|
|
|
Here we read a parable that points to the evidence of salvation in one's life. The world and the unsaved do not have the LORD as a priority or Saviour in their life, therefore theie focus and honor is given to the material things in life. Their way is not strange by the standards of the world, rather it is void of spiritual goodness and therefore strange in the sight of a child of God and the LORD. Unfortunately for them they have no future:
"They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel." (Psalm 125).
In the second half of our proverb we see a contrast drawn between the wicked and the good. Those who are good obtain true goodness from Christ and this is in turn evidenced in their life and conduct. Many also claim to be Christians, yet this cannot be evidenced in their life by good works. In Luke 6 we read:
"For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:43-49).
|