Wicked Ways Backfire

A good man [or woman] obtains favor from the LORD,but the LORD condemns a crafty man.A man cannot be established through wickedness,but the righteous cannot be uprooted.”

Proverbs 12:2-3 (NIV)

I like what Jon Courson has to say on this: “It’s not that God will hurl down judgment on the man of wicked devices. It’s simply that He will allow that man’s own wicked devices to backfire on him.”

As a kid, I used to love the “Road Runner” cartoons. That mangy coyote was always building elaborate contraptions to trap the road runner. He would light dynamite, but it would blow up in his face. He would set boulders to fall, but they would fall and crush him. The difference with the cartoon and real life is that the backfires happened right away. In real life, it takes longer.

So, ladies, if there is someone who is hurting you or someone you love, take heart from the words of Psalm 37:7-9: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land” (NIV).

Bottom line: you cannot stop others from doing wrong. But you can refuse to let them pull you into it. Remember, “A good woman obtains favor from the LORD.” That’s a promise you can bank on.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Have you waited and prayed and waited and prayed, and yet you see no relief? You are not alone. The Bible tells us that Joseph waited thirteen years before he was delivered from slavery and prison. And it was at least nine more years before he saw his family. Then what an amazing restoration came (see Genesis 37–47)! Waiting on God is not wasted time. God is working behind the scenes and at the same time stretching and refining you. He can then use you to encourage others in hard times.

Let’s Pray

Lord, help me to trust you while you work. And help me to yield to the work you are doing in me.

One Year Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 9:1–10:22; Luke 8:4-21; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 12:2-3