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.REFLECTIONSWritten by Rodney ClarkeThere's an old saying: "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely." And as verse 11 states, "The rich are wise in their own eyes." This of course is a set up for a fall. When people serve their own ends, trouble ensues. God calls us to search out wisdom – that is, to be wise in Him. Sometimes righteous people hide in the face of wickedness, and sometimes they rejoice that a good person has been given authority and power, because then there is justice and freedom for all.It’s like the legend of Robin Hood – a story about a rich man who was wronged by greedy men hungry for power, but who ultimately became a champion of the poor and the downtrodden. He knew he was no better than anyone else. But he saw a need for justice that was also tempered with mercy.Confession is good for the soul. And so a wicked person who hides their sin is doomed (v 13). Seeking God's wisdom will serve you so much better than chasing after wealth. And it's much better to part with our sin. When we give it to God, he puts it behind us.Verse 15 comes back to how much damage a wicked ruler does. When there is a wise ruler in charge who is also just, it is better for all. Everyone prospers and is useful. And as we have seen in our current circumstances of COVID-19, money and riches can't save us. These are things that come and go, but God's love endures forever. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (v 14). Don’t harden your heart and fall into ruin, but rather become wise in Him.ABOUT THE AUTHORRodney is part of our Fairfield Morning Congregation.