Rich and Gentle King

“The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly” (Prov. 18:23).

I got into an argument this week in which I got angry and became disrespectful to the older man involved. I struggled to figure out why I was mad, and this is the verse that God pointed me to. Now I know that Solomon is referring to men with and without money, but his principle can be applied to other areas.

I thought (and still do think, sadly) that I am rich in knowledge, and I thought that the other man was poor in knowledge. So when I addressed him, I did not humbly appeal, but rather answered in a rough manner. I inflated my own view of myself, which was displayed in disrespect and arrogant sin.

I do call my character into question from what we are reading. Am I humble? Do I know that I am poor? Am I sober-minded? (from Tim. and Titus)

I hope that as we are soon to finish, that we do not neglect this useful side of God’s words—correction. The Scriptures are first and foremost about God and His Son, for our knowledge of and relationship with Him. But besides having these words of life, it also contains words for living.

I think one of the strongest life-application verses is just two before this verse: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” That will take an entire life to swallow and apply. I hope that as the year draws to a close that you will not think that you are nearly done, but rather know just a taste of great things, and long for more.

This is my sincere prayer for you all. All praise and honor be to the King over all, who is rich beyond mention yet answers the humble with perfect gentleness.