Author: Erin Newton

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 28.12, 28
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; 
but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.

28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; 
but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. 

Reflection: The Church Underground
By Erin Newton

This is written a week in advance. By the time this is published, the war in Ukraine may be drastically different.

When we read verses about power, our minds will quickly spawn the images of this war. For some, it includes the memories of past conflicts. Corrupt leadership can come in the form of local leaders, bad bosses, or abusive parents. It is not difficult to imagine someone who fits the role of a wicked leader.

These two proverbs tell a story. When the righteous are leaders, celebration and joy fill the air. Their righteousness is a means of safety and security for everyone because this type of person is filled with mercy and justice. There is the sense of freedom to live one’s life in a carefree manner because of this leader.

But the wicked leader creates a suffocating atmosphere where hiding is necessary. Emotions are suddenly guarded. There is no freedom in expression because the leader creates a sense of danger.

The Israelites were accustomed to living under the rule of wicked leaders. Some were domestic kings: Rehoboam, Ahab, Manasseh, etc. Some were foreigners who invaded the land and subjugated the people: Sennacherib of Assyria and Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

During these wicked reigns, some Israelites went into hiding. Prophets hid in a cave from the threat of Ahab. David fled to the wilderness to escape Saul. Jeremiah hid as Jehoiakim burned the prophet’s scroll.

Courage is rightly applauded and admired, but we learn from history that there are times in which removing oneself from danger is the best option.

We can learn how to persevere under the leadership of a wicked ruler by looking at those who went into hiding. David spent years in the wilderness wrestling with his frustrations about God and his circumstance. He expressed the depths of his pain. Yet, songs of praise were penned to help buoy his faith in God.

Already, word of churches going underground has circulated. Orthodox priests travel to air-raid shelters to commune with believers. This has been the way of God’s people for millennia.

Churches in intolerant nations go underground. Believers may hide their faith from wicked rulers, but within each heart, a greater depth of faith can be found.

May we pray for the time to come that the righteous may thrive and that the power of wicked leaders will perish. Come, Lord Jesus.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
“Be still, then, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46.11

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Proverbs 28 (Listen – 3:07)
Psalm 95-96 (Listen – 2:37)

Read more about Praying for the Persecuted
May we hold up before God’s throne in prayer, members of God’s church threatened by the state, by religious militias, and by other dangerous forces.

Praying for the Persecuted

Read more about A Hymn of the Oppressed
History might be very different if rather than idolizing the martyrs, we could study how not to become the oppressors.

A Hymn of the Oppressed—Throwback Thursday

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 7:22-23
All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

Reflection: Lady Folly
By Erin Newton

As Proverbs’ dramatic poem continues, the father gives another example to educate his son in the way of wise living. There is a man walking the streets; he is a fool wandering into a trap laid out by a seductive woman. 

The seductress in Proverbs 7 is often referred to as Lady Folly. The woman is crafty. She is wealthy and intelligent. She has an aim and meticulously sets her trap. 

First, she lures the fool in with excitement. Grabbing him for a kiss, the thrill is her hook. 
Second, she conceals her ruse with religiosity. She has done her duty of worship and now is ready to share a ceremonial meal. Third, she aims for his ego and lavishes him with flattery. Finally, she tempts him with sensual pleasures and reassurance of secrecy. 

The relationship with the woman ends with the death of the foolish man. “All at once he followed her … little knowing it will cost him his life.” (v22-23) 

Although the story utilizes a real-life scenario of prostitution or adultery, which must have been common enough to be understood in this poetic way, the story has no particular judgment on gender. If anything, both genders are at fault in this story. In fact, the antithesis of Lady Folly appears in the next chapter when we meet Lady Wisdom. The book of Proverbs closes with the heralding of the smart, ambitious, hardworking woman. Let the reader understand, this poetic depiction of Folly is not a condemnation of women as the root of all evil. 

The moral of the story goes beyond wise sexual ethics. This is a story of a person who is aimless in life, senseless, easily lured by temptation. The person is drawn to excitement although it is tainted with impropriety. The person doesn’t stop to discern religious charades from true piety. The person is distracted by self-promotion and self-gratification instead of seeing the trap waiting ahead.

We are all in danger of being this fool. Temptations toward pleasure, thrills, and pride lurk around every corner. Perhaps the most sinister deception is the false pretense of loving God while leading others into sin and death.

The goal is more than avoiding seduction. The aim is to develop a heart that sees past these pretenses. The proverb teaches that wisdom is the guard against the places where seduction can bait a fool. 

From John: As we talk about Lady Folly and Lady Wisdom this week, we’ll share this poem dramatizing the two ladies. It’s worth the repetition and meditation.

Music: “Again and One Mo’ Time” Aaron Smith

Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading
Jesus said: “In all truth I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave. Now a slave has no permanent standing in the household, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” — John 8.34-36

Today’s Readings
Proverbs 7 (Listen – 2:21)
Psalm 69 (Listen – 4:04)

Read more about Temptation Has No Gender
In addition, these passages have been often misused to paint all women as temptresses and all men as victims.

Temptation Has No Gender

Read more about Emulating Christ’s Love
Proverbs chides its readers, “Why commit sexual sin?” There are no benefits. Those who do this, do so because of folly and a lack of wisdom.

Emulating Christ’s Love