“Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.” The theme of this comparative proverb has already been declared in 10:25. Solomon is the author of these proverbs. As an absolute authority monarch anointed by God’s prophet and sanctioned by his father King David, Solomon had to have known that the principle is seldom true in this world.
Jesus’ parable about the house built on sand and another on a rock were referenced when I thought about 10:25. There I realized that Jesus’ parable and these two verses surely reference a judgment to come.
Yet, there is more here than a prophecy about the judgment to come. The houses of wicked people seldom last more than three generations, and none more than ten. And the houses of righteous people are often inherited by those who become wicked within three generations and definitely in ten. The morality of houses of the world changes from one generation to the next. The legacy of the parents is altered by their children and grandchildren. As Solomon said elsewhere, “There is a time for everything under the sun…”
“No one is righteous, not one.” (Psalm 143:2, Romans 3:10) Does this mean that all are overthrown and will be no more? Yes, except for the grace of God no one would remain. Cleanse my anger, Lord. Help me see hope in this world full of those who are not righteous. Help the religious selfish and the irreverent heartless become like Jesus. Grant me peace in you.
