Sin brings with it a diminution of our soul, one aspect of this is the fear it brings. No matter how much someone may deny it, deep down we all know that sin is wrong and that judgement is bound to come our way. Hence the fear. Righteousness, conversely, produces a confidence and boldness.
We see the truth of verse 2 in many situations where countries or institutions become divided. Rebellion against God shows itself in rebellion against each other.
Verse 4 is very apt for our time where it is popular to praise evil. Perhaps the most prominent example of our age is the whole matter of so-called gay marriage and homosexuality. We have now reached the stage where homosexuality is praised and to even gently question the wisdom of same-sex "marriage" is to invite abuse. However, this direction is promoted by those who forsake instruction, it is the wise who question it. As verse 5 says, we need to realise that evildoers do not understand what is right.
In fact, this chapter places a great emphasis on those who are willing to learn and those who are not. Verse 13 also makes it clear the difference between those who conceal their sins and those who confess them.
All this leads to the difference between well-run nations and badly run ones. The moral character of our leaders does matter.
So the wise person is one who will
- Accept instruction
- Do what is right
- Confess their sins
- Give generously
There are two key reasons why this works. One is a direct causal effect, the other is that God is intimately involved in the running of the world.
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