God has made "even the wicked one for the evil day." (Proverbs 16:4b) He did not create the wicked, for "perfect is his activity." (Deuteronomy 32:4) However, he has allowed them to come into existence and continue living until he sees fit to execute his adverse judgment. For example, Jehovah said to Pharaoh of Egypt: "For this cause I have kept you in existence, for the sake of showing you my power and in order to have my name declared in all the earth." (Exodus 9:16) The Ten Plagues and the destruction of Pharaoh and his forces in the Red Sea were indeed memorable demonstrations of God's matchless power.
Jehovah can also make circumstances work out in such a way that the wicked unknowingly serve his purpose. The psalmist said: "The very rage of man will laud you; the remainder of raging you [Jehovah] will gird upon yourself." (Psalm 76:10) Jehovah may allow his enemies to express their rage toward his servants--but only to the extent necessary to discipline his people and thus train them. What is in excess of this, God takes upon Himself.
While God supports his humble servants, what about the proud and arrogant? "Everyone that is proud in heart is something detestable to Jehovah," says the king of Israel. "Hand may join to hand, yet one will not be free from punishment." (Proverbs 16:5) Those "proud in heart" may band together in mutual support, but they will not escape punishment. We are wise, then, to cultivate the spirit of humility regardless of how knowledgeable we are or how capable we may be or whatever service privileges we may have.
IN THE FEAR OF JEHOVAH
Born in sin, we are prone to err. (Romans 3:23; 5:12) What will help us to avoid making plans that will lead to a bad course? Proverbs 16:6 states: "By loving-kindness and trueness error is atoned for, and in the fear of Jehovah one turns away from bad." While by his loving-kindness and trueness Jehovah atones for our sins, it is the fear of Jehovah that serves as a deterrent to committing sins. How vital it is that along with love for God and appreciation for His loving-kindness, we cultivate fear of displeasing Him!
The fear of God enters into our heart when we develop reverence and respect for God's awesome power. Just think of his power reflected in the creation! Being reminded of the manifestation of power in God's creative works helped the patriarch Job to readjust his thinking. (Job 42:1-6) Are we not likewise affected when we read and reflect on the accounts of God's dealings with His people as recorded in the Bible? The psalmist sang: "Come, you people, and see the activities of God. His dealing with the sons of men is fear-inspiring." (Psalm 66:5) Jehovah's loving-kindness is not to be taken for granted. When the Israelites 'rebelled and made God's holy spirit feel hurt, Jehovah was changed into an enemy of theirs; he himself warred against them.' (Isaiah 63:10) On the other hand, "when Jehovah takes pleasure in the ways of a man he causes even his enemies themselves to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7) What a protection the fear of Jehovah is!
"Better is a little with righteousness than an abundance of products without justice," says the wise king. (Proverbs 16:8) Proverbs 15:16 states: "Better is a little in the fear of Jehovah than an abundant supply and confusion along with it." A reverential awe of God is certainly essential for staying on a righteous course.
THE HEART OF EARTHLING MAN MAY THINK OUT OF HIS WAY
Man was created a free moral agent, able to choose between right and wrong. (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20) Our figurative heart has the ability to consider different options and fix its aim on one or more of them. Indicating that making choices is our responsibility, Solomon says: "The heart of earthling man may think out his way." Once this is done, "Jehovah himself does the directing of his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) Since Jehovah can guide our steps, we are acting wisely if we seek his help in 'making our plans firmly established.'
As previously noted, the heart is treacherous and is capable of carrying out false reasoning. For example, a person may commit a sin, and his heart may resort to self-justification. Instead of abandoning his sinful course, the individual may reason that God is loving, kind, merciful, and forgiving. Such a man has said in his heart: "God has forgotten. he has concealed his face. He will certainly never see it." (Psalm 10:11) However, it is improper and dangerous to presume upon God's mercy.
THE JUST INDICATOR AND SCALES BELONG TO JEHOVAH
Shifting his focus from the heart and the actions of earthling man to those of a king, Solomon says: "Inspired decisions should be upon the lips of a king; in judgment his mouth should not prove unfaithful."
Identifying the source of justice and righteousness, the wise king says: "The just indicator and scales belong to Jehovah; all the stone weights of the bag are his work." (Proverbs 16:11) Just indicators and scales are provided by God. Such standards are not for a king to come up with according to his preference. When on earth, Jesus said: "I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative; just as I hear, I judge; and the judgment that I render is righteous, because I seek, not my own will, but the will of Him that sent me." We can expect perfect justice from the Son, to whom the Father "has committed all the judging."--John 5:22, 30.
What else can be expected of a king who represents Jehovah? "The doing of wickedness is something detestable to kings," said the king of Israel, "for by righteousness is the throne firmly established." (Proverbs 16:12: The Messianic Kingdom is governed by God's righteous principles. It has no alliance with "the throne causing adversities."--Psalm 94:20; John 18:36; 1John 5:19.
