Proverbs 18:5-6 

⁵It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice. ⁶The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.

June Drop

         Have you heard of June drop? Young fruits drop in the month of June naturally. If farmers perceive that June drop was not enough to remove excess fruits from the tree, they would remove more fruits. Experts suggest that trees can only sustain appropriate number of fruits. With lesser fruits this year, fruit trees can sustain more fruits or better harvest next season.

         They says, “Rotten fruit will fall naturally, so, don’t take revenge.” To take revenge is natural reaction when offended. But the Lord commanded us in Romans 12:19, ¹⁹Do not take revenge,… but leave room for God’s wrath; for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

         Why are they offended by using traditional gender? They’re offended by warning that sinners will be eternally tortured. They are offended when mother tongue is used publicly. They are offended when we eat our favorite food. Whether we smile or not, they are offended. So, what can we do?

         Christ declared in Matthew 5:14-16, ¹⁴You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

         Good deeds serve as light that may cause observers to glorify God our heavenly Father. As proof of our reconciliation to God, he gave us the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in us so that we can love even the worst enemies.

         Are you offended by teachers who partially favors other students, authorities who deprive you of justice, employers who won’t give you salary increase? May the light of Christ shines through us in unpleasant moments. May the Holy Spirit activates godly wisdom in us to respond in love.

         We don’t take revenge when offended. The Lord will compensate whatever we do or how we behave, whether it’s righteous or wicked.

1.  Wicked

     ⁵It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.

         To favor the wicked and deprive the innocent of justice is never fair. Is it fair to forgive and forget when a defendant is found innocent or not guilty?

         Lost hours of work, emotional distress, damaged reputation and broken trust should be compensated. We demand what is fair and just, we say. But God allows us to be at the receiving end of injustice or offended, why? God allows situations we cannot appreciate as testing, if we trust that his design for us is actually favorable. Can you strongly accept that reality?

Daniel

         Learn from Prophet Daniel on how he responded to the scheme of envious and resentful officials in Daniel 6:5-9, ⁵These men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” ⁶So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! ⁷The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. ⁸Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” ⁹So King Darius put the decree in writing.

Probably, King Darius was flattered when the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed and proposed that people should pray only to the king. Well, it was a decree proposed by majority of his officials, so, King Darius approved it. He did not readily discern that his officials were resentful and envious of Daniel.

Here is another instance in which majority decision is not necessarily the best option. God, however, allowed such popular decision to glorify himself in the life of the innocent Daniel. God also displayed justice against wicked officials when King Darius sentenced the schemers to death.

Frequently, God has proven his love and care for his faithful servants. He saved his servant Daniel from the lion’s den. Prioritizing the will of God attracts persecution, for sure. But God is just. Eventually, God will vindicate obedient believers. Righteous deeds cannot impress the envious somehow.

No logical explanation can convince anyone who decided to oppose. Most if not all decisions are made to satisfy the majority. But even if there are only few of us, we would rather follow what our heavenly Father say. Certainly, God will compensate us when we faithfully obey his word.

2.  Word

      ⁶The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.

Fools are amused when others respond to their words. They would think that their ideas are important when someone reacts. You can readily observe it in social media. They publish foolish articles sot that subscribers may argue or approve. More viewers and comments mean, the article hit a nerve, so they say. The publisher loves to have more viewers, for sure.

         So what can we do to discern which word can benefit us? Keep on reading and studying the word of God. The word of God is truth. It helps us measure and realize beneficial articles, ideas, opinions or suggestions. Knowledge of the word of God can even amplify confidence.

         Let’s reflect on Jeremiah 1:6-10, ⁶“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” ⁷But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. ⁸Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. ⁹Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. ¹⁰See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

         When you are young, it is not easy to get attention from older people. Unless you are super talented musician, a stand up comedian and have achieved significant awards, nobody would eagerly listen to what you say.

Drawing

         When I was young, I got attention for my drawing. But when I speak, only people younger than me would listen. I realized that age still matters. Accomplishments and talents are also factors to attract listening ears. After I seriously studied and internalize the word of God, my life has changed.

         It says in Psalm 19:7,  ⁷The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

         The life adventures of King David is great example for anyone who personally follow the word of God. David was just a simple shepherd. It was not desirable occupation to be shepherd. They endure cold nights and hot days. Their income cannot give them luxurious life. They are not sociable and last to hear news from the city. They don’t regularly take a bath.

         But even as despised shepherd David loved the word of God. The Lord chose him to be the greatest king of Israel. Are you ready when God surprises you? The Lord is just. He promotes anyone who sincerely trust in him. He won’t deprive anyone who deserves justice. Amen!

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