The Wise Shun Evil for Mercy and Truth

Proverbs 14:13-25

13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow,
And the end of mirth may be grief.

14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied from above.

15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.

16 A wise man fears and departs from evil,
But a fool rages and is self-confident.

17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
And a man of wicked intentions is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly,
But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil will bow before the good,
And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor,
But the rich has many friends.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins;
But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not go astray who devise evil?
But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.

23 In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
But the foolishness of fools is folly.

25 A true witness delivers souls,
But a deceitful witness speaks lies.

A wise man shuns evil for mercy and truth to save the lives of his neighbor.  Sorrow may have laughter and even gladness can lead to grief afterwards, but wisdom still pursues the knowledge of what is true and shows mercy to the those in need.  The wise is always satisfied by all God gives from above and does not vainly attempt to live according to his own desires as the foolish backsliding heart would lead.  Then he gives that same grace of mercy in understanding that truth from above.  He does not just blindly believe what others tell him or what is popular or political to agree with, but considers carefully and prudently the steps to take in life based on the truth from God according to His word.  When the foolish rages against the world, the governing authorities, and what is good and right, he wallows in self-confidence without purpose or good.  The righteous, however, runs from evil when he encounters it in the fear of God and of His displeasure.  Yes, the quick-tempered fool has evil intent that is actually hated by others, even though he is tolerated; unfortunately, often the evil is even seen as better than what is right and good in this present evil age (Galatians 1:4).  We can rest assured, however, that the simple in understanding only inherit their own folly, while those seeking righteousness are crowned with the knowledge of good, of God.  In the final judgment, if not sooner, those pursuing evil and wickedness will be in subjection to the good and righteous.  Ultimately this means every knee will bow before the Righteous One, Jesus the Christ (Isaiah 45:23, Philippians 2:10-11, Romans 14:11-12).  Though the seekers of evil find riches to buy friends and the poor seem all alone and hated, wisdom leads us away from evil to bow before our Lord in obedience to love our neighbors and have mercy on the poor.  It is sin to hate or despise others, without exception, including leaders we disagree with.  Those making plots and plans without mercy and goodness go astray, but the wise and upright plan good for others in mercy and according to truth.  Therefore, our work should be to profit spiritually as well as materially, not gossiping and slandering others which makes us poor indeed in so many ways.  This crown of riches for the wise is the fruit of good labor and not foolishness leading to true poverty.  The truth in this understanding of wisdom saves lives (Psalm 126:5-6) when lived out against the deceit of liars who lead people astray from God and His gospel of the One wiser than Solomon.  Yes, the wise shun evil for mercy and truth as they have received from heaven.