Proverbs 29 reminds me how stubborn I am. While in college, I once wrestled in an Olympic-style tournament that uses a different set of rules. In my first match a guy was cranking on my shoulder in a way that is potentially dangerous (illegal in college). Rather than going with it, I would not yield. In the process, my shoulder was separated and my season was ended. This is a painful reminder of how Solomon begins today’s chapter, “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy“. We can resist instruction in wisdom but many times we will end up worse for wear. For some reason, I never take the easy way, but I have learned there is a huge benefit to listening to God’s truth. Listen to the winning strategy, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice… A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father… justice… stability… the righteous shout for joy and are glad“. He is clear that everything does not have to become a fight, “the wise turn away anger“. What about the alternative? He says, “the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace“. To be clear, the world around us often squirms because of our position, “The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity“. And they can be a bear, “Fools give full vent to their rage“. Notice, Solomon encourages us to stay under control, “the wise bring calm“.
He warns us to be careful about what team we join, “If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked“. He explains that God is above the struggle, “The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both“. He also seems to hint that the longer the contest continues, the more persuasion we need to change direction, “A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom“. You can’t start training too soon, “a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother“. The old coach knows what takes down most of us, “When the wicked thrive, so does sin“. He encourages parents if you give children a steady diet of God’s Word, “they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights“. What have you been filling up on?
He describes those that will not listen to godly instruction. “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint“, meaning they are easily dragged along and they often get reckless. After that, they “cannot be corrected by mere words“. Decisions become patterns and patterns become a lifestyle. He warns of someone “pampered from youth” because “Pride brings a person low… and a hot-tempered person commits many sins“. He adds, “Accomplices of thieves are their own enemies“. Without fear of God, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare“. My coach used to yell, “Look where you are!” any time we were close to out of bounds. So much effort is wasted and much stalling happens on the edge. Solomon has a bigger point; when time runs out, the match is over. He says, “Many seek an audience with a ruler“, but there is never an overtime. Have you been stubbornly ignoring God’s rebukes? Friend, you are way out of your weightclass. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Sometimes with all the crowd noise of life, we don’t stop to listen to the still small voice of God. Jesus offers us this hope, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Are you still too stubborn to yield? Friend, please, look where you are.