Proverbs 28:17
Let no one interfere with the hand of God in bringing just retribution to a murderer. As we are told to leave vengeance to the Lord, so we are not to interfere with his vengeance. The burden placed on the murderer is from God and used by God to drive him to “the pit,” translated here as death. Such an end may very well be his sentence, though it could include any form of retribution, whether it be in this life or afterwards. The point is that he must bear the consequence of taking innocent life. Justice cannot be denied.
And if there is to be any hope for the murderer, justice must be rendered. It is in facing the consequences of one’s wickedness that the wicked is most likely to come to grips with his sin, and if he does not, then all the more reason justice needs to be fulfilled.
This is a sobering proverb, especially because of the last line. How can we not help a fugitive? We can exercise such restraint when we learn to trust God more than ourselves. Too often our help is nothing more than interference. We interfere with justice, even with grace; for grace shines best when justice is rendered. When a sinner bears consequence for his sin, when he accepts the consequence, it is then he sees clearly the grace that is shown him. No man turns to Christ while he feels no conviction for sin. It is conviction and consequence that will drive him to his knees. It is experiencing the pit of punishment and despair that is likely to turn him from the eternal pit.