Warnings from Proverbs

Encouragers of Evil

Proverbs 28:10 “Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit: But the upright shall have good things in possession.”

The first part of this proverbs deals with people that are not just people that pursue wrong doing themselves, but they are people who encourage evil. Taking it just a bit further they are people that look for those trying to do right and encourage them to live wickedly.

You have likely heard the phrase, “Misery loves company.” Certainly those who commit evil want others to live wickedly too.

They Encourage Through Temptation

They Encourage through Intimidation

They Encourage through force

The second part of this proverbs though deals with the end result of their actions. “He shall fall himself into his own pit” He will face his own judgment for his sin. He will not advance himself and he will stand to account, not just for his own sin, but also for encouraging others to commit evil too.

Arrogance of Affluence

Proverbs 28:11 “The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.”

There are people that believe that because of their wealth, their influence, and their power that whatever they do or say is true and right. Of course, as children of God we know that this is a false narrative and yet, sometimes we tend to listen to affluent people despite their arrogance and despite their lack of knowledge, appreciation, and dedication to the Word of God.

Just because someone had wealth does not mean that we listen to them or that we follow him in his footsteps.

The proverbs continues as it speaks about those that have wisdom and understanding according to the Scriptures. They might be poor. They might not have a nice house. They may drive a simple car. They may live on very little, have clothes that are a bit worn, and pinch pennies, but the ones that know the Word of God and Apply it they will not just accept the words of the rich man, but will determine what is right and what is wrong for himself.

Rejoicing under Righteousness

Proverbs 28:12 “When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: But when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.”

Here we find that when righteous men are allowed to live so and encouraged to live so then there is rejoicing and happy times, but when wicked men come to power and discourage or even threaten those that live righteously then good men hide in the shadows afraid to speak of righteous things.

Concealer or Confessor

Proverbs 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

To prosper from a biblical perspective is different than our cultural understanding of prosper. When our culture talks about prosperity they refer to wealth, fame, fortune, and influence and power. When the Bible speaks of prosperity it speaks of wisdom, peace, and fulfillment.

The Word here tells us that prosperity is dependent upon confession of sin. Covering our sin is not wise and does not bring peace or fulfillment to our lives. Concealing our sin only brings misery, disappointment, discontentment, and destruction. Confessing our sin brings peace to our lives that cannot be explained. Confession of sin brings fulfillment to our lives. It is healthy, it is right, and it is necessary for us to prosper in life and fulfill the will of God for our lives.