When the righteous prosper the city rejoices...

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 11, verses 10,11 (NIV)

King Solomon

10. When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;

when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

11. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,

but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

I think about this proverb almost every time I go to San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa. I think about it almost every time I read the paper or watch the news here in Honduras. The media isn't shy about showing in bloody detail the bodies of the daily slain. Corpses slumped behind the wheel of a bus or lying like rag dolls on a dusty street, blood seeping from bullet holes, staining the ground.

I preach this message every chance I have to those in power. Congressmen, mayors, Ministers of one branch of government or another, military leaders and the common man. But especially to those in positions of governmental leadership because they have the power and responsibility to initiate change. 

A proverb from a biblical perspective is; "a short saying that expresses a general truth for practical, godly living".

This particular proverb is also a principle; "a basic truth or idea that forms the basis of something, a law or fact of nature that explains how something works or why something happens."

I like biblical principles because, in general, anyone, saint or sinner alike, should they choose to live a life based on these principals will prosper and benefit by doing so. They are universal. 

What is it about Proverbs 11:10 - 11 that captures my attention? 

Honduras has a crime and security problem. There's no denying it, the numbers never lie. It's rampant and out of control. Gangs extort protection money from businesses. Muggings and robberies are common. There are areas of the government where corruption is alive and well. Changes are being made, but the problems are huge, deeply embedded and seemingly insurmountable. The wicked are prospering, but there is no rejoicing in these cities. Instead there is fear, economic depression and little hope.

On the other hand. When the righteous prosper, those who are "living right" socially, morally, and ethically responsible lives with regard to themselves and their neighbors, a city does rejoice. Why? Because when people are able to employ freely, to invest, to expand their businesses and their personal lives without fear for their lives, fear of extortion, free from the threat of crime and corruption there is security and freedom to follow their dreams and this breeds prosperity. A healthy, safe environment brings economic and intellectual growth. When men and women are living and working in an atmosphere of safety and security, they find ways to create a better life for themselves and their families. Prosperity created righteously invests in things that are good and beneficial for society. Things like schools, universities, hospitals, parks and infrastructure, but wealth created through criminal activities is rarely spent on things that improve and strengthen a city's well being.

Honduras is an amazing country and has such tremendous potential for growth and development. Honduras is not a poor county. It is a country teeming with natural resources and a population desirous of work and a better life. Sadly, until the government can control the criminal elements and eradicate corruption I have serious doubts that Honduras will ever fully achieve and maintain a vibrant economy and obtain First World status.

When the righteous prosper the city rejoices...

The same can be said for a country.