Proverb 2:9

“Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;

Thus far, chapter two has delved out a bunch of if’s at our expense. Here, in the ninth verse, we get the priviledge of being introduced to the second promise, which comes in the form of antoher “then.” The first, being that which we covered in verse five, where we were promised understanding of the fear of the Lord and the finding of the  knowledge of God. And it’s elaborated a little in the following verses (6-8).

Our second promise then, here in verse nine, reveals to us that we will understand righteousness, justice and equity. Every good path.

I don’t know about you, but the pull of the flesh keeps my understanding of God’s best for me convoluted and clouded. But if I stick to the pattern that this chapter has molded for me, I will have a clear understanding of righteousness, the things that counter my natural desires. I will understand justice, even in the midst of an unjust world. I will understand equity even when my entire life seems to be unfair and I’m treated impartially by others. I will understand the good path, even when my flesh is enticed by all the bad ones. 

There is a tremendous amount of hope packed into this tiny verse. It provides clarity when we are used to mulling over a thousand confusing thoughts a day. But remember, it too, is preceeded by the formerly observed “ifs”.

When you’re feeling like things aren’t going as they seem they should. Revisit the if’s. Evaluate whether or not you’re lifestyle is aligned with their suggestions. And if they aren’t, adjust your way of living so that you can bask in the goodness of the promises that follow. 

Then and only then, will we have the priviledge of these types of understanding.