September 16, 2020 - LISTEN HERE
Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has prepared everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.This passage seems to say that the Lord has created some individuals for the explicit purpose to be wicked. Could that possibly be correct? We know that evil and sin are abominations to God; did He create evil to serve His purpose?
God created every one of us, surely He created wicked people too. History has dozens of high-visible examples of people who were truly evil. These wicked people were eventually brought down; I have no doubt they were judged severely when they stood before their Maker.
Looking at today’s current events, with the thoughtless vandalism and brutal beatings between those of differing opinions, perhaps the Lord really does make the wicked...what could be His purpose?
This verse is often used to pick apart faith in God. I read quite a few articles by different Bible scholars about this verse. Almost all discussions refer back to the original Hebrew or Greek of this passage where the phrase, “everything for His purpose” comes from the Hebrew word maaneh, which means “to answer to, or to give a reply to.”
This changes the verse to read like this:
“The Lord hath made all things to give answer unto Him, even the wicked, who think they are off His hook. They will be required to give an account unto Him on the day of judgment."
Then, putting this verse into context, makes the message even more clear: (from the Amplified)
1The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes; But the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth].
3Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].
4The Lord has made everything for its own purpose [every person and every deed must answer to Him], Even the wicked for the day of evil.
5Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; Be assured he will not go unpunished.
6By mercy, loving kindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart, And by the fear [reverence] of the Lord, one avoids evil.
From so many other passages in the Bible, it is abundantly clear that God did NOT create people to behave wickedly so He could use them or to punish them. All things have been created by God for His glory. And all of His creations will be required to give an account to Him for what they have - and haven't - done. Even those who think they are getting away with their violence, theft, and lawlessness today, are going to give an account to Him on the day of judgment.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, we know that Abba Father is good to all, so good, that He gave His only son as a living sacrifice for us all. We thank you, Lord, for what You did for humanity. We pray that many more will come to You, repent and live a lift of grace, charity and Love, in Your name. Lord, we pray for our country, our legislator, our president. We pray for the safety of those who fight daily to protect and preserve our constitution and our bill of rights. We know that wickedness exists in the world due to man’s fall from Grace and falling for Satan’s many traps. We love You. We worship You and we are grateful for Your many blessings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.