Proverbs 28:25

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about greedy and pious men:

Proverbs 28:25 (ESV)

A greedy man stirs up strife,

but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

In the ancient world the place to be was the city gate or city square (often the two were close together).   Men would sit around and talk about the heavy things of life.   They would wax eloquent about what mattered in life and who mattered in life.  The person who had much knowledge would demonstrate that knowledge through their verbal debating.  That person was said to have "rachab" in the Hebrew.  The word is used over 100 times and often speaks of a 'broad" place, or a place of "expanse."   In referring to a man it is meant that he has a wealth of knowledge.   But, unchecked by a fear of the Lord and that man became the greedy man at the city gate ... who only thought he knew everything.   Solomon is said to have "rachab" in 1 Kings 4:29. So, Solomon in writing this proverb, must have known something about the man who boast about his knowledge, but absent the humility to trust in God.  He knew that knowledge absent God's grace will do nothing but stir things up.   The contrast to this type of thinking and living is the man who lives in humility and gives glory to God by putting his trust in God.   That man will prosper; so the second line of the proverb states.   Having much knowledge in our society is highly valued. Using that knowledge for your own greed is dangerous.  We give those individuals the control of our schools, our governments, our communities.  But, such knowledge, when it is absent God's grace, only creates strife: Which is what we see in modern education and modern living.   We are told that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.   We can rejoice in the fact that God will bless the man who trusts in God; no matter his intellectual prowess; no matter his wealth and power.  Jesus selected humble fisher men.   One disciple was simply sitting under a tree.   God uses the weak to confound the wise.   Arrogant, know everything, men, only stir up strife.  Humble followers of God are blessed and prosper themselves and those around them.  See also:

Proverbs 29:23 (NASBStr)

A man’s pride will bring him low,

But a humble spirit will obtain honor.