Proverbs 21:15-31
To do what is just and right is not only pleasing to the LORD (v. 3) but is also a joy to the one who does it (v. 15). Many people think that to be a Christian is to live a life of severe constraint. The exact opposite is true! The believer who is in a good spiritual state finds his happiness in obedience to the Lord; on the other hand, what the world calls joy has no attraction for his heart (v. 17). The dwelling of the wise man contains "treasure to be desired" (the Word of God honoured) and "oil" (the power of the Holy Spirit: v. 20; cf. 1 Kings 17:16). In order to walk in a path of righteousness and mercy (v. 21) the wise man needs this food. He draws spiritual strength from it, strength which is needed to overcome and cast down the strength of his Adversary (v. 22; Ecclesiastes 7:19). But even more than his strength, his wisdom has nothing in common with man’s wisdom, which cannot stand up before God (v. 30; 1 Corinthians 1:19). Let us be true "wise men". We should see to it that the food of the Word and the joys of the Spirit are not lacking in our homes and that we draw our strength from them. We should make sure that not one of us is like the foolish virgins in the parable who had no oil in their lamps (Matthew 25:1-46).