Our Heart Toward God Determines Our Lifestyle – (Proverbs 29:2-4)

Daily Bible Study
This chapter of proverbs carries on the theme of the last chapter. These passages contrast the effects sin and righteousness have on people and society as a whole. And it does so by pairing the sinful with the righteous in particular situations. These passages show how sin and unrighteous behavior at a personal level can ruin one's life and squander resources. While at a government level sin can ruin a nation and squander the resources of the people. Here in these passages we read about a son who squanders his inheritance on a sinful lifestyle thereby destroying his own life.

And in the next passage a king who takes bribes to pervert justice thereby destroying a kingdom. However the opposite truth is also stated here. A righteous life style by one who fears the Lord not only brings fruitfulness and good to themselves, but also blesses those around them. Likewise a king who rules with wisdom, justice and fear of the Lord brings prosperity, plenty and peace to his kingdom. This is true in our personal lives as well. Following the Lord can give us a fruitful life as well as provide a peace and security to help us weather the trials which will inevitably come our way.