Shifting burdens properly

Proverbs 3:31-35

    Do not envy the oppressor, 

          And choose none of his ways; 

    32      For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, 

          But His secret counsel is with the upright. 

    33      The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, 

          But He blesses the home of the just. 

    34      Surely He scorns the scornful, 

          But gives grace to the humble. 

    35      The wise shall inherit glory, 

          But shame shall be the legacy of fools. 

God’s Word reminds us that the oppressor has many ways. There is more than one way to oppress, to burden someone wrongly. Oppression is perversion, crookedness, and God keeps His wisdom and safety far from such people. They are cursed, but the righteous are blessed. The oppressor is also scornful. He has no hesitation about burdening those he scorns, so God will burden him. Humility is the opposite of scorn, the utter lack of scorn for others. Proverbs not only describes the two roads of wisdom and wickedness, it also tells us what is at the end of each: glory and shame.

Jesus Christ removed burdens from the weak and oppressed. He piled it on the oppressors. He gives grace to the humble. If you come to Him with scorn for others in your heart, your confession will be in vain. If you come to Him in humility, He gives blessing, grace and glory.

5/27/12