(Prov 24:10-12 GNB) If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small. Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and He sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.
This morning we continue our series, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” This is the 25th Saying: Description and Admonition on Helping Others. I broke this passage up into two parts: your ability to stand and the courage to stand-up. We deal with the first part yesterday and we will address the latter today.
Solomon tells us that we, as believers, have an obligation, both morally and before God, to intercede for someone who has been done wrong. Solomon uses the gravest of examples when he describes a person who has been wrongfully sentenced to death. But don’t think for a moment that you excuse yourself from what he is teaching if the person you know is being done wrong is not literally sentenced to death. The point of the proverb is that the Father expects us to do something when we know that someone is clearly being done wrong. If we have the ability to do so, but fail to, then our sin of omission makes us just as guilty as those who wrongfully convicted the person. The failure to do what is right is just as bad as doing something wrong. And Solomon makes it clear that God knows the difference as well. He searches our hearts and He knows our thoughts before we think them. So don’t think you will be able to stand before God and say you didn’t know, or that you couldn’t help, because both you and He know that you could.
This reminds me of Jesus’ parable of the man who was robbed, beaten and left to die. Both a priest and Levite (supposedly Godly people), passed right by the man, knowing that they could help, but refusing to do so. Then a good Samaritan came by – Samaritans were considered ungodly by the Jews – who took care of the man (see Luke 10:25-38). Jesus made it clear that whatever we do for others, even for those who seem like the ‘least of society,’ He will consider it like doing it for Him (Mat 25:40).
So what does this mean to you today? It means that you must have the courage to stand up for those who are being done wrong and you should have the revelation of the difference between a proverb and a promise. The proverb tells you to stand up for the helpless, but there are many promises in scripture that you how God will stand up for you when you stand up for others. God is concerned about the plight of the poor and the helpless and He is looking for you, His child, to be the conduit through which he brings about deliverance in their lives. And remember this: if you fail to act, when you and God both know you could’ve, you will have blood on your hands.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for giving me the courage to stand up for others when they are being done wrong. I refuse to idly stand by as the innocent are unrighteousness persecuted, mistreated, and convicted. I will do what is right, because it’s right, and then do it right. Your proverb tells me to stand up for others. Your promises tell me that when I do, that You will stand up for me. I have nothing to fear. Man can do nothing to me when I am operating in accordance with Your Word, being led of Your Spirit, and doing Your work in the earth. As You show me situations where I need to get involved, I declare, by faith, that I will have the courage to do so. I will not have to stand before You on judgment day with innocent blood on my hands, because of what I failed to do. I am a doer of Your Word and I am blessed in my doing! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
