In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Whoso loves wisdom rejoices his father: but he that keeps company with harlots spends his substance”, and in chapter twenty-nine and verse four of Proverbs Solomon said, “the king by judgment establishes the land” where we read,
The king by judgment establishes the land,
but he that receives gifts overthrows it.
The verse begins, “The king by judgment establishes the land, ...” Solomon began with the words, “the king” or “the royal ruler and leader” “by judgment” which means “through the means of justice, ordinance, procedure and litigation” “establishes the land” or “makes the country, territory, district and region stand, remain and endure”. Solomon said the royal ruler through the means of justice and litigation causes the country and territory to remain and endure.
The verse goes on to say, “... but he that receives gifts overthrows it.” Solomon continued with the words, “but he that receives gifts” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover he, the person whether male or female, who accepts offerings, contributions, tribute and bribes” “overthrows it” which means “tears, breaks and pulls down the land”. Solomon said the person who accepts bribes will break down the country and territory that has been established.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how a royal ruler makes his country remain by justice and procedure, however, the leader who accepts bribes will tear down their territory. God wants us to be people of integrity, especially when we are a ruling authority. God knows everyone has sin, (See Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. (See Romans 6:23) He sent Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us the value of justice for ruling and how to avoid taking bribes that destroy our place of authority.
Next time Solomon shares about, “a man that flatters his neighbor”, 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".
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