Daily Thought

The proverbs before us today emphasize the need for behaviour to be directed by well-defined laws that will govern the way we live as individuals and as a society.

The writer has in mind the laws made by rulers, and the responses of those that are ruled. It is no vain thing to respond to the many New Testament exhortations to pray for rulers and to be model citizens in our society. These things please God and advance our witness, 1 Tim. 2. 1-3; 1 Pet. 2. 13-17.

There is no end to the problems that arise when wicked or wrongly motivated men come to rule. The proverbs here provide thought-provoking testimony to what is good and acceptable in this sphere, and what follows when there is unjust oppression, or the rule of law cast aside. Pray for rulers and the ruled today. Make it a sacred trust to do so constantly.

There are two things identified here that men often aspire to - power and riches. We need to be on our guard that whether we have them or not, we respond with uprightness of heart to both. A great deal can issue from the abuse of power or riches, vv. 2-6.

The pathway into which these proverbs direct us is one of a right relationship with God and a responsible life lived in the light of the laws that govern our society. This will lead to a lion-like boldness and a willingness to contend for what is right, vv. 1, 4. Also, it leads to understanding, v. 5, and a display of wisdom, v. 7, that will mark us out as those that ‘have believed in God’, Titus 3. 1, 2, 8.

Scripture leads us to expect a decline in law-abiding and in moral behaviour as we move towards the last days and the coming of Christ, 2 Tim. 3. 1-9.

On account of this we must be on guard not to allow our lives to deteriorate in these areas. Any form of practice that is unlawful cannot be pursued by the Christian - it is a betrayal of his Christianity and is bound to affect his prayer life. You cannot approach the holiest of thrones if you are prepared to be unholy in your lifestyle, v. 9. Think about it today.