As we continue on in this study in Proverbs, I urge you to remember that each of these proverbs can stand alone as a word for the day to each of us. Still, there seems to be an order that lends to grouping. I urge you to prayerfully read through Proverbs on your own. Let God lead and guide you to the understanding, the conviction, and the wisdom that you need each day. Proverbs 14:28-35 are pointing out truths that can guide a nation to be strong; while each proverb also has direct instruction to the individual. I have carefully studied each verse and have tried to choose translations that help to illuminate them, even though in this case I had to use more than one translation so as to best point out the meanings of these verses.
Proverbs 14: (NIV): 34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin condemns any people.
Artwork is used by written permission of Ronald Barba
God cares about nations as well as caring about individuals. God rules over nations as well individual hearts. Romans 13:1 (AMP) “Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment.” Matthew 28: (AMP) 18 Jesus approached and, [a]breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
God has omnipotent power over the nations and their leaders. All that He desires will be accomplished. He can raise up nations and He can destroy nations with a sweep of His hand. That He allows nations that are evil to continue on is an act of mercy and grace; but, He will accomplish His will. If we look back to Sodom and Gomorrah, He would have forbade the destruction of the city had there been even 10 righteous. Or we may look at His grace in saving the city of Nineveh by sending revival through His unwilling servant Jonah. So God is ruler over the nations and has said, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”
So, as a nation; where do we stand? In America are we still “one nation under God?” or are we a group of “individuals concerned with our own personal freedom and self-exaltation at any cost”. Let us look closer at some of the verses found in our text to help us evaluate that thought by evaluating our own hearts.
1. Do we give respect to our President and elected officials as having been appointed by God? This even Paul the Apostle understood and acknowledged. He was imprisoned by the government for teaching the gospel; yet, He never tried to raise up an army to overthrow them. He made a difference through prayer and teaching the gospel at whatever cost to himself. He gave respect to the government and trusted God to take care of Him. Do we do that? Proverbs 14 (MSG) 28 The mark of a good leader is loyal followers;
leadership is nothing without a following.
2. Do we hold our tempers, pray and wait for God to provide us an answer or do we run about with angry words and backstabbing whether in our jobs or when speaking of our authorities? Do we respect our police as we should or do we get angry because they stopped us? Are we such fools as to be angry with the one who points out that we were wrong instead of ourselves for having done wrong? Proverbs 14 (MSG)29 Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity.
3. Do we live with contentment at what God has provided for us individually, praising Him for our blessings? Or, do we always think we deserve more while envious desire drives us to a point of frustration and despair—rotting from inside out? Is it not obvious that as a nation, greed and envy has driven us into an economical crisis? Is it not the thought that “I deserve a bigger house than I can afford” that drove our housing market into the ground? Envy rots the soul like the tiny bruised area on a piece of fruit until the entire soul becomes bitter and spoiled. Yet, envy lurks near to every heart; as I know. Oh, that God would take a knife to my own heart and quickly remove any envious thought before it could take root. Proverbs 14 (NIV) 30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
4. Do we as a nation care for those who are truly needy? I know this gets complex as the word also says, “he who will not work shall not eat.” There needs to be a genuine love and care for the needy. I do not wish to pretend to say I know the balance. Often I have helped many who then became abusive of my kindness rather than trying; yet, I have learned to let God be my guide in this. We do not know what circumstances led to their need; but, God does and He will be the final judge. So we need to do what is right while allowing his wisdom to be our discernment in each case and let the consequences be lead by Him. Proverbs 14: 31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
5. We must remember that God is in control even when tragedies come. Even when the towers fell in New York, or the tornados hit. God is in Control and yes, the sinners are brought down and those who are God’s children can take refuge in God, even in their death on this earth. Proverbs 14 (NIV) 32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
6. As Christians, our wisdom in decisions must be that which comes from God. Our strength comes from Him. We speak with softness the truth of His word. We spread the gospel, one person at a time. We pray for our nation. We pray for revival that this nation may remain strong; but it begins in the heart of each believer. We must learn to speak only when we are speaking in a manner to bring honor and Glory to God and not the foolishness of our own self-exalting hearts. Proverbs 14: (AMP): 33 Wisdom rests [silently] in the mind and heart of him who has understanding, but that which is in the inward part of [self-confident] fools is made known.
7. Are we servants to those in authority over us? We should always have the humble spirit of a servant at work and in our community. Proverbs 14 (NIV) 35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.
So the strength of the nation begins in the heart of each citizen. We must examine our own hearts and let revival begin it’s work there. Then we can pray and spread that revival throughout our own nation, one person at a time we can make a difference and help to save our nation—one nation under God.
Let us who live in the USA pray this song with all our hearts—
. Or for those of you who are not from the USA, pray for your country as well that revival comes soon to our nations and to our world.
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©2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Artwork used by permission of Ronald Barba and is subject to copyright laws @2010 Ronald Barba
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