Knowing What To Expect From People

Proverbs 28:15-28

“As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.  The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.” (Proverbs 28:15-16)

Animals such as lions or bears may kill other animals or destroy things with no thought of the future effects of their actions, wiping out a food source or leaving themselves without shelter.  A wicked ruler, government or employer is only concerned with immediate results and has a similar disregard for the effects of the actions on those they depend on.  A ruler who doesn’t understand the effects of his actions becomes a tyrant and earns the people’s hatred.  A ruler who hates selfishness and greed gets the people’s respect and love, and ensures their continued support. 

“A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.” (Proverbs 28:17)

In Genesis 9:6 God commanded, “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”   Anyone who attacks another person seriously injuring or killing them is to be punished. Even to the point of being killed if they have killed another.  It is wrong to try to protect them from that punishment.   

“Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.” (Proverbs 28:18)

A person who lives in a good manner will be protected by God, but a person who refuses to do right will be destroyed.   While doing Good is not enough to save us, it clearly indicates whether we are saved or not, according to I John 3:7-10.  “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.   Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”

“He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.  A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. “ (Proverbs 28:19-20)

A person who takes care of his business will have plenty to live on.  A person who hangs around with or follows the advice of people who don’t do anything worthwhile will always be poor and struggling to get by.    A consistent steady worker will have plenty, but as person who tries to rich in a hurry will end up doing things that are wrong.

“To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.” (Proverbs 28:21)

A person who holds some people in higher regard than others is already inclined to their side and will distort the truth in their favor for no more than the price of a meal.  They don’t really need to even bribe him.   

“He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” (Proverbs 28:22)

A person who is in a hurry to get rich is not focused on pleasing God or doing what is right.  He ignores the judgment of God for sin and that God has repeatedly stated he will take away what the property of those who get rich by cheating or taking advantage of others. 

“He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.” (Proverbs 28:23)  

While they may not like it when you tell them they are wrong, people who listen and make the corrections will appreciate the advice later and respect the person who gave it far more than they will someone who told they were right and encouraged them to do it wrong.

“Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.” (Proverbs 28:24)  

A person who thinks he has a right to take what belongs to his parents without their permission is no different that the vandals who go around destroying other people’s property.  

“He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.”  He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:25-26)  

A person who thinks he is smarter or better than other people causes fights, and conflict.  A person who depends on the Lord will be blessed for his faith, but one who depends on his own intelligence or emotions is stupid.  Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”  A wise person will not just follow his heart, and as a result will escape a lot of problems. 

“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” (Proverbs 28:27)  

A person who cares and helps the poor will have enough to get by, but one who ignores them will be hated by a lot of people. 

“When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.” (Proverbs 28:28)

When wicked men gain power, the people have to hide what they accomplish to protect it from seizure, but when the wicked are destroyed, those who do right are free to profit openly.