April 16 | How a Nation Stands and Falls
Proverbs 11:14, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”
John Dickinson in 1768 wrote a powerful song during the American Revolution called, The Liberty Song. One of the most inspiring verses is, “Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all, By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall; In so righteous a cause let us hope to succeed, For heaven approves of each generous deed.”
Dickinson’s song made popular the saying in the U.S., “United we stand, divided we fall.” The phrase reminded everyone that we are better off together, than we are separated. Take for example how easy it is to tear one piece of paper by itself, however when you put hundreds of pieces of paper together in a large book, it’s almost impossible to tear them apart. The same is true with today’s lesson from King Solomon. For a nation to succeed, it needs guidance from many wise advisors. If a nation doesn’t listen to wise counsel they will fall.
A nation stands or falls based on its ability to gather wise people and listen to them.
The United States of America has three branches of government, (1) Executive (The President’s Office and His Cabinet), (2) Judicial (The Supreme Court and Lower Courts) and (3) Legislative (The Congress; Senate and House of Representatives). Imagine if all these positions were filled with godly leaders who possessed the wisdom of God. That would be a collective council of over 500 people working together for the common good of the citizens. What do you think would happen in our land? I believe God would bless us as He did in days past with safety, prosperity and godly influence upon the world.
Likewise, if a nation needs wise counsel to be successful, so do people like you and me. Consider if mothers received advice from other experienced mothers, there’d be better wives and mothers today caring for their families and raising their children in the ways of God. If fathers took advice from other successful fathers, we’d have amazing husbands and fathers today exemplifying the character of God the Father. If pastors, businessmen and people from every walk of life would humble themselves before God and man to receive wise counsel- heaven would come to earth. Start by receiving wisdom from God and then be faithful to share it with others, you have an important part to play in the success of your nation!
Reflection
Action
- When was the last time you received good advice?
- When was the last time you gave good advice?
- Pray and study God’s Word so that you can always be ready to give and receive good advice.