Proverbs 11:5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Not unreasonably this book of Proverbs charged with unspirituality. It is not a manual of devotion. It is not a setting forth of eternal principles of truth. It is a collection of homely aphorisms applicable to the practical life of man. But these proverbs rest upon spiritual principles, and they are saved from narrowness by the way in which they explain, amplify, and qualify each other. The great pervading principle of the book is righteousness, its Divine nature, and its blessed fruits. I. THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF THIS BOOK, AND OF ALL MORAL TEACHING. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap." This by the world is — 1. Denied in practice. 2. Denied in theory. The theory is false that, live as you like, the result will be the same. It is contradicted by experience. It is inconsistent with the very being of a God. II. SPECIAL STATEMENT OF THE PRINCIPLES. 1. "The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way." Note the leading words. "Perfect," not faultless, but upright. Not consciously or intentionally reserving anything from God. "His righteousness." Not his own, but God's; yet made his own by free adoption of his will. "Its work." Not an arbitrary reward. 2. "Wicked fall by his own wickedness." Generally speaking, failure is worked for, and comes as payment. Apply to (1) Man's earthly life. (2) To man's spiritual life. (W. R. Clarke, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. |
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