PROVERBS
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of proverbs, wise sayings with a specific meaning attributed to them. Some are from king Solomon while others are from various officials and individuals.
The main theme is focused on the benefits of fearing and obeying God, acquiring wisdom and heeding the hard-earned advice of elders. It also warns of the fate of fools and the wicked and the wrath of God against all unrighteousness.
PROVERBS 1:1-7
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs are timeless expressions used to convey hard-earned wisdom to following generations. They are used to teach wisdom on various subjects and issues and are useful in guidance through life.
Wisdom is greatly prized and profitable and can help those who seek and possess it avoid many pitfalls in life.
Verse 7 is especially true as fear and obedience to the Lord and His commandments will keep you from much anguish and trouble. And it is also very true about fools despising wisdom. I have seen numerous times at protest rallies where people who seek to speak wisdom are shouted down by ignorant fools who are convicted by the words of the wise.
PROVERBS 1:8-9
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.
Proverbs many times use allegories (figurative language) to express a point. In the above example, wisdom is compared to jewelry in value. However unlike jewelry, wisdom cannot be stolen and will be with you all the days of your life.
PROVERBS 1:10-19
10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12 Let us swallow them alive like Hell, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit;
13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil;
14 Cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse”—
15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path;
16 For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird;
18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners.
Thieves and evil men love darkness as they feel it hides their crimes and illicit behavior. Their consciences are so calloused that the costs and consequences of their deeds don’t register in their hearts and their thoughts are only of covetousness and self-indulgence.
Verse 17 refers to the wicked lying in ambush for the innocent as the innocent will not willingly walk into a trap if it is seen.
The wicked refuse to understand that God sees whatever they do and that darkness cannot hide their works from His sight. As king David observed;
PSALMS 139:12
12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.
God will give them time to repent and change their ways, but if they refuse He will bring destruction upon them.
PROVERBS 1:20-27
20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares.
21 She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words:
22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge.
23 Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
25 because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes,
27 When your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.
In ancient times debates over issues were held, teachings were expressed and judgments were rendered where people could watch and learn in city gates, open squares and amphitheaters. In the New Testament book of Acts it describes a dedicated place in Greece just outside of Athens called the Areopagus (Greek: Hill of Ares) where court cases were heard and judged, philosophies were taught, and new ideas were debated.
When the Apostle Paul began preaching to the Greeks about Jesus, Scripture records;
ACTS 17:19-21
19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?
20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.”
21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
Wise men have no problem being rebuked for errors and will learn from the experience. Fools however immediately begin shouting to drown out the voice of the wise. Even worse, nowadays criminals when caught in crimes and are rebuked, immediately begin shouting that they are the victims.
Criminals and fools eventually suffer the consequences of their actions and no one feels sorry for them when disaster overtakes them.
PROVERBS 1:28-33
28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.
31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies.
32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.”
God repays us according to our works giving peace and goodness to the law-abiding, and tribulation and terror to the wicked. Unfortunately too many learn through ‘20/20 hindsight’, learning wisdom after they have been caught and punished.
PROVERBS 2:1-9
1 My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.
The value of wisdom cannot be stressed enough. Listening to the aged can greatly benefit a younger person, as that wisdom came from hard-earned experience and can help you avoid pitfalls that others have already experienced.
God rewards those who diligently seek wisdom from Him. James, Jesus’ physical brother and author of the Biblical book of James said;
JAMES 1:5-8
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
As king Solomon corectly observed;
ECCLEIASTES 4:13
13 Better a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.
Ask yourself this: who is better, a wise poor man or a rich fool? Riches can vanish in an instant, whereas wisdom cannot be stolen or taken from you.
PROVERBS 2:10-22
10 When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you,
12 to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things,
13 from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness;
14 who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15 whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths;
16 to deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words,
17 who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God.
18 For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead;
19 none who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life—
20 so you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness.
21 For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.
An adulterous woman is a deadly trap, both physically and spiritually. Adam said that when a man is joined to a woman, they become “one flesh”. Satan loves this as it is his most efficient method of demon transfer.
If an adulterous woman is demon-possessed (and she more than likely is), by becoming “one flesh” any demons within her now have legal access to both parties. That is the spiritual trap.
The physical danger can come from the jilted husband. As Proverbs points out;
PROVERBS 6:32-35
32 Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul.
33 Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy is a husband’s fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35 He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.
PROVERBS 3:1-4
1 My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.
A wise person is careful in their dealings and is usually humble. Such people give no offense and are at peace with their neighbors and are loved by God.
As Scripture says;
JAMES 4:6
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
PROVERBS 3:5-10
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Our understanding is nothing compared to God’s. All our thoughts and ways are tainted by sin and we are hindered by the limitations of human reasoning whereas God has no such restrictions.
A man can consider himself to be wise in his own estimation and still be a fool in the eyes of others. As the Apostle Paul stated concerning the Pharisees of his time;
2 CORINTHIANS 10:12
12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
And if God blesses you with abundance, offering the ‘firstfruits’ of that abundance to Him as a gift will honor Him and will bring further blessings.
PROVERBS 3:11-12
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.
No one likes chastening, especially if it is painful. A parent will usually warn an unruly child several times before more forceful correction is used, and God, like an Earthly parent will do the same.
As the author of the book of Hebrews wrote;
HEBREWS 12:7-11
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?
8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
PROVERBS 3:13-20
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;
14 for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.
19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens;
20 by His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew.
There is a great difference between knowledge and wisdom. I have seen so-called “experts” with degrees after their names who are total idiots, yet society reveres them because they are college educated. A good example was demonstrated where an “expert” recently stated that parents had to ask permission of their babies before changing babies’ diapers!
Wisdom is not only having knowledge, but knowing how and when to use it for the greatest good. We may not understand why God does what He does, but His ways and methods are perfect and set a example of knowledge applied wisely.
PROVERBS 3:21-26
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.
While some of the Proverbs may seem redundant, it is to reinforce the concepts contained in them. In this case, the key meaning is to walk wisely in this world, doing what is right in the eyes of God and He will watch over you for good.
As king David said;
PSALM 91:5-8
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.
PROVERBS 3:27-29
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you.
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
Always do good to those around you, promptly pay a man what he is owed if you have the means to do so. Neighbors who support each other contribute to each others’ safety and welfare.
This is another rendition of the ‘Golden Rule” (two of them, actually) which say;
MATTHEW 5:42
42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
And;
MATTHEW 7:12
12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
In other words, treat others as you want God and others to treat you.
PROVERBS 3:30-35
30 Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways;
32 for the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright.
33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.
The wicked seek to plunder and destroy the innocent and helpless. They are cowards at heart, seldom attacking a person capable of defending themselves. But God is an avenger of the righteous, and while the wicked may seem to escape punishment on Earth, eternal punishment will be theirs.
As God said of the brutal Middle Eastern empires;
EZEKIEL 32:22-30
22 “Assyria is there, and all her company, with their graves all around her, all of them slain, fallen by the sword.
23 Her graves are set in the recesses of the Pit, and her company is all around her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who caused terror in the land of the living.
24 “There is Elam and all her multitude, all around her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who have gone down uncircumcised to the lower parts of the earth, who caused their terror in the land of the living; now they bear their shame with those who go down to the Pit.
25 They have set her bed in the midst of the slain, with all her multitude, with her graves all around it, all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; though their terror was caused in the land of the living, yet they bear their shame with those who go down to the Pit; it was put in the midst of the slain.
26 “There are Meshech and Tubal and all their multitudes, with all their graves around it, all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living.
27 They do not lie with the mighty who are fallen of the uncircumcised, who have gone down to Hell with their weapons of war; they have laid their swords under their heads, but their iniquities will be on their bones, because of the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.
28 Yes, you shall be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and lie with those slain by the sword.
29 “There is Edom, her kings and all her princes, who despite their might are laid beside those slain by the sword; they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with those who go down to the Pit.
30 There are the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Sidonians, who have gone down with the slain in shame at the terror which they caused by their might; they lie uncircumcised with those slain by the sword, and bear their shame with those who go down to the Pit.
The Pit was the abode of the dead which was divided into two parts, Hell and Paradise which were separated by an uncrossable gulf. The righteous dead went to Paradise to await their redemption for even though they were righteous, they were still sinners as their sins had been covered by the Old Testament sacrifices, they had not yet been removed.
With Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection the sins of the righteous were finally removed and they were worthy to enter Heaven with Him when He ascended back to Heaven.
The wicked will remain in Hell until the Great Judgment, after which they will be judged and cast into the Lake of Fire for eternity.
PROVERBS 4:1-9
1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding;
2 For I give you good doctrine: do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me, “Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live.
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
Unfortunately, much wisdom from older generations has been lost in “modern” times as they are dismissed as “old wives tales” and fables. Yet some of those “old tales” have led to medical breakthroughs. For example the drug Digitalis was discovered, as an old tale told of Foxglove plants being useful for congestive heart failure and body swelling.
There are also persistent stories written by physicians that during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic that killed millions, households that kept slices of raw onions around the house prevented the occupants from catching the virus. Modern medical experts deride the stories as “voodoo medicine” but the stories seem to have a good foundation to them, as weird and archaic as they may seem.
PROVERBS 4:10-19
10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
Satan hates the righteous and innocent and is tireless in his efforts to corrupt or destroy them. As such, his human servants diligently carry out his will, driven by their master’s fury. As Jesus said of the self-exalted Pharisees, teachers of the Law of Moses who felt they were more righteous than anyone else;
JOHN 8:44
44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
PROVERBS 4:20-27
20 My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.
Always maintain your integrity both in your actions and especially in your words. James, Jesus’ physical brother said;
JAMES 3:5-12
5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by Hell.
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.
8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
PROVERBS 5:1-14
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding,
2 That you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge.
3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil;
4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell.
6 Lest you ponder her path of life— her ways are unstable; you do not know them.
7 Therefore hear me now, my children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
8 Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,
9 Lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;
10 Lest aliens be filled with your wealth, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner;
11 And you mourn at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed,
12 And say: “How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised correction!
13 I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me!
14 I was on the verge of total ruin, in the midst of the assembly and congregation.”
A “loose” or immoral woman is one of Satan’s most effective “honey traps”. Consorting with her can result in disease, spiritual bondage, demon possession, strife, and even murder at the hands of a jealous husband or rival.
Whether she is single or married, the results are the same, spiritually. If you sleep with her, you become “one flesh” with her, which means that in God’s eyes you are married to her. And illicit sex can result in demon possession, as demons from one person can legally enter the other because of shared sin.
This works for men having illicit sex with women, or women having sex with men. And with the rise of today’s LGBTQ movement, the bondage and associated problems are even worse.
For more information about the dangers of illicit sex, please see the studies on pre-marital sex and homosexuality in this site.
In the books of Ezekiel and Jeremiah one of the main sins that the inhabitants of Jerusalem performed to bring God’s fury upon them was sexual immorality. In his wrath, in Jerusalem alone He caused over 9,000 Jews to die at the hands of the Babylonians, along with starvation (severe enough to cause cannibalism among the residents) and disease and deported the survivors as captives to Babylon for 70 years.
PROVERBS 5:15-22
15 Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well.
16 Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets?
17 Let them be only your own, and not for strangers with you.
18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.
19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love.
20 For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress?
21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.
22 His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin.
23 He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
If you are tempted by an immoral woman, ask yourself this: “How would I feel if this was my wife or girlfriend? How would I feel if she embraced strangers?”
I have seen T-shirts for women which say, “Yes, I’m a spoiled wife - but not yours”. The message is clear, she belongs to someone else, not to you. If God meant for you to have her, He would have brought you to her for purposes of marriage.
If you are single, save yourself for marriage. The rewards for waiting are worth it, and there is no guilt in having relations with your spouse. As the author of Hebrews stated;
HEBREWS 13:4
4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
PROVERBS 6:1-5
1 My son, if you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
2 You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth.
3 So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; for you have come into the hand of your friend: go and humble yourself; plead with your friend.
4 Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.
5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Be very careful in making deals with both friends and strangers. Carefully consider the consequences before binding yourself to them by agreement or promise. Making such an agreement or promise gives the person(s) power over you and can cause much hardship both emotionally and financially if they turn out to be less than honest with you.
PROVERBS 6:6-11
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,
7 Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler,
8 Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—
11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
Laziness is the bane of any society. There are always (especially today) those who feel that the world owes them living just because they exist. A good example is that of a popular United States Senator who was kicked out of a commune in the 1970's for “being too lazy to work”. So he went into politics and is sponging off the taxpayers instead.
Socialism is nothing more than State-sponsored welfare, where workers’ paychecks are heavily taxed to support others who either can’t or refuse to work. People don’t mind helping those who can’t work, but become justifiably enraged by those who refuse to work but still expect to eat.
The early Church suffered this problem, causing the Apostle Paul to write;
2 THESSALONIANS 3:10-12
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
Apparently there were those who felt that the Church should support them while they did nothing. Note that Paul condemned those who will not work, not those who cannot work.
A similar problem developed during early Communion meals, where unscrupulous persons viewed it as a “free lunch” or an “open bar”, causing Paul to write;
2 CORINTHIANS 11:20-22
20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper.
21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk.
22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.
Apparently there were selfish persons who would immediately stuff themselves with the Communion supper or get drunk from the Communion wine before others arrived, leaving nothing for anyone else.
The author of this proverb uses ants as an example. They diligently work all summer gathering food so that during the winter months when they can’t work, they have food to sustain them.
PROVERBS 6:12-19
12 A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth;
13 He winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers;
14 Perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord.
15 Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.
16 These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
There are always those who follow evil practices, who have little or no self-control and spend more energy devising evil than they would by honest work. I knew a man whose main goal in life was to “get over on” (deceive) people. He said the key was the art of “schmooze”, being able to lie convincingly to gain advantage.
God hates people like this, causing Job to say;
JOB 5:13
13 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them.
Such people are targeted for destruction by God and no one mourns their passing.
PROVERBS 6:20-35
20 My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother.
21 Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck.
22 When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress.
25 Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids.
26 For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life.
27 Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?
29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.
30 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving.
31 Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house.
32 Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul.
33 Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy is a husband’s fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35 He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.
Adultery has been addressed previously, but this comes with additional warnings. Those who commit adultery will eventually be caught and will suffer shame, wounds and even death at the hands of a jealous husband.
Is a few moments of illicit pleasure worth the price?
PROVERBS 7:1-27
1 My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your nearest kin,
5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words.
6 For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice,
7 And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths,
A young man devoid of understanding,
8 Passing along the street near her corner; and he took the path to her house
9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night.
10 And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.
11 She was loud and rebellious, her feet would not stay at home.
12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square, lurking at every corner.
13 So she caught him and kissed him; with an impudent face she said to him:
14 “I have peace offerings with me; today I have paid my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you.
16 I have spread my bed with tapestry, colored coverings of Egyptian linen.
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; let us delight ourselves with love.
19 For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey;
20 He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home on the appointed day.”
21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him.
22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,
23 Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life.
24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children; pay attention to the words of my mouth:
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths;
26 For she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men.
27 Her house is the way to Hell, descending to the chambers of death.
This kind of woman is a serial adulteress, a hunter for Satan. Satan knows the strong attraction a good-looking harlot can have on men, especially those with little self-control. It is said that anything worth knowing is worth repeating and Proverbs has many warnings about illicit sex and adultery.
In this Proverb, a young man paid the ultimate price from a jealous husband and it cost him both his life and his eternal soul.
Again, ask yourself: “Is death and eternal damnation worth a few moments of illicit pleasure and sin?”
PROVERBS 8:1-11
1 Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice?
2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet.
3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors:
4 “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.
5 O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart.
6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things;
7 For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them.
9 They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold;
11 For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.
Again the virtues of wisdom are praised as being far better in value than riches or jewels. It is not for nothing that it is said, “A fool and his money are soon parted”. The wise keeps himself from trouble while a fool rushes blindly into it.
PROVERBS 8:12-21
12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.
14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.
15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver.
20 I traverse the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,
21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.
If you think about it, the above attributes described concerning wisdom are the attributes of God Himself. God said;
JEREMIAH 29:13
13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
And Scripture says;
PSALM 111:10
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
PSALM 91:14-16
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”
PROVERBS 8:22-36
22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old.
23 I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth;
26 While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, or the primal dust of the world.
27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 When He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep,
29 When He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him,
31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight was with the sons of men.
32 “Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.
34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord;
36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.”
Wisdom, like salvation, is a priceless gift from the Lord, and He willingly gives it to those who diligently seek it. But as James, Jesus’ physical brother pointed out;
JAMES 1:5-8
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Those who love life, love and seek wisdom above earthly treasures. Wisdom will save you in times of disaster whereas gold and silver will not. And a wise man will observe the times in which he lives and will save himself when he sees disaster coming, whereas fools will not understand until it’s too late.
PROVERBS 9:1-6
1 Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars;
2 She has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table.
3 She has sent out her maidens, she cries out from the highest places of the city,
4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
5 “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding.
There has been a lot of speculation as to what the “seven pillars” is referring to. They could be seven philosophical foundations of life, or it may have been that seven pillars supported the roof of the banquet hall. One source lists the pillars as;
1. Tree of Life.
2. Fear of the Lord.
3. Humility.
4. Counsel.
5. Presence of God.
6. Discipline.
7. Kindness.
But these are just speculations. The main point is that wisdom is like a banquet, satisfying the hunger of the spirit and providing fulfillment in all manners of life.
PROVERBS 9:7-12
7 “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”
This proverb is very true in today’s times. “Special interest groups” loudly and vehemently push their agendas while shouting down anyone who disagrees with them or tries to reason with them. In many cases, people disagreeing with them have been violently attacked and are labeled as “haters” and “racists” by mobs of protesters.
However a wise man will weigh the consequences of his and others’ decisions and actions and will avoid much strife and distress.
PROVERBS 9:13-18
13 A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple, and knows nothing.
14 For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places of the city,
15 to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way:
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”; and as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
17 “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Hell.
This refers to an idle, adulterous woman who uses her charms to lure men of simple minds or who lack self-control. She entices them to sin and they become the unwitting targets of a jealous husband. They may escape a husband’s wrath, but their sins will send them to Hell.
PROVERBS 10:1-5
1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but He casts away the desire of the wicked.
4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.
Here begins the proverbs attributed to Solomon. Some are stand-alone, others support a theme.
The concept here is the folly of wickedness and laziness which in many cases work together. Thieves steal because they’re too lazy to work, or abhor working in general. They spend as much energy and effort in stealing as they would in honest work.
The honest man takes pride in his possessions and is respected by God and men. The thief knows he is dishonest and disrespected and seeks to constantly callous his conscience against shame and conviction by flaunting his ill-gotten wealth.
PROVERBS 10:6-11
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall.
9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.
10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
A wise, righteous man will consider his words and actions and will avoid much trouble. A fool will speak without thinking and is soon known to be a fool and suffers accordingly. The wicked live by violence and usually perish by violence in turn.
The books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles detail this, where ambitious men assassinate kings and seize the crown only to be assassinated in turn by subordinates with the same goal in mind.
PROVERBS 10:12
12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.
We’re seeing this a LOT today, with blind hatred generated by racist agitators and hatred of authority figures is causing strife and destruction across the country. Voices advocating dialogue and love are being shouted down or are physically attacked by hate-filled, demon-driven mobs.
PROVERBS 10:13
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.
I remember several years ago where an American teenager in Singapore thought it was fun to spray-paint other people’s cars. Singapore authorities caught him and sentenced him to be lashed with a bamboo cane. The teen said he’d never felt pain like that before and he vowed to never do anything like that again.
Beating was authorized by God, as He told Moses;
DEUTERONOMY 25:2
2 then it shall be, if the wicked man deserves to be beaten, that the judge will cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence, according to his guilt, with a certain number of blows.
If we had such punishments today, I think many criminals would think twice before committing crimes!
PROVERBS 10:14
14 Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
A fool’s mouth will bring upon him much sorrow and misery, as the fool usually speaks from ignorance or does not consider his words before speaking. A wise person thinks before he speaks and chooses his words with care.
PROVERBS 10:15-16
15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16 The labor of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin.
A rich person is confident in life as they can avoid the miseries of the poor. But it is a two-edged sword as the poor rely more on God for their welfare, and many times riches can lead to arrogance.
The wicked accumulate wealth by evil means and with their accumulation of wealth comes accumulated sin because of their evil works.
PROVERBS 10:17
17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.
There are always those who think they know better than anyone else in any subject. They proudly and arrogantly rely on their own perceived wisdom while ignoring advice and correction of older, wiser people. Teenagers are famous for this, hiding behind their mantras of “You just don’t understand” or “things are different today”, etc.
PROVERBS 10:18
18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
We see examples of slander a lot today with the media openly broadcasting “fake news” as if it were truth, knowing that uninformed and simple minds will believe it. In today’s political circles, proof of wrongdoing isn’t needed, an accusation is enough.
A good example is the “Russian collusion” hoax perpetrated against President Trump. Socialist Democrats willingly paid for known false information “proving” Russian interference in the 2016 election which gave Donald Trump the victory. Democrats spent many months trying to impeach him based on this unproven false evidence, wasting taxpayer money, while knowing full well the whole business was a hoax.
PROVERBS 10:19-21
19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.
Wisdom is priceless to those who understand its value and the wisdom of God’s words will feed the hungry soul. After Jesus had gone 40 days without food in the wilderness, He told Satan while being tempted;
MATTHEW 4:3-4
3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
Food will feed the body, but only God’s Word can feed the hungry soul.
PROVERBS 10:22
22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.
The riches given by the Lord bring peace and joy, whereas the riches gained by dishonesty corrode the spirit of the wicked for even though he possesses them and flaunts them before others, he knows how he really got them. Pimps, drug dealers and “Rap” stars are famous for this.
PROVERBS 10:23-25
23 To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom.
24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation.
To the wicked, doing evil is a game of wits. I knew a man who thought it to be the utmost in fun to “get over” on people by swindling them, fast-talking (called “schmoozing”), or otherwise deceiving them. Think of it like a dishonest used-car salesman or politician at election time who promises everything but delivers nothing after being elected.
PROVERBS 10:26
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who send him.
Pretty much self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 10:27-30
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not inhabit the earth.
God sentenced Man to die because of sin in the Garden of Eden. He did so to cut short the plans of the wicked, otherwise we’d all be slaves to Adam and we’d live in a literal Hell on Earth. As king David wrote;
PSALM 55:23
23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in You.
PROVERBS 10:27-29
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.
Pretty much self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 11:1
1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.
In ancient times, money was weighed to determine its value, as dishonest individuals would “trim” the edges of coins making them less in value than their declared worth. That’s why ancient coins are sometimes irregular in appearance. Most countries today use”knurled” (slotted) edges to detect such “trimming”.
Scales were also used to weigh dry-measure items such as grains and flour. A clay or metal weight of known value would be placed on one pan of a balance scale and the dry measure item would be placed on the other. When the scales balanced, the amount of dry-measure material would be known.
But, as usual, greedy, unscrupulous individuals would create false weights and tamper with scales, causing God to proclaim;
MICAH 6:10-11
10 Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the short measure that is an abomination?
11 Shall I count pure those with the wicked scales, and with the bag of deceitful weights?
And;
AMOS 8:4-6
4 Hear this, you who swallow up the needy, and make the poor of the land fail,
5 saying: “When will the New Moon be past, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat? Making the ephah small and the shekel large, falsifying the scales by deceit,
6 that we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals— even sell the bad wheat?”
(NOTE: An “ephah” was a dry-measure equivalent to 21 quarts or about 20 liters)
Greedy merchants would tamper with scales and weights to deceive customers. They hated New Moon periods and Sabbaths as no manner of work or business was to be performed during these periods.
They would even sell disease ravaged or other forms of bad grains to customers in their quest for profit.
PROVERBS 11:2-3
2 When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
An honest man can take pride in his accomplishments, but if pride is not carefully controlled and leashed it will lead to the sins of arrogance and pomposity. This happens a lot with some politicians and so-called “celebrities” who become insulted if the public doesn’t fawn all over them.
The honest person tends to remain humble and holds fast to their morals which earns them praise from both God and men.
PROVERBS 11:4-6
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.
This was graphically illustrated when God promised to send the Medes and Persians against Babylon. He prophesied;
ISAIAH 13:14-18
14 It shall be as the hunted gazelle, and as a sheep that no man takes up; every man will turn to his own people, and everyone will flee to his own land.
15 Everyone who is found will be thrust through, and everyone who is captured will fall by the sword.
16 Their children also will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses will be plundered and their wives ravished.
17 “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, who will not regard silver; and as for gold, they will not delight in it.
18 Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces, and they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye will not spare children.
God would destroy Babylon, allowing the peoples that Babylon had held captive to go free while the wicked would be destroyed. The treasures of the wicked would not save them in the day of God’s wrath.
PROVERBS 11:7-11
7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, and the hope of the unjust perishes.
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, and it comes to the wicked instead.
9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
The truth of these verses is illustrated in the New Testament. Wicked Judean king Herod the Great was universally hated by his people because of his harsh paranoid rule and his pandering to Rome.
On his deathbed, he ordered that all of the principle men of Jerusalem be imprisoned and ordered that at his death the men be slaughtered so Judea would be in mourning at his passing. However at Herod’s death the men were released so that there was great rejoicing in Jerusalem instead.
PROVERBS 11:12
12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
Getting along in peace with your neighbors is a good practice, for you never know if you may need their help sometime. If they do something you don’t like, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re doing something wrong, either. Be at peace with them lest they in turn despise you and needless strife develops.
PROVERBS 11:13
13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.
Gossip has caused a world of trouble for people and unfortunately some people thrive on passing or hearing gossip, Many times gossip is nothing more than unsubstantiated rumor and can result in the ruin of the innocent.
Bottom line: if someone gossips to you about someone else, if it doesn’t concern you directly, tell the gossiper that you don’t want to hear it. If it concerns you, find the source and confront the originator of the rumor.
PROVERBS 11:14
14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Some people are easily swayed and groups of such people can quickly form an uncontrollable mob unless wise heads can be heard. The apostle Paul ran into this when he was in the Turkish city of Ephesus. He had preached Jesus to the people and the silversmiths who made shrines to the pagan goddess Diana (Artemis to the Greeks) felt that their livelihood was threatened, started a riot.
The crowd rushed into the local amphitheater, and Scripture records;
ACTS 19:32
32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.
The crowd then began shouting concerning the greatness of Diana for 2 full hours until the city clerk said;
ACTS 19:37-41
37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess.
38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly.
40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.”
41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
PROVERBS 11:15
15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, but one who hates being surety is secure.
This refers to guaranteeing something for someone. A good example would be co-signing a loan for another person. Doing so puts you “on the hook” for if the primary signer can’t pay back the loan, as co-signer you will have to pay it off. Co-signing for a family member or friend requires enormous trust, but co-signing for a stranger imperils you.
PROVERBS 11:16
16 A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches.
A righteous woman will help those in need, feed the hungry and clothe those who need it. Her honor and integrity will be her glory. A ruthless man will harden his heart and seeks to enrich himself at the expense of others. Distrust and hatred from others will be his legacy in life.
PROVERBS 11:17-21
17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
18 The wicked man does deceptive work, but he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.
19 As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.
20 Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, but the blameless in their ways are His delight.
21 Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; but the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.
God loves the righteous, and will protect him and reward him for his righteousness. And though the wicked many times seem to prosper, they gather riches so that others will inherit it. And when destruction comes, the Lord will shelter the righteous while the riches of the wicked will not save him.
PROVERBS 11:22
22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.
A woman can be beautiful outside, but have a horrendous personality inside. I have met lovely women who were abrasive and used language that would make a sailor blush. And as they say, beauty is only skin-deep.
PROVERBS 11:23-26
23 The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.
25 The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.
26 The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
It may seem counter-productive to give to the poor and to help charities as it means that you’ll have less for yourself. But remember, you may wind up impoverished yourself someday, and a selfish man will be shunned if he becomes poor whereas a generous man will receive help.
And remembering and helping the poor is commanded by God;
ISAIAH 58:6-9
6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
PROVERBS 11:27-31
27 He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil.
28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.
29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
31 If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner.
Pretty much self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 12:1-3
1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.
3 A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved.
Self-explanatory
PROVERBS 12:4
4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.
The value of a virtuous wife is beyond price. She keeps the household running smoothly, she is instrumental in raising a family, she many times handles the household finances, she is the emotional support and beloved companion of her husband and she is his best friend in life.
A nagging, unhappy wife can cause much strife and can destroy a household in short order.
PROVERBS 12:5-8
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” but the mouth of the upright will deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.
8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.
Self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 12:9
9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, than he who honors himself but lacks bread.
A person may be considered a “nobody”, but if he has a servant then he is truly better than a self-important person who has nothing.
PROVERBS 12:10
10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
A wise man will care for his animals, as they are his livelihood and help. If you mistreat or don’t care for your oxen, who will plow your fields? In ancient times, oxen were used to “tread” grain which separated the chaff from the grain kernels. Owners were commanded to let the oxen eat some of the grain as wages for their labors. God had commanded;
DEUTERONOMY 25:4
4 “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.
PROVERBS 12:11
11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.
God has set times for sowing and planting, and if you ignore or delay such because you’re too lazy or enjoying other pursuits, you will soon find yourself begging for food.
PROVERBS 12:12-14
12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will come through trouble.
14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
We’ve all heard the expression “No honor among thieves”. If a thief or group of thieves sees an opportunity to steal another’s goods, they will take it. This is especially prevalent among drug dealers who when making major transactions will show up at meetings with a troop of heavily-armed men to ensure the “honesty” of all concerned. In recent years, drug cartels in Mexico and South America have waged war on one another for territorial rights.
The wicked rely on lies to deceive others, but sooner or later the truth catches them in their lies and they suffer the consequences.
God is a just God and will reward everyone according to their works, blessings to the good, evil to the evil. As the apostle Paul wrote;
ROMANS 2:5-11
5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”:
7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;
8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;
10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
11 For there is no partiality with God.
PROVERBS 12:15-16
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.
16 A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame.
We’re seeing verse 15 fulfilled a lot these days. Radical BLM and ANTIFA agitators and their deluded followers and supporters (including many politicians) are calling for the de-funding and disbandment of police forces even as crime and murder rates skyrocket as a result. Yet when threatened, these groups hypocritically whine for police protection!
A fool will usually respond with anger, shouting and violence when refuted, whereas a wise man will debate reasonably in the same situation.
PROVERBS 12:17-20
17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.
19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.
Satan is the master of deceit and lies. Many innocent people have been framed by false witnesses and lies spoken as truth by the wicked. I am reminded of a headstone from the Old West era on “Boot Hill” in Tombstone, Arizona in which a man had been falsely accused of stealing another’s horses. The headstone read;
“He was right and we was wrong, but we strung him up and now he’s gone.”
King David spoke of false witnesses and false friends when he wrote;
PSALM 55:20-21
20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; he has broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
PROVERBS 12:21
21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
The apostle Paul confirms this when he wrote;
2 TIMOTHY 3:13
13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
PROVERBS 12:22
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.
Self explanatory
PROVERBS 12:23
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
A wise man knows when to speak and when to remain silent. A fool will speak whatever comes to mind without thinking.
PROVERBS 12:24
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.
A diligent man will plan ahead and work to fulfill his needs. A lazy man in turn will be forced to work, many times at unpleasant tasks, just to feed himself.
PROVERBS 12:25
25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 12:26
26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.
The apostle Paul spoke of this when he wrote.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:33
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
PROVERBS 12:27
27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 12:28
28 In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 13:1
1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
We’ve all met these kinds of people, they instantly become sarcastic or angry (or both) when told that they’re wrong about something. These people usually only learn the hard way and many times don’t understand the reason for a rebuke until it’s too late.
PROVERBS 13:2-3
2 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
Unfortunately it is part of human nature to speak without thinking, especially if a person is irritated or goaded by something or someone. It takes self-control and discipline to consider your words before speaking, but the rewards are worth the effort.
PROVERBS 13:4
4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
If you think about it, thieves are inherently lazy. They usually expend more energy in stealing than they would by working honestly, and even though they may increase their wealth by theft, deep inside they know how they got it and it corrodes the spirit.
The diligent man works for what he desires and takes pride both in his work and his possessions and has no fear of law enforcement.
PROVERBS 13:5-6
5 A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.
6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Liars are universally loathed and despised. They are untrustworthy and no one believes them even when they tell the truth. They have to create new lies to cover previous lies and eventually they are found out and are shamed and shunned.
The righteous have no such worries and their words are trusted by others.
PROVERBS 13:7-8
7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.
8 The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor does not hear rebuke.
Riches are not confined to material wealth. Having a good, loving wife, respectful, loving children, a warm, snug house, enough food to eat and clothes to wear are riches in themselves. Greed destroys an individual and unfortunately there are some who define their status and worth by the value of their possessions.
A good example of the destructiveness of greed was demonstrated by the Stock Market crash in 1929 where New York stockbrokers were jumping to their deaths out of skyscraper windows because their wealth was gone and they couldn’t live without it.
PROVERBS 13:9-11
9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
10 By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.
11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.
Pretty much self-explanatory
PROVERBS 13:12
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
Hope is good as it keeps you going even when hard times come. But hope that is unfulfilled for a long time can lead to depression. But when hope is fulfilled it brings great joy and peace.
PROVERBS 13:13-14
13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.
Laws are usually created for the good of those who follow them. As the apostle Peter wrote;
1 PETER 2:13-14
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,
14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
Note the qualifier that Peter put here, namely obey laws and rulers who reward good and punish evil.
Unfortunately there are those who create unjust laws for their own gain and to oppress others. God condemns such when He said to the prophet Isaiah;
ISAIAH 10:1-2
1 “Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortune, which they have prescribed
2 To rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless.
But what about commandments of men that go against God’s commandments? The religious leaders during Jesus’ day were highly upset because the apostles were preaching that Jesus was the promised Messiah and that the religious leaders’ railroading Him to the cross fulfilled the Scriptures.
The leaders had forbidden the apostles to preach concerning Jesus, but they continued, so they arrested the apostles. Scripture records;
ACTS 5:26-29
26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,
28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.
PROVERBS 13:15-16
15 Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly.
A wise and prudent man guards his words and actions and considers his actions while a fool acts without thought or regard to the possible consequences and suffers as a result.
PROVERBS 13:17
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador brings health.
A wicked messenger could be a spy or subversive person sent to deceive and disrupt an organization. This is prevalent during hostilities or war when enemies infiltrate in order to sabotage, spread false information and deception.
PROVERBS 13:18-20
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.
19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 13:21-22
21 Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
A good, hard-working man will leave behind a good legacy, inheritance and moral standards for his children. The wicked perish many times leaving no descendants behind to inherit their ill-gotten gains. As king David said of the wicked;
PSALM 55:23
23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in You.
PROVERBS 13:23
23 Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, and for lack of justice there is waste.
The poor are diligent farmers as their very livelihood depends on their labors. As such, God blesses the poor with abundant harvests as they are humble and depend on God for their food. But those who employ the poor to farm their fields and withhold the rightful wages of their workers by fraud will be cursed by God and their land will produce little.
PROVERBS 13:24
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
Looking at society today, one can see what the abandonment of this commandment has produced. Unfortunately too many people, especially so-called “experts” in child rearing and behavior have equated discipline with abuse.
Granted, cases of abuse do happen, but they are few in comparison to responsible adults who use discipline to correct bad behavior. But self-described “experts” have convinced governments and parents otherwise to the point of where children can accuse their parents of child abuse if the parent seeks to discipline them. As a result, the authorities can remove the children “for their own safety” and the parents are punished.
The results are clear. Disrespectful, violent, hateful, disobedient, spoiled, selfish, self-entitled children who feel that the world owes them everything simply because they exist. Instead of loving parents, their role-models are promiscuous, scandal-ridden “celebrities”; vulgar “rap” musicians; drug dealers; vicious gang-bangers, etc.
And who do the self-proclaimed “experts” blame for this behavior ? They point self-righteous fingers at society as a whole and blame society for the problems that they, themselves caused. And yet disciplining our children is still forbidden!!
PROVERBS 13:25
25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.
Self-explanatory
PROVERBS 14:1
1 The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.
This isn’t to be interpreted literally. A wise woman will work diligently in supporting her husband and family, an idle, foolish woman will gad about and allow her house to suffer degradation and ruin through neglect.
PROVERBS 14:2
2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.
Fools are not called such for no reason. A fool is wise in his own estimation, and seldom listens or considers the arguments and wisdom of others wiser and more experienced than himself. A wise man considers if there is indeed a God or not but a fool is so blinded by his own ignorance that he scoffs at the idea. As king David wrote;
PSALM 111:10
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
And;
PSALM 53:1
1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.
Solomon early on said;
PROVERBS 1:7
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
PROVERBS 14:3
3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
Fools speak with what I call “the authority of ignorance”, their mouths getting themselves into trouble as they speak without forethought. The wise however will weigh their responses before speaking.
PROVERBS 14:4
4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox.
This refers to the animal feeding trough being empty as there is no harvest to fill it. Oxen were used extensively for plowing and if there were no oxen, no plowing for crop planting would be done.
Plowing is labor-intensive work and oxen had the strength and stamina to do the plowing. They were yoked in pairs and if the field was large, teams of oxen were paired to the plow to handle the work.
When the prophet Elijah selected Elisha as his successor, he found Elisha plowing with 24 oxen yoked in pairs;
1 KINGS 19:19
19 So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him.
PROVERBS 14:5
5 A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies.
Self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 14:6
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands.
I have spoken to people who even when presented with solid evidence of something, still refuse to believe it as it conflicts with their pre-conceived biases or notions. A wise man will consider the issue and if necessary do research to find the truth.
PROVERBS 14:7
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
This was addressed earlier in Proverbs;
PROVERBS 13:20
20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
PROVERBS 14:8-9
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor.
No one likes a sinful person. Ironically people mock Christians but even their enemies admit to their honesty and integrity. A wise, righteous person will consider the outcome of their actions where fools live in the moment and don’t plan ahead.
A fool will mock the sins of others yet doesn’t consider his own sins as being sinful.
PROVERBS 14:10
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.
The heart of a person is known only to God and the person themself. Even if we explain how we feel, good or bad, it is impossible for another to experience the full import of another’s heart.
PROVERBS 14:11
11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
Self-explanatory
PROVERBS 14:12
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
This is a tough one. God created His laws to curb the sinful desires and passions of the flesh, but the “natural man” views these restrictions as wrong, restrictive or “old fashioned”. These behaviors may seem harmless, but if it is sin in God’s eyes, it indeed leads to death, both physical and spiritual.
As the book of Judges records;
JUDGES 17:6
6 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
This was also addressed earlier in Proverbs;
PROVERBS 12:15
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.
PROVERBS 14:13
13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief.
This is a difficult one, and the only thing I can come up with is those who try to hide grief and sorrow behind a mask of frivolity and feigned happiness, which sometimes happens for various reasons.
PROVERBS 14:14
14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.
A backslider will do whatever it takes to fulfill their pleasures while justifying their own actions to themselves. A good man will do what is right in the eyes of God and men and God will reward him for his integrity.
PROVERBS 14:15
15 The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.
This is true especially today!! History is full of examples of this, from the Russians believing the deceptions and lies of the Bolsheviks in 1917, the Germans believing Hitler in 1939, and the ignorant who believe the Leftist / Socialist / Marxist doctrines of today.
Unfortunately the ignorant and gullible usually outnumber the prudent which is why the deceivers become so successful, the ignorant only understanding their errors when it is too late.
PROVERBS 14:16-17
16 A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident.
17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated.
The fool is easily angered and uses rage to cover their incompetence, shouting down any opposition, equating vehemence and volume with intelligence. A fool usually acts without thought to the consequences as they live only in the moment, whereas a wise man will consider his words and possible consequences before speaking and acting.
PROVERBS 14:18-19
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
Self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 14:20
20 The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends.
How true this is... The rich always have friends, ranging from other rich people to parasite hangers-on who hope to profit from or sponge off of the rich and powerful. Lottery winners have expressed astonishment at how many relatives suddenly fawn all over them. “Friends” invite them to restaurants and then expect them to pay the bill, etc.
The poor know who their friends truly are as they are still friends even in poverty.
PROVERBS 14:21-25
21 He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
23 In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.
Pretty much self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 14:26-27
26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.
Those who fear and respect the Lord will earn His protection and will help them during times of trouble. He will also direct the steps of the righteous to keep them from harm. As king David wrote;
PSALM 9:9
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
PROVERBS 14:28
28 In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, but in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.
A beloved king will have many subjects as they will trust him and be profited and protected by him. An unrighteous king or prince will rule over a small kingdom as people flee to other places.
PROVERBS 14:29
29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.
One who acts speaks or acts rashly or impulsively usually gets into trouble, whereas the wise know when to remain silent.
PROVERBS 14:30
30 A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.
A happy, peaceful heart promotes good health, but envy is corrosive to the spirit and can induce stresses on the body which can adversely affect health.
PROVERBS 14:31
31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
We are all created in God’s image and God created and loves the poor as well as the rich. To oppress anyone is to place yourself above one of God’s creations. As the apostle Paul admonished;
ROMANS 14:4
14 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
James, the physical brother of Jesus wrote;
JAMES 2:5-7
5 Listen, my beloved brethren: has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?
7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?
Always remember, riches can vanish in moments. If a rich man gives to the poor and becomes poor himself, will God not have mercy on him? And if God rewards everyone according to their works, rich oppressors can expect wrath and judgment from God for their actions.
PROVERBS 14:32
32 The wicked is banished in his wickedness, but the righteous has a refuge in his death.
Simply put, the wicked can expect eternal torment in the Lake of Fire after the Judgment, but the righteous will dwell in peace and joy in Heaven.
PROVERBS 14:33-35
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.
Self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 15:1-4
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 15:5
5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent.
A good corollary to this is;
PROVERBS 22:6
26 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
PROVERBS 15:6
6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.
The righteous don’t worry about their possessions as they earned them honestly. Thieves need to worry about law enforcement and each other for as the expression goes, “There is no honor among thieves”.
God spoke of this through the prophet Jeremiah when He said;
JEREMIAH 9:4-6
4 “Everyone take heed to his neighbor, and do not trust any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slanderers.
5 Everyone will deceive his neighbor, and will not speak the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves to commit iniquity.
6 Your dwelling place is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know Me,” says the Lord.
PROVERBS 15:7-10
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness.
10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die.
Self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 15:11
11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord; so how much more the hearts of the sons of men.
God knows the depths of evil that resides in the hearts of men, and where evil goes, Hell and destruction follow. There is nothing hidden from His sight.
PROVERBS 15:12-15
12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise.
13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 15:16
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble.
Accumulating riches does not bring happiness. Some might think so, but there is a difference between happiness and financial security. You can love money, but it cannot love you back. And it’s not called “cold cash” for nothing.
No none covets a poor man’s possessions, but many covet the treasures of the rich. And the rich always worry about losing their wealth by theft, economic downturn, or mismanagement.
The apostle Paul warned;
1 TIMOTHY 6:6-10
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
PROVERBS 15:17-18
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred.
18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 15:19
19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway.
A lazy man will view everything as an obstacle much like a thorny hedge blocking the way, but a diligent man will look for a way around or through obstacles to his progress.
PROVERBS 15:20-21
20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 15:22
22 Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.
Plans made by one person reflect a single point of view. With other views added, problems unseen by an individual can be weighed and assessed and different views evaluated.
PROVERBS 15:23
23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
A good word can do wonders, especially to those who are depressed or sorrowful. A good word can comfort, bring joy, and brighten a bad day.
PROVERBS 15:24
24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from Hell below.
Fear of the Lord brings wisdom and blessing and can keep a person from many bad and even deadly situations. Wisely fearing the Lord and abstaining from sin will lead to Heaven after death, whereas a wayward fool’s expectation will be to spend eternity in the Lake of Fire.
PROVERBS 15:25-29
25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant.
27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
Self explanatory
PROVERBS 15:30
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy.
Science has proven that stress is detrimental to the body, and that happiness can improve health, something the ancients already knew.
PROVERBS 15:31-32
31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise.
32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
Self explanatory
PROVERBS 15:33
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.
People despise a pompous arrogant man, but honor and respect a humble man.
PROVERBS 16:1
1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
The thoughts and intentions of the heart are not necessarily what comes out of the mouth. Those who trust the Lord will speak rightly, trusting the Lord to formulate their responses.
PROVERBS 16:2
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.
This was addressed by Moses in the Old Testament when Israel was about to enter Canaan. God had destroyed thousands of Israelites in the wilderness because of their disobedience to Him and worship of other gods despite having seen His wonders in Egypt.
Moses warned;
DEUTERONOMY 12:8
8 “You shall not at all do as we are doing here today—every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes
God set down His laws to identify good and evil behaviors and while we can fool others into believing we are righteous, we cannot hide wickedness from God who sees and tests our spirits. And as Proverbs records;
PROVERBS 14:12
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
PROVERBS 16:3
3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.
Follow the Lord in all things, and He will guide you to follow the correct paths in life. As the apostle Paul taught;
COLOSSIANS 3:23-25
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
Who you are makes no difference to God, He views all men equally, sinners in need of salvation. Good works will be rewarded, bad works punished equally before God. As Jesus promised;
MATTHEW 16:27
27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
PROVERBS 16:4
4 The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.
Many people have a problem with this saying, “Why would God create wicked people just so He could punish them?”
The answer to that is that God gave us a free will to choose between good and evil. He knew at Creation who would follow good and who would follow evil. Therefore there are examples of good and examples of evil along with rewards for good behavior and punishment for evil behavior.
But in each case, the person chooses to do good or evil, they are not forced to do either. Pharaoh chose to keep Israel as slaves despite seeing God’s miracles; Judas Iscariot chose to betray Jesus despite seeing His miracles.
And what kind of just God would He be if He didn’t punish evil? As the apostle Paul said;
ROMANS 9:22-24
22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,
23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory,
24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
PROVERBS 16:5-9
5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.
6 In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.
7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice.
9 A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 16:10
10 Divination is on the lips of the king; his mouth must not transgress in judgment.
The king’s word and judgments were law, and he had a heavy responsibility to ensure that just judgments and decrees were equally rendered for all his subjects.
PROVERBS 16:11
11 Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are His work.
The Lord is the Creator of all things, and accurate scales and measure standards are His handiwork.
PROVERBS 16:12-15
12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks what is right.
14 As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, but a wise man will appease it.
15 In the light of the king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.
A king’s judgment can result in either life or death for men depending on the situation. A wise counselor will prevent the king from making sudden, rash decisions based on emotion rather than logic and justice.
The “latter rain” refers to the soft Fall rains that fall on the Middle East, softening the hard ground for planting after a long, hot, dry summer.
PROVERBS 16:16
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
Wisdom is priceless and it can’t be stolen or lost, whereas gold and silver can be stolen or lost in moments. And with the saying “A fool and his money are soon parted”, who is better off, a rich fool or a poor wise man?
PROVERBS 16:17-19
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
There is nothing wrong with being proud of a good accomplishment, but pride must be tempered with humbleness or it soon leads to arrogance and pomposity. Too much pride can alienate friends and blind an individual to their own faults resulting in serious and in some cases, even fatal errors.
PROVERBS 16:20-24
20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning.
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 16:25
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
This is repeated several times in Proverbs, showing its importance. God set down His laws to determine good and evil behavior, and that which may seem right to us can be an abomination before God and even result in death.
PROVERBS 16:26-27
26 The person who labors, labors for himself, for his hungry mouth drives him on.
27 An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 16:28
28 A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.
Unfortunately a whispered rumor or accusation can bring disastrous results without proof being needed. Once aroused, suspicion and doubt are hard to allay and can cause tremendous harm and damage to the innocent.
PROVERBS 16:29-30
29 A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 He winks his eye to devise perverse things; he purses his lips and brings about evil.
Wicked men working in concert have subtle signals they send each other to signal action or agreement. Carefully observing the wicked can catch these signals and warn their potential victims.
PROVERBS 16:31
31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.
The aged, honorable man is to be respected as he has been granted long life by the Lord.
PROVERBS 16:32
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Physical might is impressive but one who exercises self-control, especially in adverse or perverse situations earns greater respect.
PROVERBS 16:33
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
There is no such thing as “chance” in gaming or casting of lots. God determines the outcome of any roll of the dice and selection of lots is controlled by the Lord.
PROVERBS 17:1
1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 17:2
2 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, and will share an inheritance among the brothers.
A wise servant will help increase his master’s goods, whereas a good for nothing son will bring ruin to the family. A good and faithful servant will receive a reward or even an inheritance with the family heirs.
Jesus referred to this in a parable of a man who went to receive a kingdom. He gave 1 mina (about 50 shekels) to each servant and ordered them to trade with them until he came back. Scripture then records the results;
LUKE 19:15-19
15 “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
16 Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’
17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’
18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’
19 Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’
In both cases, the faithful servants were rewarded for their fidelity to their master.
PROVERBS 17:3
3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts.
The concept is the same, just differing contexts. Gold and silver ores are subjected to intense heat to “burn off” impurities, leaving a pure, stronger, more valuable metal. Our faith is similar, the Lord will test us in the fires of adversity to burn off our weaknesses and refine our faith which is precious in His sight.
PROVERBS 17:4-5
4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.
5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Pretty much self explanatory.
PROVERBS 17:6
6 Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.
Obedient, respectful grandchildren are a legacy of their grandparents, as it tells everyone that the childrens’ parents were taught well and passed those lessons on to another generation.
PROVERBS 17:7
7 Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, much less lying lips to a prince.
Excellency of speech comes from the wise, but the babbling of fools will earn them disrespect and a bad reputation. The same with lying rulers, they soon lose respect and trust from their subjects.
PROVERBS 17:8
8 A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; wherever he turns, he prospers.
Self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 17:9
9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.
Forgiving someone who sins against you and keeping it between the two of you is respectful, courteous and well-pleasing to God and preserves friendship and love. And do not spread the matter abroad, lest God publicly reveals your sins as well.
PROVERBS 17:10
10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.
A wise man will accept a rebuke and will learn from it. A fool will be blinded by anger, will disregard the rebuke and will learn nothing from the encounter.
PROVERBS 17:11-13
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
Self-explanatory.
PROVERBS 17:14
14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
Quarrels and strife many times build force the longer they go on, eroding relationships much like running water eventually wears away the hardest rock.
PROVERBS 17:15
15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.
Unfortunately this happens far too often, and we’re seeing this on a massive scale in the United States where criminals are lauded as heroes and law enforcement is vilified.
PROVERBS 17:16
16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, since he has no heart for it?
A person who seeks wisdom will hire teachers to educate them but fools considers themselves to be wise in their own eyes and despise instruction. Therefore they will spend the hire price of a teacher on foolish and unprofitable things.
PROVERBS 17:17
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
It’s easier to love a friend, because family has more entanglements which can cause more strife.
PROVERBS 17:18
18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend.
A person should be very wary of standing as a guarantor for someone else. A good example would be agreeing to be a co-signer for a loan. If the original borrower fails to repay the loan, as co-signer you will be responsible to pay it off.
PROVERBS 17:19-22
19 He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.
20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.
21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 17:23
23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice.
We see this a LOT today in politics. Individuals, special-interest groups and corporations funnel large amounts of cash disguised as “campaign donations” into politicians’ pockets to create or sway legislation in their favor. One nameless politician was known to say that if you wanted to talk to him, come with cash in hand or don’t bother.
PROVERBS 17:24
24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
There’s an instinctive hunger for God in each one of us. The wise understand this and believe that He is near and actively seek Him. The Fool will search to the ends of the Earth trying to find a way to satisfy that hunger by other means such as drugs, alcohol, and other religions, not understanding his need for God.
PROVERBS 17:25-27
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good, nor to strike princes for their uprightness.
27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 17:28
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace, when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
This reinforces the expression, “It better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and proclaim it”. Proverbs also states;
PROVERBS 29:20
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
PROVERBS 18:1
1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.
There are always those who feel they are wiser than everyone else, and refuse to listen to anyone else’s counsel or opinion, shouting them down as if volume makes them right. Proverbs says of such people;
PROVERBS 26:12
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
PROVERBS 18:2-3
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.
3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes reproach.
Self explanatory
PROVERBS 18:4
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
A man’s words can be a flowing fountain of wisdom or a stagnant well of ignorance.
PROVERBS 18:5
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 18:6-7
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
A fool’s mouth quickly gets him into trouble bringing punishments to him.
PROVERBS 18:8
8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.
Ever hear the term “juicy gossip”? It may be the delight of the gossipers and the hearers but it is destructive to the souls of both and is hurtful to the subject of the gossip.
PROVERBS 18:9
9 He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
A lazy man is like a destroyer, one destroys through action, the other through inaction.
PROVERBS 18:10-11
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem.
The rich depend on their wealth for protection, hiring security forces to guard them and their possessions. But wealth is a lure to the wicked and many rich people have lost their wealth (and even their lives) to close associates who coveted that wealth.
The righteous do not rely on physical wealth, knowing that it can vanish in a moment due to theft, mismanagement or disaster. It is not alive, nor can it protect you from danger. However God is a living God who can protect you from danger and carry you through hard times. As the apostle Paul urged Timothy his companion;
1 TIMOTHY 6:17
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
PROVERBS 18:12
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
Pride and haughtiness have been the downfall of many a person. An arrogant wealthy woman once commented, “Only the little people pay taxes” - and she wound up imprisoned for tax evasion. A humble person is trusted and liked far more than an arrogant person who believes they are better than others.
PROVERBS 18:13
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.
Always get all of the facts before expressing an opinion lest you speak rashly and appear to be a fool when all of the facts become known.
PROVERBS 18:14
14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?
A broken spirit can have detrimental effects on the body, causing weakness, excessive tiredness and can lower the immune system. It can also lead to detrimental behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse as people try to ease the pain.
PROVERBS 18:15
15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 18:16
16 A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
A gift is always welcomed and a petitioner can be granted an audience with the powerful if a gift is offered in friendship. This is not to be confused with a bribe, which is offered with evil intent.
PROVERBS 18:17
17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.
In any contention or dispute between two people there are two sides to a story. One side may seem plausible until the other side presents their case and judgment can be made.
PROVERBS 18:18
18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease, and keeps the mighty apart.
Casting of lots is much like flipping a coin to settle a dispute. It can also be used to whittle down a choice between several people to a single individual. Casting of lots to determine an outcome was used in both Testaments with the belief that God controlled the outcome.
PROVERBS 18:19
19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Feelings can be fragile things, easily hurt or offended, but they can become like iron or stone when offended or angered. People have become estranged for years over hurt or offended feelings.
PROVERBS 18:20
20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
Prosperity and peace come from good words, just as strife and contention come from bad words. A better word for “stomach” I think would be “spirit”. A man who speaks peace will in turn enjoy peace of spirit and will be content.
PROVERBS 18:21
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Fools and wise men speak with the same tongue, it is what is in the heart that makes the difference between the two. A fool’s tongue can lead him to destruction, a wise man’s tongue leads him to life.
PROVERBS 18:22
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.
Proverbs has numerous praises for a good wife but also speaks of the woes of being married to a contentious woman.
PROVERBS 18:23
23 The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.
A poor man is usually humble, whereas the rich despise those less prosperous than themselves.
PROVERBS 18:24
24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
A friendly person has many friends and acquaintances. And as wartime buddies will tell you, fighting alongside others in battle can weld lifelong friendships closer than any family relationship.
PROVERBS 19:1
1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
A prudent man who speaks carefully, holds fast to righteousness and honors others will prosper and be honored himself. A man who speaks rashly without forethought will be shunned and dishonored.
PROVERBS 19:2
2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet.
A knowledgeable man will proceed with caution, a fool will rush into a situation without forethought.
PROVERBS 19:3
3 The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord.
Fools hate rules and feel that laws restrict their freedoms, not understanding that rules are made for their benefit.
PROVERBS 19:4
4 Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.
The wealthy have all the friends that money can buy, but the poor have few.
PROVERBS 19:5
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape.
The law of Moses was clear on this;
DEUTERONOMY 19:16-19
16 If a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing,
17 then both men in the controversy shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days.
18 And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother,
19 then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you.
PROVERBS 19:6
6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 19:7
7 All the brothers of the poor hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.
Not many people befriend the poor. For example, watch how people ignore the homeless on the streets.
PROVERBS 19:8
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 19:9
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall perish.
Identical to verse 5 above.
PROVERBS 19:10
10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool, much less for a servant to rule over princes.
Fools will not appreciate the value of luxury and will soon come to poverty by their indiscretion. A ruling servant in turn will by indiscretion be the ruin of a kingdom.
PROVERBS 19:11
11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.
Here the proverb “To err is human, to forgive is divine” would apply.
PROVERBS 19:12
12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 19:13
13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father, and the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.
A foolish son brings shame to his father by his actions, and the continual bitter words of a discontented wife can drive a man to distraction.
PROVERBS 19:14
14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
Riches can be passed down through families, but a wise and prudent wife is the gift of the Lord to a man.
PROVERBS 19:15-17
15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.
16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die.
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 19:18
18 Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.
There is a huge difference between chastening or discipline, and abuse. Unfortunately years ago “experts” convinced the government to forbid disciplining children, equating it with abuse, resulting in an out-of-control generation of violent, disrespectful, rebellious adults. The following proverbs still apply today;
PROVERBS 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
And;
PROVERBS 22:15
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.
If a parent is angry with a child, have the other parent administer the punishment to prevent anger-generated abuse.
PROVERBS 19:19
19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; for if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
A man who cannot control himself will continue to get into trouble and will not learn control until he is forced to. But until that happens, rescuing him will do no good because he will re-offend.
PROVERBS 19:20
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 19:21
21 There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.
A man may plot and plan, but the outcome can be uncertain. God’s counsel and plans never fail.
PROVERBS 19:22-24
22 What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil.
24 A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
Self explanarory.
PROVERBS 19:25
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.
If you strike a scoffer, he will merely become sullen and resentful; a wise man will listen and learn from rebukes.
PROVERBS 19:26-29
26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
27 Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A disreputable witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 20:1-4
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.
3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.
4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing.
Self explanarory.
PROVERBS 20:5
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
The thoughts of a man are hidden, like looking down into a dark well, you don’t know what it contains until the man chooses to reveal it, much like drawing up water to determine the quality of a well’s water.
PROVERBS 20:6
6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?
This is a case of ‘actions speak louder than words’. An evil man can claim to be faithful, but his works will tell the truth.
PROVERBS 20:7-9
7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”?
Self explanarory.
PROVERBS 20:10
10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.
This is an old, old sin and is just as prevalent today as it was in ancient times. We have weight and measure standards but unscrupulous manufacturers and merchants set their own standards or disregard set standards.
Lumber is a prime example. A piece of lumber may be advertised as being 2 inches thick by 6 feet long. Yet the length is many cases is shorter than advertised with the error being blamed on ‘milling processes’. Or try comparing identical sizes of shirts and pants from different manufacturers - in many cases there are marked differences between them although they are advertised as being the same size.
In ancient times money was weighed, as while a coin was supposed to be of a certain value, crooked people would ‘trim’ metal from the edges of the coins making them of less value than stated.
An example of weighing money was recorded by the prophet Jeremiah;
JEREMIAH 32:9
9 So I bought the field from Hanamel, the son of my uncle who was in Anathoth, and weighed out to him the money—seventeen shekels of silver.
God condemned using falsified weights and scales when He said;
MICAH 6:11
11 Shall I count pure those with the wicked scales, and with the bag of deceitful weights?
PROVERBS 20:11-12
11 Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both.
Self explanatory
PROVERBS 20:13
13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.
A lazy man who prefers sleep to hard work will come to poverty. A diligent, hard-working man will prosper.
PROVERBS 20:14
14 “It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer; but when he has gone his way, then he boasts.
Ths is a favorite tactic that some buyers use. They will scorn a desired item, trying to get the seller to lower the purchase price and make it seem that the buyer is doing the seller a favor by taking it off his hands. If successful, the buyer walks away, bragging how shrewd he was.
PROVERBS 20:15
15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Wisdom and knowledge are far more valuable and useful that jewels and treasure. It cannot be stolen, nor does it lose its value.
PROVERBS 20:16
16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, and hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress.
I’m not exactly sure what this one means....
PROVERBS 20:17
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
Anything gained by deception may seem good to the performer, but it is corrosive to the spirit and God will reward evil with evil.
PROVERBS 20:18
18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war.
In any war, careful plans and contingencies must be formed and discussed. Rash actions without forethought will result in disaster.
PROVERBS 20:19
19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.
Do not trust a person who reveals anothers secrets as they will reveal yours also.
PROVERBS 20:20
20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness.
The law of Moses was clear concerning this;
LEVITICUS 20:9
9 ‘For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother. His blood shall be upon him.
PROVERBS 20:21
21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.
Sudden inheritance of wealth can often bring disaster in the end. Just ask lottery winners who win multi-million dollar jackpots but are broke or deeply in debt after a few years.
PROVERBS 20:22
22 Do not say, “I will recompense evil”; wait for the Lord, and He will save you.
Repaying evil for evil starts an unending cycle of retaliation that will destroy all involved. God has reserved payback and vengeance for Himself;
ROMANS 12:19
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
PROVERBS 20:23
23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, and dishonest scales are not good.
Already discussed in verse 10 above.
PROVERBS 20:24
24 A man’s steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?
A perfect man can lead a perfect life. NONE of us are perfect, therefore our thoughts, actions and emotions are flawed and we all do things that are not good.
PROVERBS 20:25
25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider his vows.
Don’t dedicate something as a gift to the Lord then take it back. King Solomon said;
ECCLESIASTES 5:4
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed—
PROVERBS 20:26
26 A wise king sifts out the wicked, and brings the threshing wheel over them.
The king’s wrath will crush the wicked under the weight of justice.
PROVERBS 20:27
27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart.
The spirit of a man knows the thoughts of his heart. And God searches the spirit of a man to know his hidden thoughts and intentions. In like fashion, the Scriptures state;
1 CORINTHIANS 2:9-11
9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
PROVERBS 20:28-30
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.
30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart.
Self explanarory.
PROVERBS 21:1
1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
God created the hearts of men, and like all things in Creation, they all obey His will. As He Himself said;
ISAIAH 55:11
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
PROVERBS 21:2
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.
Our emotions are tainted by sin which poisons our perceptions. As such, we can always justify (to ourselves) bad behaviors. As the creed of the Satanist Manifesto says, “An’ it hurt no one, do what you will.”
But as Proverbs also says;
PROVERBS 14:12
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
And as God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah;
JEREMIAH 17:9
9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?
PROVERBS 21:3
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Sacrifice was a symbolic reminder to the people of the cost of sin, showing that as sin took innocent lives (Adam and Eve, then all of Mankind) it would take a sinless, innocent life (Jesus) to be given in atonement for sin.
PROVERBS 21:4-5
4 A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
Self- explanarory.
PROVERBS 21:6
6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
Getting wealth by illicit means may seem desirable to some, but as king David observed;
PSALMS 55:23
23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in You.
And Proverbs says;
PROVERBS 10:27
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.
PROVERBS 21:7-8
7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice.
8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; but as for the pure, his work is right.
Self explanarory.
PROVERBS 21:9
9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
It is better to live in a small, quiet space than to dwell in a large house with an irritating, obnoxious woman.
PROVERBS 21:10-12
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 21:13
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.
Helping the poor is great in God’s sight and He rewards those who do so. Stories abound concerning generous people who help the poor and through unfortunate circumstances become poor themselves. When this happens, the community helps the suddenly destitute get back on their feet again.
One who despises the poor and suddenly becomes poor himself will be shunned by his neighbors.
PROVERBS 21:14
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.
A secret gift can change behaviors, satisfying an angry person. A bribe can do the same thing, especially in perverting justice. Many a criminal has bought favorable judgments through bribes.
As God spoke through the prophet Isaiah concerning Jerusalem;
ISAIAH 1:23
23 Your princes are rebellious, And companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them.
PROVERBS 21:15-17
15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 21:18
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.
This is a tough one. I think it means that God will destroy the wicked and turn their treasures over to the righteous. As Proverbs says;
PROVERBS 13:22
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
PROVERBS 21:19
19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.
Virtually the same as Proverbs 21:9 above.
PROVERBS 21:20-21
20 There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.
21 He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 21:22
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the trusted stronghold.
A wise man carefully plans an assault on a strong city as sometimes a frontal assault or a long siege are not the best ways to capture a city. The famous Greek ‘Trojan Horse’ is a good example where in 1180 B.C. attacking Greeks built a huge wooden horse outside of the Turkish city of Troy.
The Trojans, thinking it an offering to their gods, brought the horse inside the walls not knowing that it was filled with Greek soldiers. That night, the soldiers threw open the city gates allowing the Greek army inside, taking the city.
Another example is when king David was attempting to conquer the Canaanite city of Jebus (Jerusalem) in 2 Samuel chapter 5. He had man climb up a water shaft and the city was taken from within with minimum casualties.
PROVERBS 21:23-27
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
24 A proud and haughty man—“Scoffer” is his name; he acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
26 He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent!
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 21:28
28 A false witness shall perish, but the man who hears him will speak endlessly.
The first half is self-explanatory, I’m uncertain about the second half, though.
PROVERBS 21:29-31
29 A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he establishes his way.
30 There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 22:1-4
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 22:5
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards his soul will be far from them.
Evil and perverse people create their own troubles, while prudent people seek peace with those around them.
PROVERBS 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Looking at the behaviors of today’s young adults who grew up with the government forbidding discipline of them as children based on “research” by self-proclaimed child-rearing “experts”, we see the fruits of abandoning this proverb. Today’s children are spoiled, self-entitled, disrespectful, vicious, violent, lazy, vindictive and hateful to name a few behaviors.
PROVERBS 22:7-11
7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, and the rod of his anger will fail.
9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.
10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 22:12
12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but He overthrows the words of the faithless.
God will bless those who seek knowledge and speak rightly. But the evil and perverse speak rashly, reinforcing the proverb;
PROVERBS 29:20
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
PROVERBS 22:13
13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!”
The lazy are endlessly innovative in creating excuses for their laziness.
PROVERBS 22:14
14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 22:15
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.
This is in line with Proverbs 22:6 above.
PROVERBS 22:16
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.
God condemned the oppressive rich when He spoke through the prophet Isaiah;
ISAIAH 3:13-15
13 The Lord stands up to plead, and stands to judge the people.
14 The Lord will enter into judgment with the elders of His people and His princes: “For you have eaten up the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses.
15 What do you mean by crushing My people and grinding the faces of the poor?” says the Lord God of hosts.
(NOTE: the word “plead” can also be rendered as accuses)
As a result of oppressive behavior, God promises both the rich men and their wives;
ISAIAH 3:18-25
18 In that day the Lord will take away the finery: the jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents;
19 The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils;
20 The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands; the perfume boxes, the charms,
21 and the rings; the nose jewels,
22 the festal apparel, and the mantles; the outer garments, the purses,
23 and the mirrors; the fine linen, the turbans, and the robes.
24 And so it shall be: instead of a sweet smell there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-set hair, baldness; instead of a rich robe, a girding of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty.
25 Your men shall fall by the sword, and your mighty in the war.
PROVERBS 22:17-21
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge;
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you.
20 Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge,
21 That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?
The author here urges those who hear to follow the wisdom gained by others through experience.
PROVERBS 22:22-25
22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and plunder the soul of those who plunder them.
24 Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go,
25 Lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 22:26-27
26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts;
27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?
This is a warning against being a “co-signer” for a loan. Far too many people have been burned by co-signing for something then having the borrower “skip out” of repaying causing the
co-signer to be responsible for payment. And if you can’t cover the loan, a lender will sue you for everything you own.
PROVERBS 22:28
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.
This was forbidden by the Law of Moses;
DEUTERONOMY 27:17
17 ‘Cursed is the one who moves his neighbor’s landmark.’ “And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
PROVERBS 22:29
29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 23:1-3
1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you;
2 and put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.
3 Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.
Be very careful when dining with a ruler, lest you offend him with your appetite. If you anger him it could result in your destruction.
PROVERBS 23:4-5
4 Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!
5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.
Riches are fleeting, you can work for a lifetime and have your wealth vanish in a moment. The Stock Market crash of 1929 is a good example. People have their bank accounts stolen in moments. Be content with modest means, as riches will buy you trouble and stress.
PROVERBS 23:6-8
6 Do not eat the bread of a miser, nor desire his delicacies;
7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
8 The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up, and waste your pleasant words.
A miserly man who invites you to eat and drink your fill is a deceitful man with ulterior motives. If he is normally miserly, why is he suddenly generous with his food unless he seeks something in return?
PROVERBS 23:9
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 23:10-11
10 Do not remove the ancient landmark, nor enter the fields of the fatherless;
11 For their Redeemer is mighty, He will plead their cause against you.
Encroaching on anothers’ property comes with a curse, as Moses commanded;
DEUTERONOMY 27:17
17 ‘Cursed is the one who moves his neighbor’s landmark.’ “And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
PROVERBS 23:12
12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 23:13-14
13 Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.
14 You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from Hell.
Looking at today’s rioting, violent, self-entitled, disrespectful young adults shows the results of ignorant, self-proclaimed “experts” advising the government to force parents to stop disciplining their children, equating discipline with child abuse.
Today we have malicious, demon-driven mobs burning, and looting cities and murdering anyone who opposes them while screaming that they want “Social Justice”, meaning getting everything and anything they want for free, no matter who owns it.
PROVERBS 23:15-16
15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;
16 Yes, my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things.
Wise, respectful children are the pride and joy of their parents.
PROVERBS 23:17-18
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day;
18 For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.
Sinners may appear to prosper, but they do not rely on the Lord, nor do they consider where they will go after death. And is an eternity in the Lake of Fire worth a Godless rich life on Earth? As Jesus said;
MATTHEW 16:26
26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
PROVERBS 23:19-21
19 Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way.
20 Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 23:22
22 Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Always respect the wisdom of your parents which they have gained through experience.
PROVERBS 23:23
23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.
Always seek the truth, no matter what it may cost you. And be sure that you never abandon it or ignore it.
PROVERBS 23:24-25
24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him.
25 Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 23:26-28
26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
27 For a harlot is a deep pit, and a seductress is a narrow well.
28 She also lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men.
An unfaithful woman is a hunter of men’s souls and has brought many men to destruction both physically and spiritually. As Proverbs says;
PROVERBS 6:32-35
32 Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul.
33 Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy is a husband’s fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35 He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.
PROVERBS 23:29-35
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?
30 Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine.
31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly;
32 at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things.
34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
35 “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 24:1-2
1 Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them;
2 for their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking.
We are seeing this in large scale today, with Leftist and “social justice” groups creating havoc and trouble and politicians, more concerned with keeping their jobs and paychecks blatantly violating their sworn oaths of office and endangering public safety by supporting the agitators.
PROVERBS 24:3-4
3 Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
An ignorant man doesn’t know how to build a house, and a fool will fill it with useless treasures, not understanding how to assess the value of true riches. The wise will carefully assess wealth and choose things of true value.
PROVERBS 24:5-6
5 A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;
6 for by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.
A”hothead” may appear strong, but is full of weaknesses, as they don’t think things through before acting spontaneously. A wise man, like an experienced chess player, will plan ahead and examine and assess the possible consequences before acting. And with a multitude of counselors, each gives their own assessment of a situation, preventing sudden and foolish decisions from being made.
PROVERBS 24:7
7 Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the gate.
In ancient times judges, rulers, wise men and teachers sat in the city gates listening to disputes and teachings. Citizens could listen and even participate unless judicial matters were discussed at which time only judges, rulers and lawyers participated.
A fool would have no clue of the issues, and probably wouldn’t care as it would move him out of his ‘comfort zone.’
PROVERBS 24:8-9
8 He who plots to do evil will be called a schemer.
9 The devising of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men.
No one loves a swindler or a con man. Those who engage in such activities are universally shunned and people rejoice when they are caught and punished. And no one likes a loud-mouthed person who believes that only their opinions are important regardless of the facts, who “speak with the authority of ignorance.”
PROVERBS 24:10
10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
It has been said, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” This is true. How many people today could live through the hardships the early pioneers went through? I remember some years ago when Facebook went down for several days and people went into a screaming panic. And if people panic at a slight inconvenience like that, how will they survive true hardships?
As God told the prophet Jeremiah concerning his trials;
JEREMIAH 12:5
5 “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?
And as Job said, when Satan afflicted him with painful boils;
JOB 2:9-10
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”
10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
PROVERBS 24:11-12
11 Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.
12 If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?
During WW II numerous Nazis during the Nuremberg trials tried to explain away their atrocities by claiming that they “were just following orders”. Yet it was proven that especially in the “death camps” that guards who couldn’t handle the horrors there were transferred to other combat units.
God has instilled in each of us an instinctive knowledge of Good and Evil acquired in the Garden of Eden. So we have no excuse for doing atrocities by “just following orders.” God makes no provision for age, “mental state”, or having “had a hard life” to justify their actions. For example, in the case of murder, He said;
GENESIS 9:6
6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.”
One punishment for murder, period.
And as James, Jesus’ physical brother wrote;
JAMES 4:17
17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
PROVERBS 24:13-14
13 My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
14 so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off.
The rewards of wisdom are excellent, greatly desired and are satisfying to the soul. The fool may rejoice briefly, but the fruit of his doings will be bitter in the end.
PROVERBS 24:15-18
15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; do not plunder his resting place;
16 for a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
18 lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.
A righteous man may be brought to poverty by the wicked, but God can build him up again. A good example of this is the patriarch Job. God had greatly blessed Job with wealth and had given him 7 sons and 2 daughters and considered Job to be blameless.
Satan demanded to test Job and God allowed Satan to afflict him, but set limits on him. Satan took away his wealth, his children and covered Job from head to foot with painful boils, leaving him with a nagging wife and 3 faithless friends. (Job, chapters 1 and 2)
Despite Satan’s best efforts to get Job to sin, he remained steadfast in his faith and when the testing ended God rewarded him with far more riches than before, and gave him 7 more sons and 3 daughters, allowing him to reach 140 years of age.
Also a warning is given to not rejoice or gloat at the fall of the wicked, lest the Lord see that as sin in you and He turn his wrath from the wicked. Remember, Israel’s enemies rejoiced when God punished Israel, but He in turn destroyed the offending nations because of their rejoicing.
PROVERBS 24:19-20
19 Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked;
20 for there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
It is difficult to not become enraged or despondent when you see evildoers prospering, seemingly immune to disaster and above the law. Politicians fall into this category especially, with enriching themselves and openly breaking their sworn oaths of office.
God is long-suffering and will give the wicked time to repent. If they don’t, He will finally act. His timing is perfect, and we need to await His justice. And remember, while they may seem to escape punishment on Earth, after death their punishment will be eternal.
PROVERBS 24:21-22
21 My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those given to change;
22 for their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin those two can bring?
There are always people who want to change things because they’re either dissatisfied with their present circumstances, are power-hungry, want total control, or just like to stir up trouble. God sets up rulers to enforce laws and order and even if such rulers create peace there are those who chafe under righteous laws and want to change things in their favor.
But such changes many times carry the seeds of unrest and destruction and can force benevolent rulers to become tyrants. As the apostle Paul wrote;
ROMANS 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
We are to obey laws and rulers who reward good and punish evil even if a ruler is harsh, as long as they don’t transgress God’s laws. However we can oppose rulers who defy God’s laws.
As the apostle Peter said;
1 PETER 2:17
17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
As for taxes, remember that even Jesus had no problem with Caesar’s taxes. As He said;
MATTHEW 22:15-22
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk.
16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men.
17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?
19 Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius.
20 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”
21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.
PROVERBS 24:23-26
23 These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” him the people will curse; nations will abhor him.
25 But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.
26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.
Only the wicked want justice slanted in their favor when they appear in court. We see this in courts where people go “judge shopping” when seeking a favorable ruling, shopping for “soft” judges or judges who are sympathetic to their cause.
Judges are supposed to interpret laws and apply them equally but we’re seeing judges judging according to their own biases and are releasing criminals for ridiculous or political reasons who should be jailed.
PROVERBS 24:27
27 Prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house.
Sow your seed or crops before building a house, as the crops will grow as you build. If you build first, it may be too late in the season before they mature enough to harvest and you will lose your crop.
PROVERBS 24:28-29
28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, for would you deceive with your lips?
29 Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.”
God is an avenger and we are not to seek to avenge ourselves lest we become like the person who wronged us. God gave us two hard commandments;
DEUTERONOMY 32:35
35 Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.’
And;
DEUTERONOMY 19:15-21
15 “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.
16 If a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing,
17 then both men in the controversy shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days.
18 And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother,
19 then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you.
20 And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you.
21 Your eye shall not pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
PROVERBS 24:30-34
30 I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
31 And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down.
32 When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest;
34 So shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
A lazy man accomplishes nothing. Living requires work and there are people who feel that the world owes them a living simply because they exist. The Welfare system should be used for those unable to work, due to age, disability and the like.
But there are too many who abuse the system, not working, but collecting Welfare checks. I remember a healthy woman being interviewed who laughed as she said, “All I do is smoke weed, party with my friends and collect Welfare.” Another woman had her Welfare benefits cut off due to fraud who shrieked at the camera, “Who’s gonna pay my rent?”
The Socialist and Communist systems are equal failures for similar reasons. There is no incentive to work hard, you get the same wages whether you work hard or not. And the only ones who benefit are the politicians.
The apostle Paul set a hard and fast rule for lazy people;
2 THESSALONIANS 3:10-12
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
Note that he did not say those who cannot work, but those who will not work.
PROVERBS 25:1-2
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
God reserves the right to keep things secret, for He is God and there are things He does requiring us to trust Him even if we don’t understand or need to know. However we must always be diligent to search out the truth of an issue, especially in matters of justice. God knows everything, kings do not, thus diligence in determining matters of judgment glorifies a king.
PROVERBS 25:3
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Like all men, the hearts of kings have thoughts known only to God and the king himself. As the apostle Paul observed;
1 CORINTHIANS 2:11
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
PROVERBS 25:4-7
4 Take away the dross from silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great;
7 For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 25:8-10
8 Do not go hastily to court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor has put you to shame?
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, and do not disclose the secret to another;
10 lest he who hears it expose your shame, and your reputation be ruined.
Don’t go to court against a neighbor hastily as you only see one side of the issue and anger can cloud your judgment. Talk it over with your neighbor and try to keep it between you two alone. If you go to court hastily and lose, you will be ashamed. Likewise if you share the matter with others, it will spread earning you a bad reputation.
PROVERBS 25:11-12
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 25:13
13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
The cold water runoff of snow from the mountains during the hot harvest season is welcome and refreshing. A faithful, reliable messenger is also welcome and joy to those who send him.
PROVERBS 25:14
14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 25:15
15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
If a ruler is angry, a rebuke of him will only make him angrier. A patient, reasonable persuasion can accomplish more than a sharp, contentious argument.
PROVERBS 25:16
16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit.
Exercise moderation in all things.
PROVERBS 25:17-19
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 25:20
20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
A sorrowful person will not be helped by someone singing songs to cheer them up. Songs are for the joyful person, use consoling words to the sorrowful.
PROVERBS 25:21-22
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
Vengeance belongs to the Lord, He will avenge you on your enemies lest by taking your own revenge you start an endless cycle of violence. Do good to your enemy and let God avenge you.
PROVERBS 25:23-25
23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
25 As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 25:26
26 A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well.
A righteous man who compromises his integrity before the wicked is useless.
PROVERBS 25:27-28
27 It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one’s own glory is not glory.
28 Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 26:1
1 As snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.
Snow in summer and rainy harvest seasons are destructive and useless. The same with honoring a foolish man.
PROVERBS 26:2
2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause shall not alight.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 26:3
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool’s back.
All are methods of correction and training and effective.
PROVERBS 26:4
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
Don’t encourage a fool in his folly.
PROVERBS 26:5
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Giving a wise answer to a fool may help him to see his own folly.
PROVERBS 26:6-9
6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
7 Like the legs of the lame that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling is he who gives honor to a fool.
9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 26:10
10 The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.
Both will be rewarded according to their works.
PROVERBS 26:11-12
11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 26:13
13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!”
A lazy man will use any excuse to get out of working or to cover his laziness.
PROVERBS 26:14
14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed.
Don’t expect a lazy man to be anything more except what he is. A leopard doesn’t change its spots.
PROVERBS 26:15-16
15 The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 26:17
17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
Doing either one will get you hurt.
PROVERBS 26:18-19
18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, “I was only joking!”
Both types of men are cruel and have their consciences calloused to the point of where evil does not seem bad to them.
PROVERBS 26:20-21
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 26:22
22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.
Ever heard the term “juicy gossip”? Tales like this may seem fascinating but are destructive to the hearer, especially if they are false. Such tales can poison relationships, cause much strife and misery to the one whom the tale refers to. Those who believe unfounded tales are viewed with contempt and derision by wiser heads.
PROVERBS 26:23
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
The words of the wicked may seem to be sincere and of value but are really like clay vessels posing as fine ceramic and tin posing as silver.
PROVERBS 26:24-26
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself;
25 when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart;
26 though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
There are those who will use friendship to gain advantage over others and will use that friendship to cover their wickedness. This is where the term con artist comes from. Eventually con artists will be found out and will be despised.
PROVERBS 26:27
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
If you set a trap for others in wickedness, you will be repaid in kind by God.
GALATIANS 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
PROVERBS 26:28
28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Those who lie about others express their hatred through their words. The New Testament book of James says;
JAMES 3:6-12
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.
8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
PROVERBS 27:1-4
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them.
4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 27:5
5 Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.
Better to rebuke a wayward person out of love, rather than hide your love and tolerate error for fear of offending someone.
PROVERBS 27:6
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
A true friend will speak in rebuke out of love, willing to bear the momentary anger that the rebuke may generate. And remember, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus disciples betrayed Him to torture and death by identifying Him to the mob sent to arrest Him, kissing Him on the cheek in greeting.
PROVERBS 27:7
7 A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
A person who eats their fill of sweets doesn’t desire more, but a hungry person will eat almost anything to satisfy the hunger pangs. The same thing applies to spiritual matters. People are spiritually hungry and resort to alcohol, drugs, physical pleasures, different religions and philosophies, etc, trying to fill the emptiness. Only God can satisfy spiritual hunger through His written Word. As Jesus said;
MATTHEW 4:4
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
PROVERBS 27:8-9
8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place.
9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 27:10
10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
Always cultivate friendships whenever possible. Do not burden others by going to their house with your woes, let them come to you to willingly to offer comfort. A friendly neighbor close by is better and more helpful than a loving brother far away.
PROVERBS 27:11
11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.
The inadvertent errors of a wise son are easier for a father to defend than the actions of a foolish son.
PROVERBS 27:12
12 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 27:13
13 Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.
I have no idea about this one.
PROVERBS 27:14
14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him.
A flatterer is loud and frequent in his praise, seeking advantage or favor. They are usually despised and distrusted.
PROVERBS 27:15-16
15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike;
16 Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand.
Trying to reason with or restrain a naturally bitter, contentious woman is like trying to keep the wind from blowing, or grabbing a handful of oil. You can’t do either of them.
PROVERBS 27:17
17 As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Like an iron file sharpening iron, friends correct each others’ behaviors and both benefit.
PROVERBS 27:18-21
18 Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; so he who waits on his master will be honored.
19 As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man.
20 Hell and Destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is valued by what others say of him.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 27:22
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.
Beating a fool will correct him momentarily, but he is still a fool and will return to his foolish ways.
PROVERBS 27:23-27
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25 When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field;
27 You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants. Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 28:1
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 28:2
2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; but by a man of understanding and knowledge right will be prolonged.
Wickedness and violence shorten a man’s life and many wicked rulers have been assassinated by others as wicked if not more so than themselves. The book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament has many examples of this. And many times the assassin is himself assassinated resulting in a succession of rulers in a short period of time.
PROVERBS 28:3-7
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 28:8
8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion gathers it for him who will pity the poor.
A man can increase his wealth by oppression but he cannot take it with him when he dies. Whoever succeeds him may in turn pity the poor and spend that wealth to relieve their poverty. King Solomon correctly observed;
ECCLESIASTES 2:18-20
18 Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me.
19 And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.
PROVERBS 28:9-19
9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding searches him out.
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear is a wicked ruler over poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; let no one help him.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, but he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 28:20
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
Those who gain riches hastily usually do so by shady or illegal means generating the expression “get rich quick schemes” and God will punish them.
PROVERBS 28:21-28
21 To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him.
23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It is no transgression,” the same is companion to a destroyer.
25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 29:1
1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
People like this are stubborn and trust in their own wisdom rather than accept advice or correction from others. To them the Proverb applies which says;
PROVERBS 26:12
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
PROVERBS 29:2-7
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.
4 The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 29:8
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath.
Scoffers and contentious men stir up trouble and strife wherever they go and use adversity to their advantage.
PROVERBS 29:9-12
9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being.
11 A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 29:13
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
The Lord shows no partiality, He gives food to the righteous and the wicked, rain on the just and the unjust. He also judges impartially and judges the righteous and the wicked by the same standards.
PROVERBS 29:14-17
14 The king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 29:18
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.
We see this today, with people demanding that the police be abolished. Then these same people complain when criminal activity skyrockets.
PROVERBS 29:19
19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; for though he understands, he will not respond.
Sometimes words will make no impression on a lazy or contentious servant, they must be reinforced by punishment.
PROVERBS 29:20
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 29:21
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him as a son in the end.
A servant who is loved and pampered from childhood will stay with his master into adulthood and will eventually become as a son in the end
PROVERBS 29:22-24
22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.
24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; he swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 29:25
25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
Fear of Man brings stress and problems, whereas trust in the Lord brings peace and security.
PROVERBS 29:26-27
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 30:1-4
1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:
2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man.
3 I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you know?
Agur teaches in an unusual way, declaring his relative ignorance in light of God’s infinite wisdom. He also challenges the man who considers himself to be wise to answer hard questions so that men can contemplate God’s power.
NOTE: Agur knew that God had a Son, something the Ultra-Orthodox and Orthodox Jews vehemently deny. This in spite of the prophet Isaiah’s clear prophecy of;
ISAIAH 9:6-7
6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Jesus Christ is the only person in history who can legitimately claim to be the Messiah and have the evidence of history, genealogy, fulfilled prophecy and eyewitness accounts to prove it. Yet for 2,000 years the Rabbis have performed literary contortions, distortions, gymnastics, and outright lies to hide Him from the Jewish nation.
They forbid the reading of the New Testament, in their ignorance authoritatively calling it a book of curses, blasphemies, lies and anti-Semitism despite never having read it.
Yet those Jews who have had the courage to read it have been astounded to find that it is a book written by Jews, to Jews about Jews and proves that Jesus Christ is indeed the promised Messiah.
If Jews believe in Jesus, Rabbinic Judaism will crumble and the Rabbis will lose glory, power, influence, money and will lose their iron control over Jewish society. In this these Judaic lawyers follow in the footsteps of their forebears the 1st Century Pharisees (Hebrew: Parosh’im - ‘Pure Ones”) of which Jesus said concerning entry to Heaven;
LUKE 11:52
52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”
PROVERBS 30:5-6
5 Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
Adding man-made doctrines or removing words from God’s Word will bring curses on the one performing these actions. As the apostle John wrote in the book of Revelation;
REVELATION 22:18-19
18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
PROVERBS 30:7-9
7 Two things I request of You (deprive me not before I die):
8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches— feed me with the food allotted to me;
9 Lest I be full and deny You, and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.
I think this is one of the most beautiful and meaningful prayers in the Bible and should be a model for all of us to follow.
PROVERBS 30:10
10 Do not malign a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.
Remember, you, yourself are not without fault and that you have a Master too. And as the apostle Paul stated;
ROMANS 14:4
4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
PROVERBS 30:11-14
11 There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother.
12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness.
13 There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and whose fangs are like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
Were seeing this generation today. “special interest” groups loudly shout about how righteous their cause is while using every profane word and curse in the Devil’s Dictionary of Vulgar Language; they are deceitful, dishonest, greedy, self-entitled, lazy, arrogant, disrespectful and violent. They claim to be “outraged” at the slightest thing, using it as an excuse to riot and loot.
The apostle Paul prophesied;
2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
PROVERBS 30:15-16
15 The leech has two daughters— Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, four never say, “Enough!”:
16 The grave, the barren womb, the earth that is not satisfied with water— and the fire never says, “Enough!”
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 30:17
17 The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.
God had no tolerance for those who disobeyed their parents. As He instructed Israel;
DEUTERONOMY 21:18-21
18 “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and who, when they have chastened him, will not heed them,
19 then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, to the gate of his city.
20 And they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’
21 Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear.
PROVERBS 30:18-19
18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I do not understand:
19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a virgin.
Unlike today’s promiscuous society, in ancient times an unmarried man would be unfamiliar with the intricacies of intimacy between man and wife. The others verses are self explanatory.
PROVERBS 30:20-23
20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, “I have done no wickedness.”
21 For three things the earth is perturbed, yes, for four it cannot bear up:
22 For a servant when he reigns, a fool when he is filled with food,
23 A hateful woman when she is married, and a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 30:24-28
24 There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:
25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer;
26 The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags;
27 The locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks;
28 The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, and it is in kings’ palaces.
Self explanatory.
NOTE: “Rock badger” is an ancient Hebrew name for rabbit or coney.
PROVERBS 30:29-33
29 There are three things which are majestic in pace, yes, four which are stately in walk:
30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts and does not turn away from any;
31 A greyhound, a male goat also, and a king whose troops are with him.
32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.
33 For as the churning of milk produces butter, and wringing the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife.
Self explanatory.
PROVERBS 31:1-3
1 The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
2 What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
Do not let emotions override common sense and wisdom. King Solomon was turned to idolatry by his pagan wives and caused God to tear 10 tribes away from his son. Samson was destroyed by Delilah; king Ahab of the Northern Kingdom of Israel married pagan queen Jezebel who led the Northern Kingdom into Ba’al worship.
PROVERBS 31:4-9
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink;
5 Lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
This sets forth the behaviors of a righteous ruler who will rule his kingdom in peace.
PROVERBS 31:10-31
10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.
An industrious woman is priceless - she cares for her household, weaves and makes their clothing, is diligent in business, and daily performs a multitude of domestic duties. A man who marries such a woman will be blessed abundantly in life.
Comments? Questions? E:mail: watchmen_777@yahoo.com