By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Proverbs Chapter 17

“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 17:15).

The Rev. Ron Purkey

First, avoid the fool (verses 12-13). How dangerous is it to pal around with foolish people? Solomon says you are better off facing a grizzly bear mama who’s been robbed of her cubs (see Proverbs 17:13, 25:21–22).

It only takes one bitter word to open the floodgates of conflict. (Proverbs 17:14) “Don’t give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:26–27) to hinder God’s work among his people. Stop a dispute before it starts (see Proverbs 29:11).

Second, the beginning of strife is as when one lets out water (verse 14). The drops that ever so gently seep through a tiny hole in a dike can all too soon swell into a gushing torrent. From such small beginnings arise feuds that cannot be settled.

Lifetime feuds have often started with such small beginnings and have swelled to unbelievable proportions. If apologies had been immediately made and sincerely meant, the wound could have been healed immediately.

The Apostle Paul repeats this in the New Testament when he says, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26).

Third, the Lord detests injustice; all those who judge others unjustly are an abomination to him (verse 15). Injustice turns the law on its head. In a legal setting, it involves declaring the guilty to be innocent (justifies the wicked) or the innocent to be guilty (condemns the righteous).

Such injustice is possible outside the courtroom as well. It can happen whenever people pronounce an unjust verdict on someone else’s character (Proverbs 28:5; Psalm 11:3). These things may bring God’s judgment upon a person or a nation!

Fourth, an old saying warns, “A fool and his money are soon parted” (verse 16). Unfortunately for him, he has no intention to put it to good use by buying wisdom. When all is said and done, a fool’s money will be gone, and he will still be foolish.

Fifth, have good friends (verse 17). A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time. Difficult times can test our relationships, to be sure. But if you want to be a godly man or woman who perseveres when you feel like throwing in the towel, you need fellow God’s people who will hold you up when you grow weary. After all, when do you need a friend the most? Not when you’re on top.

A true friend stays with you when you are heading downhill, when times are rough. Sometimes you don’t know who your friends are, in fact, until you are in trouble.

Too many of us are trying to make it by ourselves when God’s plan is for us to grow, serve, and love in community. You cannot fulfill the “one another” commands of Scripture by yourself (see, John 15:12; Galatians 6:2).

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.