Text: Proverbs 28:23 (ESV)

23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor

than he who flatters with his tongue.

A REBUKE MAY GAIN FAVOR

If we genuinely "love" a person, we do care for his well-being, don’t we? And this may mean speaking uncomfortable truths in direct, loving ways at times. (Eph 4:15). A "reproof" or "rebuke" is a strong, bold or direct confrontation. The wise would listen to correction and advice objectively. (Prov 3:11; 10:17; 15:31) They will appreciate the guidance given by a true friend (Prov 17:10; 27:5, 6, 17). Telling the truth gains one more respect. Flattery is not a proof of true love and concern. (Prov 19:1; 24:26; 26:24, 28). It’s giving false assurance. It is wrong and is not loving (Prov 13:24; Jas 5:20).

In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul explains how a loving brother should show love to an erring brother. He is going restore a brother who is caught in sin and error in an effective way He writes: "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted" (Gal 6:1). One of the major responsibilities of a pastor or elder is to reprove and rebuke as necessary (2 Tim 2:24–26). The church leader whose preaching or counsel is designed simply to make people feel good about themselves is not fulfilling his responsibility. He is not truly "loving" toward others.

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Text: Proverbs 28:22 (ESV)

22 A stingy man hastens after wealth

and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

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BEWARE OF ‘GET-RICH-QUICK’ SCHEMES

Today, we are overwhelmed with ‘get-rich-quick schemes’ offers in the social media. These dishonest business practices often result in disaster. The Ponzi scheme is an example. It is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to its investors from new capital paid by new investors, rather than from profit earned through legitimate business activities. The person who "chases" after wealth or cheats others get rich can expect disastrous consequences. (Prov 23:4; 28:20; 13:11; 20:17; 11:4; 22:16). Frauds, con artists, gamblers, and unwise investors have learned this lesson the hard way. Even if wealth is gained legitimately, but not used in a godly way, it's likely to vanish away as well (Prov 11:24).

Paul told Timothy that false teachers have unhealthy desires for money that inspire many other sins. The love of money is the root of all evil. (1 Tim 6:10). He noted that "those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction" (1 Tim 6:9). Other proverbs caution that accumulation of material wealth is worthless pursuit. On the contrary, we should strive for moral integrity (Prov 8:11; 10:2; 15:27; 16:8, 16; 19:1).

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Text: Proverbs 28:21 (ESV)

21 To show partiality is not good,

but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

THE EVIL OF PARTIALITY

Right judgment is needed in our relationships. It includes distinguishing between persons on a fair and reasoned basis. Otherwise, we will become partial. "Partiality," here, is giving an unfair preference to one person over another. A common example is giving more respect to a rich man over a poor one (Jas 2:1–4). It's a sin to act unfairly. The Book of Proverbs condemns unfairness in judgment explicitly.(Prov 17:26; 18:5; 24:23). Unfortunately, human beings are corrupt by nature so that they are prone to the error of partiality. Sadly, this verse notes that some will act immorally for a trivial reward, represented by a piece of bread.

The Lord God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34). He loves the whole world. (John 3:16). Jesus demonstrated His impartiality in John chapter 4. It records a conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman, who was surprised that Jesus would speak to her. The Jews looked down the Samaritans and avoided all contact with them (John 4:9).

After He arose from death, Jesus commissioned the apostles to proclaim the good news of salvation to all people in all places, regardless of race and ethnicity (Acts 1:8). In his epistle, the apostle James chides his readers for treating the rich well but not the poor. He writes: "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin" (Jas 2:8–9).

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Text: Proverbs 28:15,16 (ESV)

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,

but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

A WICKED RULER OVER A POOR PEOPLE

What is the effect an ungodly ruler’s oppressive rule has upon his subjects? Through violence, repression, hardship, or other difficult means, the evil tyrant drives people into hiding. The mention of "a poor people" may suggest heavy taxation, theft, and other types of direct abuse. How do people afflicted this way respond? If they are under the leadership of a merciless predator? They will resort to hiding (see v.12). Most notorious dictators do rule by fear and intimidation, don’t they? In contrast, godly rulers inspire confidence and security in their people. As a result, the people learn to trust that the leader will do what is right (Prov 28:2; 29:2).

In Moses' day, Pharaoh ruled Egypt with a heavy hand. He made life especially miserable for the Jews, enslaving them. He assigned cruel masters "to afflict them with heavy burdens" (Ex 1:11). They "ruthlessly made the Jews work as slaves and made their lives bitter with hard service. He demanded to produce more bricks, when he did not supply the mortar. In all their works, he ruthlessly made them work as slaves" (Ex 1:13–14).

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Text: Proverbs 28:14 (ESV)

14 Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always,

but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

DO FEAR THE LORD ALWAYS

The term translated into English as "fear" may refer to both an emotional feeling or respect or reverence (Prov 1:7; Lev 19:32). Both concepts are important, but this verse is more inclined to the idea of alarm or dread. Those who stubbornly ignore the dangers of sin, warnings from others or God's clear commands) set themselves up for a disaster or catastrophe (Prov 8:32–36; 22:5; 12:15; 1:23). This attitude is describing someone who "hardens his heart." It is a common phrase refereing to obstinate disobedience to the Lord (Ex 7:13; Dan 5:20; John 12:40).

Some translators interpret this as an appeal to revere God. This is not an unreasonable conclusion, even if the Hebrew text itself does not mention "the LORD." For a person to be properly reverent and seek goodness, obedience to God is implied (Proverbs 2:6–9). This fear is the reason for repentance (v.13).

Psalm 1 describes blessedness by loving God's Word and obeying it. This means refusing any influence from the ungodly. While the wicked receive divine judgment and are eternally separated from God, the person who reveres the Lord enjoys a productive life. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount used a term meaning "blessed" or "happy" to describe "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Mat 5:6). The choice must be clear. Should a person chose to honor the Lord and "fear" evil, he will be blessed. If someone hardens his heart against the Lord, he is going towards disastrous trouble.

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Text: Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)

13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,

but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

CONCEAL OR CONFESS

The first and most foolish human error was the attempt to hide his sins from the Creator (see Gen 3:8–10). God knows everything (1 John 3:20). Nobody can hide from God (Heb 4:13). Those who hide from God don't respect His authority. He is gripped with pride and unbelief. (Psa 10:11–13). The person who pretends to be blameless will be judged, while the one who confesses his sin will be forgiven (1 John 1:9–10; Luke 18:10–14).

King David is the classic example. He tried to cover his sin of adultery. He went so far as to have one of his valiant men killed (see 2 Sam 1112). His soul and body suffered immense pain until he confessed to the Lord. His words in Psalm 32 and 51 attest to his guilt when he tried to hide his crimes, as well as his deep relief upon confessing and receiving forgiveness. David exclaims, "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered" (Psa 32:1).

Today, is not the person who admits wrongdoing before they are caught is usually given more leniency than those who tried to hide their sin and caught? The saying, "the cover-up is often worse than the crime" is true.

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God’s Word for Today

1 Aug, 2025

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

-Prov 28:11 ESV

RICHES CAN DECEIVE US

It is not because one is wealthy that he is correct in any particular way of life. Wealth can be spiritually blinding in part because it tempts us towards self-reliance. At one time, Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 19:23) Those who obtain material wealth should not assume their success is entirely their own. God's arrangement of circumstances and the choices of others matter, as well (Job 1:21).

The diligent person is more likely to achieve success in life. (Prov 10:4; 12:11; 28:19). However, it also recognizes that life is greatly influenced by factors outside our control (Proverbs 16:9; 27:1). A poor person who relies on godly wisdom may overtake the arrogant person who thinks riches imply intelligence.

Lest we would be proud, James cautions us by saying, "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."[ Jas 1:16–17 ] Self-reliance or arrogance was the fault Jesus found in the church at Laodicea. Because they were rich materially, they assumed they needed nothing. However, Jesus referred to that church as pitiful and in great danger. Jesus was ready to symbolically spit the church out of his mouth (Rev 3:14–22). Possessing wealth doesn't make a person wise. Riches may blind him from acquiring true wisdom. A poor person who trusts God could be a wise person. And he sees through the rich person's boast.

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God’s Word for Today

31 Jul, 2025

10 Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way

will fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

-Prov 28:10 ESV

THE BLAMELESS HAVE A GOODLY INHERITANCE

History reveals the way sin spreads through temptation, eventually leading a culture to dire consequences (Prov 16:29; Jas 1:13–15). Convincing others to join in immorality seems like freedom at first, but it ends in negative results, even destruction. (Prov 24:21–22; 26:27).

The Bible is filled with examples of unrighteous people dragging society away from God and into sin. Potiphar's wicked wife tried unsuccessfully to seduce Joseph (Gen 39:7–10). Queen Jezebel introduced Baal worship into Israel and successfully lured her husband and his nation away from the worship of Jehovah (1 Kings 16:30–33; 21:25). Wicked kings such as Manasseh (2 Kings 21:9–12) did the same. Absalom, David's son, triggered a bloody civil war against his father (2 Sam 15:12–14).

The New Testament warns about false teachers who would lead believers away from truth. Paul warned the Galatian churches about such men. He writes in Galatians 1:7–8: "There are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed."

This proverb speaks of judgment for the enticers but reward for those who resist (1 Corinthians 10:13). The word translated "blameless" here comes from a term implying someone with a clear reputation for morality (Gen 6:9; Psa 15:2; Prov 2:21; 11:20; 28:18). In such contexts, a person is "blameless" when they cannot be credibly accused by others: they are not perfectly sinless, but they are clearly obedient to God. Proverbs 1:10 is clear: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent."

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Text: Proverbs 28:9 (ESV)

9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,

even his prayer is an abomination.

PRAYER AND THE LAW

One of the more common wrong view of God is that He is as a vending machine, or a genie. They will ignore His laws and commands but He is still expected to hear and grant their prayer requests. God despises this attitude, both when attached to prayer and to sacrifice. “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.” (Prov 15:8,9).

The term used for His reaction comes from the Hebrew word which implies deep disgust and loathing. When someone has no concern for God's will, or obedience, or repentance, their attempts to "play religious" are met with the equivalent of divine nausea. Even a "good deed" is a sin when it's done out of insincere motives.

God is sovereign. He has the right to respond to anyone's prayer in any way He chooses. He may respond to an appeal from a non-believer as a means of calling or His working for them to faith. However, those who reject God have no valid reason to expect positive answers to their prayers. Scripture makes it clear that sin and disbelief are barriers to His cooperation.[Isa 59:2] The psalmist understood that sin builds a barrier between prayer and a positive response from God. Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." The man born blind who was healed by Jesus told the Pharisees, "We know that God does not listen to sinners" (John 9:31).

Jesus strongly denounced the Pharisees because of their hypocrisy. He told the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector. Both entered the temple to pray. The tax collector who humbly admitted he was a sinner and asked God to be merciful to him went home justified by God. But, the self-righteous Pharisee who saw others as sinful but himself as righteous was not heard by God. (see Luke 18:9–14).

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Text: Proverbs 28:8 (ESV)

8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit

gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

BEWARE OF USURY

Under the Mosaic law, the Israelites were forbidden to charge their fellow countrymen with usury on money, food, or anything else (see Lev 25:36–37). Usurious practices are wrong, even sinful. Loans were intended to help the poor. It is not to exploit them so the lender can become rich. This warning echoes God’s view that earthly wealth is temporary (Prov 23:4–5; Jas 4:13–14; Luke 12:16–21). A greedy person can hoard wealth, but that wealth does not follow them to the afterlife.

Ill-gotten wealth through usury will ultimately pass into the hands of someone who is generous to the poor. Justice will overcome injustice eventually. In Jesus' day, tax collectors, or "publicans," were notorious offenders of usury. They are tasked to collect taxes for the Romans who occupied Israel around the time of the Gospels. The Romans allowed the collectors to add additional charges, as payment to the collectors. Many abused this privilege to line their own pockets. Their reputation was so horrendous that being a tax collector was as offensive as being a prostitute.

One of those was Zacchaeus. He believed inJesus and became a faithful follower. To compensate victims of his prior sins of usury, he was willing to give half of his wealth to the poor and to give back four times what he had taken unfairly (Luke 19:8). His generosity was his resolve to prove he was sincere in his faith.

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