The image of a merciful and gentle God is not wrong, but we must also remember the image of a just God who does not hesitate to bring punishment and chastisement to those who rebel against Him. A balance in living out these two images will result in the practice of living wisely and always considering the impact of our actions.

Chapter 24 describes the judgement that God brought upon the earth and everything in it. This happened because of the wickedness of mankind. However, interestingly, in verses 14-16a, there are still voices of praise glorifying God in the midst of a devastated world. Apparently they are the ones who have survived everything that has happened because they have returned to God and His decrees at the right time.

There are still those who persist in their abominations. The prophet described them as traitors. Like a hunted animal they will be pursued by fear, traps and snares. They will not escape the consequences of what they have done. However, this judgement on earth will not last forever. For there will come a time when the Lord will establish His rule on Mount Zion. He will show His glory. This means that God's decisive and powerful actions on the earth are not to destroy the world but to educate it and bring it to God's statutes.

Therefore, we can learn to always live by God's word and decrees. God is indeed merciful, but He is also not reluctant to declare His justice. So we are invited to build a relationship with God based on the two realisations of God's image. Thus, living wisely and according to his will becomes a necessity that is born from our lives.