Today Solomon talks about greed, about the foolishness in trusting in oneself instead of in God, about good rulers and wicked rulers, and about the foolishness of being stubborn and rejecting godly rebukes.
"The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper." (Proverbs 28:25) It's ironic that the one who most wants to have peace of mind, and seeks to gain it through wealth, is the least likely to find what he seeks. But the one who trusts the Lord prospers spiritually, mentally, and even materially in the sense that his needs will be met.
"Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe." (Proverbs 28:26) David Gresham, stepson of theologian and Christian novelist C.S. Lewis, once said that while living in rebellion toward God he made himself the god of his life. He stated that the one who makes himself a god has a fool for a god. Solomon is saying the same thing here.
"Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses." (Proverbs 28:27) Solomon expects the Lord to see generosity to the poor and to reward the giver. The one who is able to help the poor but does not will be hated in the community.
"When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive." (Proverbs 28:28) We can see the truth of this in the history of Israel and Judah. A good ruler was a blessing to the people, and they enjoyed prosperity under godly kings. But at times, because of their rebelliousness, God allowed wicked kings to ascend to the throne in order to discipline them. The prophet Daniel said in Daniel 2:21, "He deposes kings and raises up others," displaying his belief that all rulers are ordained by God and are used by Him to suit His purposes. At times it may be God's will to allow a wicked ruler to sit on the throne; at other times it's His will to raise up a godly leader. But it was Daniel's belief that God is sovereign over all these matters and that no one holds the scepter unless God allows it.
"Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed---without remedy." (Proverbs 29:1) Solomon counsels, "Don't be stubborn. If you refuse to listen to correction time and time again, you will find yourself in trouble so deep you won't ever be able to get out of it." He's seen it happen in his own court. Some of the same lawbreakers have been brought before him again and again, with their crimes escalating in severity, until suddenly they commit a crime worthy of life in prison or capital punishment. This happened because they remained stiff-necked after many rebukes. The day came when Solomon had to hand down a harsh sentence. He believes God, the holy Judge, has a limit as to how many times He will keep trying to reason with one who scorns Him and that there will come a point when He will allow that person to have their own way. This is when they will reap the consequences of their rebellion.
"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." (Proverbs 29:2) He rephrases his observation from Proverbs 28:28.
The king now reminds his son how to make him proud, "A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth." (Proverbs 29:3) On several previous occasions we've found Solomon warning his son about excess and debauchery. These things lead to ruin. They lead to the ruin of a person's life and usually to the ruin of his finances too. Solomon has also spoken about the importance of choosing friends wisely. He knows riotous and unwise friends will have a bad influence on his son. So he says, "Stay away from those who frequent the houses of ill repute. Stay away from the gang who hangs out at the bar every night. Stay away from those who plot mischief. You may think you will be a good influence on them, but these situations often go the other way. They will put pressure on you to be just like them. They will say, 'Let's go out to the strip club tonight,' or, 'Let's rob that old man's house while he's out of town,' or, 'If you want to be cool you'll come to the party with us and drink til you pass out.' No, my son, avoid men such as these. Love wisdom. Spurn evil. Be a godly man of principles."
The king knows he will not live forever, so he wants to leave helpful proverbs behind to guide his son's life. He won't always be there in person to remind his son to live for the Lord. He won't be able to point out areas in which his son is drifting from the Lord, so he tries his best to instill godly principles in him while he can. Solomon himself made many mistakes in his youth and middle age and he doesn't want his son to make the same mistakes. He doesn't want you or me to make them either.
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