Lessons from Proverbs: Step Seven
Undercover Boss is a reality show that follows a CEO who anonymously slips into his company to evaluate what level of integrity his employees display. I wonder if King Solomon ever tried that; he must’ve wondered what his court and community leaders were really like. He knew that when the boss is watching everyone shows integrity on the outside … but what about on the inside? In his wisdom Solomon knew outside forces were tempting his people and desired kingdom living for them, therefore, he penned these words of chapters 19-22 for contrast.
As Jesus walked this earth preaching and teaching Kingdom principles He also knew our unseen enemy would have to be dealt with: Satan. We can look pretty good to people on the outside when everything is going our way but what about when our cup is bumped? What spills out?
But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. Matthew 12:28
Recognize your enemy and command him to desist!
As I read through these chapters several topics were compared and seemed to stand out: integrity vs. foolishness, honesty vs. lies, generosity vs. stinginess, and laziness vs. purpose. Solomon was clear about evils of mockery, wickedness, scoffers, and fools; you really want to steer clear of those kinds of people who influence your life.
Take integrity, for example, a heart attitude that only God can see, it’s on the inside, but it’s seen when our outside behavior is morally right and innocent.
Jesus warned,
“You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside?”
Luke 11:39-40
How about mockery? Many find it funny and you get some laughs but this type of ridicule pokes fun at people and makes them appear unimportant or stupid:
If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser. Proverbs 19:25
Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten. Proverbs 19:29
Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance. Proverbs 21:24
Are you getting the serious picture that Solomon is painting?
Making someone look less than yourself may be funny to others but not to God. He desires kingdom living for you, mashal, ruling and reigning in life but not at someone else’s expense. Consider the Holy Spirit your Undercover Boss this week as you watch your words and behavior knowing they come directly from your inner man or heart. What did He think of what you said or did?
People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Proverbs 21:2-3
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