“When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.” Proverbs 28:2
Devotional Thought For The Day
The proverb is understood as describing potential disaster for a nation or “land” in consequence of wickedness, sin, and foolishness. The “transgressions” may be those of the people, the citizens, the inhabitants, or those of the “rulers.” There is usually some type of symbiotic relationship – where rulers are wicked the people will follow suit, and where the people are wicked the rulers will reflect this. This is a principle that many people even today seem ignorant of – especially in America and Europe where our Christian heritage has provided us with some protection from this dynamic, although our own history amply records this same process. Regardless, such a circumstance yields instability, repression, calamity, and ultimately ruin. The dismaying history of the nation of Israel is a primary example of this – and this proverb could well have been written as an observation of that history, though almost certainly it was predictive, written before hand on the basis of observation of the fate of other nations. Israel would have done well to have internalized and practiced this wisdom – but the wicked are also foolish and myopic. We too would do well to grasp and utilize this wisdom and press it as strenuously as we are able to, before the wicked become so numerous and prominent among us that there is no escape. This has already happened in our past history.
It is fascinating that the Scripture presents such deep and pithy wisdom in regard to politics and human history. We generally think that Scripture has to do solely with our personal spirituality – our faith relationship with God and our own personal morality and lifestyle. It is true that one soul is priceless in value to our Heavenly Father and to our Lord Jesus Christ, and that His deepest concern is not with government and economies, but that “all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” [1 Tim. 2:4] However, obviously God is wise enough to understand the effects that “the world” [the people among whom we live and move and have our being] presses upon the inner life and well-being of His dear children of faith, and He also understands the exact dynamics of the insanity of sin upon individuals and societies of people. And He is also deeply concerned with human well-being and suffering in this His created world – so obviously He has provided us with wisdom and guidance in how to avoid the more horrible man-made catastrophes which wreak terrible suffering, destruction, and death upon human beings. Sadly, all too often the illness of sin and the lure of wickedness prevails in the affairs of both individuals and nations, and history continuously repeats itself. Lord, have mercy!
So the proverb presses upon us the need for personal contrition and repentance, and our need to scurry quickly to God’s gracious mercy, forgiveness, and love in Christ Jesus, and to remain close to our kind and loving Heavenly Father – carefully observing His love and His will that we also live in love. Our wickedness has effects on others, perhaps the whole nation – so we best take heed! The proverb also presses upon us a political conscience and responsibility – to understand what threatens whole societies and nations. Our concern is personal – for our own welfare and that of our loved ones, but it is not exclusively personal; we are also deeply concerned for the welfare and well-being of all people, especially our fellow citizens and nation. Both personally and politically we are called to do all that we can to prevent and deter wickedness – knowing what befalls a nation that capitulates to transgressions. We are called to do all that we can with civility and decency – lest the time for rebellion and civil war overtakes us, and we end up with rapid succession of leaders, and the consequent instability, repression, calamity, and ruin.
Thankfully the day and time are coming, at Christ’s return in glory, when such dynamics will no longer threaten the welfare of God’s dear people of faith, and we look forward eagerly for that time. Until then, however, we are well served to observe all of the wisdom of God’s Word, and to both practice it and press it upon others – for the good and blessedness of all. In such times of peace and prosperity there is greater opportunity to speak winsomely of God’s goodness and love in Christ Jesus, that many more might be brought to faith and salvation. May the good Lord have mercy on us all!
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, many are the times in human history where transgressions and wickedness have destroyed nations and brought unimaginable suffering and misery to humanity. Have mercy and preserve us, by removing such wickedness from our citizens and leaders. We long for Your return and for the safety, peace, and blessedness of the new kingdom. Grant us faith and courage until that time. Amen.