Proverbs 11:8 - Trouble Finds a Home

Proverbs 11:8

The righteous is delivered from trouble, 

but the wicked takes his place. 

Message: Trouble finds a home

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: Solomon continues his rant on comparing the righteous and the wicked. Another simple message. The righteous are delivered from trouble while the wicked take the trouble the righteous don't have. 

Matthew Henry states, "The righteous are often wonderfully kept from going into dangerous situations, and the ungodly go in their stead."

This verse seems to make the most sense when applied to death. As Daniel was delivered from the lion's den, and his enemies thrown into it (Daniel 6:24). As Haman did in the room of Mordecai, and was hanged upon the gallows the other was delivered from, and he had prepared for him (Esther 7:10). 

God removes the wicked outcome from the righteous and instead, it falls on the wicked. 

I suppose the issue I continue to have is why do people like my friend in India continue to have trouble earning a basic living. That is hard to watch. His prayer requests for this year seem like the same as they were from last year:

1. Meet basic monthly needs.

2. No unusual expenses. 

Over and over. Month after month. It is the same issue. It is hard to send encouragement when people are struggling as much as they are while all my basic needs are not an issue. 

But we press on and present the gospel. And place our trust in Him. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your word. It is true and real and thank you for Solomon and what you did in his life, despite his many wives and his abundance of money. You had him write these words to us, these proverbs to remind us at the end of the day I think the heart of things. I am thankful for this and pray that this message is still impacting people. I pray for my family and others that we are having in depth conversations. Help me to get to that point with people. Help people. Lord, they need it. I am on this accumulation focus it seems as I see stocks rising while many are hurting, but their needs are not one-time, like I wish they could be. Lord, heal us. Help us. Be number one in our lives. 

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