Princely Leaders

(Pro 28:16 KJV) The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

If you have both translations you will see that the NASB uses “leader” (5057) while the KJV says “prince”.  Part of this reflects the cultural background but there are points to be made for both.  The Hebrew word has the idea of one who stands above the crowd.  In the days of Solomon people were big believers in class and blood lines.  There was a belief that some people were better than others, just by birth.  For that reason a leader would most likely be a member of the nobility.  You see this in many countries where officers in the military must be from the upper crust.  The NCO’s may run the army but they still have to salute the officers.

The Bible acknowledges kings and nobles but you will notice that many of the leaders were more common people.  David may have come from a wealthy family but he was the youngest son and thought of as a shepherd.

Leaders come in all flavors.  This verse makes it clear that some of them are missing the mark.

So?  If you are ever tasked with leadership, and most of us will at some time, make sure that you look at it as a place of service, not a place to oppress. 

Goat Leaders

(Pro 27:26 KJV)  The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

Do “goats” (6260) get a bum rap?  If it helps, this is the only place in Proverbs that the Hebrew word is used.  As I was looking at where it shows up in the Old Testament I came across an interesting statement,

(Isa 14:9 KJV)  Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones (6260) of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.

What got my attention was that the NASB translates it “leaders”.  This is a reminder that just because someone is rich, powerful, elected or a quiet string puller, it does not mean that they are on the side of the angels.  Proverbs is full of good things to say about kings and nobles but also points out their feet of clay.

So?  Don’t be too impressed by the powerful if you tend to think that way.  Think of them as goats in sheep’s clothing. 

The Smiles of Hatred

(Pro 26:26 KJV)  Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

“Hatred” (8135) has many faces and many outlets.  I have a stereotype picture in my mind of a snarling man with teeth showing and eyes aflame.  As is often the case, while a stereotype may reflect an actual reality it usually gives a false perception because it leaves out many other realities.  This verse points out to us that people who hate are capable of covering it up.  I would suggest that they do it very well and in most cases.

If you are a genuine follower of Jesus Christ then you need to understand that you are surrounded by people who hate you and your savior.  I use the term “genuine follower of Jesus Christ” because so many of our convenient labels, such as “Christian”, have be coopted by the people who also hate us.  The world does not hate the “Christian” who rejects the divinity of Christ, physical resurrection of Christ, inspiration of scripture and other foundations taught by the Bible.  Those people are no danger to their lord, Satan.

So?  Don’t assume.  At the same time we are called to love those who hate.  It is part of the package.  It is something we can only do through the grace of God and the support of the Holy Spirit.  

Wake-Up Call

(Pro 25:25 KJV)  As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Keep in mind that being doused with cold water is not always accepted with shouts of joy.  This is true even when the dousing is needed and deserved.  I remember one time my future wife and I were at a restaurant with some rowdy teen agers.  They were being obnoxious in a way that only teen agers and old men who wear gold medallions on a bare chest can be.  They would not listen to any constructive criticism.  They were not tuned in to our opinions.  So my future wife reached over, picked up the coke in front of one young man and dumped it over his head.  That got his attention.  

Sometimes we need our attention got.  Once we are over the shock we can join the target in Proverbs and be refreshed, but it takes a moment.

So?  I would venture that God is trying to get your attention on something.  Don’t make Him dump a glass of cold over your smugness. 

Difficult Questions

(Pro 24:6 KJV)  For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

As I worship in study this morning I came across this verse and it brought to mind discussion I have heard, read or been a part of in recent days.  Many of us feel like the forces of evil are moving in our country, that the protections we have known for years are being stripped away.  We are watching the government close down churches and tell people if they can worship or not.  Some local governments have even come for them in their homes.  We see laws being passed that would make it illegal to preach Biblical truth about things like homosexuality.  At times it seems like the only answer involves violence.

Yet we have the command of Jesus to turn the other cheek.  We see the call to leave vengeance up to the Lord.  Some would like to paint Christianity as totally pacifistic.  This is a debate that goes back to the early years of the church.  On the other side you have verses like this.  One reason it stood out to me is that you have almost the same comments at Proverbs 20:18.

So?  There are principles and there are rules.  There is a difference between vengeance and taking up the sword against evil.  All of this requires us to be diligently seeking to know how God would have us act.  Obedience and trust make restless bedfellows sometimes. 

Don’t Look Now

(Pro 23:28 KJV)  She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

“Lieth in wait” (lurks NASB) (693) sounds pretty sneaky, doesn’t it?  The reason it sound sneaky is because it is.  Here it is talking about adultery and sexual sin if you take it literally.  We should start by taking it literally but we should not stop there.  There is a principle here that needs to be heralded from the roof tops.  Sin is out to get you.  Satan wants to drag you down.  Evil is very good at hiding itself.  Have you ever seen pictures of famous movie stars without their make-up?  It is like a totally different person.  Back when I was still trying to ignore the evil of Disney I enjoyed Johnny Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean.  What always amazed me was I could never pick him out of lineup without the make-up.

So?  Be alert.  They say that a predator in a parking lot looks for people who are not paying attention.  They are looking for a score not a fight.  If you stay alert maybe the lurking evil will move on to an easier target. 

The Spoiler

(Pro 22:23 KJV)  For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Many of the conversations I have come around to the state of our country.  Most of the people I talk to feel like our liberty is being curtailed and an oppressive government is taking over.  We watch the way in which big business is falling in line and shake heads.  We keep saying, “Why doesn’t someone do something?”  We wonder if the only answer to such people will be violence.  

I admit I don’t get out much.  There must be masses of people that think all this is just wonderful.  The worst dictatorship in the world can’t survive without the support of a sizable part of the population.  It could be that it is only the people I know that are unhappy.  Either way, the path of violence is not one we should be taking.  Although the context here is God warning us against becoming oppressors, His follow through applies to all.  God will deal with the evil people.  He may do it through the courts.  He may raise up people of violence.  It may be pestilence or natural disaster.  We might not even be aware of it when it happens, but God says to trust Him when it comes to vengeance.

So?  I don’t like it.  I don’t understand it.  At the same time we follow a savior who told us to turn the other cheek.