v. 1 The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as lions.
The wicked are so easily deceived, fear is their first response/comes second nature to them. The righteous trust in God therefore are bold as he is - “Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David has triumphed!” (Rev. 5:5) Therefore we are bold and fully confident as he is!
v. 2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
Rebelliousness is a sign of rampant lawlessness. Where there are rebels there are many forces vying to rule. But a servant of God, one chosen by God to shepherd who has been given discernment and knowledge maintain order despite these forces thanks to the wisdom of God.
v. 3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crop.
A person in authority who dishonors the poor destroys the future harvest. Only the master gardener knows what lies in and can resurrect that harvest.
v. 4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
Lack of knowledge leads to encouraging the wicked, those who heed knowledge resist the wicked.
v. 5 Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.
Evil activity blocks the path to understanding. Seeking the Lord are granted complete, unbroken understanding. You want wisdom, understanding - seek God, the ultimate unveiler.
v. 6 Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
My God he is a defender of the poor who trust in him rather than those who are rich in the world economy yet far from our King and ruler.
v. 7 A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
One whose hope and identity is wrapped up in his relationship to his father listens to his father and obeys including in his choice of companions. Fathers are saddened to see their children disobediently indulge the company of people who are greedy for the riches of this world.
v. 8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
Our Father and God has a great plan. The one who appears to steal from the poor is cooperating with God to be stolen from that what he has will be returned to the poor.
Be kind to the poor and honor God.
v. 9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
Don’t pray to me if you refuse to listen to me.
v. 10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance
Lead others astray and you too will be led to the destruction of your own making, but those who desire to show others the way of righteousness will receive the true riches of God.
v. 11 The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
Gaining riches of the world blinds people to true wisdom - all they see is the wisdom they have created. Poor in the world system of prestige, pride and power allows people to see clearly even the delusion of peers.
v. 12 When the righteous triumph there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
People are happy about Godly servants chosen to lead who win. But people fear and operate in stealth when those who disdain God and his ways are given authority.
v. 13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Confess your sin and find the hand of God, full of mercy, beckoning you home to him where he may lift the weight of it.
v. 14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
Never be too spiritual you forget that God deserves our complete reverence even to the point of forever and always trembling before him. Refusing to tremble even if just for a moment will result in trouble even if just for a moment.
v. 15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people
People in positions of authority who despise God and his ways are bent on destroying those they are given charge to protect.
v. 16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
Unrestrained power results in abuses of power, but one who hates boundlessness will be enjoy (not simply experience) longevity in leading.
v. 17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back.
Murder someone and see how guilt ensnares and murders you. Ask Judas. Do not stand in their way.
v. 18 One whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.
God grants protection to those who seek him and walk uprightly. Do not seek him or walk uprightly and see how far you will surely fall.
v. 19 Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
Work the sphere of spiritual, physical, financial and relational influence you have (not wish you had) and watch the harvest God provides. Chase after illusions and what is or could be and see how much will be taken from you.
v. 20 A faithful person will be richly blessed but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished
Be a person of your word and watch how God will reward you with himself. But chasing money is a crime that will meet its due punishment.
v. 21 To show partiality is not good, yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.
Favoring one person over the other is not Godly or God-like. But our momentary and insignificant desires of our flesh can lead a person to act in an unGodly manner by showing partiality.
v. 22 The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.
Be not generous with your relational, financial, time, spiritual and physical resources and watch how they are taken from you.
v. 23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
Tell the truth about wrongdoing and watch how God honors you. Try and flatter someone from selfish ambition and watch how honor leaves you.
v. 24 Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys.
Take stealthily from the people who raised you and watch how destruction marries you.
v. 25 The greedy stir up conflict but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.
Trust in God = prosperity
v.26 Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Trust in your knowledge and your resources (physical, relational, spiritual) and see how foolish your life looks, but walk with God in his infinite wisdom and he will keep you safe - wisdom doesn't have the power to protect you, only God does!
v.27 Those who give to the poor lack nothing.
Want to never have need? GIve to those who have less spiritually, physically, financially, intellectually and relationally.
v.28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish the righteous thrive.
People, their gifts, desires, dreams and ambitions are veiled under unGodly leadership. When unGodly leaders are removed the people who seek and honor God flourish willingly unveiling their gifts, talents and abilities.
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