An Honest Ruler Makes a Nation Strong

Proverbs 29:1–14
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

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.