Proverbs 14:17-22

Proverbs 14:17-22 deal with attitudes of the heart toward others, especially the good and the poor.

Verse 17--One who is quick-tempered acts foolishly,
and the schemer is hated.

Verse 18--The simple are adorned with folly,
but the clever are crowned with knowledge.

Verse 19--The evil bow down before the good,
the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

Verse 20--The poor are disliked even by their neighbors,
but the rich have many friends.

Verse 21--Those who despise their neighbors are sinners,
but happy are those who are kind to the poor.

Verse 22--Do they not err that plan evil?
Those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.

What do these maxims teach about living the godly life?
1. Anger is a heart problem. Anger in itself is not a sin. The Bible often speaks of God's anger (Romans 2:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; and often). The Bible describes Jesus' anger with those who took advantage of worshippers at the temple, who bought and sold animals and birds for sacrifice at a profit, and thus drove them out of the temple area (Mark 11:15-19). The anger condemned in the Bible is uncontrolled, irrational, self-centered anger (see Proverbs 17:27-28).
2. Because God is in control, the wicked are destined for defeat, and thus to serve the righteous. The righteous will prevail, because they submit themselves to God and to his way. Often, this is not immediately obvious, but in time it becomes apparent.
3. It is too much of a burden for many to take on the troubles and trials of the poor. It is so much easier to befriend the rich. But does not God have this very problem with all of us? It would be much easier for God to ignore the troubles and trials of human beings; but because of his great love and compassion, he is our constant comfort (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-7). If we follow God's example, we will learn to gladly "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). When the help the poor, we enjoy an unexpected serendipity: we find great happiness in our hearts--a surprising deep gift of God.
4. Before one DOES evil, he/she DEVISES or PLANS evil in the heart. The same scenario happens when one does good. Micah 2:1-2 describes this in vivid detail:
Alas for those who DEVISE wickedness
and evil deeds on their beds!
When the morning dawns, they PERFORM it,
because it is in their power.
They COVET fields, and SEIZE them;
houses, and TAKE them AWAY;
they OPPRESS householder and house,
people and their inheritance.

John Willis