Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl: Proverbs 29:24-27 Final Advice for Kings and Leaders, Part 3
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Proverbs 29:24–27
[24] The partner of a thief hates his own life;
he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
[25] The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
[26] Many seek the face of a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.
[27] An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked. (ESV)
Final Advice for Kings & Leaders, Part 3
v.24: This proverb states that a person who partners himself with a thief endangers his own life. The friend of a thief who testifies falsely in court calls down God's curse upon him in this life or the next. The thief's friend, who keeps silent about his crimes, calls down the same wrath. Regarding oaths in a legal sense, see Leviticus 5:1 and Numbers 5:21. Regarding curses from God, see Numbers 5:23 and Deuteronomy 29:18-20.
v.25: In this verse, trust in the Lord is contrasted with fear of people. Fear of what other people may do exerts manipulation in your life because it allows the threats or actions of others to control you. It is better to trust in the Lord and not let others influence your life. One who trusts in God is secure in His promises of eternal life and salvation through faith in Christ. Other people can only affect this in this mortal realm—and even then, only as far as God allows. Jesus commanded, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul. Instead fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Jesus did not let fear of earthly authorities deter him from fulfilling his mission through his crucifixion and resurrection (Luke 13:31–33). Neither did the apostles cease preaching the Good News of Jesus after being imprisoned and facing possible death, for they chose to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:25–33; 7).
v.26: This proverb reminds a leader that many people will try to suck up to him and win him over and that any favoritism he shows to such individuals is not real justice. To those who interact with leaders, it is a reminder that real justice does not come from seeking the favor of those with worldly power but rather from God Himself. On the last day, God will make all wrongs right and execute His perfect justice on unbelievers, as well as gift eternal life for those of faith.
v27: This verse comments on the mutual disgust the righteous and the unjust have for one another. This is due to incompatible spiritual and lifestyle choices. It reminds us of the vast chasm between the Wise person and the fool. The fool trusts his own sinful inclinations to his ruin and detests anything that smacks of God’s standards or will. The Wise trusts God and judges life according to God’s Word. This proverb warns us that faith and unbelief are incompatible (1 Kings 18:21). To compromise the truth is to lose it (John 16:33; 1 John 5:4).