Proverbs 29:14 (Peasants’ Revolt)

ONE “INSTRUCTIVE PROVERB A DAY”
TITLE: Peasants’ Revolt
Text: Read Proverbs 29:14
Date: 1 June 2012
Written by: Conrade Yap

If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure. (Proverbs 29:14, NIV)

In 1381, Europe experienced one of the most talked about revolt by the common people against the ruling government. After years of submission to authority, and the increasing hardship imposed on the people through harsh taxes, the people decided that enough is enough. The working classes had been taken for granted. An inexperienced king, with a corrupt government are ingredients for a revolt. People came together to fight back against the unjust treatment. Groups gathered to invade the Tower of London. Although it was eventually put down, the revolt marked the beginning of the end of feudalism.

The proverb today is a reminder to kings to treat their subjects fairly. It reminds leaders not to take the people for granted. Otherwise, the throne will never be secure. Christians are called to an even higher purpose. They will lead well regardless of thrones or titles.

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Thought: “Go to the people. Learn from them. Live with them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. The best of leaders when the job is done, when the task is accomplished, the people will say we have done it ourselves.” (Lao Tzu)

Time for Reflection: When a ruler governs well, who will want to change him?

conrade

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This “Instructive Proverb A Day” meditation is sent to you from Theology@Work, a ministry that helps apply theology in our daily lives, and seeks to inculcate, faith, hope and love in our heads, hearts and hands. If you find this meditation helpful, forward it to friends or encourage them to subscribe here. You can contact me (conrade) at yapdates@aim.com.

Proverbs 29:13 (Born Equal)

ONE “INSTRUCTIVE PROVERB A DAY”
TITLE: Born Equal
Text: Read Proverbs 29:13
Date: 31 May 2012
Written by: Conrade Yap

The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both. (Proverbs 29:13, NIV)

We are born equal. This verse reminds us that we have more in common that we often think. It is God who gives us sight. It is God who creates us. It is God who provides for us. Sometimes, when we argue with people, and claims that the world is unfair, it is good to be reminded that we are all born equal.

The proverb teaches us today that whether one is poor or rich, victim or oppressor, we all have one heart, one head, two hands, two eyes, and so on. Our physical bodies and abilities are not to be taken for granted. Health is something that money cannot buy. All of us are given that gift. Even though exceptions do happen, we are reminded that for the most part, we are born equal.

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Thought: “All men are created equal, it is only men themselves who place themselves above equality.” (David Allan Coe)

Time for Reflection: When one is healthy, one is richer than a millionaire.

conrade

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This “Instructive Proverb A Day” meditation is sent to you from Theology@Work, a ministry that helps apply theology in our daily lives, and seeks to inculcate, faith, hope and love in our heads, hearts and hands. If you find this meditation helpful, forward it to friends or encourage them to subscribe here. You can contact me (conrade) at yapdates@aim.com.

Proverbs 29:12 (Lies That Run Deep)

ONE “INSTRUCTIVE PROVERB A DAY”
TITLE: Lies That Run Deep
Text: Read Proverbs 29:12
Date: 30 May 2012
Written by: Conrade Yap

If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. (Proverbs 29:12, NIV)

King Solomon seeks God and asks for wisdom. God in His good pleasure grants Solomon his wish. That is because the request is honourable, and that Solomon is desiring to bless his people by governing well. Being able to govern well also means the ability to listen properly. Unfortunately for Solomon, although he begins well, he ends poorly. He lives a life of pleasure. He has more than 300 female companions. One of the reasons why he fell is because he gets distracted. Most of all, he loses sight of God’s will for his life.

When a ruler listens to ill advice, especially lies, there is no incentive for subordinates to be honest. After all, if the king chooses to believe lies more than truth, after a time, people will make up lies simply because their king will believe lies. Such lies run deep and destroys the nation. Eventually.

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Thought: “When you stretch the truth, watch out for the snapback.” (Bill Copeland)

Time for Reflection: Lying does not pay. Leaders need to demonstrate that.

conrade

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This “Instructive Proverb A Day” meditation is sent to you from Theology@Work, a ministry that helps apply theology in our daily lives, and seeks to inculcate, faith, hope and love in our heads, hearts and hands. If you find this meditation helpful, forward it to friends or encourage them to subscribe here. You can contact me (conrade) at yapdates@aim.com.

Proverbs 29:11 (Self-Control)

ONE “INSTRUCTIVE PROVERB A DAY”
TITLE: Self-Control
Text: Read Proverbs 29:11
Date: 29 May 2012
Written by: Conrade Yap

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (Proverbs 29:11, NIV)

Today’s proverb marks the difference between a foolish man and a wise man. Self-Control. Once, a driver of an SUV were traveling on the express lane of a 3-lane highway. A car on the next lane happened to cut into the path of the SUV. The man was really irritated. He flashed at the offending vehicle in front of him. He tried to tailgate. He sounded his horn continuously. Angrily, he overtook the car in front, showed his middle finger, screamed at the driver, and sped up. A while later, I saw a policeman pull him over.

It is plain silly to allow our anger to dominate our heads. When tempers flare, it is so easy to do silly things, just like the angry SUV driver. Self-control is a virtue that keeps our heads cool and calm. There is no need to let ourselves be distracted by small things that do not matter. Cool, calm, and self-control readies us to look at the bigger picture. More importantly, it keeps our vision ready to see God’s big picture.

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Thought: “Discipline weighs ounces, regret weighs tons.” (Unknown)

Time for Reflection: Don’t do things that you will regret.

conrade

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This “Instructive Proverb A Day” meditation is sent to you from Theology@Work, a ministry that helps apply theology in our daily lives, and seeks to inculcate, faith, hope and love in our heads, hearts and hands. If you find this meditation helpful, forward it to friends or encourage them to subscribe here. You can contact me (conrade) at yapdates@aim.com.

Proverbs 29:10 (Persecuting the Righteous)

ONE “INSTRUCTIVE PROVERB A DAY”
TITLE: Persecuting the Righteous
Text: Read Proverbs 29:10
Date: 28 May 2012
Written by: Conrade Yap

Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright. (Proverbs 29:10, NIV)

Evil hates good. This is the perennial battle between good and evil in which evil almost always launches the first assault. Think about it. Will good initiate evil? No. Evil by nature will make the first evil move. The proverb today reminds us of this truth. When evil reigns, people of integrity need to watch out. Persecution is a matter of when, not why.

What then can the man of righteousness do? I think of Jesus. Knowing that evil people are going to arrest him, persecute, and crucify him at the cross, He makes it a point to maintain his course in sticking to His Heavenly Father’s plan and will. He has a higher purpose. The persecution is just a part of the plan, not because God initiated it, but because God allowed it. The weapon against hate is love.

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Thought: “Consider then, O man! whether there can be anything more wretched and poor, more naked and miserable, than man when he dies, if he be not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, and enriched in his God.” (Johann Arntt)

Time for Reflection: We are often tempted to take revenge. Perhaps, the more important thing to do is not to get even, but get God’s will in place.

conrade

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This “Instructive Proverb A Day” meditation is sent to you from Theology@Work, a ministry that helps apply theology in our daily lives, and seeks to inculcate, faith, hope and love in our heads, hearts and hands. If you find this meditation helpful, forward it to friends or encourage them to subscribe here. You can contact me (conrade) at yapdates@aim.com.

Proverbs 29:9 (Going to Court with the Foolish)

ONE “INSTRUCTIVE PROVERB A DAY”
TITLE: Going to Court with the Foolish
Text: Read Proverbs 29:9
Date: 27 May 2012
Written by: Conrade Yap

If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. (Proverbs 29:9, NIV)

How does one deal with the foolish? Hard. It is hard to get them to be rational. Their language is more huff and puffed based on stubborn pride, rather than good solid arguments based on reasonable evidence. The proverb warns us that if the wise goes to court with such a person, there is no peace. Worse, even if the judge rules in the favour of the wise man, the foolish may still not let it go so easily.

There is no peace. Pray that we will not run into the path of a foolish man. If we do run into them, pray that we have the wisdom to avoid, or to engage. Whatever it is, we have been warned. Perhaps, to even think of going to the courts is already troubling.

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Thought: “The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes)

Time for Reflection: Sometimes, wisdom directs us not to fight for our rights first, but to bear the burdens of responsibilities.

conrade

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This “Instructive Proverb A Day” meditation is sent to you from Theology@Work, a ministry that helps apply theology in our daily lives, and seeks to inculcate, faith, hope and love in our heads, hearts and hands. If you find this meditation helpful, forward it to friends or encourage them to subscribe here. You can contact me (conrade) at yapdates@aim.com.

Proverbs 29:8 (Mob Stirrers)

ONE “INSTRUCTIVE PROVERB A DAY”
TITLE: Mob Stirrers
Text: Read Proverbs 29:8
Date: 26 May 2012
Written by: Conrade Yap

Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger. (Proverbs 29:8, NIV)

One of the most embarrassing moments in the history of Vancouver is the Stanley Cup riots of 2011. After the beloved home team lost in the final game of the coveted Ice hockey tournament, many unhappy people turn their frustrations into widespread rioting. Amid the group of largely peace-loving people were some instigators, bad spirited folks who try to stir up emotions against anything that they deem ‘unfair.’ They allow the hockey game loss to become a spark to light up their fuse of unhappiness. About everything.

While there were those who were out to create trouble, there are also heroes who risk their own lives to protect people and property. In places where the police are largely absent, they stepped in, even at the risk of getting hurt. The wise will not only rely on their brawn and boldness. They will take the time to calm people down by speaking apt words of rationale.

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Thought: “Those who are at war with others are not at peace with themselves.” (William Hazlett)

Time for Reflection: Learning to accept success and failure graciously is a mark of maturity.

conrade

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This “Instructive Proverb A Day” meditation is sent to you from Theology@Work, a ministry that helps apply theology in our daily lives, and seeks to inculcate, faith, hope and love in our heads, hearts and hands. If you find this meditation helpful, forward it to friends or encourage them to subscribe here. You can contact me (conrade) at yapdates@aim.com.