Proverbs 29:26 - Homiletics

The supreme Arbiter . I. IT IS A COMMON MISTAKE TO ASCRIBE TO MAN THE INFLUENCE WHICH BELONGS ONLY TO GOD . In the previous verse we have been warned against falling into the snare of the fear of man, and encouraged to find our safety in trust in God. A similar contrast is again presented to us, but from the opposite side. We are tempted to flatter the great in order to win their favour; but we are now reminded that our destiny does not lie in their hands, but in the hands of One who is supreme in judgment, though his rule is too often ignored by us. Helena, in 'All's Well that ends Well,' says—

"It is not so with him that all things knows,

As 'tis with us that square our guess by shows;

But most it is presumption in us when

The help of Heaven we count the act of men."

1. This common mistake arises partly from the fact that the human influence is visible, while that of God is unseen . The molehill at our feet thus seems to be more important than the mountain that bounds our horizon but is wrapped in mist.

2 . It is also caused by the further fact that much of God's judgment is postponed . We do not yet experience the full effect of the Divine arbitrament.

II. GOD 'S JUDGMENT WILL BE EXPERIENCED BY EVERY MAN . He is not only the Arbiter of the fate of those who call in his aid; he is the "Judge of all the earth" ( Genesis 18:25 ). Abraham recognized the fact that God was the Judge of Sodom and Gomorrah, though no doubt the wicked cities of the plain utterly repudiated his authority. The godless will be judged by God. Those men who do not choose to put their case in the hands of God will nevertheless receive their sentence from him.

III. IT IS GOOD NEWS FOR THE WORLD THAT GOD IS THE SUPREME ARBITER . This is not set before us as a truth of terror. On the contrary, it is declared as a great consolation among the ills of life.

1 . God is just . He is perfectly fair, utterly impartial. no Respecter of persons. Rich and poor stand on equal grounds before his judgment seat.

2 . God is wise . The most acute human judge may be deceived. But he that searcheth the heart knows all facts about all men. His judgment must be based on truth.

3 . God is strong . He is able to execute his sentence. When he declares what is right, he will also establish his judgment.

IV. IT IS WELL FOR MEN TO ACKNOWLEDGE GOD AS THEIR ARBITER . We shall all have to submit to his judgment in the end. It would be wise for us to acknowledge his rule throughout life. Surely it is most fatally foolish to labour for the favour even of the most influential men, if this involves disregarding the thoughts and will of God. The verdict of the lower court will be overridden by the judgment of the higher court. Therefore what is most incumbent on all men is to see that they are right and straight in the eyes of the One supreme Judge. By sin, as we must acknowledge, we are all wrong in his eyes. Therefore no human favour can save us till we have been put right and justified through the grace at Christ.