“The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” Proverbs 31:1-7 (KJB)
Solomon
Every Word of God is Pure
“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in His fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if thou canst tell?
Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:1-6 (KJB)
The Peril Of A Hard Head
“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Proverbs 29:1 (KJB)
The Righteous Are Bold
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1 (KJB)
The Question of Tomorrow
“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1 (KJB)
Things Out of Place
“As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.” Proverbs 26:1 (KJB)
Secret Things and Wisdom
“These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:1-2 (KJB)
Envy, Desire, Mischief, and Destruction
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.” Proverbs 24:1-2 (KJB)
Diligent Consideration
“When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.” Proverbs 23:1-3 (KJB)
A Good Name
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1 (KJB)
The King’s Heart and Rivers
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” Proverbs 21:1 (KJB)
The Mocker
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1 (KJB)
The Poor With Integrity
“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool; also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.” Proverbs 19:1-2 (KJB)
Through Selfish Desire
“Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” Proverbs 18:1-2 (KJB)
“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” Proverbs 18:1-2 (ESV)
Sacrifices and Strife
“Better a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” Proverbs 17:1 (KJB)
Your Heart, Tongue, Works, and Thoughts
“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:1-3 (KJB)
Wise Use of the Tongue
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Proverbs 15:1-2 (KJB)
The Wise Woman
“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” Proverbs 14:1 (KJB)
The Wise Father, and The Wise Son
“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.” Proverbs 13:1 (KJB)
Love Instruction and Knowledge
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” Proverbs 12:1 (KJB)
Doing Business Justly
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is His delight.” Proverbs 11:1 (KJB)
The Wise Son, and The Foolish Son
“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” Proverbs 10:1 (KJB)
Forsake the Foolish, and Live
“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, ‘Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither:’ him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, ‘Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.’ ” Proverbs 9:1-6 (KJB)
She Stands in the Top of High Places
“Doth not wisdom cry, and understanding put forth her voice?
She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.” Proverbs 8:1-6 (KJB)
The Peril of Adultery
“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
Say unto wisdom, ‘Thou art my sister;’ and call understanding thy kinswoman: that they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, and beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: and, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, ‘I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: he hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.’
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” Proverbs 7:1-27 (KJB)
Deliver Yourself
“My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.” Proverbs 6:1-5 (KJB)
Dealing With Evil
“My son, attend unto my wisdom, bow thine ear to my understanding: that thou mayest regard discretion, and thy lips may keep knowledge.
For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, thou canst not know.” Proverbs 5:1-6 (KJB)
Hear The Instruction Of A Father
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” Proverbs 4:1-2 (KJB)
Long Life, and Peace
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” Proverbs 3:1-2 (KJB)
When You Will Understand The Fear of The LORD, and Find Knowledge
“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5 (KJB)
Use Your Words Wisely
“The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.” Proverbs 18:4
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” 18:21
Using Words Carefully – Proverbs 18:1-24
Verses 1-4 – These verses carry over from verses 27 and 28 of chapter 17. There is much in the Proverbs of speech, the tongue and words. We are taught to choose and handle words carefully; and not deceitfully. The fool is one who cares only for his own words; is in the process to thought while another is talking; and only to have something further to say.
On a first look verse 1 could seem to have a positive intent; however with the word “intermeddleth” it means that the individual contends with wisdom.
Verses two and three then show the intent of the heart of verse one. On verse 4 see Proverbs 20:5
Verses 5 – 9 – Speaking good of evil, and evil of good to overthrow the righteous is not good. Backbiting, and slander is the heart of the destruction of the fool’s mouth.
A lazy individual is akin to the great waster (v. 9).
Verses 10 – 11 – Many a wealthy individual has all their hopes in their wealth, investments, and possessions. An island of safety in the midst of words of warning and hope (v. 10).
Verses 12 – 21 – You can see that the words of the foolish individual is more important to him/her than listening to others in verses 13, 17. Verses 16 speaks of giving gifts – not bribes to buy off judges, law enforcement, etc. Probably could be likened to a gift someone might bring to the King’s birth.
In verse 18 there seems to be some wisdom in “casting lots” for the ceasing of contentions.
There is reward or destruction in our use of words. They can be the difference in life and/or death; destruction or building up.
Verses 22 -24 – See Proverbs 12:4; 19:14. Marriage is good if it be found in the way of God. For a marriage to be good the man and a woman must choose and use words carefully. Good communication is a key.
In verse 23 we have a contrast between the poor and the rich. The poor is humble before others when asking something from them. The rich have no need of anything so they speak roughly to others. Again whether one is rich or poor really makes no difference when it comes to our choosing and use of words.
In verse 24 we have a sentence which is familiar, “And there is a friend who sticketh closer than a brother”. Before that we learn that if one is to have friends, then, we must be a friend.
Friends choose and use words carefully. The choosing and using words carefully has nothing to do with “Political Correctness”; but using words to build up. A lot of times hard/truth words need to be used to bring out good quality in another.
The Tongue of the Wise
The Peacemaker Has a Wise Tongue – Proverbs 17:14-20
The verses of these Proverbs warn us of the folly of strife, wickedness, evil, injustice, adversity, and the peril of those who follow that way of living. I want us to look at the opposite side of these warnings.
Verse 14 – A dam may start to break with just a pinhole in it, and if it is left untended it becomes a flood of water. Think of the flooding of the biggest part of New Orleans a few years ago. Most of the damage was caused by the breaking of the dikes that held back water from the city. When they broke the breaks got larger until there was no stopping the flow. That is likened to someone loving strife.
The answer to that is when we see the beginning of strife it needs mended. If it is passed that point then we should probably leave it alone and walk away.
Verse 15 – As God’s children we should always honor justice, and condemn injustice whenever we see it. There is a great tendency in this 21st century to vilify the righteous, and justify wickedness. From this verse we see that that is an abomination to God. (Isaiah 5:20).
Verse 16 – Biblically wise people will pay any price for godly wisdom. If it takes money we will pay it. If it takes study of God’s Word, then we will study God’s Word; if it takes listening to others, then we will listen to others. The price we will pay for wisdom is worth it.
For those who have no heart for wisdom he/she will spend their money, time and listening to other things.
Verse 17 – John Gill says of the first part of this, “A friend loveth at all times,…. A true, hearty, faithful friend, loves in times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity: there are many that are friends to persons, while they are in affluent circumstances; but when there is a change in their condition, and they are stripped of all riches and substance; than their friends forsake them, and stand at a distance from them; as was the case of Job, Job_19:14; it is a very rare thing to find a friend that is a constant lover, such an one as here described;” SEE Proverbs 18:24; 27:10; Ruth 1:16; Job 6:14.
I am thankful for the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. His name is Jesus.
Verse 18 – A true friend would not ask a friend to be “surety” on a debt; at least in my mind. Why would a friend want to make a friend do a foolish thing. The proverb author says this is only the act of “A man void of understanding”.
The Believer’s Bible Commentary states, “17:18 This verse modifies the previous one by showing that love should not be without discernment. It would be a case of bad judgment to agree to guarantee a friend’s debts in the event that he should default. Any man who needs a surety is a bad credit risk. Why be surety for a bad credit risk?”
Verses 19-20 – This verse takes us back to verse 14. Transgression is the treasure of one who loves strife. The obedient and humble hate transgression as well as strife.
The froward heart is as the one who loves transgression, and finds no good. The heart of a man or woman who loves God not only will find good, but also be the source of good to others; even those who do not seek it.
A Mother Bear and Her Cubs
Reproof, Rebellion, and Mother Bears – Proverbs 17:10-13
“A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.”Proverbs 17:10-13
Verse 10 – “Reproof” means “Blame or censure for a fault” (MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY). Good criticism is of benefit to those who have wisdom and understanding.
A man or woman is foolish who will not heed criticism; nor the sting of a good lashing.
Verse 11 – Let us define evil. “Evil”, again from the MIRRIAM/WEBSTER dictionary, “1. Wicked, 2. causing or threatening distress or harm: Pernicious” In our text it would mean displeasing – Displeasing to God. Contrary to the heart and will of God.
The heart of sin does seek rebellion against God. The Wise writer says that this “wicked person will be met by the cruel messenger” probably sent by the king.
Verse 12 – One of the most tragic events that I have heard of happening is a hiker and his spouse getting caught between a mother bear and her cubs. In saving her life [the life of his spouse], the mother bear took his. It is a dangerous thing.
The writer of Proverbs saw it as better to be met by a mother bear separated from her cubs as to be caught in company with a foolish individual.
Verse 13 – (Psalm 35:12; 109:4-5; Proverbs 20:22; Matthew 5:39). King David rewarded evil to Uriah after the good and faithful service he had provided in the king’s military forces. David paid dearly for that grave evil.
We can also see from David’s evil act what happened to his house after his death. It could be that Solomon has these matters in his mind as he penned these words to the scroll.
A Dry Morsel, and Friends
A Dry Morsel and Friends – Proverbs 17:1-9
Verse 1 – Many of the sacrificial times in the Old Testament were also times of feasting. There are seven feasts mentioned in OT Scriptures. A dry morsel with peace is better than a house of “feasting” with strife.
“Prov. 17:1 Like 15:17, this proverb asserts that a poor but loving home is better than a home filled with feasting and strife. As the esv footnote indicates, “feasting” is lit., “sacrifices,” specifically peace offerings; such offerings would provide for a meal including meat—a luxury in ancient times.” From ESV Study Bible
Verse 2 – There are examples of servants who were teachers for sons and daughters of their “master”. Abraham’s servant (Gen 24) is a good example. He goes to find a bride for Isaac. Isaac was not foolish son, but the servant did seek a wife for him. At one time Abraham even asked the LORD to give his inheritance to the servant Eliezer (Gen 15:1-4).
In the Law there is no provision for this; but it must have been a feasible possibility. No wise father would turn the inheritance over to a son who was causing shame to the name of the family; nor to a son who would foolishly squander away the business/inheritance.
Verse 3 – Refining for silver and gold requires fire. When the gold and silver is melted down the impurities of each comes to the surface. The refiner can then take a metal scoop, and skim the surface, removing the impurities. The more the fine metals are refined through the fire the more pure they become.
Why is it when we want to prepare ourselves for a marathon run, a mountain climb, and we suffer to prepare for those things without too much complaining; but let God use adversity (the weights, the climbs, the trials), and we ask, “Why is God doing this to me?” He does know what is best for us; and exactly where we are going. He knows the trail ahead.
It is a great comfort to know that the LORD is the One who tries the hearts of men. Yet that too is sometimes like fire.
Verse 4 – Those people involved in wickedness will often listen to “false lips”; those who give bad, and false witness. It is easier, many times, to believe a lie; than it is to believe the truth.
People who are prone to lying themselves are also more likely to listen to lies, and believe them. This may have more to do with malicious gossip than other things.
Verse 5 – Many times I have probably “Mocked the poor”. If we say things like, “Well some poor people are that way, because they want to be.” Is that not mocking? At least the mockery which the verse speaks of. We are told in this verse that it “Reproaches his Maker”; that is GOD.
Have we ever rejoiced to see someone, some place or city striken by calamity? Woe be to the one’s who do such things. They shall not be “Unpunished”.
Verse 6 – See Psalm 127:3-4 and 128:6
Verse 7 – A “fool” in the Biblical sense is one who despises God, Godly wisdom and understanding. There are many eloquent, proficient, even thoughtful speakers who are foolish concerning the things of God.
What is worse than a fool who despises God, godliness, and wisdom and understanding; is the “Prince”, future ruler, or ruler who has lying lips.
Verse 8 – Bribery is the idea that is being written of in this passage. The one who has the means to bribe, and will bribe others to his own advantage holds this as though it were a precious gem in his sight. Much greed and selfish things can be accomplished through bribery.
v. 23; 18:16; 19:6; 21:14; Exodus 23:8; Isaiah 1:23; Amos 5:12
Verse 9 – Covering a trangression is an act of love; if the transgression being covered is that of another. Someone who is always bringing up another’s transgression is separating friendships. We can look at Galations 6:1.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Right Way; and the Way of Death
The Right Way; The Way of Death – Proverbs 16:25-33
Verses 25 – 26 – There are many times men think what they do or are doing is the “right thing”; however the “right thing” in man’s vision can often be the wrong thing with God. These ways are the ways that lead to death. Proverbs 14:12; 24:20. The “way” is a course of life, or mode of action; the “conversation” mentioned in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 1:12; Galations 1:13; Ephesians 2:3; 4:22; Philippians 1:27; 3:20; 1 Timothy 4:12; Hebrews 13:5, 7)
In most cases the laborers labor for their own benefit. We hunger for things, particularly sustenance; these three main things, survival, security, and success.
Verses 27 – 30 – These verses are connected to those who seek to do what they have deemed to be right. Those who always keep trouble stirred, or “dug up”; seeking to cause strife among others.
16:27–30 These proverbs address people who cause problems. People who are worthless (v. 27), dishonest (vv. 28; 16:30), or violent (v. 29) negatively affect those around them. They bring evil by tempting and dividing those who associate with them. From FAITHLIFE Study Bible online
We are warned about some of these things in the New Testament as well. The qualifications for the pastor includes “No striker”, and “Not a brawler” (1 Timothy 3:3); and we are warned of the “works of the flesh” in Galations 5:19-21.
Verses 31 – The gray haired individual is considered by some to be weak; however, the one who is in the way of righteousness, and his hair is a “crown of glory”. Gray hair is often associated with age, and wisdom. Proverbs 17:6; 20:29. Also see Proverbs 3:1, 2.
“Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:32
We are told by history that the young men were to rise from their seated position when an older man passed within a distance of four cubits (From John Gills commentary of Lev. 19:32)
Verse 32 – Mighty men can take a city by force; but a man, slow to anger, has conquered himself, and can lead a city in the way of righteousness.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty,…. Than a mighty warrior or conqueror; as Alexander who conquered his enemies, and even all the world, and yet in his wrath slew his best friends: a man that is slow to anger is esteemed by the Lord, respected by men, and is happy in himself; and is preferable to the strongest man that is not master of himself and of his passions;
and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city; one that has the command of his temper, that can govern himself, and not suffer his passions to exceed due bounds, is superior in strength to him that can storm a castle or take a fortified city; it is easier to do the one than the other; courage of mind joined with wisdom, and assisted by a proper number of persons, may do the one; but it requires the grace of God, and the assistance of his spirit, thoroughly to do the other. Cicero says (t), in all ages
“fewer men are found who conquer their own lusts than that overcome the armies of enemies.”
From John Gill e-Sword
Verse 33 – “Casting lots” was the toss sometimes of multi colored stones, and the lay of the stones determined the outcome of the decision to be made. It could be similar to a vote, the toss of a coin, or the roll of the dice. We must realize that this be done with prayer and trust that the LORD will show His direction. It is in no way associated with gambling, games of chance.
At any rate the ultimate decision will be God’s
The Treasure of Wisdom
Wisdom’s Gold, and a Honeycomb – Proverbs 16:16-24
Verse 16 – The worth of wisdom and understanding compared to gold and/or silver. What, if anything, is lost by having one without the other? Prov. 3:13
Verse 17 – 19 — Life is sometimes compared to a road. Is that a good comparison? Why? How would you describe the “Highway of the upright?” Think about what it means to stay on (“Keepeth his way”) that highway.
In what way does pride lead to destruction? Is “Pride” some of the time, or all the time related to refusing to see and acknowledge there is a problem? Jeremiah 49:16
The “Humble spirit” needs no spoils. For verse 19 reference see Psalm 84:10.
Verse 20 – 24 —
“Prov. 16:20–24 These verses commend the speech characteristic of the wise of heart (vv. 21a, 23a): the wise consider their words carefully (vv. 20a, 23a) so that their words are both persuasive (vv. 21b, 23b) and good for body and soul (v. 24); they exhibit faithfulness to God (v. 20b) and are considered discerning by others (v. 21a). Such wisdom is a fountain of life, and foolish speech is empty of any such benefits (v. 22).” Note from the ESV Study Bible
Pleasant and precious words are sweet and comes from hearts of wisdom of understanding (verses 16 and 24).
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Heart of the Righteous King
The Heart of the Righteous King – Proverbs 16:10-15
In the United States of America we have no Monarchy. We live in a Republic which is governed of the people, by the people and for the people. I do believe, however, that seeing our leaders as under the same rules as a king would be sufficient to show us how a ruler should govern the people.
This surely is reference to the King of kings, and all are to pattern themselves after Him.
Verse 10 – The godly ruler is one who represents God to the people; and should speak the “Divine sentences” “Oracles” of God. Solomon’s wisdom was known and respected (1 Kings 3:28). See Proverbs 20:28; and 28:15-16.
Verse 11 – Though a monarch or any ruler is not mentioned in the verse it is certainly a decree that leaders/rulers are to operate function in business with the proper scales and weights. Proverbs 11:1.
Verse 12 – It is a moral tragedy for leaders to place their leadership; whether it be king or President; over the throne and sovereign power of God. The throne of David, and every king of Israel was established due to the righteousness of the king. Proverbs 25:5; 29:14; Isaiah 16:5.
Verse 13 – Righteous words and lips should be the desire of kings and all leadership who lead people. Proverbs 14:35; 22:11. We must remember that what is in the heart will be manisfested through the lips and the life (Matthew 15:10-20).
Verse 14 – John Gill from e-Sword:
“The wrath of a king is as messengers of death,…. Or, “angels of death”, as the Targum. As the wrath of Ahasuerus was to Haman; when it is either discovered in the countenance of a king, or expressed by his words, or signified by a messenger; it sometimes has been immediate death to a person, and often as terrible as if a messenger brought the sentence of death; yea, it is as if one messenger after another was sent on such an errand, and therefore the word is in the plural number. How terrible is the wrath of the King of kings; and even to kings themselves, who are represented as flying to rocks and mountains to hide them from it! Rev_6:15;
but a wise man will pacify it; by a proper acknowledgment of the offence committed; or by a prudent representation of his case, or the case of his friends; by soft answers and strong arguments, as Jonathan pacified the wrath of King Saul his father against David. He is a wise man that believes in Christ, and pleads his propitiatory sacrifice for the expiation of his sin, at the same time frankly acknowledging it.”
Verse 15 – Just as the “wrath of the king” is as “Messengers of death” so is the “Light of the king’s countenance”… “Life”.
The “Latter rain” was the final rain fall before the harvest of the crops; and was the necessary rain for nourishing the harvest. So the king’s favor would be like that rain.
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
The Heart of Man
The Heart of Man – Proverbs 16:1-9
Verses 1 – 2 – “Preparations of the heart in man” and “The answer of the tongue” are both “from the LORD”. V. 2 – “Ways of man…” but “The LORD weigheth the spirits”.
All the plans of men (James 4:13-15) are only successful through the directions of the LORD. Good plans are from the LORD, and will be successful. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34).
There are many times we think we are doing good and clean things; but our hearts may yet be doing an evil deed. God alone, and maybe, the individual knows the heart and motives.
Verse 3 – “Commit” “Works” “Thoughts” “Shall be established”. Some words to think on in verse 3.
“Roll unto Jehovah thy works, And established are thy purposes,” YOUNG’S LITERAL TRANSLATION (See 1 Peter 5:7)
Verses 4-6 – “The LORD has made all things for Himself”, “The wicked”, “Proud in heart”, “Abomination to the LORD”; “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged”, and “By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”
On a certain day in time all that have refused God’s Christ will glorify God in their judgment. Departing from evil because one sees it as offensive to the holiness and righteousness of GOD. It [Evil] is seen, by one who fears the LORD; as being a sour and bitter thing.
Verse 7 – See Revelation 3:9; Isaac and Abimelech, Genesis 26; Jacob and Esau, Genesis 33. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Hebrews 11:6
Verse 8 – The attitude of the heart of man with “Little” of material things, righteous in the LORD; contrasted to “Great revenues” without righteousness.
Verse 9 – “The word rendered “deviseth” implies, by its spectra, intensity of thought and care. Man meditates and prepares his plans with the utmost solicitude, hut it rests with God whether he shall carry them to completion or not, and whether, if they are to be accomplished, it be done with ease or with painful labour. (comp. Gen_24:12, etc.)” From the Pulpit Commentary note.
“Deviseth” can mean scheming, to fabricate, to weave. It can also mean to carefully plan out “His way”. The wise man knows that “The LORD directeth his steps”.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Eyes of the LORD
Proverbs 15:1-33
1. THE ALL-SEARCHING EYES OF THE LORD (vv. 1-7) focus 3).
He watches from a “lofty tower” or a very high place.
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
22 times in the Old Testament is the “Eyes of the LORD” written and only once in the New Testament in 1 Peter 3:12
How John describes the eyes of the LORD – “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;” Revelation 1:14
2. THE SACRIFICE AND WAY THAT IS ABOMINATION TO THE LORD (vv. 8-10) focus 8-9).
Think of Cain’s sacrifice. Think of Saul’s sacrifice of disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22). God is not delighted by wicked sacrifice (Jeremiah 6:20).
3. THE INESCAPABLE PRESENCE OF THE LORD (vv. 10-24)focus v. 11).
Verse 11-
“If God knows the secrets of the world beyond the grave, much more does he know the secret thoughts of men on earth. The heart is the source of action. (see Mat_15:19, etc.)” Pulpit Commentary
4. THE DESTROYED HOUSE (v. 25).
The house of pride will be torn down, destroyed.
Psalm 52:1-5; 138:6; Isaiah 2:12; 1 Peter 5:5
“The proud, self-confident man, with his family and household and wealth, shall be rooted up. The heathen saw how retribution overtook the arrogant.” Pulpit Commentary
5. THE ABOMINATION AND THE PLEASANT WORDS (vv. 26-28)focus 26).
The righteous or good man or woman thinks before they speak. The tongue; a mighty force; will show the heart of an individual.
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (KJB)
6. THE PRAYER THE LORD WILL HEAR (vv. 29-33)focus v. 29).
“A MAN”S NEARNESS TO GOD IS TO BE MEASURED BY HIS CHARACTER.” Pulpit Commentary. Long prayers are not a sign of one’s nearness to God, neither are big and impressive words.
God is impressed with the humble and contrite heart. See Psalm 51:17
Instruction and Authority from Proverbs 13
Instruction, Transgressions, and Authority – Proverbs 13:1-25
Verses 1 – 6 – Once again we are dealing with the issues of the “mouth”. Eating here seems to be speaking of much more than physical food; but rather of self-control with food and with the tongue.
Also speaking of control of one’s work habits; and speaking the truth.
Verses 7 – 8 – When one makes themselves “rich” they are usually poor in many other ways. Jesus said of the poor; “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
Riches are counted, by God, to be much more than material gain or wealth. When the wealthy pay “ransom” in fear for their lives; they are genuinely poor.
Verses 9 – 19 – Verse 13 is the central part of these verses; and words to be heeded by all who will trust the Lord.
“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.”
The instruction of God’s Word gives wisdom, grace, knowledge, salvation, fellowship with God, Peace with God, and peace with Mankind.
Verses 20 – 21 – How many times have parents guarded the people their children hang out with? Good parents will keep watch. “Evil communications corrupt good manners” 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Communications” in the KJV can be interpreted “companionship”
All Christians need to learn and know that there is much to be said about who you keep company with. You can be known by who your friends and who your enemies are.
Verses 22 – 25 – There is work and labor involved in caring for our future. It begins by self discipline, and teaching our children.
“Prov. 13:24 Physical discipline is a common theme in Proverbs (see e.g., 10:13; 17:10; 22:15; 23:13–24; 29:15). It is viewed as an important part of the correction and training of a child, to teach him to avoid wrong behavior, to embrace what is right, and to build godly character. Equally important, physical discipline is an expression of love for a child, while the one who spares the rod hates his son. Taking into account all of the teaching of Proverbs, physical discipline of a child must never be severe and must always be exercised in love. Cf. Heb. 12:5–11.” ESV Study Bible note.
The rod spoken of in verse 24 is one that speaks of “authority”. The shepherd had a staff with a crook on the upper end; the king held a sceptre. Both of these were signs of authority.
Our children need to learn to recognize authority. When we have some who yell about corporal punishment as teaching children violence they are teaching children to disrespect authority. Those who are in authority have the power to discipline. God is the ultimate Authority.
-Tim A. Blankenship
