The Watchman's Diary

“A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment” (Proverbs 18:1).

I am reminded of the story of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. Rehoboam was ordained king over Israel following Solomon’s death but he ignored the wise counsel of the elders who served King Solomon and instead chose to heed the foolish advice of his friends who grew up with him; to increase the burden on the people of Israel. This led to civil unrest and the division of Israel; the beginning of a long fall from grace (1 Kings 12).

When we begin to think we know best; that we have all the answers and our ideas are better than everyone else’s, it is time to take a self-assessment. Taking the advice of only like-minded people causes great rift and restrains the advancement of peace and knowledge. Though, what is the likely outcome from the self-assessment of a prideful, unrepentant person?

“A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart” (Proverbs 18:2).

One may argue that Rehoboam’s decision to side with his foolish friends was simply an expression of his own heart. That seeking the counsel of the elders was more for show than anything else. Maybe it was an authentic desire for council but the outcome was foolish.

Some of the things coming out of the White House today baffles me. So much so that at one point I began to question the purpose and counsel of the Pastors who serve on the President’s Evangelical Advisory Board. I wondered if these actions are because of or in spite of the advise of the pastors who serve on the Board. When Pastor A.R. Bernard stepped down a few months ago I began to think it was that the president simply disregarded their advice; though I remained skeptical.

What we now see is simply a president who delight in expressing his own heart. It is not for me to judge whether there is understanding in the things he says, or tweets but I do have some thoughts on the matter.

It would appear as if Rehoboam did not take time to study and reflect on the wisdom his father, King Solomon, has imparted to us all. It would also seem that President Trump is following in Rehoboam’s footsteps.

I hear many Christians (Evangelicals) declaring President Trump to be Cyrus, Jehu, savior, or some other biblical character chosen by God to carry out his will; Never mind that many of those people did not know God and lived destructive lives. I see someone filled with pride, acting in a manner not very different from Rehoboam. I see someone who delights in expressing his own heart instead of heeding wise counsel. I see the beginning of a long fall from grace, if we continue down this destructive path.

I see a man who expresses a pride that has increased as much as the level of power that comes with such a high office. This in itself is dangerous and should not escape our attention. Pride seeks its own desire. Pride isolates itself and rages against all wise judgment. “Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility” (Proverbs 18:12). This is wise counsel from a man who learned the hard way; I too have been subject to harsh humility and do not wish it on anyone.

“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows” (Proverbs 18:6). I’ve never seen such a contentious spirit in this nation. Hate, violence, and bigotry yes, but not the kind of contention we are currently witnessing. Again, I wonder if the advice of the Evangelical Advisory Board has gone mostly unheeded or if their voices remain silent. How can the body heal if the source of the disease is the head.

It is time for this nation to return to our true Head. It is time for this world to repent and seek our true Savior. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Instead of putting our hope is a man who is enraptured by towers we should look to the One who is the Strong Tower. Our Lord Yeshua (Jesus) our Messiah!