The Proverbs are either encouraging or convicting, depending on where you are in life. If I'm the perverse rich man then it's convicting, however, if I'm the blameless poor man it's uplifting (see vs 6.).
These short, pithy sayings are worth storing in your head, ready to be used when the temptation comes to rule harshly, walk with the wicked or conceal your sin. We face a barrage of attacks everyday that can be effectively defended if we have stored the word of the Lord in our hearts.
Proverbs 28
1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3 A ruler who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law resist them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless
than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son,
but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest
amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law,
even his prayers are detestable.
10 He who leads the upright along an evil path
will fall into his own trap,
but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.
13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Questions
1. What topics do these Proverbs focus on?
2. Why do you think that is?
3. What did you learn from them?
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