Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl: General Proverbs of Good Sense, Proverbs 14:26-30

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Proverbs 14:26–30

[26] In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,

and his children will have a refuge.

[27] The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

that one may turn away from the snares of death.

[28] In a multitude of people is the glory of a king,

but without people a prince is ruined.

[29] Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,

but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

[30] A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,

but envy makes the bones rot. (ESV)

General Proverbs of Good Sense

v.26 A relationship with the Lord is based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Such a relationship gives the Christian confidence to withstand the trials of life. The benefits of this relationship can be passed on to one's children by raising them in the faith and if they, too, believe the Gospel. They will have the additional benefit of seeing the Word of the Lord at work in their parents' lives, strengthening their own faith.

v.27 Remember, the fear of the Lord means we cling to Him above all else. If you fear God, you do not have to be afraid of anything. The strong confidence and refuge of the previous verse is the fountain of life possessed by the wise person in this verse, which comes about by the fear of the Lord. It is the deliverance from the snares of death and assurance of everlasting life. This confident assurance is a fountain of life, welling up in the life of a believer and able to smother the flames of doubt and temptation. The wellspring of this fountain is the eternal Word of God.

v.28 Proverbs is a book written by the wisest ruler to ever live as instruction to other rulers. As those confident that we will receive the crown of eternal life, it is also instruction in Divine Wisdom for all who believe. This proverb reminds rulers and leaders that they are not great on their own but only when God gives them people to rule or lead faithfully. It is a warning to those who lead, not only kings or presidents but also parents, teachers, pastors, etc. Anyone who leads or guides can develop a taste for power or authority, which they may lord over others, and subsequently harm or drive away those they are called to help. Based on the Word, the faithful leader helps his people grow and flourish in that same Word, thereby growing in faith and Wisdom himself.

v.29 This verse may have a connection to the previous linguistically. Recall Proverbs 14:17: “A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.” One whose anger rises to the surface easily and is thus outwardly expressed displays foolishness. In a leader or teacher, this is especially problematic, as it undermines confidence in his teaching and may drive those he leads away in the expression of his stupidity. The advice of this proverb is similar to many we have recently seen: Wise is the one who stops to think before he acts or speaks.

v.30 The opposite of a hasty temper is one with a tranquil heart. Grounded in the Word of Divine Wisdom, a short temper is dampened. Such a heart invigorates not only the spirit but the physical body as well. Jealously, on the other hand—which can manifest as a short temper—can rot and destroy both body and soul from the inside.