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