The Risk of the Upright

(Proverbs 29:10 KJV)  The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

Who are the “bloodthirsty” (men of bloodshed NASB) (376/1818)?  We can start by assuming it does not mean soldiers except by coincidence.  There is no condemnation of soldiers doing their duty.  This refers to people who revel in killing and destruction, not those who do it to protect others.  While it is possible that a soldier could be a man of bloodshed, it is not because he is a soldier.

Once again we are reminded that there are evil people in the world.  Not just everyday, garden variety sinners but people who really wallow in doing and being evil.  These people “hate” (8130) the weak and law abiding.  It comes out in different ways, from your neighbor letting his dog bark every night at 10:30 to politicians passing laws that have no reason except to make life miserable. 

It is even worse toward those who strive to be “upright” (blameless NASB) (8535).  There are many different synonyms for this condition.  In this verse we see “just” (upright NASB) (3477).  Other places we see “righteous.”  Don’t quibble today over theological distinctions.  There are people who love God and seek to obey His will.  We are special targets of the men of bloodshed in the world.

At the same time there are those in authority who are “just” (upright NASB) (3477) and genuinely “seek” (are concerned NASB) (1245) for the “soul” (life NASB) (5315) of the righteous.  These people believe in the rule of law instead of personal privilege.  That law is rooted in the law of God.  For instance they will seek “justice” which is a Biblical term and not “social justice” which is a political term.  The two are totally different.

So?  Rejoice that we live in a republic.  Make your Biblical views be known.  Vote and write.  Speak up.  Expect attacks from men of bloodshed but know that the upright need your encouragement.  Rejoice in the knowledge that God is in charge.