Thoughts on Scripture

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Suggested Reading: Proverbs 10:6-7

According to the author of Proverbs, the wicked describes a person who is quick to respond with an insult when insulted.

The head of the righteous represents his mind. His thought life is filled with blessings. Peter says we are called to bless and not to curse. We are not to return insult with insult. When we are tempted to do that, we should think of Jesus:

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23)

Jesus did nothing wrong. He was insulted for no reason. And yet, He did not return their insults. It takes no effort to return an insult with another insult. Anyone can do that. It takes tremendous courage to return an insult with a blessing –especially when you know it is undeserved. But how can we do this when our hearts desire to insult the person back?

A righteous person is someone who has received the righteousness of Christ –not someone who attempted to work for his own righteousness. That is called self-righteousness. When someone turns to Christ a cleansing process is begun by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the righteous person’s mind is filled with blessings towards his fellow man and not cursing. This state of mind becomes a crown which eventually becomes evident to all with whom he has contact. This is a process that is begun by God and will be completed by Him for He promised to complete in us what He started.

On the other hand the wicked proves the words of Jesus to be true: Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. In other words, when he opens his mouth the hatred and violence that fills his heart are reflected by the words he speaks. He has nothing good to say about another. He is always speaking of harm and hurt and pain.

The state of mind of the righteous man results in the fact that his name becomes a blessing both to him and his children after him. They will not be ashamed to be called his children. The name of the wicked however will be associated with bad things, bad reputation and bad memories. It is important to note that when the Bible refers to the wicked, it is not a reference to criminals only. It is a reference to all who have turned their backs on God and His Way of salvation. The wicked person may find that his children may dissociate themselves from him, not wanting to known to be his children and the result is that his name will not be remembered by his grandchildren. Solomon uses strong language: “His name will rot.“

How we live and treat others will determine how we will be remembered, not only by our children and grandchildren, but also by anyone who came into contact with us. May our Lord continue His work of sanctifying us through and through, since it is His name we carry.

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