I was glad to see this morning that it is possible to be a “good man” (2896a). Since “man” is assumed and not in the Hebrew I can assume that this applies to women too. This is important because it relates to our view of salvation. Christians of a Calvinist persuasion have a deep commitment to the sovereignty of God, as we all should. In their enthusiasm they really get carried away with how we are so lost in sin that we sin every day in word, thought and deed. That in itself is not a problem but in their excitement they start trying to limit God’s intelligence and ability to observe.
Salvation is a gift. That is part of the meaning of grace. It is a gift. All Christians believe that. We cannot earn our salvation by our works. Totally true. But notice that this verse says good men will receive “favor” (7522). That means that God responds to our actions and attitudes. One of those attitudes is an awareness of our sin.
(Luke 18:13-14 KJV) And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.There are other requirements but Proverbs as well as the rest of scripture is clear that we can live upright and moral lives.
So? Soldier on. We do not deserve salvation. We cannot earn salvation. It does matter how we live.
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