Today we come to Proverbs 19:23-20:4, and I deeply appreciate its practical wisdom. In this section, we read that “the fear of the LORD leads to life” (verse 23), and I am amazed at how “the fear of the LORD” generates so many wonderful things for us. These good things are simply the products and the results that come from a God Who knew exactly what we needed and what was best for us in His creation. For example, in this life, contentment is a special blessing – an outcome - that comes from “the fear of the LORD,” but unfortunately, few people in our world really experience and enjoy contentment. The key to living a contented life “untouched by trouble” is “the fear of the LORD” (19:23). In the book of Job, Job tells us that “as surely as the sparks fly upward, man is born unto trouble” (cf., Job 5:7). In this life, some trouble is unavoidable, but as we mentioned yesterday, through the many and increasing over-complexities that people introduce into their lives – especially the “cares of this world” (cf., Mark 4:19) – most people today unwittingly invite, multiply, and add much unnecessary trouble into their lives. Trouble is difficult to manage, and the more trouble, the greater the difficulty. As we said before, believers should strive to live lives that are as simple, uncomplicated, and trouble-free as possible so that we may “serve the Lord with undivided devotion” (cf., 1 Corinthians 7:35). Christians should take the time to plan and strategize their lives in such a way as to avoid unnecessary trouble, but alas, few people do.
Solomon agrees with this in Ecclesiastes 4-6. He points out the additions to one’s troubles – “oppression, the loneliness of having “no comforter,” man’s “envy of his neighbor,” endless “toil for nothing,” etc., (verses 1-8) – these additions are but a few of the complexities that contribute to a man’s trouble. “Two are better than one,” he says, “because if one falls down, his friend can help him up … they can keep each other warm … one may be overpowered; two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (verses 9-12). This solution equates to God’s ideal, and it leads to contentment. “To accept man’s lot and be happy in his toil – this is a gift from God. [Such a man] seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart” (5:19-20). This is what contentment looks like, and it’s the way that God actually intended for us to live our lives in this world “under the sun.”
In 1 Corinthians 7:17-35, we see that Paul continues his discussion with the Corinthians in answer to their fifth major problem – marriage and singleness. Thee can be real trouble-makers. Three times, Paul stresses that “a man should retain or remain in the place in which the Lord has assigned him” (verses 17, 20, and 24). Such a situation presents the fewest number of complexities to the individual’s life, which Paul commends. “Keeping God’s commands is what counts” (verse 19). However, Paul recognizes realistically that the Christian life should always progress toward improvement – something better – it should not languish or stagnate. “Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you – although, if you can gain your freedom, do so” (verse 21). Some things are worth going through the trouble. Anything in this life that enhances our opportunities to bring glory to God is always worth the trouble and should be pursued – regardless of the complexity – because God gives grace … and He alone enables us to be content.
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