An Honest Ruler Makes a Nation Strong
December 4, 2019
Commentary
A man who stubbornly refuses correction destroys himself and any hope he may have for the future (v. 1). I can think of several men who destroyed their ministry by refusing to admit their error. When righteous leaders are in control even the unbelievers will be glad. On the other hand, when wicked leaders are in control the people will groan under cruel oppression (v. 2). If you love wisdom your parents will be glad, but chasing after bad women will cost you everything (v. 3). An honest ruler makes the nation strong; a ruler who takes bribes will bring it to ruin (v. 4). Flattery is the saying of what the heart does not mean with the intention of misleading or obtaining favor (v. 5). True praise and honest recognition of worthy accomplishments is right and proper in its place. However, insincere remarks to gain favor are dangerous, and the person doing it will often get caught in the very net he has set for others. Your sins will catch you, but everyone who lives right will sing and celebrate (v. 6).
The wicked don’t care about the poor, but the righteous do (v. 7). Using good sense can put out the flames of anger (v. 8). There is no use to try to convince a fool of his errors (v. 9). A murderer hates everyone who is honest and lives right (10). The fool may pour out all his wrath, but the wise man holds it back (v. 11). The servants of a ruler are apt to become like the ruler and follow his example. If he prefers falsehood to truth, then his servants and those around him will be encouraged to become liars also (v. 12). The Lord gives sight to all men, rich and poor alike (vv. 13-14). The moneylender and the poor both meet under the watchful eye of the Lord. God blesses those who are thoughtful of those who are weak and less fortunate than they are.
Application
Probably all of us have exercised our stubborn will at one time or another. I need to remember that God calls me a fool if I refuse to accept Godly counsel.
Proverbs 29:1– 14 (NET)
1 The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.
2 When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
4 A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts tribute tears it down.
5 The one who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps.
6 In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare, but a righteous person can sing and rejoice.
7 The righteous person cares for the legal rights of the poor; the wicked person does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scornful people inflame a city, but those who are wise turn away wrath.
9 When a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no peace whether he is angry or laughs.
10 Bloodthirsty people hate someone with integrity; as for the upright, they seek his life.
11 A fool lets fly with all his temper, but a wise person keeps it back.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his ministers will be wicked.
13 The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of them both.
14 If a king judges the poor in truth, his throne will be established forever.
Illustration: Two Different Views of Flattery
The brilliant physician and writer Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., and his brother John represent two radically different views on the subject of flattery. Dr. Holmes loved to collect compliments, and when he was older, he indulged his pastime by saying to someone who had just praised his work, “I am a trifle deaf, you know. Do you mind repeating that a little louder?” John, however, was unassuming and content to be in his older brother’s shadow. He once said that the only compliment he ever received came when he was six. The maid was brushing his hair when she relayed to his mother that little John wasn’t all that cross-eyed! (Source Unknown).