"The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days." - Pro_28:16
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Can the book of Proverbs help us understand todays headlines? Let's take a look -- beginning with this weeks text.
We are given two characteristics of an "oppressive prince".
Lack of understanding is clearly mentioned, but it is interestingly linked with being covetous as well (by implication).
Greed, a lack of wisdom, and power are not a good combination .... we are comforted by being told that the owners of such, shall not prolong their days!
"Understanding" is the word "Tabun" - derived from the word "bene". It is a word that is distinct and seperate from "wisdom" in the Word from a langauge perspective, but very simiar in concept --- here's, a good example...
"The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens." - Prov 3:19
Similar, but different. In fact, in the book of Proverbs, we have separate words for wisdom, understanding, knowledge, instruction, learning, discretion, counsel etc. ... but WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING are like two sides of a coin.
"Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." - Prov 4:5-7
And how do we get it ?
"For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." - Prov 2:6
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." - Prov 9:10
THAT is what an oppressive prince lacks. A fear of the LORD, and a knowledge of His Holiness. No prince that has these qualities can be an oppressor !
Here's some advice and comfort for us :
" Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways." - Prov 3:31
(May we also suggest - don't fawn, gush praises about, or fear them !)
Here's another one...
"The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD." - Prov 21:31
An army might be the most prepared and equipped force on the planet, but the outcome of any conflict is by no means a shoo-in for the greatest and strongest force.... there is someone that also has an interest in the outcome..... trust Him, and pray for the safety of those in the conflict zone.
Lastly, do not wage war without considering all the consequences... here, the role of wise counsellors is important!!
Pro_20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
Pro_24:6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Wars today are not won by boots and bullets.... it is a battle for hearts and minds. The world is slowly moving (thanks to all the digital transparency) to becoming an integrated, inter-dependent state of loosely federated societies that share common values and goals.
In such a world, armed aggression is anachronistic, and war itself, largely self defeating. Perhaps, war would not even exist, but for the existence of a arms ecosystem that needs "consumers" to survive.
It is a serious business, a last resort, and should not be undertaken on the whims and fancies of a single individual. Even waging it, requires skill and wisdom in coordinating strategy, tactics, weapons, logistics (food, fuel, medical supplies) and morale.
Here is the dictators Achilles heel. No counselor to a dictator dares say no. (We have examples galore in the Word). Well, so much for hoping for wise counsel then...!!! .... and good luck attracting smart people to your cause!!!
The prince's lack of understanding leads to his/her downfall.
Hallelujah!!