Stand or Kneel

(Pro 21:12 KJV)  The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

There are places where checking other translations can help us understand what the Bible is trying to say.  This is one of them.  Compare the KJV and the NASB,

(Pro 21:12 NAS77) The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin.

Although both translations have the expectation that the “righteous” (6662) is expected to engage his brain and that “wicked” (7563) will be punished, there is some serious disagreement in the rest.  This is important for us to consider today.  Are we justified by God in participating in the punishment of evil?  The KJV says, “No.”  The NASB says “Yes”.

Why would there be this difference?  Theologically the Calvinist concepts of the sovereignty of God, irresistible grace and predestination, would agree with the KJV.  Politically it would be very convenient for religion to be the “opiate of the people”.  We wouldn’t want the masses rising up against oppression, would we?

So?  Life is never easy.  Put on your thinking cap, get out your prayer rug and do a bit of reading.  Some questions noone can answer for you.