A Wicked Ruler - Proverbs 28:15

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “happy is the man that fears always: but he that hardens his heart shall fall into mischief”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse fifteen of Proverbs Solomon shared how a “wicked ruler” is like, “a roaring lion, and a ranging bear” where we read,

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear;

so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

The verse begins, “As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear;” Solomon began with the words, “as a roaring lion” or “similar and in likeness to a groaning and growling young lion with a mane”, “and a ranging bear” which means “and a roving, rushing, eager and thirsty bear”. Solomon said the following is similar to a growling young lion and a roving and eager bear.

The verse continues, “so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.” Solomon added the words, “so is a wicked ruler” or “even, also and indeed exists a criminal, guilty of crime and evil reigning governor or leader who is hostile to God” “over the poor people” which means “above the weak and helpless people group”. Solomon said an evil and hostile to God leader in authority over a helpless people group is similar to a “roaring lion” and “a ranging bear”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how evil authorities over people groups are similar to growling young lions and roving bears. God knows how difficult it is for people to live under oppressive “rulers”, and He wants them to relate to Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and accompany us even if we have to endure the “roaring” and “ranging” attitudes of authorities who rule over us. 

Next time Solomon says, “the prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".