The genuine soul falls as an explorer may do, by faltering at some stone in his way; however, he gets up, and goes on his way with more consideration and speed. The writer might be utilizing “falls” not in the feeling of falling into transgression, yet in the feeling of being overpowered by disaster. The righteous ought to emerge from whatever transitory disaster is brought upon them.
Undoubtedly, many preachers have discussed how a good man may fall into trouble or sin, but that just man never gives in. He looks to God in repentance and rises back up into service. God never forsakes a repentant sinner but will deliver him out of his transgressions. (Job 5:19, Psalm 34:19, Psalm 37:24)
Seven times refers to often or plural. The number seven is also the number for completeness. (Proverbs 6:31, Proverbs 26:16, Genesis 4:24, Matthew 18:21-22)
A just man does not fall from his righteousness for it is an everlasting one, nor from the grace of God.
• John 10:28-29, And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
However, he may fall into temptation and sin, as every just man does.
• Ecclesiastes 7:20, For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Every day man stands in need of freshly applying the pardoning grace of God, for which he is directed to pray daily.
• 1 Corinthians 15:31, I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Pray without ceasing.
Interestingly with the recuperation and restoration of the just man, when the wicked endure calamity there is no recovery for them. (Proverbs 14:32, Psalm 6:8, Psalm 119:115)
The wicked shall fall into mischief where they will lie in it and never rise from it. They will fall into punishment to which there is no delivery.
• Matthew 7:23, And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
How many believers have fallen and how many looked up to Jesus and were able to get back up and continued to serve the Lord? Simon Peter fell many times, and yet he got back up. (Matthew 14:29, Matthew 26:69-75, 1 John 1:7-9, Hebrews 13:5)
The purpose of the teaching is not the risk of good men to fall or stumble, yet God’s continued grace and mercy for man.
