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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 233

STUDY 233

Text: Proverbs 20
11 December 2005

Dear Parents,

THE PRESENCE OF EVIL
We must never take the presence of evil lightly. It manifests in many different forms. The following text helps us to be even more aware of the way in which evil can assert its influence.

Most men will proclaim each his own goodness…

Proverbs 20:6

Who can say, ‘I have made my heart clean,
I am pure from my sin’?

Proverbs 20:9

Diverse weights and diverse measures,
They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD.

Proverbs 20:10

1. The problem of “self-righteousness”
Proverbs 20:6

2. The problem of business fraud
Proverbs 20:10

3. Nobody can claim that that he is free from sin
Proverbs 20:9

A SPECIAL PROVISION TO COUNTER EVIL
Evil must be resisted at all times. One of the ways in which God counters evil is through “the king”. He would represent high authority in the land.

A king sits on the throne of judgment
Scatters all evil with his eyes.

Proverbs 20:8

1. The King

This reference is valid because of the monarchial system of government in the early days.

2. The Representatives of the King

The righteous king would normally be assisted by a good judiciary. Two groups of people may be highlighted in particular:-

a) Fair and impartial judges

These were provided for in the Mosaic laws.

b) Leading elders

Ancient Israel had deep tribal roots. Thus there were always “elders” of the tribe who carried a lot of weight and influence. Their greatest challenge was “to scatter evil”. How we must pray for our leaders.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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