Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl: Proverbs 14:31-35 The Righteous Use of Authority

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Proverbs 14:31–35

[31] Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,

but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

[32] The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing,

but the righteous finds refuge in his death.

[33] Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding,

but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

[34] Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin is a reproach to any people.

[35] A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,

but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully. (ESV)

Proverbs on the Righteous Use of Authority

v.31 Anyone who oppresses a poor man insults God, creator of all things, and all men, rich and poor alike. Conversely, the one who is generous to the poor honors his creator. "There is no authority except from God" (Romans 13:1-7). This is another proverb about leaders, but it applies to all people. Those in power can maintain their power and gain more control by oppressing the poor. That was as true in Solomon's day as it is today. But secular authorities are to be God's representatives in this world, preserving order in society. Truly sinful is the one to whom such responsibility has been entrusted only to abuse it to achieve more power.

v.32 Our sinful behavior can lead to a loss of position or authority in this life. God, the source of all authority, who is insulted when we abuse those weaker than us (v.31), can just as easily take that authority away. The righteous (Wise) person finds refuge in God even in the face of death, for God gives eternal life. A wise ruler does what is right in God’s eyes, even if that means those who seek to usurp him try to remove him from authority.

v.33 This proverb begins by summarizing the meta-theme of the book of Proverbs: The righteous man has Wisdom in his heart and listens to it. Wisdom is a gift from God, showing us our fallen, sinful nature and giving us belief in Christ, whose death on the cross covers our sin with His righteousness by faith. In thanksgiving, we then seek to emulate Christ in our lives, not to merit anything from God but to be of service to our neighbor.

The second half of this proverb is difficult because this book does not normally ascribe any knowledge of Divine Wisdom to fools. But even a foolish leader can perceive Wisdom among those he leads or who counsel him. Wisdom perceived but not followed is then the epitome of foolishness. On the day of judgment, even fools will acknowledge the Wisdom of God in Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:19; 1 Corinthians 1:18–31), even though it will be too late for them to benefit from it by faith.

v.34 Instead of speaking to how a leader should use Wisdom to lead, this proverb shifts the focus to the leader leading a nation (or group, or however he leads) by the example of the source of Wisdom. When a leader serves faithfully and establishes his leadership based on what is righteous in God's sight, the entire nation or group may enjoy God's blessing, and they may flourish even in this world. However, a leader who does the opposite may lead his entire nation into destruction, both temporal and eternal.

v.35 This proverb assumes a wise leader. A leader must show appreciation to those who serve and counsel him. It encourages those who work for such a leader to seek to emulate his Wisdom in the execution of their duties. However, there is a time for righteous indignation on the part of the Wise leader toward those who labor for him with disgraceful conduct and foolish behavior, which reflects badly on themselves as well as on his leadership.