Wisdom includes promoting justice
by Pastor Glenn Crouch
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Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice (Proverbs 6:8).
Proverbs is a fascinating book, and I hope you enjoy reading each of the verses today. Yesterday, I pointed out that in Scripture, wisdom is about practical skills that lead to a life that glorifies God. Today’s reading addresses: proper use of speech (verse 1); right motives (verse 2); God-driven plans (verse 3); God is in control (verse 4); don’t be proud (verse 5); be loving and faithful (verse 6); peace-making (verse 7); avoid injustice (verse 8); the Lord is in control (verse 9). As you can see, this is good practical advice!
Let’s have a closer look at verse 8. Our materialistic society is very much about the accumulation of ‘stuff’. One could argue that many have the view that the one with the most stuff wins. Sadly, we can fall into this way of thinking as well. This verse warns us that we need to examine how we make our money and get our stuff. If we make gains by disadvantaging others or taking advantage of their misfortune, we need to rethink things. Justice is not just something we expect the government and the courts to look after. Remember Micah 6:8 – we, as God’s people, should act justly.
It is also good to remember Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and that after his encounter with Jesus, he started to put things right. Are there any areas in which you have not acted justly? Are there ways in which you can put things right? Also think about the financial opportunities you may have, and see how verse 8 applies. It is better to only have a little and to show kindness and generosity.
Lord of all Creation, you have richly blessed me. Thank you for all that you have given me. Help me to be generous with my bounty and act justly to all who I encounter. Amen.
Glenn Crouch was born in Brisbane and was baptised in the Methodist Church. He married Karen in a Reformed Baptist Church, and they moved to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia 37 years ago, where Glenn worked as a lecturer in computing. After serving as a Baptist pastor, Glenn joined the Lutheran Church with Karen in 1995. Glenn served as a lay preacher, which led to him becoming a Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP), and he recently transitioned to General Ministry Pastor (GMP). Glenn still lives in Kalgoorlie-Boulder with Karen, where they have raised two boys.
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