August 29, 2026 Morning Devotional
Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs
Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. 16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
When we compare this verse to verse 12 we find similarity.
Proverbs 28:12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
A wicked ruler, one who is set in place to rule and who does not know the one who allowed him to be there, rules without law, equity and justice. He rules as a wild beast.
Psalm 75:5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. 6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
These rulers seek to gratify themselves as Ahab in I Kings 21. He ruled with rigour and religion for he had Baalism as the state religion. He also murdered Naboth just to steal his vineyard.
Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. 16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
As you read verse 16 of our text you will see the reason of such wickedness. The prince, meaning the ruler, in our society, he is the leader of the nation or other ruling entities. He rules because he wants understanding. That phrase “wanteth understanding” does not mean he is searching for understanding it means he is in want or needs true understanding. He leads without biblical understanding. That is why he is called wicked.
Without true understanding that leader cannot see the true need of those in his realm and leads them with wickedness and oppression. Do we see this in our world today? You don’t lead by oppression unless it is for gain, gain of power or wealth or prestige.
On the other hand, he that hates such covetousness and refuses to follow these pernicious ways is the one who hides himself from evil passions prolonging his days and securing his house. Never choose covetousness over righteousness.
Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. 16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
How does that apply to us? When you make decisions, whether for family or work or in any situation that gives you rule, such as parents over children, or bosses over employees, or teachers, etc, make those decisions with God’s will in mind. Make those decisions with the goal of pleasing God the Father using His word and understanding.
Job 28:12 But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?
Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
The choice is still yours,
Pastor Cook
