1 “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
Proverbs 28:1 (ESV)
Newton's third law of motion asserts that a single isolated force doesn't exist. One force always produces others. A single act always gets other things moving. It's a law among people too. God set it up this way, and it's powerful.
Proverbs 28 talks so much about laws of motion. It centers on the two most powerful moves we can make. Here they are:
MOVED TO SIN: God says that any move we make toward sin will keep us moving. It produces an inner fear that gets us on the run even though no one pursues (Proverbs 28:1). And the one who hardens his heart through sin will fall into trouble (Proverbs 28:12-14,18,19).
MOVED TO RIGHTEOUSNESS: Any move we make toward righteousness will keep us moving too — in fantastic ways. God says so.
When we make moves toward righteousness, we gain great courage and become bold as lions (Proverbs 28:1). We also move toward a better understanding of justice (Proverbs 28:5), a good inheritance (v10), mercy (v13), blessing (v14, 25, 27), and safety (v18, 26).
Bottom line: Every move we make toward righteousness will build our confidence in life.
One more thing: anytime we make a move toward Jesus, we make a move toward righteousness, for He is the Righteous One. Actively pursuing Him produces great courage and confidence.
Proverbs 28 sure helps us sense the weight of the moves we make. And since each move we make toward sin or righteousness sets a whole lot of other things in motion, let's ask ourselves: Is there anything in my life that's making me run, though no one is pursuing?
If so, chances are there's a sin that must be dealt with. Take it to Jesus. Let Him move it on out. You can't beat the feeling of being clean.
Reflect: Are you feeling confident about the life-moves you’re making? That's what God gives to those who pursue righteousness. Praise Him!
A prayer to consider: LORD, help me to weigh the many moves I make each day. Let me see where sin and righteousness factor in. I want to be great at my righteous moves, and I don't want to be feeling like I'm on the run because sin has moved in on me.
