Proverbs in 31 DaysSample

Proverbs 28 gives us numerous side-by-side comparisons of the effects of both understanding and foolishness. Juxtaposition is a literary device used to place two dissimilar things in close proximity so that the reader can compare and contrast them. Throughout these verses, the writer of this Proverb juxtaposes the outcomes of pursuing understanding versus pursuing foolishness.

In this chapter, we learn:

That the righteous will be bold, while the wicked will flee (v. 1).

That understanding brings stability (v. 2).

That understanding gives you a reputation of wisdom, while foolishness can bring shame to your family (v. 7).

That the foolish are wise in their own eyes, while understanding gives you discernment (v. 11).

That those who walk in integrity will be delivered, but the foolish will suddenly fall (v. 18).

That those with understanding trust in the Lord, while the foolish stir up strife (v. 25).

None of us wants to be categorized as “foolish.” If given the choice, we would all choose stability over instability. We would choose a reputation of wisdom over shame. We would choose deliverance over failure. Yet time and time again, our sin leads us to make foolish choices that could then label us fools.

So, where do we find the understanding and wisdom to help us make these choices? Job asked that same question in Job 28, and the Lord answered Him in Job 28:28: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding ”(ESV). GotQuestions.org defines the fear of the Lord as “respecting Him, obeying Him, submitting to His discipline, and worshiping Him in awe.”

As believers, we should be afraid of the consequences of sin and have a healthy fear of the discipline of God. That fear should impact the way that we live our lives and make our decisions. These 28 verses of the 28th chapter of Proverbs give us a roadmap of the benefits that seeking understanding will bring, as opposed to the hurts from foolishness. May we be believers who seek to “fear the Lord always” (v. 14) so we benefit from the stability, wisdom, and deliverance that only the Lord can bring.