In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people”, and in chapter fourteen and verse thirty-five of Proverbs Solomon said, “the king's favor is toward a wise servant” where we read,
The king's favor is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causes shame.
The verse begins, “The king's favor is toward a wise servant:” Solomon began with the words, “the king's favor” or “the delight, goodwill, desire and pleasure of the royal ruler” “is toward a wise servant” which means “is extended to a slave, subject and bondman who is skillful, shrewd and prudent”. Solomon shared how the royal ruler delights in a bondman who is skillful and shrewd.
The verse continues, “but his wrath is against him that causes shame.” Solomon added the words, “but his wrath” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover his, the king's, fury, outburst and anger that wrinkles the nose and nostrils” “is against him” which means “exists in opposition to the servant” “that causes shame” or “who is disconcerted, disappointing and disconnected”. Solomon said the anger of a royal ruler is in opposition to the bondman who makes him to be ashamed and disappointed.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how the bondman of a ruling authority gains his delight and pleasure because they are skillful and shrewd, however, the bondman who makes him to be ashamed will gain his anger. God wants us to serve others as though we are serving Him (See Colossians 3:23), and because His Son Jesus came into the world to serve mankind by dying on the cross for the sins of the world, everyone who yields their lives to Him will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and shown through His Holy Spirit how to be “wise servants” so that we gain the “favor” of our authorities and Him.
Next time we begin a new chapter and see Solomon say, “a soft answer turns away wrath”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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