Bridges on Proverbs 20:22
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 20:22
 
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22.  Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
 
“Vengeance belongeth unto me” — is the awful proclamation of God.† Most reverently do his people adore this high prerogative.† Who besides is fitted to wield it? He is Omniscient; we know but imperfectly. He is without passions; we are blinded by our selfish lusts. He is just, “without partiality;” we are prejudiced on our own side. What presumption, therefore, not to say impiety, for the angry worm to entrench upon his prerogative! Revenge is indeed a cherished lust of the flesh.† Were it not for the Divine restraint upon it, this world would be an “Aceldama — a field of blood.” But never did the LORD allow it in his people.† Not even an Edomite, their most bitter enemy; not even the Egyptian, their most cruel oppressor — was to be abhorred. (Deuteronomy 23:7.) The folly and sin of this passion are alike manifest. ‘He that studieth revenge, keepeth his own wounds open.’† His enemy could not do him a greater injury. The tongue, “speaking like the piercings of a sword” (Chapter 12:18; 25:18), is here the instrument of this passion. Yet often, when the open purpose is restrained, the passion broods only the more fiercely within.† Or at least it is only a reluctant obedience, not the glorious victory exhibited in the history of the men of God — “overcoming evil with good.”†
What then is the remedy? In humility and faith lay our matters before the LORD. Put them in his hands. Wait on him, and he shall save us. Revenge rises, only because we have no faith. For did we believe that God would take up our cause, should we not leave ourselves implicitly in his hands? How did he plead the cause of “the meekest man upon earth!”† With what confidence did David rest himself in the midst of reproach,† thus warranting his rule of faith by his own experience!† And thus did David's Lord “commit himself unto him that judgeth righteously.” (1 Peter 2:23.) After this blessed example therefore, “let those, that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” (Ib. 4:19.) ‘Let it suffice thee for the “possessing thine own soul in patience,” to know, that all shall be righted one day. God will set all straight at the last; but that day is not yet.’† Be satisfied then with his management. Suffice it, that “he shall deliver and save, because we put our trust in him.” (Psalm 37:39, 40.) Let us stay our souls, as his praying people, on the great consummation. “Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you, that he will avenge them speedily.” (Luke 18:7, 8.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Deuteronomy 32:35. Romans 12:19. Hebrews 10:30.
 
 
Deuteronomy 32:35
35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
 
Romans 12:19
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
 
Hebrews 10:30
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
 
 
Footnote:
Psalm 94:1. Revelation 6:10.
 
 
Psalm 94:1
1 ¶ O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
 
Revelation 6:10
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
 
 
Footnote:
So even the Heathen acknowledged it —
 
Est vindicta bonum, et vitâ jucundius ipsâ.
 
Juven. Sat. 13:180.
 
 
Footnote:
Chapter 24:29. Leviticus 19:18. Observe the identity of this standard with that of the New Testament — the teaching of our Lord — Matthew 5:38, 39, and his apostles, Romans 12:17, 19-21. 1 Thessalonians 5:15. 1 Peter 3:9. Compare Ecclesiasticus 28:1-8.
 
 
Proverbs 24:29
29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
 
Leviticus 19:18
18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
 
Matthew 5:38, 39
38 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
 
Romans 12:17, 19-21
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
 
1 Thessalonians 5:15
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
 
1 Peter 3:9
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
 
Ecclesiasticus 28:1-8
1 He that seeketh to revenge himself, shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins in remembrance. 2 Forgive thy neighbour if he hath hurt thee: and then shall thy sins be forgiven to thee when thou prayest. 3 Man to man reserveth anger, and doth he seek remedy of God? 4 He hath no mercy on a man like himself, and doth he entreat for his own sins? 5 He that is but flesh, nourisheth anger, and doth he ask forgiveness of God? who shall obtain pardon for his sins? 6 Remember thy last things, and let enmity cease: 7 For corruption and death hang over in his commandments. 8 Remember the fear of God, and be not angry with thy neighbour.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deuteronomy 23:7
7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.
 
 
Footnote:
Lord Bacon.
 
 
Proverbs 12:18
18 ¶ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health
 
Proverbs 25:18
18 ¶ A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
 
 
Footnote:
Genesis 27:41. 2 Samuel 13:22.
 
 
Genesis 27:41
41 ¶ And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
 
2 Samuel 13:22
22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
 
 
Footnote:
Romans 12:21. Compare Joseph, Genesis 45:5; 50:20. David, 1 Samuel 24:18-21.
 
 
Romans 12:21
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
 
Compare Joseph,
Genesis 45:5
5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
 
Genesis 50:20
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
 
David,
1 Samuel 24:18-21
18 And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not. 19 For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day. 20 And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand. 21 Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.
 
 
Footnote:
Numbers 12:1-10.
 
 
Numbers 12:1-10
1 ¶ And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. 3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) 4 ¶ And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. 5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? 9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. 10 ¶ And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
 
 
Footnote:
2 Samuel 16:12. Psalm 38:12-15.
 
 
2 Samuel 16:12
12 It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.
 
Compare
Psalm 38:12-15
12 ¶ They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. 13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. 14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. 15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
 
 
Footnote:
Psalm 37:5, 6.
 
 
Psalm 37:5, 6
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
 
 
1 Peter 2:23
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: {himself: or, his cause}
 
 
1 Peter 4:19
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
 
 
Footnote:
Bp. Sanderson on Chapter 24:10-12.
 
 
Proverbs 24:10-12
10 ¶ If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. 11 ¶ If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; 12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
 
 
Psalm 37:39, 40
39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
 
 
Luke 18:7, 8
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?