Friday!

Proverbs!

When the righteous increase, 

the people rejoice, 

But when a wicked person rules, 

people groan.

Proverbs 29:2 NASB

This word "increase" means to become much, many, great.

And it seems that the underlying story of this proverb is about power. When good people are in charge power is held collectively, everyone benefits, when good people increase, goodness increases.

The contrast is when power is held by one person, the few, and their intention is to hold that power, use it for their own benefit. 

We can see that in countries, organisations, church, and even in families, where one person exercises control, power, their will, their way, over others. 

This proverb does make me wonder where i have power and how I use it.

And it does remind me that for families, churches, communities, and countries to flourish it's good people who need to work together, band together, share power, consider what is good for "us".

This proverb holds a picture of shalom, of peace and thriving that comes from "us", an alternative to "me", a stance that there is enough for everyone.

How can we live that out in our places and spaces today?

#proverbs

#wisdom

#somethingtochewon 

#inthistogether