It is hard for me to read Proverbs and not think about politics. There are so many proverbs about rulers, the law, justice, the poor, etc. These proverbs remind us of our need for God to work in our world, but also lead us to serve Him in His war against injustice. We must fight injustice in our own hearts, and also when we see it taking shape in the powerful institutions of the world.
I read Proverbs 27-29 last night. One verse that stuck out to me was:
“He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest
amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
America was founded with knowledge of how corrupt rulers can become, and the oppression that they can wield on their subjects. The founders did their best to guard against such oppression by giving the citizens power over the government, and limiting everyone’s power through a contract known as the Constitution.
But oppressors are always looking for ways to gain more power, and our government is growing in the power it wields over us. It does this in the name of good things: helping the poor, providing health care for all, fixing the economy. But in reality, the government is amassing wealth for its own purposes, and its corruption will inevitable lead to more suffering for the poor.
But this proverb provides hope: the corrupt government will eventually pass away. Its wealth and power will be given back to the people. The new government will be kind to the poor by giving them freedom and opportunity, rather than crippling them through broken promises of entitlement.
Richard Venable
Well written! Part of the problem stems from the twisted idea of entitlement that many people have.
And ultimately, all governments will pass away and the benevolent theocracy of Jesus Christ will reign! Until then we must stand for justice.