, the Lord, well before the Israelites arrival onto the land, said the following through Moses: “When you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you as your special possession, you must never steal anyone’s land by moving the boundary markers your ancestors set up to mark their property.” (Deut 19:14).
The first line here basically repeats what the Lord said in 22:28. But the second line shifts the emphasis from “your fathers” (or previous generations) to “the fatherless” (or orphans). The fatherless had no human kin to stand up for their rights if their boundaries were moved unlawfully. It’s bad enough to steal from an adult, but to steal from a child, and a fatherless child at that, is doubly disgraceful. Solomon makes it clear that while the fatherless may not have a human father to take up for them, their Heavenly Father is more than adequate at taking up their defense. The LORD Himself, their powerful defender (also translated “redeemer”) will make the case against you and will ensure justice is performed. Well before Moses warned the Israelites against stealing someone land by moving the boundary markers (Duet 19:14) he said: “He [the Lord] ensures that orphans and widows receive justice” (Duet 10:18).
In today’s society the culture that lends itself to plentiful lawsuits has created an environment where many attorneys are well-known and high-priced. Within the legal arena there are some lawyers that you simply don’t want to go up against, because you know their defense will be thoughtful, meticulous, and well constructed. But no matter how good an attorney is down here, Solomon makes it clear that the Lord Himself is the ultimate advocate. When the Lord takes the case of an orphan who has been done wrong, then you can rest assured that He will be on the winning side. And to make matters worse, if the Lord takes the case against you, then not only will he be the prosecuting attorney, but He is also the Righteous Judge. The case is basically over before it ever gets started.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. The Lord expects you to be upright in business.
2. If you do someone wrong in business the Lord will be against you, but if you cheat the defenseless then He will personally take and make the case against you.
3. There is no way you can win when you are on the opposite side of God’s justice.
4. Do what’s right, because it’s right, and then do it right—every time!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for making Your standard explicitly clear. I seek to represent You well today and every day. I make sure that all the business I do I above-board, every time. I never do anything that will dishonor, discredit, or disgrace Your name. I know You will personally take the case of the cheated and make the case against their cheaters. I know better than to get on the wrong side of Your wrath. You are a God of justice and You will ensure that justice is done. While this may be bad news for some, it is great news for me, because I walk with You daily. You personally see to it that justice is done in my life. I thank You Father for being my advocate, for taking my case, and for defending me when I am done wrong. With You on my side, there is not way I can lose! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
