Peace in the Land
“During the lifetime of Solomon, all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety. And from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, each family had its own home and garden.” 1 Kings 4:25
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived (2 Kings 3:12; 4:29-31), and it is evident in the quality of life that his people experienced during his reign. Safety. Peace. A great economy. That’s definitely something we all long for. We’re blessed not only to hear about Solomon’s peaceful reign but also that Solomon himself shares much wisdom in Proverbs about how to obtain this peace.
As Americans, we're approaching an election that has many feeling anxious about the future. Solomon’s advice on how the righteous should “live in the land” is full of wisdom that can bring peace to those who follow Jesus. Let’s read his words and consider them together.
“So follow the steps of the good, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted.” Proverbs 2:20-22
“For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.” Proverbs 2:6-8
“People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace. The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.” Proverbs 10:10-11
“The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights. Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:1-2
“Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.” Proverbs 12:19
“Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.” Proverbs 15:12
“When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.” Proverbs 16:7
First, we can note a clear contrast between two kinds of people—“good, righteous, godly” people, and those described as “wicked, treacherous, mockers.” The godly are portrayed as wise, possessing common sense, walking with integrity, staying faithful to God, living humbly, and giving bold reproofs that promote peace—their words are life-giving fountains that stand the test of time. In contrast, the wicked wink at wrong, conceal violent intentions, use dishonest scales, are prideful, and hate to be corrected.
Secondly, we must observe the contrast in what happens to these people. The godly will live in the land, their paths guarded as they are protected by God Himself, and even their enemies will be at peace with them. The wicked, on the other hand, will be removed from the land, uprooted and disgraced, and their lies exposed.
Of course, we should pray that God provides godly leaders for our country and fulfill our responsibility to vote for godly people. But we also have the responsibility to live godly lives ourselves, which gives us the peace that no matter who is in charge, God will care for us personally as His people. This doesn’t mean that bad things will never happen to us, but we can have peace knowing that God is a good Father who takes care of His children.
Solomon prayed for his people after building the temple, but not just for the Israelites—for future foreigners too:
“If there is a famine in the land or a plague or crop disease or attacks of locusts or caterpillars, or if your people’s enemies are in the land besieging their towns—whatever disaster or disease there is— and if your people Israel pray about their troubles, raising their hands toward this Temple, then hear from heaven where you live, and forgive. Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart. Then they will fear you as long as they live in the land you gave to our ancestors. In the future, foreigners who do not belong to your people Israel will hear of you. They will come from distant lands because of your name, for they will hear of your great name and your strong hand and your powerful arm. And when they pray toward this Temple, then hear from heaven where you live, and grant what they ask of you. In this way, all the people of the earth will come to know and fear you, just as your own people Israel do. They, too, will know that this Temple I have built honors your name.” 1 Kings 8:37-43
What is so wonderful is that the Lord Himself replied to Solomon with a response to this prayer—one that we often hear quoted:
“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
May we be the kind of people who live godly lives with integrity, turning to Him when we mess up, seeking His face, and promoting peace in our land. May we trust in His protection and provision in our lives, full of unexplainable peace that He is just and takes good care of His people.
