“Many seek the favor of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.” Proverbs 29:26
Devotional Thought For The Day
We have many “rulers” in our lives – our boss, judges, those in government, wealthy friends, clients, family members, neighbors, supervisors, and other important and influential people. There are presumed advantages from finding [currying] favor in the eyes of those have power and influence and who make decisions that directly impact our lives. At times we see the benefits others can bestow, and at times we find out how much it will cost or impact us to gain their favor. We have to weigh and balance and make our decisions – and we hope that by pleasing others we will be rewarded. The proverb indicates that there are many times when we will not receive justice, fairness, or benefit from the “haves” no matter what we do to earn favor. James makes the same point about the rich: “Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?” [James 2:6,7] However, generally we can avoid some negative experiences if we retain favor with those who have privilege and power, so there is some wisdom in seeking “the favor of a ruler.” But there must be limits – as we will discuss briefly.
Nonetheless, there remains a great deal of injustice in the world, both rewards that are deserved and denied as well as suffering and punishment that is undeserved. So the proverb reminds us that our ultimate justice is “from the LORD.” Sometimes the Lord provides us with protection and blessing in this life – beyond what unregenerate people with power and wealth [who live solely out of self-interest] would ever bestow upon us. We are blessed with gain in spite of the stingy nature of those who determine many things about our health and well-being. Or we are protected from those who unjustly bring problems, trials, threats, and perils against us. Often this is beyond human capability to grasp and understand – it goes against all reasonable expectation. We humbly marvel at the gracious mercy and goodness of God and His power to protect, defend, and bless us.
The promises of the Word of God to those who remain faithful to Him and who devote themselves to what is truly good and right, who place duty and what is right at a higher priority than their own earthly gain, is that in the end “their works do follow them,” and that they will be vindicated, rewarded, and glorified in the age to come – they will get justice from the Lord. Our sins are forgiven as we confess them and rejoice that God has provided us with forgiveness and salvation in Christ Jesus, that His blood cleanses us from all sin. We are assured of justification and glorification in God’s calling us to faith. We are promised the cessation of all trouble, woe, sorrow, and suffering in the life to come, in God’s kingdom. We are also warned that we will receive trouble, tribulation, trial, persecution, and injustice as we truly serve God in this world. And often it is not just the grotesque “evil-doers” who inflict this upon us, but rather those who “pose” as “good” people – who charade themselves as the great benefactors of mankind and the church. So we must take care in our expectations and trust of other people, and put our full trust and confidence in the Lord, in His goodness, mercy, love, and promises.
So, back to consideration of seeking the favor of rulers, of the privileged and powerful. First, their favor is often dependent upon our serving them and their interests instead of serving God and exercising true justice and goodness toward others. This we cannot do regardless of the cost to us. Second, we must understand that even when we legitimately seek their favor by benefiting them with integrity and goodness, we are likely not to gain justice or just reward. Their decisions are not based in justice but rather personal prejudice and selfishness. Finally, such decisions may unjustly and negatively impact our well-being, success, health, and happiness – these are part of the troubles, trials, and tribulations that God’s people will suffer. And because it is perceived that we are not vindictive but forgiving, not aggressive but meek, we are often viewed as benign and harmless, and perhaps even expendable. Still, it is our obligation under the fourth commandment to do all that we can to truly serve, bless, and please those in authority over us – but we trust in God for justice, fairness, and ultimate reward.
This is often difficult for us, and grates against our sinful nature – which compels us to determine our feelings and actions on the basis of our own selfishness and self-interest. The proverb indicates the futility and frustration of this, and urges us to trust all things into God’s hands, trusting that ultimately He will see to our justice and good. Thanks and praise to Him for His gracious forgiveness and mercy against our sin and guilt, and for His promises to take care of us and work all things together for our good. There is comfort, peace, and joy even in the injustices of this world as we look forward to the sure and certain fulfillment of all God’s promises. This empowers continued faithfulness and service to Him no matter what the temporal costs may be.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, remind us that justice and blessing always comes from Your good and gracious hand. So strengthen us to do our duty and to seek the genuine good of all people regardless of cost and consequences. Remind us of Your will to bless those who are dependent upon us for justice and life, so that we do not impose suffering and tribulation upon others. Keep us firm in faith and looking forward to the ultimate vindication and blessings that You have promised us in the life to come. Amen.