April 28, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 28
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Following Scripture Verses

1. The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2. For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
3. A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4. They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
5. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
6. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7. Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
8. He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
10. Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
11. The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12. When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
14. Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15. As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16. The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17. A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18. Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19. He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20. A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
21. To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22. He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23. He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24. Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
25. He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
26. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27. He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28. When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

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"For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged." - Proverbs 28:2

As I am writing this devotional, the United States is in the midst of determining who its next President will be. The campaign adds are everywhere, and the candidates are promising anything they can to any special interest group that will listen. The voters are making their choices for a variety of reasons. Some make their choice based upon their personal economic condition. Others make their choice simply based upon which political party they belong to. Others do what those in authority over them tell them to do, deferring the thinking process to someone else.

While today's verse is not dealing with elections, it is dealing with a principle concerning the soundness of a country's government. Solomon says that if a country is wicked, then its leaders will be continually changing, probably due to overthrow and assassination. On the other hand, if a country is led by a man who desires to follow the Lord and put Biblical principles into practice, then the government will remain stable.

How many citizens of the country really spend much time analyzing the character of the candidates? Many voters never give a moment's thought as to whether a man campaigning for political office holds to positions that are consisted with the Word of God. For most people, the bottom line is whether they will be better off financially, not whether they will be better off spiritually.

God punishes nations for their transgressions. Governments are overthrown because of their refusal to submit to God. If we love our country, we need to do everything we can to promote righteousness in the citizenry and in government. We need to evangelize the lost, proclaim the truths of Scripture, and elect politicians who possess Biblical wisdom and will endeavor to put it into practice.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery