Wicked Men Perish

Our proverb today is pretty sober. It reminds us that life is short, so don’t waste it.

When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes;all he expected from his power comes to nothing.

Proverbs 11:7 (NIV)

What exactly does the word wicked mean? Of course it means “a criminal, one guilty of crimes,” but the definition also includes “one who is hostile to God, guilty of sin (against God or man), the ungodly.”

Do you ever think of people like Hugh Hefner? He built his empire by influencing young women to cross lines of immorality and to be used like merchandise. He did this for a long time. His magazine introduced the lifelong addiction of pornography to many.

I wonder: as he stands before the throne of God on Judgment Day, will he see how his influence started them on a path that ruined their lives? Will he see the story of each girl? Will he see children born into the broken lives of these women? Will he see his life was only used for evil? He was an icon and model for others who opened clubs and made money stealing the innocence of women.

To the Hugh Hefners of this world, I want to say, “No amount of money will bail you out of the truth that you wasted your life and ruined others.” Hefner said, “When you’re living all this day by day, you have no idea what you’re going to accomplish, and certainly no idea what lies ahead.” So true, as the Bible clearly states: “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, NKJV).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

“When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes.” Just the sound of this makes you shudder. But maybe as you read it there is a ring of comfort. If you have suffered from wickedness, sexual abuse, or abuse of any kind, you may have wondered if God cares. The answer is yes. He is merciful, but he is also just. These words are for you: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19, NIV).

One Year Bible Reading

Numbers 16:41–18:32; Mark 16:1-20; Psalm 55:1-23; Proverbs 11:7