Proverbs 29
(proverbs 29: This is Hezekiah's collection of the Solomonic Proverbs, which was written during his period of reign of 715-686 BC)
[1] He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
[2] When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
[3] He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
[4] By justice a king builds up the land,
but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
[5] A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
[6] An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
[7] A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
[8] Scoffers set a city aflame,
but the wise turn away wrath.
[9] If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
[10] Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
and seek the life of the upright.
[11] A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
[12] If a ruler listens to falsehood,
all his officials will be wicked.
[13] The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
[14] If a king faithfully judges the poor,
his throne will be established forever.
[15] The rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
[16] When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
[17] Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart.
[18] Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,
but blessed is he who keeps the law.
[19] By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
for though he understands, he will not respond.
[20] Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
[21] Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
will in the end find him his heir.
[22] A man of wrath stirs up strife,
and one given to anger causes much transgression.
[23] One's pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
[24] The partner of a thief hates his own life;
he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
[25] The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
[26] Many seek the face of a ruler,
but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.
[27] An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
Reflection (key points that struck me)
• The importance of obedience and the result of 'stiffening' one's neck is shown in verse 1, where those who is often chastised and reproved yet do not listen and amend his ways, will be ruined.
• Loving wisdom over squandering one's wealth.
• A king is just, and his governance should likewise be just, not operated by bribery or corruption
• The bible warns against two things which can ensnare us:
1. flattery (I guess that's when genuine love must come in)
2. being embroiled in your own transgressions (I guess that's when we should sing, rejoice even in our transgressions)
• "A righteous man knows the rights of the poor, and a wicked man doesn't know it." The stark comparison between the knowledge and the lack thereof is shown in the way one is even being labelled as wicked and righteous because of it. I was reflecting about some of the things I've read in the world revolutions missions book while running along the canal today. As I thanked God for the words of wisdom and the testimonies shared by the author, I asked God to give all of us (in society), including me, a deep sense of compassion and awareness for those unreached groups around us, the millions living in poverty in second-third world countries. How can we afford to go out, indulge in a meal at expensive places with our friends when thousands in India, for example, are starving with what little they have? My heart wrenched when something about that was shared. I can't remember the exact words, but I do recall the writer mentioning about how he noticed, in a visit to America, that the amount of meat an American eat in one meal can last a family in India for a week. I know that reading about some of these things isn't going to change much about the situation there, but we are never powerless in exacting change. Change is a process, a hope we cling on to and must fervently pray about. And having this compassion and awareness is first step. When I was reflecting upon my own lifestyles, I cannot help but feel an immense sense of guilt wash over me. There were many times in the past where I looked forward to indulging in good food with friends. Yes, no doubt these were all excellent platforms for social gatherings, but I cannot deny that self-indulgence and greed were also driving factors. If we treasured company of our friends and relationships with loved ones, is the place and food very important? I'm not saying that we should all stop eating at restaurants and perhaps be scrimping in every meal we eat from now on. But perhaps what would change is how I'd look at food again. As we eat, our mouths should sing and rejoice of gratitude from the Lord for providing. As we dress, ply in our jobs, study for our exams, we should be not take what we have for granted but show appreciation for such provision by wholeheartedly submitting our learning, our conduct in ways that are pleasing to our provider. So when this verse talked about understanding the knowledge of the poor, I guess I need to make a conscious effort to start reading the newspapers more regularly!
• Say No to Falsehood! There is perhaps greater onus on leaders to flee from falsehood, lest his subordinates and those under him may be innocuously influenced as well in the wrong way, and thus may even be called wicked in the eyes of the Lord. Such severe consequences eh?
• "The poor and the oppressor meet together; the Lord gives light to the eyes of both." Here it shows: what man perceive of each other, the Lord may view differently in His spiritual eyes. Perhaps an aspect of impartiality of God shown here ? :) Love this verse.
• "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother." "Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will delight to your heart."
Regina Franklin actually uses these verse in her devotion: She elaborates:
Before we can make truly selfless decisions for our children, we have to go head to head with our own insecurities. If we see things through our own scars, we may be tempted to overlook an issue that needs to be addressed. For we’re caught up in the fact that our child has gained something (or someone) we didn’t have.
In Proverbs 29, Solomon reminds us of the biblical principle that godly shepherding isn’t always comfortable and painless (John 10:12-15). It often requires that we risk the ire of those we love by giving them the “wisdom” (Proverbs 29:15) and “guidance” (v.18) that will preserve their physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
• Verses 19 and 20 reminds me of the importance of abstaining from hasty words, and perhaps even suggests how words (from man) can be powerless at times.
"By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond." v19. How true! In line with verse 1, if we use words of reproach, or even gentle words of instruction to people we want to disipline (little children, younger siblings, or even your friends), he will not be disciplined if he stiffens his neck. Sadly, even with our relationship with our heavenly Father, we failed to obey in the times we should. Words he has given to us through the bible, through the Holy spirit in our daily lives, through spiritual people, though we understand them all, it takes fear and reverence for the Lord driven by a deep love for Him to respond gladly.
• Verse 25: The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe."
• verse 26: Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.
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