April 16 | How a Nation Stands and Falls

Series | The Wisdom of Proverbs, Part 1

Scripture | Proverbs 11:14, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”

Lesson 16 | How a Nation Stands and Falls   

John Dickinson in 1768 wrote a powerful song during the American Revolution called, “The Liberty Song.”  One of the most powerful verses was, “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.”

As a result Dickinson’s song made popular the saying, “United we stand, divided we fall.”  The phrase simply meant, that we are better off together than we are separated.  Take for example one piece of paper, its super easy to tear it apart.  However, when you put hundreds of pieces of paper together in a phone book it’s almost impossible to tear apart bear handed! 

The same is true with the proverb mentioned above.  For a nation to succeed it needs guidance from many wise advisors.  However, if a nation doesn’t listen to wise council from many different people they will fall.  Thus, whether a nation stands or falls is based on its ability to gather together people of wisdom and listen to them. 

The United States has three branches of government, (1) Executive (The President’s Office), (2) Judicial (The Supreme Court), and (3) Legislative  (The Congress).  Now consider if all these people, well over 500 leaders, worked together for the common good of the people of the United States with the wisdom of God.  What do you think would happen?

I believe God would bless our land as He did in days past with safety, prosperity, and godly influence upon the world!  And if a nation needs advisors, how much more people like you and me.  If mothers received advice from other mothers there would be better mothers today raising our kids.  If husbands took advice from other husbands we would have better husbands and fathers today.  If pastors, businessmen, and all people in leadership could learn to receive godly advice- our world would be a better place! 

Make a decision to start today and receive good advice from wise counsel! 

Reflection | Do you listen to good advice? 

Action | (1) When was the last time you received good advice? (2) When was the last time you gave good advice? (3) Lastly, be open to giving and receiving good advice. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Joshua 13:1-14:15, Luke 18:1-17, Psalm 85:1-13, &Proverbs 13:7-8. Click here to read online.