By Gary Fuller, pastor of Gentle Shepherd Baptist Church, Lincoln, NE
Read Proverbs 13.
Good people know about both good and evil: bad people do not know about either. ~ C. S. Lewis
Contrast is said to be a juxtaposition of dissimilar elements, the difference between persons or things compared to one another. Proverbs is a book of contrasts. In Chapters 10 through 15 there are at least 142 contrasts. The conjunction “but” is used 22 times in chapter 13 alone.
The contrasts boil down to good versus evil, righteous opposing the ungodly, and the wise against the foolish. Simply stated: Good, wise, productive, godly, considerate, humble people reap blessings, while evil, ungodly, foolish people can expect to suffer negative consequences due to poor choices and actions.
In the late 18th century, studies were done on two family lines: Johnathan Edwards’ family, and the “Max Jukes” family (the name was contrived to protect identities). The Edwards were a family who valued sobriety, godliness, compassion, and responsibility. Of the Jukes, in contrast, it is said they exhibited “traits of idleness, ignorance, and vulgarity. They would not work, could not be made to study, and they loved vulgarity.”
As a contrasting result, the Jukes produced 1,200 offspring who were primarily corrupt, sickly, criminal beggars, thieves, and murderers. From the Edwards clan came over 300 prominent statesmen, educators, judges, lawyers, and clergy.
Choose, by God’s grace, to think, say and do good things today. Click To TweetContrast!!!
Choose, by God’s grace, to think, say and do good things today.
Reflective Questions:
- Are you more prone to make good and godly choices or bad ungodly choices?
- Are you letting God work through you to make a difference in other people’s lives?
- Are you reaping the benefits of good, godly living? Does the legacy of your children prove this to be true?
Memory Verse:
Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid. Proverbs 13:21
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the real-life example of the two families to see the end result of my choices. Help me to say and do good things today.
Click here to see a listing of each daily devotion.
Gary, great overview of these chapters (Proverbs 10-15) and their emphasis on contrasting choices and consequences. The classic Edwards and Jukes illustration really drives the home the point that consequences can be passed on (Prov. 13:21-22). Give us the fountain of life, O God (Prov. 13:14)! Thank you.