Wise Up: Proverbs 29
Proverbs 29 (NIV)
1 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes
will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king gives a country stability,
but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
5 Those who flatter their neighbors
are spreading nets for their feet.
6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin,
but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor,
but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Mockers stir up a city,
but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity
and seek to kill the upright.
11 Fools give full vent to their rage,
but the wise bring calm in the end.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
his throne will be established forever.
15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
they will bring you the delights you desire.
18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;
though they understand, they will not respond.
20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for them.
21 A servant pampered from youth
will turn out to be insolent.
22 An angry person stirs up conflict,
and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
23 Pride brings a person low,
but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
24 The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;
they are put under oath and dare not testify.
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.
27 The righteous detest the dishonest;
the wicked detest the upright.
Vs 25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe”.
The Lord protects his own. His love is greater than fear. His love is complete. It brings us freedom not entrapment.
The Lord us our shepherd. He keeps us safe, he protects his flock, he rescues the wayward and lost. You can count on the good shepherd. He carries us between his shoulders. Deut. 33:12.
Love>Fear.
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
This verse tells us that God has made most people inherintly good and are happy when good people succeed. Conversely people do not like when bad people are in a position of authority. The verse talks about rulers, but this could apply to anyone that is in a position of authority over someone of a group of people.
I pray to the Lord that his Spirit helps me be “righteous” in his eyes so I can “rejoice” when fellow Christians “thrive”.
Many seek an audience with a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.
Proverbs 29:26
Trusting political leaders, laws, or court decisions to ensure justice is ultimately an exercise in futility. Of course it’s important for Christians to be involved politically and yes, any nation will be blessed through a leader or agenda that promotes godly principles. But men and women are easily corrupted by power and tainted by self-interest. Over time all man-made and man-centered institutions will fail. Therefore, our ultimate hope must not reside in men or political parties, it must reside in God. For a nation to be transformed, the hearts of its men and women must turn to God. So yes, participate in the political process but always promote godliness. Pray for leaders of all stripes, neighbors, communities, and nations. Work in ways large and small to see God’s Kingdom take root in the hearts of men because only God can make justice, righteousness, and prosperity flourish.
You Lord are the source of justice and truth; may I always turn to you first when seeking justice. Help me place my hope in you, always you, and keep me diligent in seeking the Spirit’s work in the lives of men and women. May I sincerely pray, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. “