The Rich Are Often Filled With Pride
May 10, 2020
Commentary
The rich are often filled with pride but the poor man who has understanding will see through this person (v. 11). The poor man who has understanding is of far more value than his well to do neighbor. When an honest person wins, it’s time to celebrate; when crooks are in control, it’s best to hide (v. 12). It is not the great, the rich, the mighty, or the noble, that God has chosen to use; but “the poor who are rich in faith” (I Cor. 1:26-28).
The greatest mistake a person can make is to try to cover his sin. It seems to be natural for fallen man, like Adam and Eve with their fig leaves, 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).
The oppressive rule of a wicked leader is compared to the vicious attack of a roaring lion (v. 15). He oppresses the poor like a wild beast among the people. He bears rule with a heavy hand and fails to see that the security of his job should be related to the welfare of those under him (v. 16). Don’t give help to murderers (v. 17)! If necessary, make them stay on the run for as long as they live. Honesty will keep you safe, but everyone who is crooked will suddenly fall (v. 18).
Application
When is the last time I have used I John 1:9? It is so easy to see the sin in the other persons’ life but not willing to admit the sin in my own life and confess it.
Proverbs 28:11– 18 (NET)
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.
15 Like a roaring lion or a roving bear, so is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom, but the one who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 The one who is tormented by the murder of another will flee to the pit; let no one support him.
18 The one who walks blamelessly will be delivered, but whoever is perverse in his ways will fall at once.
Illustration: How to Become Independently Rich
Albert J. Lowry set out to prove that it was easy to get rich quick in real estate with no money down-and he did just that. Not surprisingly, his 1980 book, How You Can Become Financially Independent by Investing in Real Estate, was a bestseller. In a May 1981 cover story, Money magazine estimated Lowry’s net worth at $30 million and called him a ’real-estate wizard.? But something went wrong, and in October 1985 the Success development Institute, which promoted Lowry’s theories, collapsed with $2.5 million in debts. In June of 1987 it was reported that Lowry’s assets were being liquidated in Los Angeles under Chapter 7 of the federal bankruptcy code. (Today in the Word, November 22, 1991).