What Do Boldness, Guilt, and National Chaos Have in Common?

Proverbs 28 lays it out—verse by verse.

I can’t believe I’m almost at the end of this deep dive into Proverbs. But really, there’s no “end” when it comes to the wisdom of God—because the wisdom of God is Y’shua. His Word is alive.

One verse speaks to a relationship… then the next hits something in me… then—without warning—I’m reading about nations and rulers. Proverbs 28 is one of those chapters that hits every layer.

We are righteous in Christ... we are bold as a lion.

When Guilt Speaks Louder Than Truth

“Guilty criminals experience paranoia even though no one threatens them, but the innocent lovers of God because of righteousness have the boldness of a young, ferocious lion.” — Proverbs 28:1 TPT

This first verse is deeply personal.

When our hearts are off—when we’re not fully surrendered—paranoia sets in. Our minds race. We imagine others judging us or seeing right through us. In truth, most people aren’t even thinking about us.

But guilt is loud.

Guilt distorts.

On the other hand, when we truly know we’ve been forgiven, we walk in confidence. Not a puffed-up kind of pride—holy boldness. We can stand before God and people, not because we’ve earned it, but because we’ve been washed.

Forgiveness anchors us.

It makes us fierce in the Spirit.

A Nation in Rebellion

“A rebellious nation is thrown into chaos, but leaders anointed with wisdom will restore law and order.” — Proverbs 28:2 TPT

This one stopped me in my tracks.

We are watching the fruit of rebellion all around us—some of it obvious, some of it subtle.

But here’s the truth:

When we call what is abnormal “normal,” we are in rebellion.

When we tear down God’s order and exalt confusion, we are in rebellion.

We disrespect laws, dishonor life, mock authority, and then we wonder why we’re drowning in violence, chaos, and fear.

And when someone finally stands up to restore order?

We don’t pray. We criticize.

We don’t intercede. We mock.

It’s not just the nation that needs to repent—it’s the Church.

The Season of Return

On God’s calendar, we are now in the month of Elul—the season of Tshuvah.

It’s a divine window of time meant for repentance, for returning, for preparing our hearts.

This season leads to Yom Teruah, the Day of Trumpets, or what many know as Rosh HaShanah. It’s the announcement of the King.

Are we ready?

Or are we asleep?

Now is the time to come clean.

To stop pointing fingers.

To ask God to break our hearts over our own rebellion—and then intercede for the nation.

Even Jesus, who never sinned, stood in the gap for us. He bore our guilt, our shame, our rebellion.

Can we not, in love, do the same?

A Prayer for Bold Intercession

Heavenly Father, in the name of Yeshua, I come before You.

Forgive me for the ways I’ve resisted Your truth. Cleanse me. Wash me. Anchor me in Your righteousness so that I may stand bold—bold like a lion, not because of me, but because of You.

I lift up my nation. We are in rebellion, Lord. But You are still merciful.

Raise up leaders filled with wisdom and courage. Silence the noise of lawlessness. Heal the hearts of those wounded by violence and confusion. Awaken us. Shake us. Bring us back to Yourself.

Let the sound of the shofar not just announce Your coming—but stir Your people to return.

Amen.