Contrasting The Wicked And The Righteous

Proverbs 21:1-16

“The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” (Proverbs 21:1-2)

As we look at the things our government does, it is easy to forget that God controls their thoughts to get them to do whatever he wants.  When they consistently do what things we believe are bad for our country, it may be because God is trying to get us to look at what we are doing.  Unless he does something to call our attention to what is wrong, we just assume we are right and keep doing it.

“To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3)

God is more pleased by prudent decisions and fair and right behavior than by any amount of sacrificial gifts.

“An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” (Proverbs 21:4)

A haughty arrogant appearance, an attitude of superiority, or talking about doing something wrong, even if we have no intention of doing it, is sin.  Matthew 5:27-28 illustrates this point.  “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.   “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.  The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.” (Proverbs 21:5-7)

A person who tries to do his job well and take care of his business thinks in a way that makes him prosperous.  A person who is in a hurry to get rich tends to get further and further behind because he can’t wait until he can afford things.  People who foolishly try to get ahead by fraud and deceit Don’t realize how meaningless it is or danger of death they face as a result.  Because they refuse to exercise good judgment, thieves and robbers actions destroy them. 

“The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.” (Proverbs 21:8)

When people go their own way, their behavior is inconsistent and illogical.  The pure has a standard of right and wrong that makes them able to consistently do what is right.

“It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.” (Proverbs 21:9)

It is better to be homeless and live in a protected corner of somebody else’s roof than to live in a beautiful home with somebody who just wants to fight.

“The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.” (Proverbs 21:10)

A wicked person looks to do evil things, and he will not hesitate to steal from or otherwise take advantage of his friends and neighbors.

“When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.” (Proverbs 21:11)

When the person who thinks he is above the law gets punished, even those who are a little slow mentally learn to do what is right.  The smart ones learn from listening to other people. 

“The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.” (Proverbs 21:12)

The man who has the right attitude is considerate and thinks even of the wicked.  God says that vengeance is his and he punishes them for their wickedness. 

“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” (Proverbs 21:13)

The person who ignores the poor or needy will not be able to get anyone to listen when he needs help.

“A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.” (Proverbs 21:14)

Doing something nice for someone when no one is looking tends to make even ones worst enemy relent, because it is obviously not just and attempt to make oneself look good or embarrass him. 

“It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.   The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” (Proverbs 21:15-16)

People who do what is right find pleasure in their actions, but those who don’t have nothing but sorrow and destruction to show for it.  A person who turns his back on thinking things through and doing right has nothing but judgment to look forward to.

Think Ahead

Proverbs 20:16-30

“Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. ” (Proverbs 20:16)

A person who cosigns for loans or takes responsibility for people he doesn’t know is not careful about his business.   He may lose everything he had if the person he did it for decides not to pay.  In conducting business with him it is wise to protect yourself by making sure that you will get something in such a case.  If it was some woman he did it for that should raise a red warning flag.  Sexual desire tends to cloud one’s judgment, and it only a small step from cheating on ones mate or lying to them to lying and cheating at other things.  Make sure you are fully protected.

“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. ” (Proverbs 20:17)

If you have to cheat to win, obviously you didn’t deserve to win.  While the winning may be sweet, the consciousness that you had to cheat spoils most of the pleasure.

“Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” (Proverbs 20:18)

Careful research and planning ensure success.  Take the trouble to make sure you have a good and workable plan when you get into a struggle.

“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” (Proverbs 20:19)

Gossips and journalists hang out with people in hopes of learning some unintentional tidbit they can use.   Watch out for people who flatter you, because they may be trying to get you to betray some secret. 

“Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.” (Proverbs 20:20)

God commands us to honor our parents, promising a long life for those who do.  Those who turn against their parents will not be long remembered after their death.

“An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.” (Proverbs 20:21)

An inheritance or prize can be gotten without having to earn it, but most people who win the lottery or inherit a large sum wind up losing it and getting into trouble because they haven’t learned how to take care of it.

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“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.” (Proverbs 20:22)

Don’t try to get even with people.  Trust God to do it for you.   Romans 12:19-20 says, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” 

“Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.” (Proverbs 20:23)

Once again, we are reminded that God hates dishonest business practices.   

“Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?” (Proverbs 20:24)

Man doesn’t control his destiny, God does.  How can a man plan his life out or understand what is happening?

“It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry. ” (Proverbs 20:25)

A person who rips off what has been given to God, then promises to investigate what happened in hopes of covering it up has trapped himself.  God already knows what happened, but he just proves it wasn’t an accident.

“A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” (Proverbs 20:26)

A wise leader breaks up corrupt groups, crushing as many of the guilty as he can.  He will never eliminate them completely, but he can break up their power.  A foolish leader thinks he can control them and allows them to stay.  

“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” (Proverbs 20:27)

A person’s attitude is like a candle from God, showing just what he is really like. 

“Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy. ” (Proverbs 20:28)

Honesty and fairness, and consideration for his people draws people to him, and the consideration for his people, not extracting the maximum from them in taxes or compulsory service will make his administration secure.  Corruption and demonstrations of power turn the people against him.

“The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.” (Proverbs 20:29)

Boys and young men take great pride and pleasure in their strength.  The grey hair of an old man indicates he was strong enough and smart enough to survive for many years.   

“The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. ” (Proverbs 20:30)

When a person is injured, the veins carrying blood back to the kidneys and heart are damaged.  As circulation is restored the bluish appearance indicated circulation has been restored and harmful things are being carried away.  Just as the blood eliminates harmful products from the wound, punishment can cause the elimination of evil attitudes and ideas.

Making Good choices

Proverbs 20:1-15

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)

Wine makes people look stupid and strong alcohol makes people unable to control their temper and thinking.  It’s not very smart the let them control your life.

“The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.” (Proverbs 20:2)

Antagonizing the government is very much like teasing a lion.  When he begins to growl or roar you better start being afraid.  You have deliberately given him reason for attacking you, effectively asking for it. 

“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. ” (Proverbs 20:3)

To avoid a fight is a sign of maturity and wisdom.  A fool insists on stirring things up and keeping the fight going because he is too dumb to quit. 

“The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. ” (Proverbs 20:4)

The lazy person always finds and excuse not to do what needs done.  As a result, when other people have everything they need, he has nothing of his own and has to beg other people to give him something.

“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. ” (Proverbs 20:5)

Most people know far more than shows publicly.  A wise person takes the trouble to bring out what others know.  Almost everybody has an idea or way of doing things that we can learn from.  Only a fool thinks he knows everything and doesn’t need to learn any more.

“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?  The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” (Proverbs 20:6-7)

Most people will tell you that they are one of the good guys, but there are very few you really trust to do what is right.   In fact, the bigger issue they make of it the less trustworthy they usually are.   The good, honest man lives his standards, he doesn’t just talk about them.  As a result his children are blessed because people expect them to be like their father.

“A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. ” (Proverbs 20:8)

A leader establishes the attitude of the country.  One who sets a standard of fair and honest judgment will drive out dishonesty and crime.  The cure for a growing crime rate is a change of attitude , starting with that of the leader. 

“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” (Proverbs 20:9)

While psychology can help us change our behavior and even some of our attitudes, it can never change the instincts we inherited from our ancestors.  One of those instincts is that of disobedience toward God.  It is beyond human ability to resolve that problem.  Only God can correct it.

“Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. ” (Proverbs 20:10)

Dishonest and deceitful business practices are an abomination to God.  He finds them disgusting and nauseating.

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. ” (Proverbs 20:11)

A person’s behavior determines his reputation from the time he is a very small child.  He is judged to be a good person or a bad one based on whether he does good things or bad ones.

“The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.” (Proverbs 20:12)

The ear senses vibrations of the air or other medium and interprets it as sound.  They eye senses the various colors and shades of light and enables the brain to understand what is around us.  The mechanisms are completely different but both were designed by God for inclusion in the human body.  God is not limited to one way of doing things.

“Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread” (Proverbs 20:13)

A love for taking life easy is likely to result in a life of poverty and frustration.  Bu opening one’s eyes and paying attention, one can see opportunities to obtain the things one desires. 

“It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. ” (Proverbs 20:14)

When he is thinking about buying something, the buyer runs it down pointing out flaws and limitations to get a better deal, but when he has obtained it he brags to his friends how good the item is to convince them how smart he was to buy it. 

“There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. ” (Proverbs 20:15)

There are things people value highly, such as Gold or jewels.  Unfortunately many people don’t realize the value of listening to somebody who knows about life.  It is as valuable and probably more than any jewels or gold one could acquire.

Teaching to do Right

Proverbs 19:15-29

“Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” (Proverbs 19:15)

Laziness makes a person feel tired and constantly in need of sleep.  The less they do the more tired they feel.  Because they can’t be bothered to get out and do anything they use up everything they had and end up in poverty and hunger.  Many feel obligated to see that such people have the necessities, but II Thessalonians 3:10 says, “,,,we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”  We have no right to circumvent God’s plan by feeding people who don’t want to do their share.

“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. ” (Proverbs 19:16)

God’s commands were given to enable people to have the best possible life.  Obeying them preserves a person’s life, while disobeying them leads to the loss of one’s life. 

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” (Proverbs 19:17)

A person who takes the trouble to help those who are struggling is in effect lending the Lord the value of his help.  God always pays his bills.  It will pay off. 

“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (Proverbs 19:18)

To chasten means to make a person aware their actions will not be tolerated.  Sometimes just a scolding is enough while other times some type of physical punishment is required.  It is important that chastening be done before the action becomes habitual.  Ecclesiastes 8:11 warns, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.”  If the action is allowed to continue, eventually you will be unable to stop them.  Don’t let the fear of making him cry stop you from teaching him what is right. 

“A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.” (Proverbs 19:19)

Sooner or later a person who lets themselves fly off the handle will get into trouble because each time they get away with it they get worse.  Trying to get them out of trouble just encourages them.   Don’t waste the time.

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” (Proverbs 19:20)

Listen to advice and learn from it.  Eventually it will make you wise.

“There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)

People are constantly coming up with new ideas and plans, but God’s principles do not change.  Unlike people, God doesn’t change his mind. 

“The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.” (Proverbs 19:22)

What a person wants determines how he treats other people.  A poor man is always worth more than a liar, no matter how much the liar may have.

 

“The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. ” (Proverbs 19:23)

Respect for the Lord and his power tends to make a person cautious about disobeying him.  As a result he avoids God’s judgment and is able to enjoy his life.

“A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.” (Proverbs 19:24)

A lazy man resents even having to exert himself to bring a bite of food to his mouth.   He’d rather just fold his hands and let somebody else do it for him so he doesn’t have to exert himself at all.

“Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. ” (Proverbs 19:25)

Punishing a rebellious and stubborn person rarely changes their ways, but it makes other people think about the consequences of their actions and may deter them.   A thoughtful person will pay attention with just a warning. 

“He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.  Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. ” (Proverbs 19:26-27)

A person who just wastes what his father earns and refuses to have anything to do with his mother is an embarrassment to his parents, constantly shaming them.   He needs to quit paying attention to bad advice or teaching that encourages him to do wrong.  As I Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”  Despite one’s best intentions, he will be affected by listening to such advice.

“An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.  Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. ” (Proverbs 19:28-29)

Ungodly people hate the idea they will be judged and think it ridiculous, and wicked people flock to wicked things like flies are drawn to honey.  They don’t understand that Judgment is designed specifically because of their attitude, and the punishment is for fools who think wickedness is fun. 

Relating To Other People

Proverbs 19:1-14

“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.  Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.  The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.” (Proverbs 19:1-3)

An honest poor man is worth more than anyone who is foolish or will not control his tongue, regardless how much they may have.  It is terrible that some people know nothing, and people who are in too much of a hurry to take time to learn things are sinning against themselves and those they may hurt along the way because they don’t know what they are doing.  A lack of careful thought prevents a person from accomplishing what he hoped but he tends to blame God for things not working rather than taking responsibility for the failure. 

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” (Proverbs 19:5)

A person who tells lies about other people will be punished for it, and his lies will not enable him to escape the consequences.  Many people think only serious lies are a problem but Revelation 21:8 says, “…all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”   It is not about how big the lie is but that it is a lie that matters.

“Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.     Many will entreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.  All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.” (Proverbs 19:4, 6-7)

People will flock to people who they thing might give them something valuable, trying to ingratiate themselves.   They all want to appear as his friend.   They avoid a poor person, on the other hand because they are afraid he might need something and they are embarrassed to have more than he does.   Even when he tries to make friends they ignore him.

  

“He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.” (Proverbs 19:8)

A person who learns to think things through cares about himself, and if he applies what he knows it will benefit him.

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.” (Proverbs 19:9)

Once again we are reminded that lying will result in punishment and death, both physical and spiritual.

“Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.” (Proverbs 19:10)

A fool goes way overboard expressing his delight.  In the same way a person who isn’t qualified goes overboard showing his power when he is in charge. 

“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11)

Thought makes a man hold his temper and the willingness to overlook someone else’s mistake is a mark of wisdom and maturity.

“The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.” (Proverbs 19:12)

Knowing the government is investigating you is as unnerving as hearing a lion roar when you are out in the woods.  Having their approval is like the dew on the grass.  It is pleasant while it lasts, but it doesn’t last very long.    

“A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.   House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.” (Proverbs 19:13-14)

A foolish son destroys everything his father accomplished, sometimes to bail him out of trouble and other times they just make bad decisions.   The father would love to leave his children a home and a good inheritance but a foolish son may prevent it.   Arguments with one’s wife are like a dripping faucet, constantly intruding on one’s consciousness and destroying one’s peace.  A wife who is careful and doesn’t cause constant conflict is from the Lord.

Relating To Other People

Proverbs 18:13-24

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (Proverbs 18:13)

It is stupid to make decisions without knowing the facts, and almost always results in our being embarrassed by the results.   Few decisions are so urgent that time can’t be taken to find out what is needed, and if they are, you definitely will not have time to correct things if your decision is wrong.   

“The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14)

A person can live with almost any physical injury or illness, as demonstrated by many who return from service in the Middle East.  Those who become depressed or suffer PTSD often find it harder to live with than those with even life threatening injuries. 

  

“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.” (Proverbs 18:15)

Careful, thoughtful and wise people are constantly learning new things wherever they can. 

“A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” (Proverbs 18:16)

Gifts get people’s attention and open doors that would not otherwise be opened.  They can give great opportunities, but they can also cause a lot of trouble, especially when viewed as a bribe.

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.” (Proverbs 18:17)

When a person presents their case they try to make it sound valid and fair, but people who live close by will check out the facts before they decide.   They don’t want to make a foolish decision they will regret later.   Being neighbors they can’t easily escape the consequences. 

“The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.” (Proverbs 18:18)

Agreeing to accept an unbiased decision, even if it is made by flipping a coin can settle an argument and prevent fighting. 

“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19)

Hurt feelings are hard to overcome, and the person whose feelings were hurt is hard to mollify and win back. 

“A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.   Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:20-21)

A person will have to live with the consequences of what he says.    If it was only empty talk, he may get pretty hungry, but if it led to something good, it may be really satisfying.  The tongue can cause a person to be killed or can cause him to be richly blessed and protected.    

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. “ (Proverbs 18:22)

A wife or helpmeet is one who helps one both physically and emotionally.  A man who finds such a woman is blessed by God and has something worth keeping. 

“The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.” (Proverbs 18:23)

Poor people have to use good manners and ask nicely, but rich people can get by with being rude and abusive because they don’t need the help. 

“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

A friendly attitude is essential if a person is to make friends.   Nobody wants to be friends with somebody who is selfish and rude.  A close friend can be even closer that one’s own brother or sister.  Most school shootings have been by kids who avoided other people and complained that they didn’t have any friends.  Too bad someone didn’t teach them how to be friendly. 

The Impact Of Our Words

Proverbs 18:1-12

“Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.  A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” (Proverbs 18:1-2)

It is his desire to learn that makes a person separate from his friends to observe and study various things.  The fool is only interested in learning what will satisfy his desires at the moment, somewhat like the cravings a pregnant woman may feel. 

“When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.” (Proverbs 18:3)

Wickedness causes people to view one with contempt.  Losing a good reputation leads to shame and loss of respect and trust. 

“The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.” (Proverbs 18:4)

Many times a person’s statement have far greater significance than is immediately appreciated.  A wise person’s statements provide and ongoing source of instruction and help. 

“It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.” (Proverbs 18:5)

When we treat wicked behavior as acceptable, helping them get by with wrong doing, or take advantage of those who do right, we encourage others to be wicked, and discourage those who try to do right.  As a result, wickedness grows.

“A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.  A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.” (Proverbs 18:6-7)

A fool constantly gets into verbal altercations, and contrary to what many believe asks for the physical beating he gets by his refusal to shut up.  I’ll never forget seeing a drunk get beaten up and while lying on the ground yelling curses and making fun of the guys who had just beat him up until finally one lost his temper and started in again.  It is the fool’s mouth that incites people to try to kill him and it is his mouth that causes him to commit to things he knows are wrong. 

“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” (Proverbs 18:8)

The words of rumor mongers destroy reputations and relationships, and they cause emotional hurts that go the very heart of a person’s being.   They often do more damage than a physical attack would. 

“He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.” (Proverbs 18:19)

A lazy man has a lot in common with a person who just throws away what he has.  Neither of them are concerned with what is required to earn what they have. 

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.  The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.” (Proverbs 18:10-11)

The very name of God strikes terror into the hearts of those who do evil.  Righteous people turn to him for protection, and he protects them.  Rich people turn to their wealth for protection, in their pride thinking what they have will be enough.  It isn’t.

“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.” (Proverbs 18:12)

Certain things naturally lead to others.  A haughty, proud attitude inevitably leads to destruction, because God hates and resists pride.  Humility, on the other hand shows respect for God and will be rewarded accordingly, by appropriate respect.