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Impending Death

Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. 

What is in a day? Recently, I received news from my sister regarding our brother’s pending death. Unhappily, reports of imminent death travel fast. The doctors give him three weeks. 

My brother is 84 years old and dying of hereditary lung disease. My brother is a believer in Jesus Christ, who has had an interesting and, at times, challenging life. I believe that his coming death is not unexpected. Yet, I think too that it still comes as a shock. Death is like that. It’s shocking. 

Death is only one of many things that can leave us speechless and destitute. However, it is also one of many occurrences that can change everything. Thus in this verse, we are warned not to boast about tomorrow. Our future can change in an instant. 

This warning is also valid because it helps us to focus on the uncertainty of life. We can never count on it, plans as we might. 

The believer’s consolation is that our Father holds the future and nothing escapes his loving embrace, nor does it slip unnoticed through his protective care. Such confidence does not give license to a sloppy outlook on life, but it does bring peace that passes understanding. 

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