Are you Light or just a light holder? Proverbs 13:9

Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked goes out.

Science tells us that light is constituted of three rays, or groups of wavelengths, distinct from each other, no one of which without the others would be light. Each ray has its own separate function. The first originates, the second formulates, illuminates or manifests, and the third consummates. The first ray, often called invisible light, is neither seen nor felt. The second is both seen and felt. The third is not seen but is felt as heat.^[1]

This Proverb communicates a very stark, yet subtle Truth that all should pay attention to. God always makes a difference between that which is the “essence” versus that which can imitate that reality. For example, we know that Scriptures teach that Christ is God incarnate, and that the enemy is evil incarnate and even called the “antichrist!” 

It is no wonder why Scripture points out this attempted deception in 2 Corinthians as Paul warns the Church about false teachers.

2 Corinthians 11:13–15 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

It is very interesting that this Proverb employs two different words in the original that have to do with light, yet…as I said, the subtle difference is a very important one.

People that desire to live close to God (the righteous) are described as those that possess the essence of light! { אוֹר (ʾôr) light.} We understand that any called righteous in Scripture are those that God “made” righteous from His grace and received by them through faith. However, the term righteous also communicates the desire in the person’s heart to live their life in a way that pleases God. Due to their faith and desires God has given them His eternal life, which is Light that never perishes.

Sadly, the word used to describe the wicked is {נִיר (nîr) lamp.} A lamp is not the essence of light, only a holder of it. Again, when Scriptures uses the term “wicked” those of us that are children of God should never think we, on our own, were better than any other person – We are all sinners and fall short of God’s glory. Instead we should keep before us that we chose to believe what God said and did, and that is what separates us from the “wicked” person. The reality is they want control of their own life and will not see God for Who He is…God! Having been created, like all, in the image of God, they have that light in them and it will last only as long as their body lives. They are a vessel that can carry that temporal light, but they do not possess the essence of Light!

Those that choose to live and walk with God are made Light and will remain so forever. Isaiah states it well:

Isaiah 60:19–20 “No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end.

Salvation and a relationship with God is by Grace alone, received by Trusting Belief (Faith) – works are not included in that. However, after that, whether we walk in Light or in darkness is our choice. 

Those that do not have a relationship with God will lose everything to that darkness. Those that are children of God, yet do not seek the Light, the darkness will steal their rewards in heaven! If you are in darkness, stop being a vessel that can only hold some light, instead go to God and become Light!

The so what?  What brings you the greatest pleasure in life? When you examine your life, is it mostly Light, or darkness? Do others see your love for God, or does your life leave them with questions? Do you desire to carry the Light of God to others?

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^[1] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 740). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.