It used to be that you could call the United States a Christian country. But though there are many people that still claim to believe in God and even claim to be Christians, I doubt you could say that anymore. We really haven’t been able to say that for some time.
It does seem, however, that things are even worse than ever.
Solomon lived in a time when things were much better. But he could look at other countries, and see the evil that was there.
He talks about anarchist societies (28:2), and societies ruled by tyrannical rulers who do evil, and care nothing for justice, nor for their people (28:3, 12, 15-16, 28; 29:2, 4,12).
The States and Japan are not quite as bad as other countries in that sense, but we do see people in government who are more interested in their positions than in serving the people.
And we see lawmakers taking our society off moral cliffs that we’ve never been over before. (Though more so in the United States. Japan is still fairly conservative in a lot of ways).
But Solomon also talks about the evil within society itself. Of those who have rejected God’s laws and praising those who do the same (Proverbs 28:5).
Of those who because they have rejected God’s law, are now are a law unto themselves, and as a result have become morally corrupt (5).
And of those who will rise up against those who are righteous (Proverbs 29:10).
How do we live in that kind of society? Solomon tells us:
Stay the course. Keep following after God.
Solomon writes,
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. (Proverbs 28:14)
It’s easy to become callous when surrounded by the evil that we see. To have our love grow cold, as Jesus once put it (Matthew 24:12). Love for God, and love for others.
But don’t let that happen. Keep on fearing the Lord, with a heart that’s softened toward him.
For as Solomon also writes,
If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable. (Proverbs 28:9)
And again,
He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall. (28:18)
So continue to resist what is evil (28:4), continue to work hard (28:19), continue to be faithful in all you do (28:20), and continue to be generous to those around you (28:27).
When you fall, be quick to repent (28:13).
And teach your children to do the same (29:15, 29:17).
Though everyone else casts off restraint, hold on to the ways of God (29:18).
And most of all, continue to trust God.
Solomon writes,
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. (Proverbs 28:26).
And again,
Fear of man will prove to be snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25)
As God once commanded Jeremiah, so he commands us.
“Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.
I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 15:19-20)
How about you? Are you becoming like those around you?
Or are you being a light in the midst of all the evil in which we live?
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 