Refusing to Obey Brings Disastrous Results
November 20, 2021
Commentary
A guilty conscience and cowardice go hand in hand. The guilty run from imagined pursuers while the righteous are as bold as lions (v. 1). Throughout Israel’s history, the stability of the nation nearly always depended on the wisdom of its leader (v. 2). It’s often the poor who are the most brutal with their fellows (v. 3). Remember the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:21-35).
Those who keep the law stand in opposition to the wicked (v. 4). Those who seek the Lord know what Justice really is (v. 5). Integrity is better then wealth (v. 6). One who is motivated purely by the accumulation of wealth, by any means necessary, will end up leaving his money to those who will give it all away (v. 8). A person who will not listen to God cannot expect God to listen to them (v. 9).
The poor man who has understanding is of far more value than his well to do neighbor (v. 11). When an honest person wins, it’s time to celebrate; when crooks are in control, it’s best to hide (v. 12). The greatest mistake a person can make is to try to cover his sin. Confession is the divinely appointed method for obtaining the blessing of God (v. 13). True confession involves genuine repentance and self-judgment. When a man tries to cover his own sin, he is only adding to his sorrow. The Lord blesses everyone who is afraid to do evil, but if you do it, you will end up in trouble (v. 14).
Application
It is so easy to want God to bless my plans when I am not willing to fit into His plans. Lord, help me to be willing to obeywhatever you want me to do in life?
Proverbs 28:1– 14 (NET)
1 The wicked person fled, though no one was pursuing, but the righteous person can be as confident as a lion.
2 When a country is rebellious it has many princes, but by someone who is discerning and knowledgeable order is maintained.
3 A poor person who oppresses the weak is like a driving rain without food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil people do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it all.
6 A poor person who walks in his integrity is better than one who is perverse in his ways even though he is rich.
7 The one who keeps the law is a discerning child, but a companion of gluttons brings shame to his parents.
8 The one who increases his wealth by increasing interest gathers it for someone who is gracious to the needy.
9 The one who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 The one who leads the upright astray in an evil way will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
11 A rich person is wise in his own opinion, but a discerning poor person can evaluate him properly.
12 When the righteous rejoice, great is the glory, but when the wicked rise to power, people are sought out.
13 The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy.
14 Blessed is the one who is always cautious, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into evil.
Illustration: How a Fighter Jet Reacts to a Pilot’s Control
An F16 fighter jet is an amazing aircraft with incredible capabilities. But there is one thing that a jet pilot requires above all else. That the aircraft reacts completely to his control. If it were to have “a mind of its own” regardless of how remarkable that might sound, it would end up doing as much flying as a door stop. In the same vein, even if we had all the gifting under the sun, God as the ultimate “pilot” of our lives, will only do amazing and remarkable things with our lives if we are fully under his control. If we insist upon taking our lives into our own hands at every opportunity, we will find ourselves as effective as a proverbial door stop, and a less gifted by more humble man or woman will be used in our stead. Obedience is the golden key to a life of joy and excellence. (Pastor Mike Wagner).