"Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all things. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich. He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father" (verses 5-7).
The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and apart from god there is no understanding. Those who practice evil live selfishly, and cannot understand justice. They live with a sense of entitlement and untouchable arrogance. Whatever is good for them is what is right. Whatever brings them gain is good, no matter whose expense it is at.
That is why he who keeps the law is a discerning son. He who lives justly is a source of pride for his father. He who lives justly is praised by society. But he who is a companion of gluttons brings humiliation. The glutton never has enough, he is never satisfied or content. They ways need more and don't care how they get it. There is only shame and death here.
That is why it is better to be poor and full of I Gehrig than crooked and rich. It is better to live in righteousness than wealth.
"A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days... He who rebukes a man will afterwards find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue" (verses 16 and 23).
There is a lot I could say here, following the instructions of verse 23, but I will limit it to this: anyone in leadership, government, business, ministry etc. needs to read Proverbs and take in the warnings and instructions. These are serious truths that should not be taken lightly.
"An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered" (verses 25-26).
I have been through a rough stretch of life recently, but it looks like this time of wilderness wandering might be nearing its end. But in this time I have learned a great deal about humility and trust. I have learned about the fear of the Lord and wisdom, and if does mark the end of my wandering a I take these lessons into the next stage of life. If there is farther to go, then I have seen God come through, and know that He will continue to provide until the time comes to enter the land of promise.
"He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses" (verse 27).
Again we are reminded of our responsibility to help the poor. I don't know how God will lead you in this way, but just remember you obligation is to obey what He says to do. God will always provide for what he tells you to do, it will require trust, but He will not let you down.
"I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread."
To God alone be the Glory!
Peace be with you
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