Proverbs 29:1–11 1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: But he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. 4The king by judgment establisheth the land: But he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. 5A man that flattereth his neighbour Spreadeth a net for his feet. 6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: But the righteous doth sing and rejoice. 7The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: But the wicked regardeth not to know it. 8Scornful men bring a city into a snare: But wise men turn away wrath. 9If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, Whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. 10The bloodthirsty hate the upright: But the just seek his soul. 11A fool uttereth all his mind: But a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
"God sent me 1,000 hints that he didn't want me to keep doing what I was doing. But I didn't listen, so he set off a nuclear bomb."
Those are the words of Jack Abramoff. He was a Washington lobbyist convicted in 2006 for conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion. Somehow, he realized too late that God had been trying to stop his downward path of sin, but he refused to heed the warnings.
I believe the Lord puts all kinds of caution signs along our path.
The first proverb in today’s reading explains what happened to Jack and what will happen to us when we ignore God’s caution signs.
Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
What are some of these warnings?
First, there is his Word.
The Law of the Lord is holy and for our good. If we would only let it light our path we would all avoid falling into many a ditch of despair.
Second, there are the whispers within us from the sweet Holy Spirit of God. How many times have we drowned out his voice so that we could persist to our own peril? I must testify that I have done so many times.
Third, there are those subtle roadblocks that our gracious Lord uses to slow our descent. Like speed bumps on a street where children play, he places inconveniences and troubles along their path to protect his children from themselves. Why do we insist so stubbornly on climbing over them?
Fourthly, the Lord leads faithful friends to convey words of caution. Often the sinner removes the voices of reason rather than change their way. I have seen it done, haven’t you? I have been the silenced speaker and I have been the one putting my fingers in my ear, so I didn’t have to hear.
Lastly, I believe the Good Lord will often send serious setbacks to prevent us from greater self-harm.
But what happens when a stubborn sinner ignores all the signs?
What happens when he doesn’t heed a thousand hints? Well, I guess you could ask Jack in his jail cell, but I think the Scripture says it best,
Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Please don’t ignore the signs but if I am too late and you have found yourself in the ditch about which you were warned, just know that there is hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
10/27/20