Proverbs 21:28-31 says,...

Today's verses are Proverbs 21:28-31, which read,

v.28 - A false witness will perish, but the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

If someone was found out to be a false witness then they received the punishment that would have gone to the accused.  So if someone one being accused of murder and the penalty was death then a false witness in that trial that was found out would receive the death penalty.  Needless to say, don't be a false witness.  

The other side of this proverb is to be a person who listens to the truth.  This person puts themselves in the place to hear truth.  They guard what is going in and they are letting it mold how they will live their lives, not as false witnesses but as those who tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  The truthful witness promotes justice and we need more of that.  The similar proverb of this one is Proverbs 12:17 that says, "He who speaks truth tells what is right, but a false witness, deceit."

v.29 - A wicked man displays a bold face, but as for the upright, he makes his way sure.

The wicked have a good "poker" face.  They can give a good bluff.  They are very convincing on the outside but God sees the inside.  Your bluff may give you some time to not be under the judgment of the truth of those around you because you have fooled them but God sees the heart and has the final say.

The upright don't always look so good on the outside.  They put themselves in very vulnerable situations because of telling the truth.  Their physical lives could be in ruin for not going along with the crowd but something is sure on the inside.  They are following after their God and the assurance of His love and salvation. 

v.30 - There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the LORD.

Here is just a statement that Solomon gives us about the Lord.  The Lord holds wisdom and understanding and counsel.  The Lord is wisdom, understanding, and counsel.  Wisdom, understanding, and counsel come from the Lord.  We are to look for wisdom, understanding, and counsel from Him.  Anything that is called wisdom and understanding and counsel that is not from the Lord or as the proverb says "against" is not wisdom, understanding, and counsel.  Do you see the connection that we are to have with our wisdom, understanding, and counsel imbedded in the Lord?  We can call it wisdom, understanding, and counsel if we see it is coming from Him through His word and those who are following after Him.

v.31 - The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.

We are to be prepared.  We are the horse.  Everyday is a battle to be prepared for.  We are not the victory.  The victory of the battle is because we are following after the Lord.  He is the One who deserves the glory and praise.  The Lord is a great victor also.  He rewards those who are prepared and following after Him.  Be prepared today and get behind the One who knows how to take us to true victory.  A great cross reference is Psalm 20:7 which says, "Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God."

What kind of witness are you?  Where does your surety lie?  What is your definition of wisdom, understanding and counsel?  Does it include and have at its root base, the Lord?  Are you prepared for the battle to listen and follow the One who knows victory and to shout His name when it comes?  Let us pray.

"Lord, You will give us opportunities to be a witness, to say something, but what will we say?  May we be prepared to be a truthful witness of You and Your wisdom, understanding and counsel.  May our inward countenance before You be more important to us than our outward appearance before men.  May this day be another day of battle for the One who has already won ultimate victory over death and provided it for those who follow after You.  Amen."

Pastor Adam 
A simple man serving a great God and the local pastor of Stillwater Community Chapel (stillwater-chapel.org). We are in our 38th year of full time ministry. God directed us to this local body of believers on the Western Range of the Rockies to grow with them in mission and mindedness of Christ.

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