David, Solomon’s own father, is a striking example of someone who took to heart God’s law that says, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18). In many of the Psalms, David also encouraged other believers to do the same and wait on God whenever they experience injustice. Psalm 37:1–40 is perhaps the best example of such encouragement. David was richly rewarded for his trust in God: without having to kill any of his fellow Israelites who plotted against him, he was offered kingship over Israel and Judah.
David’s great Son, Jesus Christ, could have brought down fire and legions of angels against his enemies (Luke 9:54; Matthew 26:53), but he left the judgment in his Father’s hands (1 Peter 2:23). Even while hanging on the cross, he prayed for his enemies (Luke 23:34). In him we have the perfect revelation of what it means to “wait for the Lord.” And when the right time came, God exalted Jesus and gave him a name above all names (Philippians 2:9).
Waiting is by no means as easy as it may seem. We tend to think that someone who does not respond with action is passive. When we are acted against, we tend to respond with unbelieving, sinful activeness. But waiting for God might be the most difficult challenge and victory of faith. The advice that this proverb gives us is not easy, but it is good.
When we take revenge into our own hands, we forget that vengeance belongs to God. God has given the government and justice system the right to punish evil, but he has not given that right to other people.
22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.