“By justice a king builds up the land,

  but he who exacts gifts tears it down.”

Proverbs 29:4 ESV

This proverb is directed toward leaders, and I think it is very applicable in the modern world. Note first the positive effect of justice. Justice is foundational to a functioning society. People appreciate having a sense of fairness. On the other hand, discontent – even rebellion – grows within the hearts of citizens when they perceive there to be a lack of justice in the land. That injustice may be the result of what appears to be a two-tiered justice system (i.e., “the system is rigged against the little guy”) or what appears to be a too harsh or too lenient justice system.

The second clause is the negative extension of the first. Here the king is under consideration, so modern day politicians would do well to pay attention. It seems to me that there is more at play here than simply receiving a gift. Should the king, for example, simply refuse birthday cards and gifts so as not to tear down his kingdom? It depends on whether those gifts influence the king toward injustice. In modern language we are talking about things like bribes, kickbacks, and payoffs that tilt the king’s favor toward one group, resulting in injustice toward another. This behavior also enriches the king on the backs of others.

Wise leaders demonstrate their wisdom by offering justice.

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;

  a stranger, and not your own lips.”

Proverbs 27:2 ESV

While the wording of this verse at first reading appears to be directed toward our mouths (mouth, lips), the underlying matter is one of the heart. The directive here isn’t “think as highly of yourself as you want, just don’t say it” because that goes against the tenor of Proverbs.

I’ve heard others say, “No one knows me like me.” While that may be true, the sinner’s lack of self awareness is sometimes astounding. And, I think that is what is going on in this verse. In other words, the warning is more than just control your mouth. It is really control your heart, and one way of demonstrating a humble heart is allowing others to praise you rather than yourself.

“Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless,

  is a proverb in the mouth of fools.”

Proverbs 26:7 ESV

This proverb resonates deeply with me due to a series of recent injuries, including a broken shoulder, 4 broken ribs, and a broken elbow … all on the same side. While my legs have not yet been rendered useless, in so many ways my right side seems useless. Because of the timing of my injury to my shoulder, then to my elbow, I do wonder how much function I will be able to recover. What has been my dominant side, the arm and hand that I once used to throw a baseball, stack boxes at UPS, to write, to hold and provide for my loved ones is now almost unusable. Something that has had so much potential and productivity, seemingly no longer does.

In a similar way, a proverb, a word of wisdom and instruction, appears to offer promise, but simply hangs limp, which is tragic. Perhaps the fool misspeaks the proverb, turning it from wisdom to folly. Perhaps the fool’s life betrays or undermines any wisdom offered in such a proverb. Perhaps the fool intentionally rewords the proverb to support his foolish life. Whatever the reason, here, we are warned that a proverb in the mouth of a fool hangs useless.

A good question to ask ourselves is, To whom do we turn for wisdom? Do we seek wisdom from the world or from God. There is a critical difference. Here’s how Paul makes this point: “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV). Be careful from whom you seek wisdom.

“Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold

  is a wise reprover to a listening ear.”

Proverbs 25:12 ESV

This proverb provides a beautiful (and clear) word picture. Both a gold ring and an ornament of gold are items of significant value. Here, they represent the wise reprover, the one who is godly and wise in his correction. However, the reader should note the significant qualifier in this proverb.

The wise reprover is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold ONLY to a listening ear. “A wise son hears his fathers instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1 ESV). The scoffer or fool does not recognize the value of wise reproof. In fact, the fool disregards it as if it is plastic or wood.

Do you have listening ears? Or, are you a fool? Those are the options.

“Do not say, ‘I will do to him as he has done to me;

  I will pay the man back for what he has done.'”

Proverbs 24:29 ESV

How many times have your heard someone say something similar to “Paybacks are twice as much.” Of course they mean if you hit me once, I’ll hit you twice. Here, the writer commands the reader not to say things like that, and it is clear that the prohibition includes the associated actions.

In the context of this book, the implication is that saying such things is akin to harboring these things in our hearts. Remember, he’s not talking about simply withholding the action, he’s talking about the heart and thoughts that support the action. The writer is getting to the foundation or heart issues.

Notice how Jesus addresses this issue: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45 ESV). Simply put, what comes out of the mouth is what is in the heart.

How is your heart? Does your mouth support your answer?