True Answers for Today

I read this in the Bible this morning. It seems to me an apt commentary on our times.

Proverbs 29:16:
When bad men are in power, then crime increases; but good men shall yet gloat [rejoice] over their downfall.

This has been the case in America in recent years. Those leaders who turn from God and His truth cause crime to rise. When these unscrupulous fall, good men rejoice that once again they have freedom.

Solomon received these words from God nearly 2,700 years ago. Yet, his understanding of God’s truth is prescient and can help us today. The above translation of Proverbs 29:16 was done by James Moffatt exactly 100 years ago. Here is more from his translation of Proverbs 29.

Verses 1,2:
He who is obstinate, in spite of many a warning, will suddenly be done for.
When good men are in power, people rejoice; but when a bad man rules, the people groan.

God graciously offers advice and encouragement to those who need it. But when anyone, especially a government leader, is obstinate after many clear warnings—his end will be sudden. We are to pray for good leaders and rejoice; then we will not groan at the hardship bad men bring.

Verse 4:
A king will make the country flourish by his justice: he who extorts money [bribery] brings it low.

The love of money is the root of all evil. Bribery runs most political and government systems today. We can speak up against it and make our decisions out of God’s love in our hearts. Jesus said his kingdom was not of this world. Yet, we live in countries where leaders have “executive” authority. Let’s pray for just leaders so we can flourish, and protect us from bribed leaders that bring our country low.

Verse 8:
Unscrupulous men kindle strife in a city: the sensible discourage party spirit.

God doesn’t stand on either side of the political aisle. He created us to live in this world in peace and love. Jesus Christ is the only way to receive God’s wholeness and spiritual love. Defy the unscrupulous who would divide us; discourage identity politics that bring “party” spirit and factions to our country.

Verse 10-12:
Blood-thirsty creatures hate a blameless man; the upright plan how to protect him.
A fool blurts out his wrath; a wise man keeps his anger to himself.
When a ruler listens to false accusations, his servants become scoundrels [ruthless].

The simple, blameless, good people in a nation need to be protected. We can pray, speak, and live as examples of upright people. That will overcome the blood-thirsty who follow Satan’s “inner direction” to harm others.

Verse 18:
People break loose [wander outside boundaries] without a guiding hand, but happy are the law-abiding!

Pray each day for God’s guiding hand on our lives. We need it.

Verse 22:
A man of passion stirs up strife; hot temper is the cause of many a sin [making mistakes against God and men].

Whipping up passion on any “side” is wrong. Hot tempers cause people to sin, to make mistakes against God and their fellow men. We should stay calm and come to a common ground where we can lovingly live together.

Verses 25-27:
The fear of man is dangerous; but he who trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
Many bespeak a ruler’s favour; but a man’s fate is fixed by the Lord.
The good man loathes the villain; the villain loathes the upright.

Fear, fear, fear, fear. It’s all around us. But trusting in God and His Son, Jesus Christ our lord—gives us safety in the midst of a changing, confusing, and challenging world. Even those who talk about a ruler’s “favor” and depend upon him for deliverance are wrong. We must go to God for His help and direction. Good and evil cannot mix— you will love one and hate the other. Let’s love the good.