Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl Proverbs 29:1-4 Wicked People Endanger a Society, Part 1

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Proverbs 29:1–4

[1] He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,

will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

[2] When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

[3] He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

[4] By justice a king builds up the land,

but he who exacts gifts tears it down. (ESV)

Wicked People Endanger a Society, Part 1

v.1 This proverb is a warning about stubbornness, specifically stubbornly rejecting discipline. While it applies to those who reject everyday discipline at home or in the workplace, this verse is specifically about the wicked who habitually reject the Divine Wisdom contained in God's Word. God will hand out judgment on the last day, and His ultimate discipline cannot be undone or ignored. On that day, the unbeliever will find no possibility of healing. Here, "healing" means the resurrection of the body to everlasting life. Instead, the stubbornly impenitent will be raised and cast—body and soul—into everlasting torment (Proverbs 7:27; 9:18; Matthew 5:29–30; 10:28). This threat of extreme punishment uses fear to dampen a stubborn person's willful rejection of God's will.

v.2 Righteous people are a blessing to society and lift up the entire civilization. Their godliness leads to honesty in the public forum and virtue in civic matters. Most importantly, a righteous people offer thanksgiving to God for His grace and mercy, giving all glory to God. Conversely, one wicked ruler can destroy such a society, and he leads them to godlessness and idolatry, sponsors injustice, and spreads corruption.

v.3 This proverb offers a stark contrast. A Godly father experiences joy in his children who follow his teachings of Divine Wisdom and believe the Gospel that Christ died for the forgiveness of their sins and repent of them. However, bitter disappointment is felt for the son who ignores the teachings of Wise parents and squanders his family wealth on false gods, be they sexual or material gratifications (Luke 15:13, 30). This leads to the rejection of God's blessings in this life and the loss of eternal blessings in the life of the world to come without contrition and repentance.

v.4 Justice is a blessing. When a society administers justice according to God's Wisdom, the government is stable, and the Church is not hindered from spreading the Gospel and caring for others. She can operate without fear of interference or persecution. They can also count on a society that upholds God's Law and punishes immorality. Corruption in government makes a mockery of God's Law, hindering acts of true charity with corruption and greed, and hinders the Church from carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).