Aug. 30, 2021
Humility and Fear of the Lord
This section of Proverbs is known as the Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (Proverbs 22:17). In some ways, it is like Egyptian wisdom literature popular in the time of Solomon, but with one key difference: the fear of the Lord. Practical issues addressed in this section include courtroom justice, economics, and hard work. The key ingredients to any successful life are humility and fear of the Lord (Proverbs 22:4).
Paul concludes his response to the issues raised in the Corinthians’ letter. He explains that eating meat sold in the marketplace is not wrong, even if it may have unknowingly come from a pagan temple. But if it does upset a weaker believer’s conscience, it is better to lay down small liberties than to hinder the gospel’s spread through the community.
It may not be possible to please everyone, but that is no excuse to cause unnecessary offense on trivial matters. We should remove obstacles to the gospel so that everyone, everywhere, can have an everyday relationship with God.