Wisdom for the Wise and Foolish

Proverbs 29:1-14

1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

4 The king establishes the land by justice,
But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

5 A man who flatters his neighbor
Spreads a net for his feet.

6 By transgression an evil man is snared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.

7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor,
But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

8 Scoffers set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away wrath.

9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man,
Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
But the upright seek his well-being.

11 A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back.

12 If a ruler pays attention to lies,
All his servants become wicked.

13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

14 The king who judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.

These sayings continue to contrast the wise and foolish ones and provide wisdom for the wise and foolish.  It begins with the hardening of the heart by one not taking correction to heart as we all have done at some point in our lives.  There is no cure for the one who makes this the norm in his or her life, however.  This is why we have repentance and forgiveness to keep us on track with the wisdom of God according to His word in its commands, principles, and examples.  Another example here is for those in authority, noting how the righteous rulers bring happiness to their citizens, while the evil only cause pain and suffering with sounds like moaning cattle.  If God puts any of us in positions over others, from managers to mayors or even a president, it is wise to remember this.  Wisdom makes a father rejoice, whether familial or spiritual, but spending a life on immoral pleasures wastes all a person has been given by God and brings shame instead of honor.  This is why morality is essential for all of God’s people in thoughts and actions.  Justice and not taking favors to pervert it is also required as an example of fairness over other and between us all.  If we falsely flatter others to gain their favor we only lay a trap for ourselves to be caught in.  Honesty is the right policy in ruling and in relationships with everyone.  Sin only traps the unrepentant sinner while a life lived in pursuit of holiness causes us to sing and rejoice in God’s grace.  This also means that we consider and help the cause of the poor to improve their conditions and change them for their good, not just giving a token something to meet the need of the moment that will only soon happen again.  As to responses to righteousness, scoffer cause inflammatory responses, but if we are wise then we defuse the emotions and angry responses instead by not scoffing but encouraging and gently correcting in love.  How difficult that is in practice!  We know as it is written here that reasoning or arguing with a fool never brings real peace no matter their response.  They may laugh off our wise reasoning or they may be enraged at our words, but they do not change regardless.  Wisdom knows who and when to engage with to show righteousness and wisdom (Matthew 7:6).  However, even though the violent men hate the righteous, these upright in God’s grace still seek the well-being of the unrighteous.  This is the grace shown us, sinners all.  We then learn to hold back some things we wish to tell others instead of venting all we really think without self control.  Remember that if rulers listen to the lies going around (as now in social media concerning political aims against common sense and decency) then those under them will follow suit and become just as wicked and influenced to repeat those errors.  This is especially and more concerning as true in the church.  We should also remember that nobody is above another in God’s eyes; the light of wisdom and salvation fills the eyes of both the oppressive rich ruler and the poor man alike.  Humility should keep us from abusing the positions or authority given us.  Only the ruler who governs the marginalized or poor with truth and mercy makes his rule to last.  The King of kings is the ultimate example of this truth, for Christ’s rule is everlasting from before time and into eternity going forward.  His is the example we are to imitate in all these wise sayings.