Proverbs 28:1-9
Q.1. What makes the righteous bold? How are the righteous a blessing to society? Why are the wicked often tolerated? – (Prov.28:1-5)
Those who are right in the sight of God can have a clear conscience and have no need to fear even the enemy (Prov.28:1). It is the righteous who will oppose evil, and therefore have a sanctifying influence on society (Prov.28:4). In turn – … by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures (Prov.28:2). The more society strays from God’s truth, the more people are needed to manage the affairs of state. There will be unlimited supporters for those who have evil and selfish motives (Prov.28:3-4). The Last Days will be characterized by lawlessness (c.f. Mt.24:12; 2 Thes.2:1-5)
Q.2. What is the ultimate outcome of those who are crooked and greedy? What is the blessing that comes from keeping God’s Laws? – (Prov.28:6-9)
Solomon observed – Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich (Prov.28:6). The reason? – He who increases his wealth by interest and usury gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor (Prov.28:8). The writer gave three observations about keeping God’s Law: Positively – He who keeps the law is a discerning son … the blameless will inherit good (Prov.28:7 & 10). Negatively – 9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination. Thirdly – 10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way will himself fall into his own pit (Prov.28:9-10). It is pointless for the lawless to pray. Rather, there is the prospect that they will become a casualty in their evil pursuits.