Proverbs 28:1-6

Proverbs 28:1-6
​English Standard Version​
28 The wicked flee when no one pursues,
    but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
    but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
    its stability will long continue.
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor
    is a beating rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
    but those who keep the law strive against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
    but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.
6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
    than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

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Lord, give me courage today to be "bold like a lion," and make the wicked flee when no one pursues them.  Make our nation a nation of Law-keepers instead of a nation of Law-breakers (transgressors) who have many rulers just like them--smart, cunning, and wicked, and lacking sense and wisdom.  Otherwise, we are sure to face judgment as our nation will fall from the rot and decay of the sin that we celebrate and encourage others to participate in.

Lord, help me to have mercy on those who need mercy, because you have been merciful to me.  How can I withhold your grace and mercy from others?  Let me not celebrate the actions of the wicked, but mourn the wickedness that goes on all around me.  Day and night I am tormented by the evils of this generation--even by many who claim to be your own.

Wicked men may cry out for "justice," but they do not understand true justice that comes from the LORD.  They seek an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, and possibly even their pound of flesh.  They wrap their desire to steal, kill, and destroy that comes from their father, the devil, in a cloak of "justice."  May they be know true justice like the righteous--those who have seen the Righteous One take the place of the wicked by giving His life on our behalf so that He took our sin, guilt and punishment and we could have His blessings, rewards, and eternal life.

Protect my integrity LORD and fight for me as my character and reputation are under attack by those who want to attack you, for I am your ambassador.  Help me to value integrity more than fine riches, power, position, or popularity.  There are all things that the world seeks after, but You value a heart that reflects Your character and nature to the world.  "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."  In Jesus' name, Amen.