He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. He who walks with integrityThe phrase "walks with integrity" is rooted in the Hebrew word "תָּמִים" (tamim), which conveys a sense of completeness, wholeness, and moral innocence. In the ancient Hebrew context, integrity was not merely about honesty but encompassed a holistic approach to life, where one's actions, thoughts, and intentions were aligned with God's will. Walking with integrity implies a consistent and steadfast journey in righteousness, reflecting a life that honors God in every aspect. This path promises divine protection and guidance, as integrity aligns with the character of God Himself, who is unchanging and faithful. will be kept safe
The assurance of being "kept safe" is a promise of divine protection. The Hebrew word "יֵשַׁע" (yesha) suggests deliverance and salvation. In the biblical narrative, safety is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual security and peace. This safety is a result of living a life that is pleasing to God, where His providence and care are evident. The promise of safety is a recurring theme in Scripture, where those who trust in the Lord and follow His commandments are assured of His protective presence, even amidst life's uncertainties. but whoever is perverse in his ways
The term "perverse" comes from the Hebrew "עִקֵּשׁ" (iqqesh), meaning twisted or crooked. It describes a deviation from the straight path of righteousness, often associated with deceit and moral corruption. In biblical times, such perversity was seen as a rebellion against God's order and wisdom. The "ways" refer to one's conduct and lifestyle choices. A perverse path is one that leads away from God's truth and results in spiritual and often physical consequences. This deviation is a deliberate choice to reject God's guidance and pursue self-serving desires. will suddenly fall
The phrase "suddenly fall" indicates an unexpected and abrupt downfall. The Hebrew "נָפַל" (naphal) conveys the idea of collapse or ruin. In the biblical context, this fall is not just a physical or material loss but a spiritual and moral collapse. The suddenness underscores the inevitable consequences of living a life contrary to God's principles. It serves as a warning that while the path of perversity may seem prosperous for a time, it ultimately leads to destruction. This fall is a divine judgment, a reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God's righteous standards. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Righteous PersonThis individual is characterized by integrity, living a life aligned with God's principles and moral standards. 2. The Perverse PersonThis person deviates from righteousness, engaging in deceitful or immoral behavior. 3. The Path of IntegritySymbolizes a life journey marked by honesty, moral uprightness, and adherence to God's laws. 4. The Path of PerversityRepresents a life course filled with deceit, immorality, and deviation from God's commands. 5. Sudden FallAn event or consequence that befalls those who live perversely, often unexpected and severe. Teaching Points The Safety of IntegrityWalking in integrity provides a sense of security and peace, knowing that one's actions align with God's will. The Danger of PerversityEngaging in deceitful or immoral behavior may offer temporary gains but ultimately leads to downfall and destruction. Consistency in CharacterTrue integrity is consistent, not just in public but also in private life. It requires a heart transformed by God's Word. The Role of AccountabilitySurrounding oneself with fellow believers who encourage and hold one accountable can help maintain a path of integrity. Trust in God's JusticeWhile the fall of the perverse may not be immediate, trust that God's justice will prevail in His timing. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of integrity in Proverbs 28:18 relate to the broader biblical theme of righteousness? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our walk is characterized by integrity in both public and private spheres? 3. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the "sudden fall" of someone who was living perversely. What lessons can be learned from that situation? 4. How can the principles found in Proverbs 28:18 be applied to modern-day challenges, such as workplace ethics or social media interactions? 5. What role does community play in helping believers maintain a path of integrity, and how can you actively contribute to such a community? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 1This passage contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, similar to the themes in Proverbs 28:18. Proverbs 10:9Reinforces the idea that integrity leads to security, while crooked paths lead to exposure and downfall. Matthew 7:13-14Jesus speaks of the narrow and wide gates, paralleling the paths of integrity and perversity. Galatians 6:7-8Discusses the principle of sowing and reaping, highlighting the consequences of living righteously versus living in sin. James 1:22-25Encourages believers to be doers of the Word, emphasizing the importance of living out one's faith with integrity. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Blameless, Blamelessly, Crooked, Delivered, Double, Fall, Falleth, Integrity, Kept, Perverse, Perverted, Pit, Safe, Saved, Sudden, Suddenly, Twisted, Upright, Uprightly, Walketh, Walking, WalksDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 28:18 5511 safety
8201 blamelessness Library Two Coverings and Two Consequences
A Sermon (No. 3500) by C. H. Spurgeon, April 4th, 1875, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. Published February 24th, 1916. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper."--Proverbs 28:13. "Thou Hast covered all their sins."--Psalm 85:2. In these two texts we have man's covering, which is worthless and culpable, and God's covering, which is profitable and worthy of all acceptation. No sooner had man disobeyed his Maker's will in the garden of Eden than he discovered to his surprise and dismay …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on ProverbsThe Right Kind of Fear
A Sermon (No. 2971) published on Thursday, January 18th, 1906, delivered by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington on Thursday evening, September 2nd, 1876. "Happy is the man that feareth alway."--Proverbs 28:14. But did not John say that "fear hath torment?" Then how can he be happy who hath fear, and especially he who hath it always. Did not John also say that "perfect love casteth out fear?" How is it then that he is happy in whom love is not made perfect, if so be that the fear …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh "If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our Sins",
1 John i. 9.--"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins", &c. The current of sin dries not up, but runs constantly while we are in this life. It is true, it is much diminished in a believer, and it runs not in such an universal flood over the whole man as it is in the unbeliever. Yet there is a living spring of sin within the godly, which is never ceasing to drop out pollution and defilement, either upon their whole persons, or, at least, to intermingle it with their …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Epistle xxv. To Gregoria.
To Gregoria. Gregory to Gregoria, Lady of the Bed-chamber (cubiculariæ) to Augusta. I have received the longed for letters of your Sweetness, in which you have been at pains all through to accuse yourself of a multitude of sins: but I know that you fervently love the Almighty Lord, and I trust in His mercy that the sentence which was pronounced with regard to a certain holy woman proceeds from the mouth of the Truth with regard to you: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven her, for she loved …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee,"
Isaiah lxiv. 7.--"And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold on thee," &c. They go on in the confession of their sins. Many a man hath soon done with that a general notion of sin is the highest advancement in repentance that many attain to. You may see here sin and judgment mixed in thorough other(315) in their complaint. They do not so fix their eyes upon their desolate estate of captivity, as to forget their provocations. Many a man would spend more affection, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Adoption
'As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.' John 1:12. Having spoken of the great points of faith and justification, we come next to adoption. The qualification of the persons is, As many as received him.' Receiving is put for believing, as is clear by the last words, to them that believe in his name.' The specification of the privilege is, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' The Greek word for power, exousia, signifies …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 28:18 NIVProverbs 28:18 NLTProverbs 28:18 ESVProverbs 28:18 NASBProverbs 28:18 KJV
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