(Proverbs 29:1-27)
1 A person often rebuked who becomes obstinate
Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked person rules, people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
But he who involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
4 The king gives stability to the land by justice,
But a person who takes bribes ruins it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
Is spreading a net for his steps.
6 By wrongdoing an evil person is ensnared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor;
The wicked does not understand such concern.
8 Arrogant people inflame a city,
But wise people turn away anger.
9 When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person,
The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10 People of bloodshed hate the blameless person,
But the upright are concerned for his life.
11 A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise person holds it back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his ministers become wicked.
13 The poor person and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and a rebuke give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, wrongdoing increases;
But the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
He will also delight your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
But happy is one who keeps the Law.
19 A slave will not be instructed by words alone;
For though he understands, there will be no response.
20 Do you see a person who is hasty with his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 One who pampers his slave from childhood
Will in the end find him to be rebellious.
22 An angry person stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered person abounds in wrongdoing.
23 A person’s pride will bring him low,
But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 One who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the oath but tells nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare,
But one who trusts in the Lord will be protected.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for mankind comes from the Lord.
27 An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,
And one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked person rules, people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
But he who involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
4 The king gives stability to the land by justice,
But a person who takes bribes ruins it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
Is spreading a net for his steps.
6 By wrongdoing an evil person is ensnared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor;
The wicked does not understand such concern.
8 Arrogant people inflame a city,
But wise people turn away anger.
9 When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person,
The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10 People of bloodshed hate the blameless person,
But the upright are concerned for his life.
11 A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise person holds it back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his ministers become wicked.
13 The poor person and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and a rebuke give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, wrongdoing increases;
But the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
He will also delight your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
But happy is one who keeps the Law.
19 A slave will not be instructed by words alone;
For though he understands, there will be no response.
20 Do you see a person who is hasty with his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 One who pampers his slave from childhood
Will in the end find him to be rebellious.
22 An angry person stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered person abounds in wrongdoing.
23 A person’s pride will bring him low,
But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 One who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the oath but tells nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare,
But one who trusts in the Lord will be protected.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for mankind comes from the Lord.
27 An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,
And one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
A life of crime and perversion is dangerous and problematic, affecting all areas of life, including relationships. And a life without the Lord, is a slavery to sin which leads to eternal death. So while unbelievers are driven by pride to depend on themselves, believers know to keep their hearts humble and depend on the Lord.
While unbelievers try to control, manipulate and incite riots, hate and anger, believers are to avoid dissentions and divisions, but with self-control and love, be peacemakers. While unbelievers prefer lies, deception and corruption, believers should be seeking after truth. While unbelievers befriend and work with the wicked out of fear, believers trust and fear the Lord, because He cares and will protect.
While unbelievers try to figure out ways to get away with more, believers will recognize where they went wrong, confess, and mature. While unbelievers live as they please, believers understand and happily embrace the Lord's instructions. While unbelievers live for themselves, believers should be concerned for others, especially for the rights of the poor, widows and orphans.
Even though the poor have nothing to offer us, Christians are to still help them, and desire that they become believers. The same goes for unbelievers who hate Christians and don't understand us. As we look to the Lord's goodness, fairness and justice, He will protect, guide and provide for us. And because God desires that all come to know Him, and because He asks that we share the good news as opportunities present themselves, God will equip and help us accomplish His will.
There is absolutely no need to argue or debate, as it is the choice of each individual to accept or reject Jesus. In God's love and guidance, we are simply to share the gospel message. It is the Lord who convicts and works on hearts. And it is only in the Lord that hearts are changed, comforted and delighted. Therefore, we should not fear or worry... at all.
Even if we only have the opportunity to plant a tiny seed, or do a bit of watering, no matter the outcome, God will be very pleased with our humble obedience. Our purpose is to reach out to family, friends and society with the light of Jesus. In this dark and hateful world, there is hope and love. In our broken societies, there can be healing and unity. In human despair, there can be peace and joy. And this is only possible through Jesus. Our choice is to either be part of the problem, or be part of the solution, all to God's glory!
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