Proverbs: Chapter 28

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Salient points:

• Here is the truth about the psychology of guilt (v.1). God's solution is confession and renunciation (v.13), not hardening one's heart (v.14). Then we are free; we can "sing and be happy" (29:6).
• In v.2, notice how responsibility is shared between the corrupt rulers and the system that produced him.
• Somes it is erroneously taught that God doesn't hear the prayers of non-Christians (e.g., from John 9:31). The biblical teaching is that God doesn't hear (honor, answer) the prayers of those who have no intention of listening to God's word or doing good (v.9). Otherwise God hears and may answer the prayers of his lost children (like Cornelius in Acts 10).
• Many well-to-do people take credit for being "self-made men" or "self-made women." But what do we have that we did not receive (1 Cor 4:7)? Even a poor man can see through the facade of status, prestige, and elitism (v.11).
• V.23 is another great verse on candid speech.
• Notice the theme so often repeated in Proverbs -- trust in self is foolish, trust in the Lord is wise (v.26).

Challenge:

• Remember: You're not that smart!
• There's no doubt that an increase in personal discipline will prove a blessing to our lives. Yet without continual counsel, encouragement, repentance, and personal honesty it is unlikely that our best disciplinary measures and moral fortifications will prevent the city of our soul from being overrun and its walls demolished (25:28).
• The challenge is similar to yesterday's -- but still much needed.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 29