Proverbs 11:11-14 

¹¹ Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. ¹² Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. ¹³ A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. ¹⁴ For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

Shelter

         There were numerous videos posted online about individuals situated in a wilderness just to show how anyone could survive in a deserted place where no one apparently resides. Shelter is the first thing they made to keep themselves safe from wild animals or extreme weather condition like rain or snow.

         Practically, food is necessary for survival but a shelter or house should be top priority to consider if we expect to stay longer wherever we are situated. To travel as tourist or immigrate to another country, the most logical and sensible necessity to consider is shelter or place to reside, sleep or rest.

         Food, shelter and clothing are the most basic necessities for mankind. Do you strongly trust that when we put our faith in Christ as Lord, he provides us those basic necessities? How about safety? Do you strongly expect that the Lord will also keep us safe from enemies or from unknown place like dark valleys?

         Together, let us personally reflect on our faith in the Lord. So, ask yourself:

Do I strongly trust the Lord just the way King David declared in Psalm 23?

¹The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. ²He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, ³he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. ⁴Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ⁶Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

         King David trusted the Lord as his shepherd; may we all grow strong in our dependence in the Lord like King David so that we could honestly declare that we lack nothing! If we personally experience the message of Psalm 23, it becomes more sensible and inspiring to memorize and recite it. What do you think?

         Mindset and behavior reflect faith in the Lord. The Lord blesses according to our behavior toward him. It is beneficial for us to regularly evaluate ourselves and make sure we behave in godly righteousness. Does it make sense?

1. Sense

¹¹ Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. ¹² Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

         If you were to decide on a place where you may live all your life, will you choose to live in the city or prefer to stay in the countryside? Unless of course, one has personal experience living in the countryside, it could be a challenge to personally decide whether living in the city is more preferable and favorable than living in the countryside. Not everyone can readily enjoy life in the countryside.

         Not everyone can readily have successful career in the city. Most people in the countryside know everyone in the neighborhood. In comparison, people in the city could be more reserve, cautious or even mysterious. Do you normally approach your neighbor for socialization or casual conversation?

         And, how should we interpret when it says, “Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted?” Should we interpret it that when the upright is materially blessed, the city where he lives will also blessed? How could that be?

King Solomon may have in his mind the righteousness of his father. The city of Jerusalem was labeled as the city of David; it became popular destination of merchants because they heard that King David exemplified righteousness; his officials followed him. Certainly, traders can profit much more in their business.

Will the Lord bless a city to prosper when its officials behave properly?

High Technology Company

         It was reported that a High Technology Company had proposed to build and set up their headquarters in a particular city. It could have generated tax revenue and additional thousands of job opportunities for residents but the city government authorities did not approve their proposal. So, the High Technology Company decided to build their headquarters in a neighboring town.

         Would you not appreciate if more investors come into our city? You may not need a job but your friends and relatives may have been looking for more stable job for themselves.  Together, let us seriously consider what it challenges us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, ¹⁴ If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

         As children of God, we are called to pray that the Lord may heal our city, our province and nation. We should regularly pray for our government officials so that they may live righteously and responsibly. Certainly, more investors would come if they know that government officials are reliable and efficient, right?

         Many government officials are doing their best to be secretive of the life and activities. But curious individuals cannot control themselves to gossip about officials who are slacking in the responsibilities. Even with security surrounding them, officials won’t be too sure their private lives are kept secret from the media.

2.  Secret

¹³ A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. ¹⁴ For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

         Our government officials have been scrutinized in their stance whether they support or oppose the on-going wars in different part of the world. We could not disregard how government authorities deal with international affairs.

Domestic concerns would certainly be affected somehow. The economy will be affected. Importation and exportation businesses can be affected. And, many immigrants from nations affected by war won’t be silent. What can we do?

         There are numerous assumptions that may persuade officials to decide or dissuade them from paying attention to issues that benefits our nation in the long run. Confusion may overwhelm them. So, we pray that our government officials may listen attentively to advisories that would be favorable to our nation.

Balak Summons Balaam

When the Israelites escaped from the Egyptian slavery, they miraculously crossed the Red Sea on dry ground. Nations who heard about it were alarmed and cannot stay calm and composed. Who told them what actually happened? Probably, other people who joined the Exodus secretly left and spread the news.

Together, let us seriously reflect on what it narrated in Numbers 22:1-5, ¹ Then the Israelites traveled to the plains of Moab and camped along the Jordan across from Jericho. ² Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, ³ and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites. ⁴ The Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, ⁵ sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, who was at Pethor, near the Euphrates River, in his native land.

         The Israelites were about to cross the Jordan River; they did not plan to attack the Moabites. Yet, Balak the king of Moab was alarmed; he was terrified and did what he thought was proper and sought the help of Balaam. At first, Balaam advised him that he cannot curse Israel, but Balak insisted on what he thought was best solution for him because he was so terrified by the Israelites.

Not a few government officials can readily distinguish which advisory can be beneficial to our nation. They could be persuaded by their personal ideology or political leaning. Balak had personal idea of how he may have wished to save his people, and similarly, government officials could be very sincere in their desire to serve their constituents, but they also need godly wisdom.

The Lord decides if a nation should prosper or not yet. Can you accept it?

Let us regularly pray the Lord bless all government authorities and guide them in their decisions favorable to all citizens, especially believers of God. Amen?

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