The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
but the house of the righteous stands firm.
Summary: How are we to understand some of the things Solomon says? Today’s passage is a good example. Are the wicked really “no more?” Seeing things as God sees them helps us understand the words he gave to Solomon to write down.
I find it difficult to reconcile today’s passage with the world we live in. There seem to be a lot of people who qualify as “wicked” running around. If they were “overthrown” and “no more,” all that would be left would be the good guys.
Maybe it is a good thing that God is not too quick to overthrow the wicked. In truth, I confess that I have a wicked mind. Try as I might, wicked thoughts still intrude, and I hate it. Worse, sometimes I get caught up in the thought or emotion and follow it for a while instead of turning it over to God immediately.
Still, somehow, God is patient with me. As Peter writes in his second letter:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
So what is Solomon talking about?
Here, again, it is helpful to look at things from God’s point of view. God sees us as eternal beings. The body of flesh that we occupy is transitory. As Paul points out in 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
In this verse, we see a snapshot of what God sees. The righteous, those who strive to please God and trust in Jesus, are given an eternal body in heaven. Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
The eternal perspective changes everything.
Application: Practice looking at life through God’s eyes.
Food for Thought: As a Christian, what is the importance of standing firm?
Interesting question brother. Standing firm is certainly a theme in Scripture. In the famous “spiritual warfare” passage of Ephesians 6, we are told to stand or stand firm three times in verses 13 and 14. If a Roman soldier lost their footing in hand to hand combat, they were as good as dead. We are in a spiritual battle and if we do not stand firm, we will not stand at all (Isaiah 7: 9). Standing firm is the description of someone who doesn’t lose faith but trusts in the Lord.
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Thanks Rich!
To expand on R’s points, on our feet is supposed to be “the preparation of the gospel of peace.” One of the great benefits of standing firm is winning others to Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Amen brother
JEC,
Great point! Good footwear is important if we are to stand firm.
As a Christian, what is the importance of standing firm?
When I think of “standing firm” I think of having “resolve” (decide firmly on a course of action). As believers, we must decide to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in everything we do. I know from my walk that sometimes I can recognize the subtle and intrusive thoughts right away, and put them out of my mind, and sometimes I can’t. It is important to remember that I am imperfect, and that recognizing and understanding the sin in my life is an important part of my sanctification. For me, a part of standing firm means asking for forgiveness, understanding of my own nature, and for God to give me the strength to not continue in the same pattern of sin. I am also strengthened by knowing that God will never allow me to be conquered by sin, He has already defeated it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
1 John 3:9 “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.”
Well said, Chris.
Falling = sinning
It is a simple construct but I appreciate you making the point. Temptation is everywhere and the battlefield is littered with things that distract us from our Lord and His Mission.
The first part is standing and be willing to stand no matter what the consequences shall be. Being firm in your faith to know when to stand.
Tim,
A willing heart is at the root of our faith. Thank you!
Great question, I appreciate all the great comments!
07-08-2022, Proverbs 12:7, As a Christian, what is the importance of standing firm?
WE EXIST ON EARTH TO STAND FIRM IN OUR FAITH!
Christ was promised by God, He came and ministered to mankind for approximately 3 years. He gave His life for all sin, rose from the dead as a sign of God’s power over death, after 40 days He ascended into heaven after promising to send the Holy Spirit to all believers as our “ HELPER “.
All believers have Jesus Christ in their hearts, the power of the Holy Spirit to learn, know and live our lives within God’s will as we allow Christ to be seen by the world around us. By His Grace, we are now dead to sin and alive to the righteousness of God.
It is critical we each work moment by moment to grow and stand firm, as we “ LIVE IN OUR FAITH “, so that Christ can be seen in our lives irregardless of the circumstances which last but a moment. We are Christ on earth and His effect on others through us has eternal consequences or rewards.
Thank you, Ron.
Your words encourage me.
Galatians 5:1, It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Thank you Ron ( great name my brother whom is a believer is named Ron ) I liked that you pointed out about how others looking at us notice “Christ can be seen in our lives irregardless of the circumstances” and that “His effect on others through us has eternal consequences or rewards”.
Great points that make us look at furthering the kingdom and eternal matters.