"Those who break God's law praise those who are wicked and that which is unworthy, because they understand not judgment."
- both quotes are from the Pulpit Commentary
Proverbs 28:5 says - "Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things."
In this verse of Scripture, we have a distinction being made between two classes of people - between the "evil men" and "they that seek the LORD." The distinction between the two is easily seen in their ability to "understand" - or lack thereof.
The Scripture tells us outrightly that - "evil men understand not judgment."
First of all, who are these "evil men"? How would you describe them?
These "evil men" are men of wickedness - given up to it and under its governing power. They are those who have abandoned God's law - they know it not as the rule of duty nor doom. The prevalence and dominion of lusts in their lives has caused a darkness of their understanding. Everything is seen in a false sight - truth appears as falsehood ...good as evil...and wisdom as folly. Due to the corruption blinding their eyes, these "evil men" have lost all sense of right; they have trouble understanding it.
Hence, they know not what is right and wrong....they are wise to do evil...to do good they have no knowledge...and they do not consider the judgments of God in the earth nor take notice of the judgments to come.
Do you know of any "evil men" in your generation who fit this description?
Believe it or not! The Bible records when God's people fell into the category of "evil men." The Prophet Jeremiah alluded to this in Jeremiah 4:22 when he spoke on behalf of God concerning the children of Israel - "For My people is foolish, they have not known Me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge."
Israel had become morally corrupt - just like the surrounding heathen nations. Consequently, they lost all understanding of spiritual things. They no longer were able to distinguish between truth and falsehood and good and evil. They could not discern the mind of God in His word or providence. They became wise in the ways of evil - contriving the gratification of their lusts - which led them to conceal and palliate them. This, in turn, led to a heedlessness of the impending judgment of God and their eternal future.
Do you see such a "pattern" in many of the churches today?
Are you getting the point that there is a close link between morality and understanding?
"Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things."
On the opposite side of the spectrum stand "those that seek the LORD." They are the ones who turn to Him with all of their heart ...hunger and thirst after righteousness and His Presence... commit themselves firmly to do His will...abandon all actions that would offend Him...and believe in relying on Him as their one and only Helper.
They are the ones who set His glory before them as their end... His favor as their felicity ...and His Word as their rule. They seek Him in prayer. Consequently, they are given proper powers of discernment - enabling them to know what is morally right in every circumstance - having right judgment in all things.
Because they "seek the LORD," they are given the "spirit of wisdom" which, in turn, enables them to "discern both time and judgment."
Ecclesiastes 8:5 describes them in this way - "Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment."
These who "seek the LORD" are taught by "Wisdom" to know what is appropriate - as to time and procedure. They know how to improve on time - discern its shortness, swiftness, and devastation. They understand that there is a fit time for every purpose and judgment. They consider it a matter of great importance to be able to discern when and how both to speak and act - prudently accommodating themselves to their opportunities - while embracing the exact timing in all enterprises.
Those who "seek the LORD" "understand" that there is an appropriate time of judgment when God will judge everyone and every matter.
Unlike the "evil men" in Proverbs 28:5, these are the ones who "fear God," know His "covenant," and are in on His "secret."
Psalm 25:14 depicts them as such - "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant."
They "fear God." They truly and properly reverence Him... see "eye to eye" with Him...pay close attention to His instruction... display a willingness to submit to Him... and obey His every Word and command.
They are the humble ones who distrust themselves...and desire to be taught and follow Divine guidance - being anxious to know the right path, find the way of life, and live and walk with Him.
Do you "fear the LORD"?
To those who truly "fear" Him, He shares His "secrets."
Consider the Prophet Daniel - "a man greatly beloved" - to whom God revealed wonderful visions of the Gentile governments - superseded by the final Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. And then look at John the Revelator who was given the glorious End-time Revelation - while exiled on the Island of Patmos.
To those who "seek Him" - who truly "fear" Him - God imparts an intimate knowledge of His Divine perfections, dealings, and dispensations. He gives the "secret" or discernment of His purposes - before they come to pass. He gives a new and deeper understanding of His ways and "mysteries" - allowing the "light" to shine on these individuals more fully.
The Pulpit Commentary said it in this way - "God favors those who fear Him with secret and confidential communion."
In other words, God opens His mind to those who love Him. His revelation is received in its fullness by the obedient.
Barnes' Notes said this - "We have a right judgment in all things in proportion as our hearts seek to know God."
The Biblical Illustrator added this comment - "This is a time for consecration. To consecrate ourselves to God is to recognize the supreme fact of our existence and to act upon it. This is the time of all times for consecration, while the goodness of God is passing before us..."
"Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things."
God desires to share His "secrets" with you - concerning these Last Days. It is not His will that you be "in the dark" as to what to speak or what to do.
Are you counted among those who are "seeking the LORD" - those who "fear" Him? Have you consecrated yourself to Him?
Then believe Him to give you - "understanding in all things."
We at Walking In Truth Ministry are doing just that - "seeking the LORD" - and consecrating ourselves daily to Him.
Thus, we strongly encourage you to read each written message and listen to each podcast that comes into your Inbox from this ministry - Walking In Truth Ministry. When you do so, you will notice that - regularly - God shares His "secrets" with us - revealing things to come or giving a prophetic or timely word in preparation for what is about to happen (even within the week).
I spend much time with the Lord in prayer and the study of His Word in preparation for each message. Consequently, He graciously blesses me with His "secrets." How I thank Him for that!
Please don't miss these "blessings" that are coming your way each and every week (usually the written message on Tuesday night and the Podcast on Friday night). And don't forget to tell your friends about Walking In Truth Ministry.
To all those who faithfully support us every month with your financial gift, we want to say - "Thank You" - from the bottom of our hearts. We could never have accomplished all that we are doing without your help! May the Lord reward you richly in this life and in the life to come! We know that He will!
If you would like to be a blessing to this ministry or a faithful supporter, you can make your check out to - Walking In Truth Ministry - and mail it to the following address -
Walking In Truth Ministry
P.O. Box 383016
Duncanville, TX 75138-3016
Or, if you prefer to use Paypal, you can send your financial gift to - [email protected]
You can also send a Money gram - if that means of exchange will work better for you.
We are a nonprofit organization with a tax exemption status.
Thank you ahead of time for your gracious gift,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved