Slippery Slopes

(Proverbs 21:7 KJV)  The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

Some would say that “robbery" (violence NASB) (7701) is always “wicked” (7563).  That reflects a mind that is made up and asks not to be confused with the facts.  That is not the point here.  This does not condemn “violence” (7701) but violence that is evil.  In my understanding of the English concept of violence, self defense would be violent.  Dodge ball would be violent.  I have even played spoons and had it border on the violent.  That is not the concept here.  The definition includes “havoc, devastation, ruin.”  Several translations translate it “robbery.”  It is not the activeness of violence, but the pointless destructiveness. 

When the “wicked” (7563) are being violent it will “drag” (1641) them “away” (1641).  Evil unchecked tends to create greater evil.  We see it in alcohol, drugs, pornography, abused wives.  We even see it in overeating, watching TV, taking naps and the list could go on.  There are many temptations out there waiting to drag us away.  We touch them and feel their appeal.  If we don’t recognize the danger and get into the cycle of repentance the next touch will be stronger.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be wicked.  I don’t want to be evil.  I just want to enjoy myself.  The slippery slope beckons.  Acts of violence repel me in their fullness, but we don’t enter in at the fullness.  We enter in the minor leagues.  It is like the Devil has a farm team system.

So?  Each day I need to be in contact with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  I need to draw on the power and guidance that they offer.  I need to touch the holiness of God to illuminate the darkness of evil that reaches out to me.  That is why I start my day in Proverbs.  I hope you have a similar habit.