“Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.”
Not long ago we watched cities in turmoil. There was a level of lawlessness not seen since the 60’s. People lived in fear to go to certain cities. In this verse Solomon is talking about those people who “set aside the laws of God and man”. We know that laws exist to protect individuals and society from chaos. As in much of Proverbs we see two very distinct kinds of people in this verse. Interestingly he frames each group by their relationship with “the wicked”. We have all known people who struggle with authority simply because they have are authority over them. They resist those who by whatever role the authority exists are responsible to maintain order and enforce the rules. It can be resistance to parents, school leaderships, law enforcement, boss at work or God, that’s right God. We are told in both the old and New Testament to obey the authorities in our life. As we resist that we are disobeying God’s command. We call that sin. I understand civil disobedience, it’s worthy of a different conversation. This verse focuses clearly on how we respond to the wicked by either joining them in rebellion and disobedience or aligning with Him. A side benefit to submitting is the amazing peace that comes with opposing wickedness and walking in the light of God’s truth. Today resist evil and walk hand in hand with God. #BeTheEdge
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NIV
