Proverbs 28:12

When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
    but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.  

Who would you rather have ruling over you? A good man or a wicked man? Obviously, we all would desire to see the righteous one over us. We can trust that ruler and we feel protected and cared for.

In Proverbs 28:12, the author reminds us that when the good man triumphs, there is “great glory.” Then, the people of God have a certain liberty—for free exercise of their religion, where they are not persecuted, and where they are allowed to conduct their lives in a meaningful and happy manner. How blessed Christians are in America to have enjoyed these blessings! We need to be ever grateful to the Lord for his goodness to us in these areas. Not all the world possesses these benefits that we have.

The contrast is not so pleasant. In the last part of this proverb, it is noted that good people hide themselves when the wicked rule. The beauty of a nation is often scarred when evil has its way. Corruptness often takes over and the liberties and happiness of good people are restricted. Fear becomes more pervasive.

Have you thanked the Lord for the liberties we enjoy to practice our faith without persecution or abuse from the rulers of our nation? Don’t wait until July 4th to be reminded of our religious freedoms.  

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Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By George McFarland. © 2024 Tenth Presbyterian Church. Website: tenth.org