Proverbs 25:2: “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, / But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”

June 29th, 2024 by Pastor Ed in devotional

In the days of Solomon, it was part of the king’s duty to try cases. Like a judge, he had to search out the offenses of those brought before him in order to come to an equitable and honest ruling in a matter. It was his responsibility to discover the truth, and his honor was at stake with each ruling. This proverb contrasts earthly, human kings and God, the King of Kings, so that we might better understand Him. The contrast here is that a human king, through research, investigation, and interrogation, had to dig out the truth, search out sin. But God Almighty, who already knows the truth, hides and covers all of the details of our life of sin when we repent before Him.

It is the glory or fullness or beautiful heaviness of God that He chooses to cover over our confessed sins. David used the same Hebrew word caphar (conceal and hide) when he wrote in Psalm 51:9: “Hide Your face from my sins, / And blot out all my iniquities.” It is clearly God’s desire to forgive a person their sins. Isaiah said the same: “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ / Says the LORD, / ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, / They shall be as white as snow; / Though they are red like crimson, / They shall be as wool'” (Isa. 1:18). So when we come to God, confessing, repenting, believing, then God pardons us; as Isaiah 55:7 says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, / And the unrighteous man his thoughts; / Let him return to the LORD, / And He will have mercy on him; / And to our God, / For He will abundantly pardon.”

When we come to God, we never cry, “Give us justice, God, justice!” but rather “Give us mercy, God, mercy!” Mercy is not getting what we deserve. But God gives us something even better than mercy alone, He also gives us grace. We don’t deserve the rich blessings He desires to bestow upon us. But, He bestows them anyway, and that should bring a spontaneous response of praise from our hearts.

“LORD, please forgive us and give us both mercy and grace this day to live for You. We do offer You praise and honor as we see Your flawless and beautiful character.”