Welcome to 'RIC Understandable Reflection'. Since November 2021, I have been writing weekly reflections in Dutch for my church and others who are interested in the Bible. These reflections are sent through a WhatsApp list and shared on my website.
Last week, I met someone who wanted to read these reflections in English. Because of this, I decided to start translating them so more people can read them. From now on, I will share them in English as well.
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Please note: The reflections on this page change every week. Old ones are removed. May these words bless you, and may the Lord give you His grace and wisdom.
303 RIC A Biblical Message - Understandable Reflection
23 apr 2025
Proverbs 17:26-28
- Also, to punish the righteous is not good, nor to strike princes for their uprightness.
- He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
- Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Reflection
Greetings, precious soul,
Righteousness is precious, but not everyone esteems its worth. Sometimes the righteous suffer in a world twisted by unjust judgment. Proverbs 17:26 warns: ‘Also, to punish the righteous is not good, nor to strike princes for their uprightness.’ This applies both to those in power who abuse their position, and to citizens who undermine just leadership. It is a double warning: Let no government descend into tyranny — but also, let the people not rise up against righteous authority.
History shows how things can go wrong. Think of the ten tribes who rebelled against Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. Their complaints about heavy burdens were understandable, yet their rejection of the God-ordained kingship led to a kingdom of apostasy. They rejected authority, and ultimately turned to idolatry. Where authority and order are not honored, lawlessness will increase.
But the proverb goes deeper than politics. How often do we judge or speak against others without righteousness? ‘He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.’ (Proverbs 17:27)
Wisdom reveals itself in a composed mind and a bridled tongue. A steady heart — not quick-tempered, not driven by emotion. James 1:19 reminds us: ‘So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.’ The wise person waits, listens, and weighs every word.
Even a fool, when silent, may seem wise (Proverbs 17:28). That doesn’t mean silence is always right — truth must never be suppressed. But it highlights that to speak without wisdom is dangerous. A fool reveals himself when he opens his mouth.
So the question is: how do we care for our words? How do we speak about others, about righteousness, about authority? Our mouth reveals our heart. Whoever controls their spirit and tongue reflects the wisdom of God. ‘For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.’ (Proverbs 8:11)
Prayer
LORD God, You are the righteous Judge. We place our lives in Your hands. Teach us not to react in our own strength, but to trust in Your wisdom and righteousness. Grant us a calm spirit, so that we do not speak in haste, but quietly seek Your guidance. Help us to remain steadfast, to act justly, and to wait patiently for Your timing.
Holy Spirit, fill us with wisdom, self-control, and humility. Do not let us be led by emotion, but by Your truth. Make us living testimonies of Your righteousness, so that our lives reflect Your light in this world.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.