Proverbs 2 – A Shield

⁷ He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
⁸ for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Proverbs 2:7-8 NIV

If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m just doing selections from the chapter in question. Whatever speaks to me, makes me think and makes me curious. These two verses did that for me today.

Have you ever held a shield before? I’m sure if you hang out at many renaissance festivals or historic reenactments you’ve seen them. I’ve been to Medieval Times twice and viewed some choreographed battle scenes. The shield is a very important battle tool. Generally speaking, it is only used for defense. Sure some modifications can be made to make it a type of melee weapon, but typically it’s there to protect its user. Different shields have positive and negative qualities. Large, bulky shields are very good at blocking projectiles, but they take a lot to move around. Light weight shields can deflect but not stop arrows, spears and javelins. The user, however can run with that shield at a fast clip.

In verse 7 it says “He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,” Solomon is talking about the Lord. Verse 8 gives more context. “He guards the course of the just…” It’s simply put, the course of life centered around God is one that is protected by God.

If you think about that, it makes sense. A “faithful one” is someone walking in God’s way, a person who is just by God’s standards. Why wouldn’t he protect and shield that person and their life?

That isn’t to say a just and righteous person wouldn’t have troubles and struggles in life. In fact Jesus says in John 16:33

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

The blessing we have is our shield has overcome the world! The path he has for each of us is of course, guarded by the overcomer.