I am really excited--after almost 20 years, I have almost completed my own personal commentary on the scriptures. However, that does not mean I no longer feel the need to study scripture; I am already looking forward to going through every book again and expecting to make changes and additions through the teaching of the Holy Spirit as I continue my journey to understand more and more of what the LORD would have me know and how to apply it to my life. Some sections of my commentary have already been revised--some several times. I think my love of God's word is one of the most important legacies I can leave my children and grandchildren (as long as the LORD tarries).
Currently, I am in Proverbs 28 and thought I would share the first five verses since there is so much direct application to all that is happening in my country today. I know that the LORD's return is very near, and my prayer is for the people of America to realize their sin and turn back to God in faith and repentance before it's too late--back to the biblical roots upon which our nation was founded.
Sadly, there are two huge truths from scripture that give me little hope for this. Few in comparison to the whole will choose the LORD and eternal life in His presence.
Matthew 7:13–14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
2 Corinthians 4:3–4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
It has been established in my study of Proverbs that Solomon is writing from a perspective of a leader, father and nation that recognizes God as THE sovereign authority and His word as the foundational source of wisdom and morality.
Proverbs 28:1 ¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The wicked person knows that his evil deeds deserve judgment, and he is always looking over his shoulder to avoid being caught. The righteous man, however, has no reason to feel threatened; he boldly goes about his business knowing he has no reason to fear.
Guzik quoting Bridges: “Adam knew no fear until he become a guilty creature. But if guilt brings fear, the removal of guilt gives confidence.”
Ironside: “When naturally weak and timid men and women were martyred for Christ’s sake they were bolder than a lion facing its foes.”
Proverbs 28:2 ¶ For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
I liked the NLT: “When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability.”
The people of our country (America) should take this truth to heart. I think there have always been men of both good and bad character in government leadership in our country. The difference today being that those of bad character are stepping forth more boldly in declaration of their wicked agendas and doing all they can to destroy the moral fiber of our society. The inevitable conclusion will be the destruction of America. Only if the American people wake up and recognize that truth and actively work to turn our nation back to the principles upon which it was founded that were rooted in the word of God do we have a hope for the future. Our only hope is in strong, godly leadership. Sadly, I believe we have passed the point of turning back. My hope is in the return of Jesus to take His children home and eventually usher in His earthly kingdom.
Proverbs 28:3 ¶ A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
It’s bad enough when the rich and powerful oppress the poor. However, it seems even worse when the poor mistreat others who are poor. If the oppressed can’t even count on the support of one another, they are left hopeless.
How comforting that the “poor” child of God in this world can have joy and hope in spite of their condition because they know their heavenly Father will provide their needs—if not here, then by taking them home to be with Him.
I liked Clarke’s observation: “Our Lord illustrates this proverb most beautifully, by the parable of the two debtors, Matthew 18:23. One owed ten thousand talents, was insolvent, begged for time, was forgiven. A fellow servant owed this one a hundred pence: he was insolvent; but prayed his fellow servant to give him a little time, and he would pay it all. He would not, took him by the throat, and cast him into prison till he should pay that debt. Here the poor oppressed the poor; and what was the consequence? The oppressing poor was delivered to the tormentors; and the forgiven debt charged to his amount, because he showed no mercy. The comparatively poor are often shockingly uncharitable and unfeeling towards the real poor.”
Proverbs 28:4 ¶ They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
The Hebrew for the word “law” is a reference to God’s law. Those who reject God’s law praise the wicked, while those that choose to obey the law oppose the wicked.
Again, this is blatantly on display in America today. Those that reject God and His word are blatantly passing laws and instituting practices that are in direct disobedience to God’s word. As they do so, the masses cheer them on. They are so blinded by the god of this world that they cannot reason properly.
2 Corinthians 4:3–4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
Those of us that seek to honor the LORD and obey the laws and principles set for in His word are fighting back—but I think complacency and apathy have been allowed to reign for far too long. It will take a great revival in our country to change course to honor the biblical foundation upon which this country was established.
Scripture is very clear that when it comes to a choice—Acts 5:29 “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Proverbs 28:5 ¶ Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
The Hebrew for “judgment” references what is right according to divine law, God’s law. To understand is to have the ability to discern, to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil. Evil men do not have that ability because they are blinded by the god of this world and their own pride and lust. Only those that seek to honor the LORD and obey His law have the moral basis to make just decisions.
1 John 2:20 & 27 “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things….but the anointing which ye have received of Jim abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.”
EBC Abridged: “Only people attuned to the divine will can fully perceive what justice is. Without that standard, legal activity can easily become self-serving.”
