Scripture reading – Proverbs 28; Proverbs 29
Continuing our study in the Book of Proverbs, with our Scripture reading being Proverbs 28 and 29, this is the second of two devotional commentaries for the day. The focus of this brief devotional is Proverbs 29:24. This author’s explanations are stated in italics within brackets.
Proverbs 29:24 serves as a reminder that, when it comes to sin, one’s failure to be a tattletale, informer, snitch, or rat is not a matter of neutrality, but in effect affords sinners aid and comfort in their sins. Solomon taught his son:
Proverbs 29:24 – “Whoso is partner [plunderer; divider] with a thief hateth [is the enemy of; detests] his own soul [life; person; being]: he heareth [hearkens; gives attention to] cursing [oaths; swearing], and bewrayeth it not.” [fails to expose, or rebuke]
“Tattletale” is a taunting label children give peers who expose them and their sins to responsible authorities. While your silence might earn the questionable friendship of a thief or beguiler, it sacrifices your integrity and soul.
Permit me the liberty of a broader application: We are living in volatile times, and many biblically sound institutions are adrift from the principles of their founders. Churches and schools are being steered from their conservative, biblical legacies by “progressive” pastors and administrators, while staffs, faculty, and church members remain silent.
Some reading this devotional might be among the well-meaning believers who have served on boards or senior staff. You have “tacitly partnered” with leaders who were plotting a subtle departure from the course and principles of your institution’s past. You listened in silence as the founding fiber of that institution’s past, and its legacy were “cursed” and besmirched.
Warning: You not only share in the sins of your leaders, your silence and failure “bewrayeth” the sacred trust of those who have gone before you. Criticize those of us who dare to speak up, but:
I’d rather “sing like a canary in a coal mine” than be a silent Judas!
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Copyright © 2021 – Travis D. Smith