When You Follow God's Instruction

Occasionally you read a verse or passage in the Bible and it sounds as if it was written specifically for our time. Such is the case with Proverbs 28:4.

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

But those who keep the law strive with them.

We live in a day in which many praise the wicked!

In striking contrast, those who follow God’s instruction “strive with them.”

It is worth noting that this is an observation, not a command. In other words, Solomon is not telling his readers to start a fight with those who do not follow God’s instruction. Rather, it is a natural outcome that those who follow God’s instruction will strive with those who do not.

The young Jewish men Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego provide an excellent example. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had taken them to Babylon to serve in his court. After erecting a large statue in honor of himself, the king ordered everyone present (all the nobles and other ranking individuals) to bow to the statue when music was played. The three Jewish men were present but did not bow. The king gave them a second chance but they told the king that there was no need because they would not bow.

These three young men were devoted to God. They kept the Law of Moses which forbade them bow to anyone or anything other than God. They did not intend to be disrespectful, yet they were striving with the pagan king because they kept God's instruction. That was simply the nature of their obedience.

There are times when a follower of God intentionally strives with someone who has sinned, such as, a brother in Christ. Even then, Jesus taught that the objective is to restore the brother. So, the one doing wrong is to be approached with gentleness and in a spirit of love. (See Matthew 18:15-17.)

Solomon provided rich wisdom concerning our interaction with fools:

Do not answer a fool according to his folly 

   or you will be like him.

Answer a fool as his folly deserves, 

   that he not be wise in his own eyes. 

--Proverbs 26:4 & 5

The simple point is that a follower of God must be wise in his interaction with those who do not follow. There is a time to speak up and there is a time to remain silent. Wisdom dictates the response.

Ultimately, however, as a follower of God, whether you speak up or remain silent, you will at some time find yourself striving with those who do not follow God’s instruction. Again, that is simply how life works.

Beyond the simple observation of Solomon, this proverb (28:4)may also be taken as a mild warning. After all, people tend to desire to fit in. So, when you do not fit in because you live by God’s instruction, you will undoubtedly appear to be out of synch with society. That may not seem threatening when it is read as words on paper. However, the experience of being on the outside among coworkers, your friend group, family, or society in general adds considerable pressure in one’s life. Jesus noted that some believers fall away “when affliction or persecution arises because of the word.” If we are serious about following God’s instruction, we must prepare our minds..

Finally, Paul reminded us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18) Even so, you must be mindful that by following God’s instruction you will naturally strive with those who do not. For that reason, make it your soul’s decision to remain faithful to God’s instruction at all costs. Your allegiance to Jesus must not be compromised.

Mark Stinnett

December 28, 2025