Proverbs 28

Over August we're going to read through the book of Proverbs. There are 31 days in August and 31 chapters in Proverbs, so we'll be putting them up on Saturdays and Sundays too.

Instead of relying on other reflections on the passages, we want to make space for God to speak to us all in the expectation that we will be transformed into his likeness as we open ourselves to his Spirit and seek to live wise and godly lives.

Open yourself to the Spirit, ask him to highlight a particular verse, phrase or section for you to think about during the day.

Read the chapter slowly. If something jumps out at you or catches your attention stay with that for a while.

Ask yourself, does this make me feel uncomfortable/reassured/challenged?

Ask questions of the Proverb?
Why did the original writer think this was worth writing down?
How does did this apply to people's lives in the past?
How does it apply to my life now?

Ask the Spirit what he may be saying.
Is God calling me to change/repent/see things differently?
How would my life look different if I lived this out?
What steps can I take to make this happen?

Take this Proverb with you throughout the day and see how the wisdom of the ages can transform your life today.

28 The wicked flee though no one pursues,
    but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
    but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3 A ruler who oppresses the poor
    is like driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
    but those who heed it resist them.
5 Evildoers do not understand what is right,
    but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.
6 Better the poor whose way of life is blameless
    than the rich whose ways are perverse.
7 A discerning son heeds instruction,
    but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor
    amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
    even their prayers are detestable.
10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path
    will fall into their own trap,
    but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11 The rich are wise in their own eyes;
    one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
    but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
    but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
    but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
    is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler practises extortion,
    but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
    will seek refuge in the grave;
    let no one hold them back.
18 The one whose way of life is blameless is kept safe,
    but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.
19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
20 A faithful person will be richly blessed,
    but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good -
    yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 The stingy are eager to get rich
    and are unaware that poverty awaits them.
23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favour
    rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
24 Whoever robs their father or mother
    and says, 'It's not wrong,'
    is partner to one who destroys.
25 The greedy stir up conflict,
    but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.
26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,
    but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,
    but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;
    but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.