When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. – Proverbs 11:10
Do you live in a happy city? A happy nation? Do they only exist in the Twilight Zone? Whether a city or a nation, its culture is a direct result of both its leaders and its citizens. When a nation or city is heavily influenced by and, indeed, occupied by wise and righteous people, it prospers, and the people are blessed. But when a majority of citizens act and speak foolishly and are self-centered, the people will pay the price.
King Solomon says, “By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown” (Proverbs 11:11). Election Day 2020 was a week ago, and many allege a leadership crisis exists in America. Plato, the Greek philosopher said, “A city is what it is because its citizens are who they are.” If there is a crisis in confidence in America’s leadership, look to the culture in its major cities, in state governments, in Congress, on the courts. Restoration to what once was is not possible without God’s help; without instruction in righteousness.
Revival in culture begins with the revival of its people, and each person bears personal responsibility to live according to God’s ordinances and commands. Pray for a heartfelt need among the citizenry and the newly elected leaders all across government to desire a nation that is blessed by God, and to begin the process of getting there by self-examination.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 11:10
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 12:1-21
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
