Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl Proverbs 28:9-11 Better to Be Poor & Maintain Your Integrity, Part 3

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Proverbs 28:9–11

[9] If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,

even his prayer is an abomination.

[10] Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way

will fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

[11] A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man who has understanding will find him out. (ESV)

Better to Be Poor & Maintain Your Integrity, Part 3

v.9 This proverb states that our prayers to God can be a disgusting thing to His ears if we ourselves remain deaf to His Law. That is not to say that the prayers of a sinner are an abomination, but that insincere prayer offered without repentance certainly is.

v.10 See the theme of Proverbs 1:15-19 regarding getting caught in our own traps. This proverb is a warning to the Wise that those with less righteous motives can mislead them. They must be on their guard against schemers. Normally, a hardworking and upright person will have a goodly inheritance from his righteousness. This is most especially true of believers who have integrity by grace alone. Those who follow God’s Wisdom avoid being taken advantage of, plus they have the ultimate inheritance of eternal life to look forward to with confidence.

v.11 This verse is still another reminder of the corrupting power of wealth. A rich man may be tempted to think his money is something he has obtained through his own wisdom, giving him a sense of self-importance. Rather, he should regard his good fortune as a blessing from God. A poor man who is a believer understands God's ways, which is far more valuable than mere earthly wealth. The poor man can expose the foolishness of the rich man who thinks his riches are his own doing rather than a result of God's grace.