Proverbs 30:14
11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
The Plain Truth
The previous three verses have looked at what “a generation” or “a people” may do that are considered wicked and unwise. These are people who disrespect or even curse their parents (v. 11). These are people who think they are good people, but they are in fact covered in their own filth (v. 12). These are people who think they know better than anyone else, and they do not need to answer to anyone (v. 13).
In the last “generation” we get this final picture of truly cruel and wicked people. They are people who know how to tear another to shreds with their words and show contempt for others.
The Prophetic Truth
The Bible has more to say about the “last” generation:
1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.
2 Timothy 3:1-8, ESV
Consider that state of things today:
- Children disrespect their parents on a regular basis.
- Everyone is taught they make their own truth and are basically good.
- In the age of the internet, everyone thinks they are an expert in everything.
- The shows and movies that are viewed the most are full of violence, coarse language, sex, and innuendo.
- We care more for saving animals and the planet than saving people.
- We turn away from the Truth and lead others away from the Truth.
Christ may not return for His Bride the Church today, but the evidence seems to be mounting that He will soon.
Are we ready, or are we helping to devour the poor and the needy?
Lord, come quickly, but give us the grace, patience, wisdom, and time to reach as many as possible with Your truth and grace.