Written by: Christopher Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Solomon opens up the sixth chapter of Proverbs by speaking about one of Christianity’s most difficult lessons. In this chapter, we find another warning against committing adultery, as we found in the previous chapter. (Prov 6:20-35) This is a clear indication that loyalty is important to God. We also find the famous list of “seven deadly sins” in Proverbs 6:16-17. However, to return to our original train of thought, one of the hardest lessons for Christians to learn is that we are not the Christ, even though we are striving to become like Him. (1 Jn 2:6) We are, in fact, instructed to daily grow up to the stature of Christ’s character. (Eph 4:13) Nonetheless, “for other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinth 3:11)
Solomon spoke about a young-man who went into bonds with a bank for his friend. He offered to pay an enormous debt to an exacting creditor and could by no means fulfill this obligation. Solomon’s counsel was that the young-man should humble himself and realize that he could not afford to be the surety and is better off lending the money himself. (Prov 6:1-5) This is Christianity dramatized economically. Those who are lost cannot fulfill the broken claims of the law, for they are under it. (Rom 3:19, Prov 6:2) We cannot save those we love by our merits, we cannot pay their debt with our goodness. However, what we can do is come to Christ ourselves and receive grace to get released from our own debts. (Romans 6:14-15) Now, overflowing with love for Christ, we can lead those we love to Him and thus “lend the money ourselves.” (Lk 7:47, 1 Corinth 11:1) God, please help us be like Christ and not act as though we can take His place. Help us to lift each other’s crosses as Simon did for you. (Lk 23:26)
