Read
7When the wicked die,
their hopes die with them.
8Trouble goes right past
the Lord's people
and strikes the wicked.
9Dishonest people use gossip
to destroy their neighbors;
good people are protected
by their own good sense.
10When honest people prosper
and the wicked disappear,
the whole city celebrates.
11Good people bring prosperity
to their city,
but deceitful liars
can destroy a city.
12It's stupid to say bad things
about your neighbors.
If you are sensible,
you will keep quiet.
13A gossip tells everything,
but a true friend
will keep a secret.
14 A city without wise leaders
will end up in ruin;
a city with many wise leaders
will be kept safe.
Reflect
Much of the Book of Proverbs contains wise words from the perspective of an experienced king. He saw those who were dishonest trip over their own dishonesty and come to ruin. He saw those who told lies get caught in the web of their own deceit. Their words were disregarded in public.
In this passage we read more of the same. The wicked will not leave a legacy. Trouble follows the wicked but the integrity of good people protects them from troubles and slanderous statements. On a larger scale, wicked leadership results in ruined cities. Wise leadership provides safe and prosperous environments to live in. There’s a word here for those of us who live in democracies today – let’s choose our leaders carefully. Those leaders whose wisdom is built upon the pillars of a godly worldview will bring prosperity.
Our entire security is found in the Lord. Seek out his wisdom and expect a fulfilling life. Follow knowledge based on other precepts and you place yourself outside the umbrella of the Lord’s protection. Just as it was in King Solomon’s day, so it is today. We see the repercussions of these two choices in our world, our nation, our communities and our lives each day.
Respond
God, You alone are truly wise. I seek you and your wisdom. I desire a full life free of the troubles that plague the wicked. Show me the foolish areas of my life and impart your wisdom where I am deficient. Please protect me from the lure of this world and its pull away from what is good. Help me to be honest and good. Help me to be a person whose integrity fends off all accusations. Through me let your wisdom have a profound influence on others. In the name of Jesus I make this request, Amen.
Ted Seres
Ted Seres received his B.A. in Political Science at McMaster University in Hamilton. He earned an M. Div at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon. He is married to Susan and has two sons: Trenton and Brett. Ted is an ordained minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He has been involved in pastoral ministry including church planting.