Pastor Rob Wheeler

Feb 21, 2010

Wisdom Principles - How We’re To Treat Others

Proverbs 3:27-35

I. Withholding good when we are able to give it is morally wrong

A. Holding back good to those who deserve it is wrong

Ex 23:4 "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it. NIV

Deut 24:19 When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. NIV

1 John 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. NIV

Rom 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself. NIV

Prov 19:24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth! NIV

2 Thess 3:10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. NIV

B. Having the resources to help but refusing to until later is wrong

II. Wrong to plot against our neighbor

A. Harmfully plotting against our neighbor is wrong

Mic 2:2 Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. 2 They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud a man of his home, a fellowman of his inheritance. 3 Therefore, the Lord says: "I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity. NIV

B. Hurting our neighbor by accusing for no reason is wrong

Prov 6:16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. NIV

III. Wishing to be like violent men is wrong

A. Holding to the ways of violent men is wrong

Heb 11:35 Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. NIV

B. How the Lord views the wicked and the righteous

Prov 3:32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright. NKJV

Prov 3:32 For the crooked man is an abomination to the Lord; But He is intimate with the upright. NASB

IV. Wicked men face the curse of God, the righteous are blessed

A. House of the wicked and righteous

Ps 37:1 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. NIV

B. Humble receive grace, He mocks the mockers

C. Honors the wise, holds fools up to shame