30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. 31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honours him. 32 The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. 35 A servant who deals wisely has the king's favour, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully. Proverbs 14:30-35 English Standard Version

Today's reading is one of those places in Proverbs where the verses are more a collection of sayings than a common theme. But, once again, they do point to the different results of those who apply God's wisdom in life and those who care nothing for God's ways. What is the outcome in vs 30 of people who are envious of others and those who are content with less?

Just as anger raises one's blood pressure (not good for the heart!) so constant bitterness can also affect our health. The writer of Hebrews echoes these words when he says: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Christians have a heavenly Father who cares for them, so they have a peace in their heart that takes away all fret and envy. In fact, rather than envying what others have got, a God trusting person is generous. (vs 31) They know that even the poor are created in the image of God. Do you think this attitude of the righteous towards the poor might have anything to do with what we read in vs 32?

While we cannot earn our way into heaven by doing kind deeds (because our sins would still need to be atoned for) it is true that when we come to Christ our lives are changed so that we start thinking of others and become more sensitive to their needs. We become willing to serve others rather than putting ourselves first. This can be difficult and sometimes we may feel we've missed out on many things we could have had or done. But what comfort and joy following Jesus brings when we reach journey's end. Death becomes the door we pass through into the presence of the One who gave so much for us.

Verse 33 is quite tricky but I take it to mean that, while foolish people might once in a while stumble upon something wise and do what is right in God's sight, wisdom is the everyday possession of those who are guided by God's word. The Psalm writer said: “O, how I love Your Law! It is what I think about all through the day. Your Word makes me wiser than those who hate me, for it is always with me.” (Psalm 119:97-98)

This life of wisdom is not only for individuals. Who else is it for according to vs 34?

What a verse that is, both for when it was written, as well as for the times we are living in today. God's wisdom will always lead to righteousness – i.e. a life that does right, loves truth, shows mercy, and fears God. If a nation is full of that sort of righteousness it will be a nation that rises above others and will experience God's blessing. For those of us who live in countries where there's freedom to vote and to express opinions, God's righteous standards should always guide how we vote and what we ask our Politicians to stand up for. And what is said of serving a king on earth in vs 35 is even more important when it comes to serving the Lord Jesus Christ who is our heavenly King. We must be faithful to Him and act wisely in this world. And to do that we must keep his words in mind all through the day!