Let’s Meet at the Gate

(Proverbs 14:19 KJV)  The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

It hurts to admit it because I don’t like the CEV, but I found it has an interesting spin on this verse:

(Proverbs 14:19 CEV)  The wicked will come crawling to those who obey God.

I won’t dignify this as “translation.”  It is more interpretive commentary, but it is certainly an interesting thought. 

Think about it.  The grasshopper will try to borrow from the ant.  The spin-thrift children eventually come to borrow from the thrifty parents.  The deficit spending government dips into the equity of those who have delayed gratification. 

If you follow the ways of God you build up a wealth of righteousness.  This could be honest physical wealth but it also could be emotional reserves or spiritual stability.  Eventually those who live in self-centered rebellion will come looking for help from the “good” (2896a).

So?  Will you be ready?  Have you lived in such a way as to found at the “gates” (8179) of the “righteous” (6662)?  It must be possible or this verse belongs in the sci-fi/fantasy section.  Today is a good day to change if you would rather be in the gate than crawling.