Walking with the Wise #48: GOD's Promise of Provision

“The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry,

but He thwarts the craving of the wicked.”
—Proverbs 10:3

We have all heard our fair share of promises. But, unfortunately, I would assume that very few of them have been kept. We’ve had people break promises to us, and we have broken promises to others. But God is the only one who can keep His promises completely. I may promise my kids that I’ll be there for them when they grow up, but I can’t guarantee it. Who knows what may happen? God is the only one whose promises can’t be thwarted or stopped.

In today’s proverb God lets us know that the LORD “does not let the righteous go hungry.” It’s not that believers will not starve during times of famine or drought. No. Droughts happen, and believers and unbelievers have starved to death. That’s not what this passage is addressing. In this proverb, Solomon wants us to understand that when God’s people seek His face, they will not go hungry, similar words to those of Jesus in the New Testament when He spoke about food and clothing. He said,

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you”—Matthew 6:33.

If God watches over sparrows, how much more will He watch over and provide for us? If we keep our eyes upon Him and seek His kingdom above all things, He will take care of our needs. God not only takes care of our needs, but He thwarts the craving of the wicked. The wicked want, but they can never have enough. God orders their cravings in such a way that no matter how much they acquire, they just want more. It’s like the eccentric millionaire Howard Hughes used to say when he was asked, “How much is enough?” He said, “Just a little more.” Even with all of his money it wasn’t enough for him. That’s the way that God makes it for the wicked. They will never have true contentment in earthly riches.

God will fulfill His promises. He will never let His people go hungry. We must continually remind ourselves of God’s promise for provision. And whenever we are wallowing in unbelief, we must turn to Him and say, “I believe, help my unbelief!” Amen.