v. 1 – The righteous are compared to a bold lion while the wicked are scared of their own shadow.
Each of these Proverbs of Solomon could stand alone. Each truth they give is self-evident needing little commentary. However, when we approach verses 2-12 as a group, we learn that the righteous, described in verse 1, is an essential part of a just society. We see the structure from verse 2 which says a land thrives with a man of understanding. Verse 12 closes this section by saying the triumph of the righteous brings joy.
vv. 13-14 – Warns against hardening your heart. A hardened heart will not fear the Lord and will therefore fall into calamity.
vv.15-16 – A wicked ruler tears his people apart. By contrast, a ruler who hates unjust gain will live long. The longer the just ruler lives, the greater benefit those whom he rules receives.
vv.17-18 – One who murders bears the burden of his sin for all his life. By contrast, the one who wisely walks with integrity is delivered though the wicked fall all around him.
vv.19-27 – Encourage wisely securing what you need to prosper. There is a right way and a wrong way to secure what you need to prosper; there is a wise way that leads to blessing and a foolish way that leads to despair. The difference will be clearly seen as we consider these proverbs.
v. 28 – Concludes this Proverb with the same general saying concerning the welfare of a people. The people’s wellbeing is strictly tied to righteousness while their demise is linked with wickedness. Ethics and morality are the threads Wisdom uses to build successful societies.
Before leaving this section, I want to focus again on verses 25 and 26. The rhythm of Proverbs 3:5-6 continues to carry us as we see here in these verses. Trusting in the Lord means enrichment. Trusting in the Lord means his directing our steps on Wisdom’s Way. The Pathway of Wisdom is a straight path that leads to deliverance.