LEARNING DAILY

Proverbs 24:16, For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of disaster.

There was a saying years ago that said, “You cannot keep a good man down.” That might be another way of saying Proverb 24:16. A person who trusts in the Lord and depends on Him, a righteous man, is going to trip and fall over and over again; but he gets back up each time. I read or heard someone write or say, “One cannot fall unless he/she is standing.” Jesus said the narrow way would have difficulties. You have experienced this if you have walked with Him for very long. When they come and cause you to fall, get up, dust yourself off, and overcome the obstacle with the help of God, with His grace and His strength.

Look at the other who falls. One disaster is enough to make the wicked, the unbeliever stumble – the wicked fall and have no power to rise above the difficulties once down. We all know that individual who was caught in some mischief, exposed for doing what God did not approve of; they fell and could not recover from it. Solomon knew about sin too many wives and concubines!

God’s Word speaks about the Believer being resilient and persevering when facing difficulties and danger. It tells Believers that even the strongest and most determined among us fall; the difference from Believers and unbelievers is getting back up each time. Where does this strength come from? Obviously, it comes from unwavering faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. How many times have you had to pick yourself up believing that He was in control of your situation, and you trusted in His leading? It is that inner belief in Jesus that gives the strength and courage to overcome the failures and obstacles you encounter.

I wonder if the number seven is significant; in Scripture it means completeness or perfection. I wonder if there is a reference to the righteous falling, no matter how hard, is only temporary. The righteous get back up, are destined to get back up. Is it not a blessing for those who choose right living by walking with God. Psalm 37:23-24 is clear, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled down, Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.” The righteous person, the one who is doing all he/she can walk with God in the right way can expect to encounter trouble and difficulty in this life. God’s promises are not that Believers will be free from worldly cares, losses, trial, and attacks. Instead, the Lord promises to be with Believers as they encounter this “stuff.”

As you consider this verse today, consider the power of getting back up when facing the difficulties of this life. Examine how you react to challenges – do you get back up when you experience a fall? Persevering and faith in knowing that you will be stronger when you get up is to be a reminder God’s power and that He is always good when facing life’s trials.