Last Friday afternoon, I was on my way to Floor and Decor to look at some samples for the necessary repair of our bathrooms—all damaged from hurricane Helene. I got as far as Tyrone Boulevard and 66th Street when the traffic in front of me came to a complete stop. The crosswalks were strategically filled with a parade of people, so no vehicles could turn left or right. The traffic was blocked as I sat through four cycles of the traffic lights before I could get close enough to weave through the people and take an alternative route.
Many of the people protesting “No King Day” held US flags, as well as signs which contained profane, foul, and hate-filled messages. I was astounded by the outrageous outward expression of inward hatred. Can you visualize the Lord standing on the side of the road screaming profanities, holding signs with profane and hateful messages, or using hand gestures to get human beings’ attention to implement change? No, because God does not hate people or his creation, he hates sin. This protest before me [in this location] was clearly about the hatred of a person—the 47th president of the United States.
I would love to see a great deal of change in this world—in this nation—but if we want change we need to humble ourselves before the Hand of Almighty God, plead for mercy, and ask for the Lord to heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Solomon teaches the best rulers choose Wisdom and operate in righteousness (Prov 8:15-16). Only through Wisdom will a change come that brings a righteous result.
In our passage today from Solomon, we learn Wisdom brings good judgment. The fear of the Lord [Heb. yirah meaning awe, fear, worship] is the beginning of Wisdom—it leads people toward humility and away from pride. We listen to God when we have a proper attitude about the One who’s really in control. Wisdom never leads a person to speak in ways that harm others or bends the truth. Foolish people speak foolish words; the Truth about what’s actually in a person’s heart eventually comes out.
As a covenant people, we have a choice each day. We can choose to trust and apply God’s Wisdom. As well, we can choose to pray about the things we cannot change and be governed by love to change the things we can. Lawlessness—a refusal to submit to God’s rule or government—will never be divinely instigated. Yet, Jesus warned us about an increase in lawlessness as a sign of the end times where love will grow cold (Mat 24:12). Lawlessness is the work of evil. Reach for Wisdom and Pray for this nation.
Proverbs 8:4-21 NLT
4
“I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
5
You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.
6
Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right,
7
for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
8
My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
9
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
10
Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.
12
“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
13
All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
14
Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.
15
Because of me, kings reign,
and rulers make just decrees.
16
Rulers lead with my help,
and nobles make righteous judgments.
17
“I love all who love me.
Those who search will surely find me.
18
I have riches and honor,
as well as enduring wealth and justice.
19
My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,
my wages better than sterling silver!
20
I walk in righteousness,
in paths of justice.
21
Those who love me inherit wealth.
I will fill their treasuries.
Prayer: Lord, we pray for this nation and people. Help us to focus our eyes upon you and keep loving and serving others. We pray for your righteousness to overtake lawlessness; for your love to overtake hate. May the Wisdom of Christ rule in the hearts of believers and keep our words kind and constructive for the change we seek. We want you to be glorified, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.