When I read Proverbs 1, I can’t help but consider leaders who have been warned and corrected by those they rule over (like authoritarians instead of serving the public). I’m reminded of those people who refuse to listen to input and advice from the people who actually “know” and “do” everything. These types of foolish leaders usually have an agenda or a bribe that is influencing them to make foolish decisions only based on that single agenda rather than considering all of the important factors and impacts of their decisions.
So when we see leaders who will not listen, who are driven by a personal agenda, who are bought by bribes, who do not serve the public, and who have no fear of God, we should realize that calamity will come for them.
Proverbs 1:23-33 NLT
Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you— when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you. “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”
And we should consider this same warning for ourselves. Do we truly listen and consider information and advice from those we lead, and do we seek what God has to say to us?
Thank you Lord for wisdom. Thank you that we do not have to gain it just by making the mistakes ourselves and figuring it out, but we can listen to the wisdom that is gathered in your Word, and that we can seek you out for wisdom in prayer and fasting. Thank you for your gentle correction when we have been foolish and your mercy to forgive us as we repent. For your glory and honor, surround us with a hedge of protection so that we might be voice of light crying out into the darkness, “Listen to wisdom. Repent, Turn away from your foolishness, and return to the Lord.” so that many ships will avoid shipwreck but instead be saved. Amen.
Harold J. Ballinger 