Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl Proverbs 28:12-16 Beware of Wicked People, Part 1

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Proverbs 28:12–16

[12] When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,

but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

[13] Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,

but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

[14] Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always,

but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

[15] Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

[16] A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,

but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. (ESV)

Beware of Wicked People, Part 1

v.12 This proverb contrasts the difference it makes among Christians and society at large when the righteous are able to rejoice. When a people have righteous leaders, they have more cause for celebration than when they are ruled by the wicked. Led by Godly leaders, the Wise give glory to God. With ungodly rulers comes corruption and injustice, causing society to destabilize, and the righteous are hindered from contributing as they ordinarily could.

v.13 This proverb is about confession and absolution. Mercy is to be found when one confesses his sins (Psalm 32:1-5; Proverbs 10:12; 1 John 1:6-9). This verse does not specify from whom the mercy comes. It can be the mercy of God’s forgiveness of sins as well as the mercy of forgiving one another’s sins after they have been confessed. The one that repents is changed and forsakes his former sinful behavior.

v.14 One who respects God and His Word receives blessings, not for his efforts, but because through faith, he receives God's gracious promises as well as heeds His Law, guarding him against sin. On the other hand, the one who falls under God's curse is the one who hardens his heart and refuses to hear what God says in His Word, both His Law & saving Gospel.

v.15 A wicked ruler is like a roaring lion or a charging bear when he governs over a poor people. His wicked rule makes their poverty more severe. To come to their aid, he would have to be just and merciful, which goes against his sinful nature. "Poor" is used here in the sense of helplessness to oppose such wickedness.

v.16 This verse connects to the previous one, explaining that a ruler's tyranny comes from a lack of understanding. He may not be unintelligent, but he does not apply that intelligence to aid his people. Without an understanding of truth and justice, which would act on his conscience and check his sinful behavior, he is by nature going to act out his ungodly ways and use his people to help himself rather than the other way around. A just ruler, having Divine Wisdom, avoids the accumulation of unrighteous wealth and respects the lives and possessions of others. To this ruler is promised a long life to continue serving and ultimately eternal life.