Read Proverbs 24:13–22
Questions from the Scripture text: How does Proverbs 24:13 address the reader? What does it say to do? Why? What else should be good and sweet (Proverbs 24:14a)? To what? What does finding wisdom give you (verse 14b)? What will not happen, then (verse 14c)? Whom does Proverbs 24:15 address? What two things does it forbid doing to whom? Why—what will always happen to the righteous man (Proverbs 24:16a–b)? What will ultimately happen to the wicked (verse 16c)? What mustn’t we do, when (Proverbs 24:17)? Why—who will see it (Proverbs 24:18a)? And consider it what? And respond how (verse 18b)? What else mustn’t we do, when (Proverbs 24:19a)? And what else (verse 19b)? Why—what don’t they have (Proverbs 24:20a)? What will ultimately happen with them (verse 20b)? How does Proverbs 24:21a address the reader? Whom does it say to fear? But not to do what with whom (verse 21b)? Why—what will happen with them (Proverbs 24:22a)? What is the implied answer to the rhetorical question in verse 22b)?
What must we always remember? Proverbs 24:13–22 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must always remember our latter end.
These are the last five of the thirty sayings of the wise, beginning in Proverbs 22:20. And in the first section, we had been taught to especially remember that we are before the Lord, and to note before whom else we stand. Now in Proverbs 24:13–22, the thirty sayings close by teaching us always to remember the latter end. And so, in these last five sayings, we are told to enjoy and employ whatever God gives us in this life, remembering that He will call us into judgment (cf. Ecclesiastes 11:9). So Proverbs 24:13-14 (saying #26) teach us to use honey and wisdom in that way. God made honey good, made it to be enjoyed. The same is true with His wisdom. He has made knowledge of Him and of His Word good for you. And He has made learning from Him sweet to His saints and good for them, giving them an unfailing hope (Proverbs 24:14c) for their hereafter (verse 14b). So if you are hoping in God to be good to you forever, hope in God to be good to you now, and enjoy what He has given you now—especially His word. Because it is by His word that He gives you faith in Jesus, by Whom you have a hope that cannot be cut off.
The second saying (Proverbs 24:15-16, #27) reminds us that the wicked should tremble to attack the righteous, but the righteous need not be afraid. The righteous man may fall seven times (implying “completely,” Proverbs 24:16a), but his latter end is one of rising (verse 16b). And however much the wicked seem to prevail, their latter end is one of calamitous falling (verse 16c). There is coming a day when they will sink deeper than the grave into hell itself. If the wicked could have wisdom, they would know that attacking the righteous is self-defeating. But the righteous can have that wisdom, and they should remember their latter ends.
But let not the righteous exult over the stumblings of the wicked (Proverbs 24:17-18, #28). God, Who is preparing the righteous for glory, will not suffer them to persist in an envious or vindictive heart. If it is necessary for the sanctification of the righteous, He will give the wicked a temporary reprieve.
There are two more things (Proverbs 24:19-20, #29) that remembering the wicked’s end ought to keep the righteous from doing with them: fretting over them (Proverbs 24:19a) or envying them (verse 19b). Remember that they will have no hereafter (Proverbs 24:20a), that they will suffer the second death (verse 20b). There is no reason to fret, for they will not prevail. And there is no reason to envy them; you want your end, not theirs (cf. Psalm 73:17–24).
Finally, remember that at the last, you will stand before Him Who sits upon the throne (God) and the Lamb (the King of kings). Whoever your king is in your nation, he is a lesser magistrate in the chain of command up to Jesus (cf. cf. Romans 13:1–7; Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:2–3, Hebrews 1:13; Matthew 28:18; Psalm 2). So, fear YHWH and the King, for they are forever (Proverbs 24:21-22, #30). Those given to change, and the changes to which they are subject, can both bring sudden ruin (Proverbs 24:22). So, cling to God and Christ tightly, serving them in this world and holding loosely to the things of it (Proverbs 24:21-22, #30, cf. 1 Corinthians 7:29–31).
Put your hope in Christ, and throw your lot in with Him. The one who belongs to God in Christ will never be ruined, because he will be blessed in Christ, with Christ, by God, with God, forever. So live as someone who remembers your end; and, by faith in Christ, live as someone who has a joyful present now, because you are living in the certainty of your eternal life in Jesus Christ.
What is the latter end of the wicked? Why? What is the latter end of the righteous? Why? How does this change how the righteous live now? Which of these is your own end? Why? Who are the wicked, against the exulting over of whom, the fretting over of whom, and the envying of whom, you must watch?
Sample prayer: Lord, You know how hard it is for us to be mindful of eternal things when we are so tied to the moments of time in the present. Grant the help of your Spirit, that we would always live in remembrance of our latter end, and of our being before You. So please help us, Lord, in the weakness of our minds and affections; strengthen us by Christ and by His truth, for we ask it in His Name, Amen!
Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH73B “Yes, God Is Good to Israel”