Proverbs 29: Politics of Proverbs

Do you think we have a leadership problem in our country?

The divisiveness of our current political culture appears to indicate so. Scandals plague the current landscape and justice toward those doing wrong may not be served. Where bad leadership, criminal behavior and a lack of accountability coexist, wickedness germinates.

This isn’t new. An ancient book speaks to what we see playing out before us. Authorship of Proverbs took place in a period of time where people were familiar with wicked rulers. As we’ve seen political scandals in our country explode onto the scene at an alarming rate as those who are in position to serve us decide to serve themselves instead, we realize our civilized and modernized society is not immune.

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” – Proverbs 29:2

“If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.” – Proverbs 29:12

“When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.” – Proverbs 29:16

There’s a lot of groaning taking place these days. Multiple scandals at all levels of government leave a bad taste in the mouth of those governed. Transgressions seem to involve multiple people. As the governed, we’re often left with the question, “Whom can we trust?” We long for a righteous leader. We want to rejoice. We want someone we can trust to lead us.

A trustworthy leader will not lie to us for their gain or objectives. They will seek the best for all people and use their words to bring healing, not strife. Those who desire to keep or gain a government office often make declarations that stir up anger and resentment in order to garner votes. Promises are made to constituents without the accountability in place to hold a particular candidate to true to that promise. The poor are often used as a pawn in this climate, with little regard to keeping promises made to better their circumstances.

“A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” – Proverbs 29:5

“A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.” – Proverbs 29:7

“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” – Proverbs 29:11

“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” – Proverbs 29:20

“A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.” – Proverbs 29:22

It doesn’t end well for wicked leaders. Those in leadership who pursue wickedness will be broken if they continue to stiffen their neck. Pride is certain to bring them low. We are not to fear wicked leadership. Wicked leadership will receive justice from God.

“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” – Proverbs 29:1

“If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.” – Proverbs 29:14

“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.” – Proverbs 29:23

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” – Proverbs 29:25

“Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.” – Proverbs 29:26

It’s easy to get riled up toward a person who demonstrates a lack of leadership in a position of influence and power. However, we have to be careful about not looking inward, seeing the responsibilities God has place in our life and make certain we don’t pursue the same self-serving attitude and actions.

Jesus knows our capacity for wickedness and He loves us anyway.

Instead of complaining, criticizing and caricaturing current leaders, continue to grow in trust of Jesus and His leadership, emulate His love for the poor, and seek to invite others to the eternal healing provided to all that would come to Him and call Him King.

He knows our capacity for wickedness and He loves us anyway.

That’s our leader. That’s our king. Forever.

No problem with that.

21 Days of Proverbs

Proverbs 1
Proverbs 2
Proverbs 3
Proverbs 4
Proverbs 5-7
Proverbs 8
Proverbs 9
Proverbs 10
Proverbs 11
Proverbs 12-15
Proverbs 16
Proverbs 17-19
Proverbs 19-23
Proverbs 24
Proverbs 25
Proverbs 26
Proverbs 27
Proverbs 28
Proverbs 29
Proverbs 30
Proverbs 31