Proverbs Ponderings #4

Proverbs 16:4 (ESV)

The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Cross references:

How easily we forget that EVERYTHING has purpose. This past week was one of crazy weather in Seattle, I know many scoff at our “inability to deal with snow” but I encourage you to read (THIS) as an aid to understanding exactly why it shuts Seattle down when it snows.

Consequently, I had a lot of down time last week…only making it up the hills to work twice. I thoroughly enjoyed the walks around my suburb and making a snow shark scene with my neighbors.  All too often we complain about things outside of our control…and I’m thankful that all the snow forced me to relax…to not plan my days as much and to see a good purpose in it.

This verse can also be a huge encouragement in many trials…knowing that whatever our circumstances/the people involved in them are, they are purposeful and providential…oftentimes especially the ones we don’t understand.

Commentaries:

Matthew Henry: Note, 1. That God is the first cause. He is the former of all things and all persons, the fountain of being; he gave every creature the being it has and appointed it its place. Even the wicked are his creatures, though they are rebels; he gave them those powers with which they fight against him, which aggravates their wickedness, that they will not let him that made them rule them, and therefore, though he made them, he will not save them. That God is the last end. All is of him and from him, and therefore all is to him and for him. He made all according to his will and for his praise; he designed to serve his own purposes by all his creatures, and he will not fail of his designs; all are his servants. The wicked he is not glorified by, but he will be glorified upon. He makes no man wicked, but he made those who he foresaw would be wicked: yet he made them (Gen. 6:6 ), because he knew how to get himself honour upon them. See Rom. 9:22 . Or (as some understand it) he made the wicked to be employed by him as the instruments of his wrath in the day of evil, when he brings judgments on the world. He makes some use even of wicked men, as of other things, to be his sword, his hand (Ps. 17:13, Ps. 17:14 ), flagellum Dei—the scourge of God. The king of Babylon is called his servant.

Summary:

This verse is an encouragement for us to remember God’s sovereignty, in all things. Even the worst of days, snow storms, and seemingly dead ends are purposeful...for HIS Glory (Philippians 2:13)

What are you going through? How is this verse and encouragement or “salt in the wound” for you today?