Our Establishment Clause

(Proverbs 12:3 KJV) A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

An obvious goal is to be “established” (3559). This is a word that is sometimes used to refer to the creation. As an example:

(Proverbs 3:19 KJV) The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

The picture is a person standing tall, being salt and light and making an impact on his community. God is building us for a dual role. For eternity yes, to be in His presence. But we are also being built up to be examples of godliness in a wicked world. This brings to my mind the words of Paul:

(Ephesians 3:17 KJV) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Our righteousness is rooted in Jesus and having Him live in our hearts. This will establish us and keep us from being pushed around by all that happens around us. Although I believe that God expects our efforts and work, it cannot be denied that such a thing is only possible because of grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.

I continue to be reminded as I study Proverbs of how well God has woven together the different parts of His word. So many authors. So many centuries. Yet the themes are repeated and reinforced. I have always heard this but it is a great pleasure to see it with my own eyes and heart.