Day 701 – Good Lion, Bad Lion – Proverbs 28

Wisdom-Trek

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 701 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Good Lion, Bad Lion - Proverbs 28 Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 701 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 28 from The Voice Translation which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Last week I invested time in Arizona working on our construction projects. We made some headway, but still have a lot to do this week as we finalize our proposal and contract for Phase II. As with all work or any activities that we are involved in, there are good aspects and bad aspects, and we need to take the good with the bad. This reminds me of Proverbs 28 that we will explore today. There is a contrast between: Good Lion, Bad Lion As we know, Chapters 25-29 were arranged by King Hezekiah’s men some 250 years after the time of King Solomon. The first part (chapters 25-27) is for people who serve under leaders, but this second part (chapters 28-29) is aimed at people who are the leaders. What’s more, the literary design of this section is fascinating! It contains 28 proverbs, with 14 in the first half and 14 in the second. Each half begins with a proverb about lions (verses 1 and 15). One of them is a good lion, the other is bad. One is bold and dignified, and the other one just huffs and puffs. The lion, of course, is a symbol of a leader. Which type will you be? One who uses their position of authority to protect others, or one who uses leadership for selfish advantage? The wise and righteous leader, according to this chapter, will demonstrate a heart of compassion. Look at how many times the poor and oppressed are referenced in this chapter. The one who cares for the less privileged shows true dignity, but cursed is the one who hides his eyes from the poor (verse 27). You may not view yourself as a ruler or leader, but we all lead to some degree, even if it is just among friends and family. Let these proverbs challenge how you lead your life today. Listen intently as I read Proverbs 28. 1 The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them; the right-living, however, stand their ground as boldly as lions. 2 Where there is rebellion in a land, there are many petty and contending rulers; But where there is a wise and intelligent leader, peace and order endure. 3 A poor person who oppresses others who are poor is like a driving rain that destroys the crops and leaves no food. 4 Those who turn their backs on God’s teaching applaud the wicked, while those who observe His instruction oppose them at every turn. 5 Evil people are not able to understand justice, but those who pursue the Eternal understand it completely. 6 It is better to be a pauper walking in integrity than a dishonest man, even if he is rich. 7 Whoever follows God’s teaching is a wise child, but the one who spends time with gluttons and drunks disgraces his parents. 8 Anyone who increases his wealth by charging a high rate of interest is only collecting it for another who will deal more liberally with the poor. 9 The one who turns his ear from hearing God’s instruction will find that even his prayers are detestable to God. 10 Whoever tries to deceive a good person into taking the path of evil will fall into the pit he himself made, but the truly honest shall be the heirs of all that is good. 11 A rich man may be wise in his own sight, but a perceptive pauper will see right through him. 12 There is much glory when just men celebrate; but when the wicked gain power, people take cover. 13 Whoever tries to hide his sins will not succeed,