February 6, 2024

Why Does a Greedy Man Stir Up Strife?

Proverbs 28

Peggy Liska
Tuesday's Devo

February 6, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

February 6, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

February 6, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

February 6, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely—God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 28:25

A greedy man stirs up strife,
but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

Proverbs 28

1  The wicked flee when no one pursues,
    but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2  When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
    but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
    its stability will long continue.
3  A poor man who oppresses the poor
    is a beating rain that leaves no food.
4  Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
    but those who keep the law strive against them.
5  Evil men do not understand justice,
    but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.
6  Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
    than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
7  The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
    but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8  Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit 1 28:8 That is, profit that comes from charging interest to the poor
    gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
9  If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
    even his prayer is an abomination.
10  Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
    will fall into his own pit,
    but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
11  A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
    but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
12  When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
    but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
13  Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
    but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
14  Blessed is the one who fears the LORD 2 28:14 Hebrew lacks the LORD always,
    but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15  Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
    is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16  A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
    but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17  If one is burdened with the blood of another,
    he will be a fugitive until death; 3 28:17 Hebrew until the pit
    let no one help him.
18  Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,
    but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
19  Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
    but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20  A faithful man will abound with blessings,
    but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
21  To show partiality is not good,
    but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22  A stingy man 4 28:22 Hebrew A man whose eye is evil hastens after wealth
    and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23  Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
    than he who flatters with his tongue.
24  Whoever robs his father or his mother
    and says, “That is no transgression,”
    is a companion to a man who destroys.
25  A greedy man stirs up strife,
    but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
26  Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
    but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27  Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
    but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
28  When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
    but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Footnotes

[1] 28:8 That is, profit that comes from charging interest to the poor
[2] 28:14 Hebrew lacks the LORD
[3] 28:17 Hebrew until the pit
[4] 28:22 Hebrew A man whose eye is evil
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 27:11–28:1 The person who has caution and integrity will neither stumble into trouble nor fear being punished.

Study Notes

Prov. 28:2 The many rulers may refer to the increasing number of bureaucratic officials, or to frequent changes of ruling dynasty (as in the northern kingdom of Israel), or to the breakdown of central government leading to local lords ruling. Any of these can result from the lack of moral integrity in the people, and especially in those charged with leading the land.

Study Notes

Prov. 28:5 In Proverbs, evil men are those opposed to God’s will. They do not understand justice and what it requires from a government or a society. Those who seek the LORD, in contrast, should have the most accurate understanding of justice.

Study Notes

Prov. 28:9 The law is God’s covenantal instruction, especially the books of Moses. The three proverbs on the law (vv. 4, 7, 9) in this section (vv. 2–12) indicate that a healthy fear of the Lord is reflected in people’s respect for the law. This is the only thing that will enable people to maintain integrity.

Study Notes

Prov. 28:2–12 Righteous individuals are essential for a just society. When many individuals are unjust, particularly those with power, all of society will suffer.

Study Notes

Prov. 28:13–14 To fear the LORD (see note on 1:7) involves confessing one’s sins, rather than concealing them and hardening one’s heart. Such a person receives mercy and is therefore truly happy.

Study Notes

Prov. 28:15–16 A wicked ruler is pictured as a destructive wild animal who feeds off of poor people rather than protecting and providing for them. Such a ruler is a cruel oppressor who lacks the wisdom to hate unjust gain.

Study Notes

Prov. 28:17–18 These proverbs concern being delivered from trouble. No one should assist a fugitive fleeing from justice (compare Gen. 9:6). People of integrity will get the help they need.

Study Notes

Prov. 28:19–27 These proverbs all concern the desire to secure wealth and favor for oneself. They condemn get-rich-quick schemes (vv. 19, 20; compare 13:11), chasing after wealth (28:20, 22), accepting bribes (v. 21), seeking to get ahead by flattery (v. 23), wrongfully taking a parent’s money (v. 24), causing turmoil through greed (v. 25), and lacking charity (v. 27). The best way to prosperity and security is through hard work (v. 19), integrity and honesty (vv. 20, 21, 23, 24), and trusting in God and in godly wisdom (vv. 25, 26). Surprisingly, even generosity can lead to prosperity (v. 27).

S3:027 Proverbs 28

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 28

Greed can be defined as a selfish desire, but the Bible considers it more broadly as a form of idolatry (Colossians 3:5). When we trust ourselves, we don't trust God; and the Bible warns that the result is strife or conflict. As humans, we are sinful by nature. It is natural to trust ourselves over anyone else, even God. In fact, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

So, how can we overcome this power of greed and sin and avoid this strife and conflict? The  second half of Proverbs 28:25 says that "the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched." Scripture is clear that faith in Jesus is where abundant life is found. You can chase after the things of this world: wealth, fame, success, comfort; but true enrichment and fulfillment comes from God through faith in His Son Jesus. The answer is to trust in the Lord Jesus. We must believe that Christ died for our sins and was resurrected. Because of this, we are saved from the wrath of God (Romans 5:8, 10:9). Eternal life is a free gift from God; and instead of strife, we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is not a guarantee that our lives will be perfect, but the Bible does guarantee that we will have eternity in heaven where there will be no more tears and no more pain (Revelation 21:4). We can rest assured that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13) and that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).

Although the Bible encourages us to share our faith with others (Matthew 28:19), we sometimes can be reluctant to do so. Be bold! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, resist the temptation to be greedy with your faith and instead share with others the Good News of salvation in Christ Jesus!

This month's memory verse

Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

– Exodus 34:6b

Discussion Questions

1. With whom do you need to share the Good News of salvation? What does that mean in practical terms this week? 

2. In what areas is Jesus calling you to let go in order to fully embrace the enriched life that He promises?

3. Write a prayer to God asking Him to reveal any areas of greed in your life and to help you trust Him more.

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Advise me! King Nebuchadnezzar sat on his throne, pondering the challenges of ruling his vast kingdom. In his court stood Daniel, known for his wisdom. Seizing the moment, Daniel spoke concisely: "O King, may you live forever. In the wisdom of Proverbs 28, let me share insights for the governance of this great land from the words of another great King, Solomon... "The wicked flee when none pursue, but the righteous are bold as lions. Boldness, coupled with righteousness, fortifies the realm against internal strife and external threats." As Daniel spoke, the King's stern expression softened into a thoughtful gaze. Nebuchadnezzar's eyes narrowed. "The transgression of a land leads to many princes, but understanding and knowledge prolong the state. It's not the number of rulers that brings stability but the wisdom they possess." Fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of his throne,. "The poor man oppressing the poor brings desolation. Upholding justice ensures the stability of the realm." A subtle but uncomfortable frown appeared on the King's face. "Those forsaking the law praise the wicked; uphold the law, contend with transgressors, for righteousness must prevail." The gravity of the responsibility he bore etched across his face as Daniel emphasized the importance of upholding the law. The subtle frown became not so subtle. Everyone get out! The King ordered his men. You alone shall Daniel shall stay. "Evil men fail to understand judgment, but those who seek the Lord comprehend all things. Seek divine guidance, for understanding the Lord's will brings clarity and wisdom." A thoughtful gaze upward accompanied the notion of seeking divine guidance. "Fear the Lord always; a compassionate heart ensures happiness and prosperity. Alleviate poverty and be a blessing to your people." A momentary softening of the King's features reflected a deeper introspection. A new thought crossed Nebuchadnessar's mind. Compassion, a source of happiness and prosperity? Who knew? "In the rise of the wicked, men may hide, but when the wicked perish, the righteous increase. Embrace righteousness, and may your reign reflect the enduring wisdom of Proverbs 28." The mention of the rise and fall of the wicked brought a solemn expression to the King's face. As Daniel concluded, King Nebuchadnezzar's countenance reflected a mix of contemplation and resolve. The weight of Proverbs 28 lingered in the air,
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 28 in two parts- Part 1: My reflection is on the “whoever-but verses.” These verses show great dichotomies to me. They reinforce the two paths described in Psalm 1. I am particularly drawn to the verses about money and wealth since materialism has been a primary sin struggle for me. I learned early in my life that money represented control. Control was to be sought above all else. I learned the hard way that this was folly. I mean the really hard way. And real folly. My mind floats back several decades ago to a talk I heard from the legendary investor John Templeton. He was also a great theologian, evangelist and philanthropist. In this talk he said he was often asked what his #1 investment was at that moment. He said that when he got that question, he always leaned forward into the mic as he knew everyone was waiting for him to give the name and stock ticker. Then he would slowly spell out, “T-I-T-H-E”. The minds of the audience would go blank for a moment as they tried to recall what company had that stock ticker symbol. Then they would realize what he had said. Then he would explain to them why the greatest and most rewarding place to “invest” their money is in giving it away. Huge pivot for me. Since then Amy and I have discovered that real joy is in giving money away. We have spent many years in praying through where God might be directing us in this regard. Whenever possible, we do so anonymously and without recognition. That always shows me where my pride is. Life lesson and application- What has given me eternal joy is not control, but surrender. Only then have I been able to embrace the truth that it’s not my money anyway. Besides, the view from the back passenger seat is way better than from the front driver’s seat. And there are no wrecks.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Part 2: Repeating a prior “old saying”- “A fish rots from the head down.” Much of chapter 28 is reviving and restating a lot of what we read last year on leadership in general and, more specifically, on the Davidic King as a model of Godly leadership. Are there any world leaders in any country that fit that model? I’m a student, not an expert. But, I don’t see any as best as I can assess. Here’s a helpful message in 2016 from Tommy Nelson at DBC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwTAQpYhkug&t=16s He calls it the “Continental Divide”. In this message Tommy does a great job of defining the problem and calling us out as the solution. Passivity is death. It applies more today than it did in 2016. It’s 54 minutes and worth every single one of them. ----------------------------------- Here is a piece a friend sent- In Man—The Dwelling Place of God, A. W. Tozer stated: "I am among those who believe that our Western civilization is on its way to perishing. It has many commendable qualities, most of which it has borrowed from the Christian ethic, but it lacks the element of moral wisdom that would give it permanence. Future historians will record that we of the twentieth century had enough intelligence to create a great civilization but not the moral wisdom to preserve it." He wrote these words in 1966. What would he say of our culture today? -------------------------------------- There was another true point made in a message a few years ago - “The culture is downstream from the church”. Given that the global Christian church has completely abdicated to the culture we should not be surprised at the level of strife and chaos.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Part 2 Continued- The notes make some very thought-provoking points- TC - 28:2 When wickedness abounds in a land, there is usually a high rate of turnover in the leadership (v. 2a). The Northern Kingdom of Israel is a prime example. Nevertheless, a single wise ruler can bring stability to a land (v. 2b). God blessed the Southern Kingdom of Judah with relative stability because of David's godly leadership. ESV SB - Prov. 28:2 The many rulers may refer to the increasing number of officials in the bureaucracy, or to rapid changes of ruling dynasty (as in the northern kingdom of Israel), or to the breakup of central government with local lords dominating. Any of these can follow from the lack of moral integrity in the people, and especially in those charged with leading the land. 28:2 - Righteous individuals are essential for a just society. When many individuals are unjust, particularly those with power, all of society will suffer. Verse 2, which says that a society thrives when people have understanding but that it has many rulers when it is evil, brackets the entire section when connected with v. 12, which says that people celebrate the success of the righteous but hide when the wicked come to power. So these verses form an inclusio. "To continue in office the son must uphold what is known to be right and not tolerate legal offenses either in himself or in his subjects."[781] Prov. 28:2–12 For the most part, the meanings of these proverbs, taken individually, are self-evident. Taken as a group, however, they indicate that righteous individuals are an essential component of a just society. That is, one will not have good social order where many individuals, and especially those with power, are unjust. The structure of the text suggests its unity. Also, two catchwords link vv. 2 and 12. In v. 2, rulers are “many” (Hb. rab), but in v. 12, glory is “great” (Hb. rab); v. 2 speaks of a wise “man” (Hb. ’adam), but v. 12 speaks of “people” (Hb. ’adam) hiding. Between these two verses there are many other parallels among the proverbs. Verses 3 and 8 both concern how one treats the “poor,” whether with oppression (v. 3) or with kindness (v. 8). Verses 4, 7, and 9 teach that one’s attitude toward the “law” (Hb. torah) is the fundamental determiner of whether one will be good or evil. Verses 5 and 10 speak about knowing right from wrong (v. 5) and about leading others in the right or wrong path (v. 10). Also, the word evil (Hb. ra‘) links v. 5 to v. 10. Finally, v. 6says that a poor man can be morally superior to a “rich man,” and v. 11 says that a poor man can see through the pretension of a “rich man.” Taken together, this section shows that, for the society as a whole to be well off, each member must practice integrity, and that is especially true for its rulers. The three proverbs on the law (vv. 4, 7, 9) indicate that a healthy fear of the Lord, as reflected in people’s respect for the Torah, is the only thing that will enable people to maintain integrity. 15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
 is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
 but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. A wicked ruler is pictured as a destructive wild animal who feeds off of poor people rather than protecting and providing for them. Such a ruler is a cruel oppressor who lacks the wisdom to hate unjust gain.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Pr 28:4 Proverbs 28:4 (NASB) >>>Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,<<< But those who keep the law strive with them. See “…give hearty approval to those who practice them,” in Rom 1:32 (NASB)
GJ

greg jones

Great dive this morning tying verses from Colossians and Romans in with the wisdom of Proverbs. Many people are read Romans today with a purpose of for Paul's writing in mind. Is he writing to a church to explain to them how they can become Christ follower's? Or is he writing to a group of Christ follower’s from extremely different backgrounds encouraging them to come together as one, in unity, under Christ? How you answer tends to influence how you read.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks, Peggy. I loved reading v. 26 in the NET Bible: "The one who trusts in his own heart is a fool," We hear the message of "follow your heart" just about every day, and usually, biblically literate people counter that message by pointing to Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" But here's a verse that should be handcuffed to the Jeremiah verse so the two are presented together.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Everyone, and in practical terms, it is sincerely saying “hi” to people and asking them how they are. It includes sincerely listening to people and offering sincere feedback and support when appropriate. 2. I don’t think it would be to let go. I think it would be to continue working and believing. 3. Prayer: God, I was a greedy child, always dreaming about making money and winning. God, thank you for helping me learn there is more to life than being greedy, more to life than making money and winning. Thank you for caring. Thank you for exemplifying good. Thank you for always working to know me when I did not completely know you. May we all let you know us like you let us know you. May we do this everyday, believing in you and trusting you in everything. May we practice your good values and live life as you prefer. Amen. Peggy - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You made a good point in saying, “Scripture is clear that faith in Jesus is where abundant life is found. You can chase after the things of this world: wealth, fame, success, comfort; but true enrichment and fulfillment comes from God through faith in His Son Jesus”. God’s guidance is awesome!