Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Reflections on Proverbs 29

 Proverbs 29 (Contemporary English Version)
  1. If you keep being stubborn after many warnings, you will suddenly discover you have gone too far.
  2. When justice rules a nation, everyone is glad; when injustice rules, everyone groans.
  3. If you love wisdom your parents will be glad, but chasing after bad women will cost you everything.
  4. An honest ruler makes the nation strong; a ruler who takes bribes will bring it to ruin.
  5. Flattery is nothing less than setting a trap.
  6. Your sins will catch you, but everyone who lives right will sing and celebrate.
  7. The wicked don't care about the rights of the poor, but good people do.
  8. Sneering at others is a spark that sets a city on fire; using good sense can put out the flames of anger.
  9. Be wise and don't sue a fool. You won't get satisfaction, because all the fool will do is sneer and shout.
  10. A murderer hates everyone who is honest and lives right.
  11. Don't be a fool and quickly lose your temper-- be sensible and patient.
  12. A ruler who listens to lies will have corrupt officials.
  13. The poor and all who abuse them must each depend on God for light.
  14. Kings who are fair to the poor will rule forever.
  15. Correct your children, and they will be wise; children out of control disgrace their mothers.
  16. Crime increases when crooks are in power, but law-abiding citizens will see them fall.
  17. If you correct your children, they will bring you peace and happiness.
  18. Without guidance from God law and order disappear, but God blesses everyone who obeys his Law.
  19. Even when servants are smart, it takes more than words to make them obey.
  20. There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
  21. Slaves that you treat kindly from their childhood will cause you sorrow.
  22. A person with a quick temper stirs up arguments and commits a lot of sins.
  23. Too much pride brings disgrace; humility leads to honor.
  24. If you take part in a crime you are your worst enemy, because even under oath you can't tell the truth.
  25. Don't fall into the trap of being a coward-- trust the LORD, and you will be safe.
  26. Many try to make friends with a ruler, but justice comes from the LORD.
  27. Good people and criminals can't stand each other.

Following are topics receiving greatest attention in chapter 29:
The foolish vs the wise:
  • A foolish person who becomes more resolute in his foolishness with correction will come to a sudden end.
  • One who loves wisdom will bring joy to his father.
  • One who hangs out with prostitutes will destroy his father's wealth.
  • Foolish mockers inflame others, while the wise turn away anger.
  • A wise man is better to find another means to resolve an issue with a fool than taking him to court. The fool's ranting and raving will hinder a court resolution.
  • A fool has no control over his anger, while a wise man keeps it under control. Note that both have anger, the issue is the control of it.
The righteous vs the wicked:
  • With the exception of the wicked, people prefer to have the righteous ruling.
  • The evil are eventually caught in their sin, and when they are, the righteous rejoice.
  • The righteous have concern for the rights of the poor while the wicked are oblivious to them.
  • When the wicked are allowed to increase, rebellion increases with them. However, the righteous will live to see their downfall.
  • The wicked and unjust are detestable to the righteous while the righteous are detestable to the wicked.
Discipline:
  • The rod of correction imparts wisdom while the youth left to do what he wants will become a disgrace to his parents.
  • Disciplining a child will later bring comfort and delight to the parents.
  • Discipline is also required for those who work for you. Sometimes it requires more than words.
The Lord:
  • The equalizer between the poor and his oppressor is that the Lord gives light to their eyes.
  • The one who trusts in the Lord will be free from the snare of fearing man.
  • Though we may seek the favor of a ruler, desiring justice, it is the Lord who gives justice.
  • People go wild when their is no word from the Lord.
Rulers:
  • A just king brings stability to a land while one who requires bribes for favorable judgments will demolish the stability.
  • A ruler who is taken in by lies will nurture wickedness among his servants.
  • A ruler who is just in his judgments of the poor will establish his rule forever.

No comments:

Post a Comment