Suggested Bible Reading: Proverbs 25-26
Devotional Thought:
Title: “The Transcendence of God.”
In chapter 25 the Proverbs of Solomon continue, but with the added comment that the men of Hezekiah copied them. Perhaps two centuries after Solomon, Hezekiah is studying and profiting from the proverbs of Solomon. He apparently instructed some of his servant-scribes to copy out of other collections some of the proverbs, which he thought would benefit those in his staff, as well as those in under his influence. I think it is fitting to mention here that the matter of copying out from another volume does not impugn the issue of inspiration in the least. Just as Luke could record eyewitness accounts (Luke 1:1-4) under the superintendence of the Spirit of God, so Hezekiah’s men could copy and transfer proverbs written by Solomon into the inspired text of scripture. God’s glory is enhanced when He conceals a matter. God is transcendent. He is above our intellect. He is not contrary to man’s reasoning; He is above reason. The finite will never comprehend the infinite. Thus, God deserves our worship. Through His transcendence He reveals His glory. The king’s honor, which ironically is the same word translated glory in the first part of the verse, is in contrast, he must search out matters. The idea of “searching out” means a thorough investigation of a matter. Perhaps the seeming contradiction of these statements is merely a contrast. It is with a sense of the greatness of God and the humility of the servant that the leader takes up his task of searching out human behavior. Likewise, God’s knowledge of all is inherent and complete. A king, on the other hand, must obtain it like other men, by labor and diligence. I have mentioned often about the loneliness of leadership. Although often criticized, leaders make decisions based upon data that is confidential. To the ignorant observer, his decisions may seem rash or extreme and sometimes naïve. However, if they knew what the leader knew, they may view his decision in a different light. One commentator says it well, “Church leaders frequently have to make decisions based on facts and circumstances of which the remainder of the assembly is not cognizant. They have seen the repentant tear, the broken heart. Or perhaps they have witnessed the haughty spirit, which accompanied relatively “minor words” of criticism. They have sat with the cast down and counseled the rebellious. Others, looking on from a distance, may find their actions capricious or lacking in understanding; it is the leaders, however, who have sifted through the evidence and arrived at a decision.” The key to the first part of this chapter is the need for every leader to be dependent upon God for wisdom and instruction. They need to exercise dependence upon God for their pursuit for wisdom and discretion.
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to always demonstrate a spirit of dependence upon you for wisdom and discretion.
- Lord, thank you for being a God who is all knowing and all-powerful and yet all loving and all gracious.
- Lord, please help me to lead so that people will come to a right conclusion about who you are and what you are really like.