Proverbs 11:27

Proverbs 11:27 presents a fundamental principle of divine justice and moral consequence, contrasting the outcomes for those who pursue good versus those who pursue evil. It asserts that one's intentions and diligent actions inevitably lead to a corresponding reward or repercussion.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, largely attributed to King Solomon, designed to impart practical wisdom for righteous living. Throughout Proverbs, there's a strong emphasis on the two paths: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. This verse fits seamlessly into this overarching theme, illustrating the cause-and-effect relationship between moral choices and life outcomes. It speaks to the inherent order God has established in the world, where actions bear natural and often spiritual fruit.

Key Themes

• The Law of Reaping and Sowing: This verse powerfully articulates the principle that what one puts out into the world, whether good or bad, will ultimately return to them. It's an ancient wisdom truth echoed throughout Scripture, notably in the New Testament where Galatians 6:7 states, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
• Divine Justice and Consequences: The proverb highlights God's moral governance of the world. It suggests that favor is a natural consequence of seeking good, while mischief inevitably befalls those who scheme evil. This isn't always immediate or apparent but is a consistent truth in God's economy.
• Diligence in Righteousness: The phrase "diligently seeketh good" emphasizes active, earnest pursuit. It's not passive good intentions but a deliberate and sustained effort to do what is right, benevolent, and godly. This diligence is what procures favor.
• The Nature of Favor: "Favour" (ratson) can refer to goodwill, acceptance, or delight from both God and people. When one seeks good, they align themselves with God's character, earning His approval and often the respect and support of their community. Similarly, seeking mischief earns disfavor and brings about negative consequences.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "diligently seeketh" is shaḥar (שָׁחַר), which implies seeking early, earnestly, or eagerly, often at dawn. It conveys a sense of passionate and persistent pursuit, not just a casual interest. This active seeking of good is contrasted with merely "seeking" mischief, suggesting a less intense but still deliberate pursuit of harm.
• "Procureth favour" uses the Hebrew term ratson (רָצוֹן), which means "favor," "goodwill," "acceptance," or "delight." It signifies a positive disposition or approval, whether from God or from fellow human beings. This favor is a direct result of the diligent pursuit of good. Psalm 5:12 also speaks of God's favor surrounding the righteous as a shield.
• "Mischief" refers to evil, harm, or calamity. The statement that "it shall come unto him" signifies an inevitable return, a self-inflicted consequence for those who sow discord or harm.

Practical Application

Proverbs 11:27 serves as a powerful reminder for daily living:

• Intentional Living: It encourages us to be deliberate about our intentions and actions. Are we actively seeking opportunities to do good, to bless others, and to promote righteousness? Or are our thoughts and efforts geared towards selfish gain or even malice?
• Consequence Awareness: The verse highlights that our choices have consequences. While not every good deed is immediately rewarded, nor every evil act immediately punished, the underlying principle holds true: a life devoted to good will generally attract positive outcomes and favor, while a life bent on mischief will eventually bring trouble upon itself.
• Building Relationships: Seeking good fosters trust and positive relationships with others, naturally leading to their favor and support. Conversely, those who seek mischief often find themselves isolated and facing opposition.
• Moral Compass: This proverb provides a clear moral compass, urging us to align our desires and actions with what is inherently good and beneficial, knowing that this path leads to a more blessed and favorable life.