Calamity Rising Suddenly - Proverbs 24:22

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “My son, fear you the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse twenty-two of Proverbs Solomon said, “their calamity shall rise suddenly” where we read,

For their calamity shall rise suddenly;

and who knows the ruin of them both?

The verse begins, “For their calamity shall rise suddenly;” Solomon began with the words, “for their calamity” or “because, since and on account that their, the people who are given to change's, distress, burden, disaster, misfortune and ruin” “shall rise suddenly” which means “will stand up, become powerful and come on the scene surprisingly and instantly”. Solomon said instant disaster and misfortune would come upon the people who are rebellious and “given to change”.

The verse goes on to say, “and who knows the ruin of them both?” Solomon continued with the words, “and who knows the ruin” or “and what person whether male or female perceives, discriminates, distinguishes, finds out and discerns the disaster, destruction and misfortune” “of them both” which means “from the LORD or the king”? Solomon questioned what person is aware of whether the LORD or the king would bring destruction and instant disaster upon the people who are rebellious. 

When we meditate upon Solomon's words in this verse, we learn about a warning concerning associating with people who are rebellious. Because the LORD and the ruling authority are in charge, they may bring a quick judgment upon those “given to change”. God is merciful and gracious, and His desire is to save people from their sins, but He will bring judgment upon those who reject Him and sometimes uses His appointed authorities to do so. When He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, He made access for us to believe and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with the wisdom to revere Him and the royal rulers He places in authority over us. When we surrender to Him, we avoid sudden “calamity” that He and His rulers will certainly bring upon those who rebel. 

Next time Solomon says, “it is not good to have respect of persons in judgment”, 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".