Proverbs 29.2
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
This is the theme we have seen repeated throughout the book of Proverbs. Wise citizens and wise leaders make for a healthy and productive society. Foolish citizens and foolish leaders make for a broken society. Even worse is when a society is governed by corrupt leaders.
Proverbs 29.3
“He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.”
As we navigate through the last few chapters of the Book of Proverbs, most of the verses are an echo of what has already been taught. This is by design, as these are timeless truths that the Lord wants us to apply to our lives every day.
The picture here is of two different responses to children who inherit their father’s estate. The first child learned the lessons of wisdom that his father taught, and therefore was a faithful and wise steward of the inheritance. The second child rejected the lessons of wisdom from the father, and he squandered the inheritance.
The reference to prostitutes signifies that the unfaithful son pursued undisciplined passion and fell prey to the seductive lies of the fallen world.
So it is with how people choose to respond to God. The Lord offers a great inheritance to all who will confess, repent, and believe. But there will be no eternal inheritance for those who reject God’s gift of grace and embrace the seductions of the world.
Proverbs 29.4
“By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.”
Here it is again, another proverb that speaks of the effect of leadership in a country. The contrast is between a king who rules with justice versus a king who operates on the basis of bribes.
It is the responsibility of elected officials to operate with integrity and justice. When they make decisions wisely and fairly, the nation is built up. But when elected officials take bribes, they tear down the nation.
Again, this is the great challenge of government. Once in office, politicians have significant power, and the higher the office the greater the power. Because of that, many people and groups will seek to influence politicians. Some will offer bribes.
Sadly, there are many bribes offered and taken in American politics. It is an aspect of our government that needs to be cleansed through Spirit-driven conviction and repentance.
