Why does God allow good and bad to live together for the time being? Let’s begin in Proverbs 29.
What will happen to the person who remains stubborn after many reprimands?
Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. (Pr 29:1 NIV)
What happens when good people are in charge of a nation, a company, a church?
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. (Pr 29:2 NKJV)
Are loving wisdom and keeping company with prostitutes exact opposites?
The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted. (Pr 29:3 NLT)
What is the difference between a just national leader and one who takes campaign contributions or foreign and domestic bribes?
The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down. (Pr 29:4 WEB)
Is insincere flattery a trap that we should avoid being swayed by?
People who flatter their friends spread out a net for their feet. (Pr 29:5 CEB)
Do sins always bring bad consequences, while right living brings joy?
Your sins will catch you, but everyone who lives right will sing and celebrate. (Pr 29:6 CEV)
Is caring for the poor a standard in both old and new covenants?
A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. (Pr 29:7 ESV)
Do those who mock wisdom and cause division in public hurt or help a city?
Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. (Pr 29:8 HCSB)
Is it even worth getting into an argument with a raging fool?
When a wise man has a dispute with a fool, the fool either rages or laughs without relief. (Pr 29:9 ISV)
Do murderers hate honest people, but do the righteous seek to save a murderer’s soul from hell?
The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. (Pr 29:10 KJV)
What is the big difference between those who say everything in their minds and those who keep their thoughts to themselves?
A fool lets out all of his spirit, But a wise man holds it back. (Pr 29:11 LSB)
How important is it for a nation’s leader to double check that his advisors are telling the truth?
If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked. (Pr 29:12 NASB)
What do a poor person and his cruel oppressor have in common?
The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both. (Pr 29:13 NIV)
When a nation’s leader tells the truth about economic oppression, will his legacy last?
The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. (Pr 29:14 NKJV)
How important is it to discipline a child with wisdom and consistency?
To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. (Pr 29:15 NLT)
What happens when a society allows evil to grow? Who will outlive it?
When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall. (Pr 29:16 WEB)
How important is it that we not be lazy or soft about correcting our children?
Instruct your children; they will give you peace of mind and bring delight into your life. (Pr 29:17 CEB)
When the Bible is banned what happens to law and order in society?
Without guidance from God law and order disappear, but God blesses everyone who obeys his Law. (Pr 29:18 CEV)
Will a servant respond to words alone to correct bad behavior?
By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond. (Pr 29:19 ESV)
How stupid is it to be hasty in our words, speaking without thinking first?
Do you see a man who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Pr 29:20 HCSB)
How can entitled arrogance grow because of how we treat an employee?
If you pamper a servant from his childhood, later on he’ll become ungrateful. (Pr 29:21 ISV)
Why does an angry man create quarrels and a quick temper lead us into sin?
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. (Pr 29:22 KJV)
Why does pride lead to humiliation, and the opposite, that humility leads to glory?
A man’s lofty pride will bring him low, But a lowly spirit will take hold of glory. (Pr 29:23 LSB)
Is it self-destructive to partner with a criminal? Are accomplices who withhold knowledge of a crime cursed?
One who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing. (Pr 29:24 NASB)
Will cowardly fear of people and their opinions trap us? Whose opinion do we trust?
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Pr 29:25 NIV)
Why do we rely upon human governments and forget where true justice comes from?
Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord. (Pr 29:26 NKJV)
Are there two diametrically opposite ways of living that can never coexist?
The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly. (Pr 29:27 NLT)
Why does God allow both good and bad to grow in the same wheatfield for now?
But he said, ‘No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ (Mat 13:29-30 WEB)
Why does God allow good and bad to live together for the time being? You decide!
