The Truth In Print, June 2007 Vol. 13 Issue 5

 

 

“The List” That Justifies The Ungodly

 

     The following text are key verses often used in any thorough study on giving instruction and reproofs. Read them and notice that verse eight actually tells us not to reprove a scorner!

     Proverbs 9:7-9

     He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. [8] Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. [9] Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

     The word “reprove” in verse eight means to be right or correct. The rebuke if accepted and considered properly would actually help, for rebukes are designed to save us from what deceivers allow that bring God’s wrath (cf. Titus 1:9-14; Pr. 28:23, 27:5-6, Ps. 141:5). But in the case of the haughty scorner we are warned not to, because the purpose of convicting such a person of their sinful conduct doesn’t have a chance. The “do not reprove” (Pr. 9:8) in context stands in relation to the point in verse 7. And verse 7 speaks of the mistreatment one will get should they do so. Compare what the Lord commanded: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you” (Matt. 7:6). This instruction is there because it is the right thing to do (cp. Ps. 119:128).

     We are to understand that the “dogs” and “swine” have no regard or use for instruction from God’s word, which is “holy.” Moreover, their mistreatment of the one who gives instruction from God’s word is severe! David’s words apply, “Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred (Ps. 25:19).

     Matthew 7 presents certain things that are closely said that may be tied together to correctly understand the wicked and their ways. In the context the wicked are hypocrites who “look at” the speck because it belongs to another’s eye, but refuse to see the “log” that is in their own. They will say to another, “Let me take the speck out of your eye” without having the wisdom to do that and do it correctly. The mind described here justifies its own wicked self.  They have great concern for “specks” but have failed to cleanse themselves of from “all filthiness” of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord (2 Cor. 7:1).

     The warning concerning “ravenous wolves” states the facts plainly — the wicked will justify themselves while seeking to destroy the just (Matt. 7:15). You can know the dogs and swine by their attitudes and behavior that are the works of the flesh (cf. Matt. 7:20; Gal. 5:19-21). The world knows them by their lack of “light” as they walk in darkness though professing to be a Christian (cp. John 8:12; Phil. 2:15; I Jo. 1:6). The mind that justifies its own wicked self while sinfully mistreating and condemning the just is an abomination to God (Pr. 17:15).

     Having no real concern for the whole of God’s commandments and doing all He requires (cf. Ps. 119:160), the wicked will often “keep records” of the specks — be they specks or logs. They are known for their carnal “record keeping” (cp. I Cor. 13:5, “take into account”). And “the list” always, so far as they are concerned, nullifies their present sin and justifies their not receiving a rebuke for it! Dogs and swine are known for carnal “record keeping” that seeks to condemn the righteous who have repented, and to justify the ungodly who continue to mistreat them while ignoring their own sins (cf. De. 25:1).

     Illustrating our own desire that God does not keep record of sins repented of, David said, “Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord” (Psalm 25:7). Again in Psalms 130 we read,  “Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. [2] Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. [3] If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? [4] But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared” (Ps. 130:1-4). God does not hold a grudge over our sins repented of, but rather forgives us that we might fear Him. God will do the same for the sinful record keeper if he will repent and turn to Him for guidance (cf. Ja. 4:6-10).

     The wicked “mark” our sins in order to use them against us in an unrighteous way. Using the wisdom that is not from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and from the devil, their outbursts of anger are full of  “the list” (cf. Ja. 3:14-16; Gal. 5:19-21). When finished with their rage, at least for the moment, they will snicker and say, “You know I just have to get that off my chest from time to time.” With this kind of intimidation they expect you to not call it what it is. By their own words they show that they have stored up anger and bitterness in their heart! More correctly the “chest” is the heart and the wickedness just proceeded from the heart (cf. Mk. 7:21-23). Take heed lest after their rage you justify them in their ungodliness by saying, “That’s ok, you didn’t do anything wrong.”

     Such intimidation by use of “the list” is just another way of taking the present righteousness of the righteous away from them! (cf. Isa. 5:23). When it comes to this then “do not reprove a scorner, give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine.” The time for giving meaningful instruction has ceased. You can mark and avoid such (Rom. 16:17). Why? Because they cannot speak the truth with you and you with them, and judge with truth and righteousness (cf. Zech. 8:16). They think their carnal tactic is according to justice! They say, “My righteousness is more than God’s!” If they don’t walk in “all” God’s ways they don’t love Him and serve Him with all their heart, and they will not judge and be judged by all He says! (cf. De. 10:12-13). Hear David,  “Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? [2] Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth” (Psalm 58:1-2).  In their heart they work wickedness and that is why they don’t speak righteousness!

     Obviously, if he hates you then you haven’t convicted him of anything (Prov. 9:7). Wicked Ahab in 2 Chron. 18 is an example of hating the one who rebukes you. When Micaiah spoke of his death, Ahab’s hatred and pride blinded his eyes to what was really going to happen to him. His anger recorded there is a sign of hatred. Ahab dealt in proud wrath (cf. Pr. 21:24). He was arrogant and careless with God’s anger. And so was Jehoshaphat! (cf. 2 Ch. 19:2). Read about Ahab and understand that rebukes are designed to save us from God’s wrath. Moreover, know that “You” are not the real problem for it is the truth that says their deeds are evil that is “their” real problem. Like Ahab (I K. 21:20-29) they themselves are the problem! Read in John 7 where the Jews had no problem with Jesus’ brothers because they were not speaking out against them as He was. Jesus said, “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil” (Jo. 7:7). Speaking to the wicked He condemned their judging as not being righteous (Jo. 7:24).  And that is exactly what is wrong with “the list.”

     Solomon tells us that the wicked do not love the one who reproves them, and they do not go to the wise for counsel (Prov. 15:12). This is certainly not the attitude of the faithful. The faithful will go to the wise, accept reproof as being love when they deserve it, and then continue to love the one who gives it. And upon receiving it they assure all that they can yet speak against the wicked and their wicked deeds! (cf. Ps. 141:5-6).  The just man doesn’t use the carnal tool known as “the list.”

   What characteristics do members possess when they do not go to the wise? They seek the solace of friends who are best friends yet not Christians —  knowing in advance that God’s word will not be correctly applied to their situation. How convenient! Having been rebuked they often will hate the teacher or preacher, and intentionally miss class, and the assembly, and then lie when asked why. Too often they know that ignorant family members who are partial towards them, even when they are rebellious, will accept their lie or look the other way. Or, their anger will show up during the few times they do come because the truth continues to disturb their sinful pride. Above all, like Ahab they are arrogant and careless with God’s wrath. They’ll go ahead and keep doing the very thing God’s word tells them not to do. Solomon said,  “A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident” (Pr. 14:16). When they are disturbed by seeing the penalties for sin falling upon others around them who reap what they sowed in this life — they can’t turn to God’s word for relief for it condemns them and shames them (cf. Ps. 119:5-6). Of course, they turn to the world’s methods that justify them in their ungodliness (psychology).

   The anger of the wicked often extends beyond the particular one who offended them and they take revenge out on others. This is what Asa did when his pride would not let him accept a rebuke (cf. 2 Ch. 16:9-10).  They will gratify their love of strife by taking their anger out on another family member of the one who offended them (cf. Pr. 17:19).    Without conviction of sin their acts of revenge can go on for years and even up until they die! Again, wasn’t it Asa who remained angry because of his pride even when he had a severe disease? 2 Chron. 16:12 says, “...yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord…” Even in  sickness he was the “fool who rages, and is confident.” He foolishly continued to not seek God’s solutions!

 

By Bob Lovelace

 

 

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