Day 56 - By justice a king gives a country stability

1 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes

 will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;

 when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

 but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4 By justice a king gives a country stability,

 but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

5 Those who flatter their neighbors

 are spreading nets for their feet.

6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin,

 but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor,

 but the wicked have no such concern.

8 Mockers stir up a city,

 but the wise turn away anger.

9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,

 the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity

 and seek to kill the upright.

11 Fools give full vent to their rage,

 but the wise bring calm in the end.

12 If a ruler listens to lies,

 all his officials become wicked.

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:

 The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,

 his throne will be established forever.

1. How does this passage contrast righteous and wicked leadership?
2. What does this say about the importance of justice and integrity?
3. How do verses 4, 7, and 14 challenge our view of leadership and responsibility?
4. Which verse feels especially connected to the world you live in right now?
5. Where do you see God calling you to speak up or act justly?

Lord, give me a heart that cares for the poor and seeks what is right. Help me reject pride, lies, and flattery. Let Your wisdom shape the way I lead, serve, and speak. Amen.