Day 747: A sigh or a song? - Proverbs 28 vs 28 – 29 vs 6
29:1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. 2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. 3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4 By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts (or taxes heavily) tears it down. 5-6 A man who flatters his neighbour spreads a net for his feet. An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. Proverbs 28:28-29:6 English Standard Version.
Politics and political upheavals are not a new thing. In Chapter 28 the writer made a number of comments on the difference between good and bad leaders, and in the last verse of that chapter he said “When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.” (Proverbs 28:28) He picks up on that theme in Chapter 29 and says “When the righteous increase the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule the people groan.” (vs 2) We see that people in power can make life pleasant or miserable. What would you say a Christian's response should be?
When the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about what to teach Christian congregations, he said: “First of all, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3) While some Christians might become politicians who, in God's grace, have a good influence in Parliament, the biggest influence that all Christians can have is to earnestly pray for those in authority to make rules that are righteous rather than wicked. What’s the example in vs 4 of wise policies a government could follow to benefit the people?
If leaders are concerned about true justice rather than lining their pockets (as often seen in politics) the country would be far better off, and not be broken down by mistrust and resentment. There's an example of this in the Old Testament when King Solomon died and the people came to his son and asked whether he would lighten the load of the working man. Solomon's son, however, took the advice of his young friends who said he should be even more demanding than Solomon had been. (1 Kings 12) It caused the kingdom to be split in two.
The other verses of today's reading are not unrelated to what he has said about rulers. What is one of the things that lead to a ruler's downfall, and which is true also of people in general? (vs 1)
Plain stubbornness! Whether it's a President, a politician, or just a plain citizen, those who are to self centred and stubborn to take good advice will likely end up destroying themselves. That's what happened to Solomon's son. His kingdom was broken, the nation fell into spiritual decay, and God allowed the King of Egypt to carry off most of the treasures Solomon had amassed. It was like a son who makes his father's once prosperous business go bankrupt! What are some other pitfalls, both for politicians and for all people, in vs 3, and vs 5-6?
When carnal pleasures are more important than pleasing a good father it can lead to financial failure. And even if it doesn't, it will certainly affect the father's reputation. Christians see God as their heavenly Father and will not want to see His name brought down in the eyes of others. So too, being a person who uses false flattery to achieve their ends is also a doorway to ruin. People eventually see through such people and shun them. But a righteous person, someone who loves Christ, will always have a song in their heart - a hope and a future that lifts them above the sorrows or sighs that sometimes weigh them down.