Proverbs 10:23 - Evil as a Sport

Proverbs 10:23 

Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding. 

Message: Evil as a Sport

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: To do evil is like sport to a fool,
But a man of understanding has wisdom.

I’ve noticed in my life unfortunately times when evil has been like a sport or competition or obsession in my life. It does become a game because there is a right way of living and to choose an alternate path when all those around you prescribe the good way, then we have a tendency to make it a game. 

There is a competitive aspect to it - almost like you are outdoing one another. -- Enduring Word Commentary

Evil at some point in a persons life is done without shame or remorse or fear. Evil has become acceptable behavior. For me personally, the gay pride parades seem like evil. That we have moved to celebrating this alternative lifestyle seems like it has moved to a sport. It seems like it is a celebration in these parades as - look at me. Look at who I am. 

On the contrary a man of understanding which is our goal - is a man of wisdom. 

This person avoids evil. This person is to understanding what the evil man is to wickedness. 

This person has a pleasure in doing good. 

So instead of celebrating only me, the man of understanding seeks to celebrate others. The focus is not on self but on others. It is on Jesus and others.  I think of serving others and meeting other people’s needs. For many that becomes the sport. It is figuring out with my time how to make others first. 

Prayer: God, it is great to take these thoughts and concepts and analyze and think about them. It is interesting to think about what I value and then what is most important. Thank you for guiding me into truth. 

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