He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Our Relationship To The Law Of God: The Laws
Of Man Can Be Abusive: Proverbs 28:15-16
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.
In
this chapter, Solomon directs our attention to having the proper relationship
to the moral laws of the Lord (this would include the 10 commandments and the
other manifold laws of God that are based upon His person and His character. As such, these laws are in effect for all time
periods and peoples...
EXPOSITION:
In
this devotion, we will be taught that the laws of man can be abusive…
15) [As] a roaring lion, and
a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked
ruler over the poor people.
1. As a growling, hungry young lion and a bear
seeking food;
2. so is an unlawful man who holds authority
over the needy people
An
immoral, wicked man will use his position of authority for his own personal
gain, even when it is at the expense of those who are needy and destitute. This involves multiple sins:
a. selfishness and a lack of love for others
(putting himself over those under his authority)
b. coveting worldly riches
c. misusing a blessing from God (his position of
authority)
d. abuse of the poor and defenseless
e. and being unfaithful in the responsibilities
God has given to him (unfaithful in his role as leader).
This
reminds me of the text that tells us “And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not
[himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many
[stripes]. But he that knew not, and
did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For
unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men
have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke
12:47-48)
When a person is put in a position of authority
over others, they are held accountable for how they use that great
blessing. They are held responsible to
work for the good of those under their authority and they are expected to place
them first above themselves. This
principle applies in positions of authority that is held in church, government,
family and the workplace.
“[Is] not this the fast
that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy
burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [Is it] not to deal thy
bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy
house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not
thyself from thine own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:6-7)
16) The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but]
he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his]
days.
1. The governor who is destitute of discernment
will place overflowing pressure upon those under his authority
2. But the person that rejects taking unlawful
gains by force will lengthen his life on earth.
For
those who rule over others the choice is plain… the abuse of others will only
reap a loss of blessings and, in many cases, a shortened life on earth; or, by
using their authority for the good of their subjects, they will be blessed of
God and enjoy a more pleasurable longer life on earth.
The
key is to look beyond the short-lived gain that comes with selfishness and
abuse of others, and recognize the long-term effects of our actions.
“Your iniquities have
turned away these [things], and your sins have withholden good [things] from
you. For among my people are
found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap,
they catch men. As a cage is full of
birds, so [are] their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great,
and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they
shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause,
the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do
they not judge. Shall I not visit for
these [things]? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation
as this?” (Jeremiah 5:25-29)
SUMMARY:
When
we are placed in positions of authority by the Lord, out of appreciation, love
and obedience, we are to use our authority for the good of those over whom we
rule and reap both temporal and eternal blessings from the Lord.
By
God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that
they deserve.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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