Profit and Lost

(Proverbs 11:4 KJV)  Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

The simple phrase “day of wrath” is used only a few times in the NASB

PRO 11:4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.

ZEP 1:15 A day of wrath is that day, A day of trouble and distress, A day of destruction and desolation, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness,

ROM 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

It seems clear that it refers to a time of judgment, most likely the final judgment.

We need to understand that “riches” (1952) will be of no use when that time comes.  This is clear if the judgement is physical.  Think of the ancient city of Pompeii and the volcanic ash that settled over it, smothering rich and poor together.  Think of the modern tsunami that swept out of the Indian Ocean.  Bank accounts and expensive cars don’t stop the forces of nature.  An earthquake does not care how many followers you have on Twitter. 

We live in a world that denies the idea of a final judgment.  Even voices in the church are saying they don’t believe in Hell.  They proclaim that God would never do such a thing.  Obviously they serve a different God than the one of the Bible.  The only hope is “righteousness” (6666) which can only be claimed through Jesus.
   
“Righteousness” (6666) is introduced and becomes a theme for the following verses.  It becomes very clear that something called righteousness is not only possible, but demanded.  Some people like to quote Isaiah, Paul among them, to state that righteousness is impossible.

 Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. KJV
 Isaiah 64:6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.  NASB

I think we have issues with that understanding, or we should.  We are in Proverbs.  The clear teaching of Proverbs is that righteousness is not only possible, it is demanded.  In Proverbs the focus is on obedience.  The full witness of scripture brings in grace, the blood and the work of the Holy Spirit.

So understand that a day of wrath is coming.  Understand that there is a way of hope and it is found in Jesus.  Rejoice in the hope that we have.