As I go through Proverbs 29 today, I’m struck by this amazing concept again: the Bible is still relevant today! It’s one of those things I’ve always known, but it is refreshed in me again right now.
I was looking at the news after the kids went down for their nap. Quiet time for mama – I can finally relax! Not so much when you read the news, though. Shootings, defunding the police, increases in COVID-19 cases; my blood pressure began to rise. I began to be afraid, sad, and worried. Will we be safe? What will happen to this country?
But as I began to read God’s word in light of the present situations, I began to have peace again.
By justice a king gives a country stability,
Proverbs 29:4
but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
Justice brings stability to countries.
Mockers stir up a city,
Proverbs 29:8
but the wise turn away anger.
Though cities may be unsettled, if we have wise leaders they can bring calm.
When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
Proverbs 29:16
but the righteous will see their downfall.
Though there is crime and sin, there will be an end to it at some point.
Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
Proverbs 25, 26
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Many seek an audience with a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.
We do not need to be afraid of men, whatever they may do, because God will keep us safe. If justice does not come through the governmental leaders, it will eventually come from the Lord.
I’m also reminded that Jesus said:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Conflict has always been a part of humanity since sin entered the world.
The righteous detest the dishonest;
Proverbs 29:27
the wicked detest the upright.
I’m so glad that Jesus knew and told us that we would have trouble. Even the writer of this proverb knew that there was constantly conflict between the “good” people and the “bad” people. There are certainly constantly things in the news that are troubling. It can make us afraid or worried. But we can quiet our hearts in trusting in Him as our savior and as the one who will ultimately judge the world and bring peace forever!