The Grands Letter (Prov/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on June 29, 2022 6:12 am (CST)Dear Grands,
Proverbs 14:30-34, “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion is rottenness to the bones.
31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.
32 The wicked is thrust down by his wrongdoing, but the righteous has a refuge when he dies.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, but in the hearts of fools it is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
The entirety of this Proverb is loaded with contrasting situations. “A tranquil heart,” in verse 30, for example, reposes in bold contrast to “rottenness.” Further, the concept of “honor” challenges “oppression” in verse 31.
Throughout these few verses we find things that are right contrasted with things that are wrong. We have to admit that we are like Solomon, who knew explicitly what was right, but often took the wrong path in his own life.
Notice carefully, too, that the contrasts measure individuals until we come to verse 34. Then righteousness is the active concept that uplifts the nation as a whole, while it is sin that brings down the avalanche of disgrace upon any nation and its people.
While much of our daily news cannot be trusted; the Word of the LORD knows only truth.
Scriptural truth in the heart of a nation results in the flow of morality throughout the corridors of government. It’s easy to spot the wrong in elected leaders, but seldom do we acknowledge that it is “we the people” who have elected them.
When we become within ourselves that which pleases the LORD, we will suddenly discover that those who represent us in government are making choices that align with what our nation needs. For “wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding”; and the Head from which wisdom issues forth is ultimately from God.
All that being said, when “we the people” demand and get “term limits” for Congress, we will suddenly discover that there are scores of citizens whose lives link closely with the LORD, and will find they can serve our nation well, as they serve our Blessed Jesus. Let’s start praying on that 50-Yard Line!
Heartily in Christ Jesus,
(Dado III)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America
“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom