In our previous
reflection, we realize how needful it is for us to live life discerningly. It’s
because there are all sorts of characters in the community that seek to
influence us. Some will inspire us to build a great life, others will induce us
into a life beneath the dignity that we are made for by God. Today, in Proverbs
29:14-18, we continue with that conversation on living discerningly by looking
at four other sets of traits. Like the earlier verses, each has a set that
contrasts the other and it will do us well to emulate the positive one and
discard what’s negative.
Proverbs 28:14 shows us the impact of one who learns
to tread cautiously as opposed to one who hardens his heart and is careless. The
word fear is not talking so much about showing reverence to God as much as
being restrained by a sense of not wanting to fail in times of temptation. When
one has that sort of cautiousness, he is readier to resist any temptation he
encounters. On the other hand, a person with a hardened heart will fall for
evil. He sneers at the need to be cautious. Being so cocksure and proud, he has
scan regard for God. And in so doing he spurns the grace of God. Bear in mind
that we are not just saved by grace but are also sustained by grave. Because he
is unprepared, he will fall into calamity.
Proverbs 28:15-16 show us two kinds of rulers, the merciless
one and the kindhearted and considerate one. While these refer to people in governmental
authority, we can apply it to people in other kinds of leadership. The
merciless one is likened to a roaring lion or a voracious bear on a hunt for
victims. The lion roars to petrify a victim before it devours the prey. The
bear is not only crafty but also ferocious in its hunt for food. Lacking mercy,
the cruel leader is impervious to his followers’ sufferings. He shows no mercy because
his heart is hardened. People who are oppressed by him will live with intimidation
and are suppressed. Being a tyrant, he shows a lack of understanding for people
with real needs and he doesn’t care that his people are oppressed. On the other
hand, a compassionate leader shows mercy. The people respect him and he will be
rewarded with a life that’s both long and secure.
Proverbs 28:17 shows us a person who is guilty
of taking a life. He will definitely be worse than one who is not blood-guilty.
The former will be plagued by guilt for the murder or by the fear that the authority
will soon catch up with him. He will find no support from people around him. People
who commit murder are not the regular kind, but what is common are people who assassinate
and destroy others’ characters. Just like the murderer, such a person who assassinates
the character of other will have to struggle with his guilt-ridden conscience.
No one should be found supporting such people. In essence we are urged to be
people who are law-abiding and we will not be stricken by a guilty conscience.
Proverbs 29:18 contrasts between one who walks
blamelessly and one who is guilty of wickedness. The one who walks blamelessly
will be saved from both physical and spiritual calamities which will be the
portion of the wicked. Being upfront and honest in character, the blameless will
not waver and shillyshally between right and wrong. He does not live a hypocritical
life. Unlike the wicked who will have to face an unanticipated disaster all at
once. Remember we have only one earthly life to live. We must do our best to be
our best. Don’t be led astray by emulating the wrong models. Seek to be
discerning and emulate the right model and live our life with and for God.
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