Walking in Wisdom: Proverbs 28

Proverbs 28 Devotional Study with Pastor Jason Van Bemmel Forest Hill Presbyterian Church www.foresthillpca.org Proverbs 28 discusses the societal implications of righteousness, justice, and following God's word. It contrasts the behavior of the righteous and the wicked, highlighting how they treat the poor, and how their actions impact their own lives and the lives of others. Good rulers care about justice and the poor, while wicked rulers are a curse and are not mourned when they die. The chapter emphasizes that it's better to be a poor person of integrity than a rich person who is crooked. The teaching explores the concept of "sowing to the flesh" versus "sowing to the spirit," noting that those who live selfishly and oppressively are often fearful, while those who trust God prioritize love and justice over self-interest. Exploiting others for personal gain, such as through interest and profit, is condemned. The call is to live a life of faith and love, doing good to as many people as possible, and to be generous, walk in integrity, and strive to live according to God's moral law. The teachings in Proverbs are practical ways to examine our lives to see if we are living in self-interest or seeking to be generous.