Proverbs 5:17

Proverbs 5:17 (NASBStr)

Let them be yours alone

And not for strangers with you.

Proverbs 5:17 (ESV)

Let them be for yourself alone,

and not for strangers with you.

In this proverb, Solomon is continuing his warning to the man of the home.  He wants him to beware of what happens when the man goes astray and falls for the harlots trap.   What he has brought out, in the previous proverbs, is that unfaithfulness of the man can result in temptation and unfaithfulness to the wife.   Most don't think of this aspect of their promiscuous sin.   What Solomon is saying is that your wife ought to be "yours alone" and not a "strangers."  He is saying that your wife should be you soul intimate.  Failure to follow and stay at home with your wife can result in your wife's failure to stay there.   That doesn't mean the wife is free from guilt and responsibility.  It means that the husband of the house is the umbrella to the family.   Failure to hold the umbrella is equivalent of allowing the rain and storm to affect the wife.   The wife is to be the one the man finds fulfillment and enjoyment.  When our own faithfulness affects the home it affects that relationship.   Make no mistake, hidden promiscuity in your personal life can lead to open promiscuity in the life of your mate.

Proverbs 4:12

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the path of life and how to run on that path:

Proverbs 4:12 (NASBStr)

When you walk, your steps will not be impeded;

And if you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:12 (ESV)

When you walk, your step will not be hampered,

and if you run, you will not stumble.

I don't run much these days.  Too old!  When I wanted to go fast I had a Harley.  But in the above proverb we see a truth that when we pursue wisdom (found by having faith in Christ and the fear of The Lord) we will have the ability to run, without the possibility to stumble.    We can walk without being impeded.   Solomon is talking metaphorically, obviously.   We can be assured, when following Christ, that we can have safe passage to where He wants us to go.   God promises us that He will always be with us.   That means when we walk by faith we can be assured that the walk with be safe, as well as completed.   But the walk with God does not have to be slow.  It does not have to be a walk.  It can be a run.   Not only is Solomon telling us that we travel with God on a sure and safe path, but a swift path, as well.    There is a joy in knowing that our way is sure and safe.   But there is also a rejoicing when we know our way can be swift.     God will protect us and guide us whether our path with Him is a slow stroll or an incredible sprint.    God is there with us each step, at whatever pace.   Fear The Lord and you won't have to fear the danger on the journey.

Imagine such a life as described in this proverb.   You go out for a run and are guaranteed that you will be safe and secure and win the prize.   You go for a walk and you get right to your destination without a single issue.  You go for a drive and traffic parts for you.  You go to the store and all you want is on sale and the cash registers lines are completely open .... and, their are cashiers actually working and waiting for you.  You go to the bank and all the lines are full but a new teller opens up just for you.    You go to school and you are the only one enrolled in the class and the professor can focus solely on you.   Life is not this way and we shouldn't look for it to be that way.  But what Solomon is telling us is that when we heed God's Word and obey God's Word God that opens proverbial doors and clears proverbial streets.   We can walk and then, even, run, when we obey God's Word.  Let us not think that God does something extraordinary for us because we do obey God.  What actually happens when we obey God's Word is that we are in harmony with how God intended the world to be.   God does intervene for us to "smooth the way" but He does establish laws, that when we obey them, we find peace in our lives.   If you are obeying God's Word I invite you to go for a walk today ... or, even a run.

Proverbs 3:27

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the power of praise:

Proverbs 3:27 (ESV)

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,

when it is in your power to do it.

You see someone do something nice for someone else, you think, “That was nice,” and go on your way. Right or wrong? According to this proverb we are to do good to them for doing good to others. This proverb is the initial “pass-it-on” philosophy. When we see others doing something right and we have the “power to act” upon it, we are to do so. The next time you have the chance to give praise, or reward to someone who does good, do it. We are not to withhold praise to him who has it coming. To do so is to disobey the Holy Scriptures. Do you see someone in church doing something good—give them a kind word. Do you see someone being sacrificial with their life for others—be sacrificial yourself for them. Don’t withhold the honor when you have it.  In our world today we are very much ignorant of the truth found in this passage.  We spend much of our time trying to catch others do something bad.  And, that is not hard to do.  People do a lot bad.   However, to wait and find someone doing right and honoring them for it, is a Spirit led skill-set.   When we have power in our hands to do good and honor those who do good, we are to do so. 

Some of the closing letters in the New Testament are a great example of Solomon’s above proverb.  The below passage is a long passage to just read and, for many, contains too many unrecognizable names.  It is a little like reading the phone book.  Yet, notice that in closing the greatest theological book ever written, Paul makes Solomon’s proverb real:

Romans 16:3-16 (ESV)

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

Paul had power to give them honor that would be read for centuries and did.   If you have power to honor others, do so.  

Proverbs 2:13

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about God keeping us safe on the path:

Proverbs 2:13 (ESV)

who forsake the paths of uprightness

to walk in the ways of darkness,

God doesn't leave us abandoned on this journey.   God knows we are vulnerable and subject to the powers of darkness, the system of the world and the evilness of the heart.   We don't have what it takes, alone in ourselves, to withstand these forces.  Satan roams the world to devour believers.   That roaming is real.   That desire to devour is real.   In Luke 22:31 we read about Jesus telling Peter that Satan desired to "sift him like wheat."  Job was attacked by Satan.   His entire family was lost.  In the above proverb we read that God's wisdom is intended to "keep" us from those who leave the path.   God's wisdom is designed to keep us from those who "walk in the ways of darkness."  We read the Proverbs and the rest of Scripture because as we internalize their truths we are transformed by the Spirit, who inter-twains their message with our life.  Notice how the writer of Hebrews states it:

Hebrews 8:10 (ESV)

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel

after those days, declares the Lord:

I will put my laws into their minds,

and write them on their hearts,

and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people.

God is writing these truths on our heart and mind.    That allows the fruit from wisdom to keep us from evil.   Absorbing wisdom allows us to be protected from leaving the path.   Believing the truth of wisdom will keep us from darkness.   We must realize that as we read the Proverbs we are Spiritually strengthened.

Proverbs 1:31

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about sowing and reaping:

Proverbs 1:31 (ESV)

therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,

and have their fill of their own devices.

Solomon is describing, in chapter one, the differences between the life of wisdom and the life of folly.  He is not bashful to point out the ways of both.   In the above proverb he is focusing on the way of folly.   He wants us to know that those who practice folly and those who pursue folly will be rewarded.   They will be rewarded by the fruit of their lives and their very own methods.    Since the ways (devices) of the wicked are corrupt, they will fall by their own corrupt ways; the same way they want others to fall by that corruption.   The word used here for “devices” is only used three times.   Twice in the Psalms and once here.  In all three instances the word is used the same.  Notice one such use in the book of Psalms by Solomon's father, David:

Psalms 81:12

So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart,

To walk in their own devices.

God is describing in that verse, like the proverb, that those who refuse God's ways are going to end up reaping the very things they sow.   This is the principle of the harvest:  You reap what you sow.   We can't tell lie after lie and expect things to go well with us.   We will only reap good things if we sow good things.   That is the point of the proverbs, especially in regard to how Solomon is painting the picture between the wise and the fool.   Wisdom may have difficulty (see Job) but it will always end good (see Job).   Folly may not always look bad (see the rich man and Lazarus story) but will end up bad in the end.

Proverbs 31:23

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the relationship between a husband, a wife and God:

Proverbs 31:23 (ESV)

Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land.

They say that behind every successful man is a great women.  They may have said that statement based upon the above proverb.   The women of virtue is a women who attracts a man of importance and means.   A man who is known in the gates is also known by a women of Godly character and will marry a women of Godly character.    A women of Godly character will have a husband who reflects that character and relates that to the world of business, leadership and community.   There are men who sit at the city gate (an euphemism for a connected-man) who are not Godly, even though their wives have a sense of virtue ... see the story of Nabel and his wife Abigail.   But, women of character have the ability and nature to sanctify the ungodly man (see 1 Corinthians 7).   A husband who sits at the table of prominence in his community is a partner with a woman who sits at the feet of Christ.  What this proverb is teaching is that if you want to be successful in life you better make sure you have successful, healthy, and deep spiritual relationships.   The character of others can add to your own welfare.

Proverbs 30:11

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about children and their parents:

Proverbs 30:11 (NASV)

There is a kind of man who curses his father

And does not bless his mother.

Proverbs 30:11 (ESV)

There are those who curse their fathers

and do not bless their mothers.

Isn't it sad that this proverb is true?   It is true, of course, because God said it in His Word.  However, we all know it is true because we see it ever day.  We experience it every day.   We see small children practicing this behavior.   In department stores we have seen a child curse his/her father and refuse to obey.  The fact that it is true shows the depravity of man and the need for grace and a savior.   Solomon is pointing out something that was true in "his day."   This was 900ish B.C.!   What does that say about today's teenager or young adult or adult child.   We have so many young people who show little or no respect and regard for parents and adults.   We really need God's grace.  Rebellion is a sin of the heart and a sin of pride.  God hates rebellion.   We should be praying for our children and grandchildren that the spirit of disrespect and rebellion.   God is the only solution to keep us from the "kind of man who cures his father and does not bless his mother."   I am sure there are those parents who "don't deserve" respect.    But God does not give us the option to be selective in our respect.  He didn't say "honor your father and mother" IF they deserve it.   If a parent is abusive, a child should not be in the home.    But, there is a way to show protection and respect at the same time.    There are plenty of parents who deserve "cursing."   However, we are not the one who is to curse them.  We are to let God do that.  We are to simply honor.

Proverbs 29:18

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about how we respond to God’s Word:

Proverbs 29:18 (NASV)

"Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, 

but happy is he who keeps the law."

Proverbs 29:18 (ESV)

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,

but blessed is he who keeps the law.

Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;

but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.

Here is a great Proverb to illustrate the beauty of Hebrew poetry. Remember the lines in Hebrew poetry are supposed to compliment or contrast each other. In the first line of the proverb above, we see what happens when people don’t have a revelation. The phrase “no revelation,” used in the NIV, is translated (in the ESV, NASV and KJV Bible) as “no vision.” So, where there is no vision the people cast off restraint—or, as in the other text state, “they perish.” The second line shows us both what happens when we have revelation and where that revelation or vision comes from: The law, another phrase in the Bible for God’s Word. God’s Word is real revelation and if we follow that revelation we don’t perish and aren’t in a position to cast off restraint, but rather we are blessed. God’s Word gives us the revelation and direction we need to so we can be blessed rather than in a state of chaos. The next time you have no direction turned to His revelation!

When we have no revelation from God, we have no ability to restrain our flesh from simply pursuing the open evil that is in our heart.   The heart of man is rebellious and is always seeking its own desires.   The only way to restrain the heart is from the vision of the prophetic Word of God.   We can let our minds wander, or, we can focus on the truth of God's Word.   We are to bring our minds into the captivity of God's Word (the "law" in the second line).   When we do allow the law to contain us we can find real blessing ("happiness" in the second line).  The proverb is all about how we respond to the authority of God's Word and how much we appreciate it and glorify God in it.   When we don't have a vision from God or the Law of God to guide our way, we have no hope and we can't find our path.  That will end up in an unrestrained life.  Solomon is warning us to make sure we don't live our lives absent of a vision or the law of God.   Embrace His prophetic revelation and His reliable truth.

Proverbs 28:26

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about a mindset for the right path of life:

Proverbs 28:26 (NASBStr)

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

But he who walks wisely will be delivered.

Proverbs 28:26 (ESV)

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,

but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Perhaps before we discuss this proverb we ought to remember an earlier one written by Solomon:

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In both of these proverbs we have a major theme Solomon is communicating with his son (and us).   There are two roads we can travel.  One is filled with disaster and confusion and strife, even though it is painted with flowers, rainbows and good feelings.  Those who access this road think they are on the road to fortune and fame and end up in disaster and ruin.   The on-ramp for this road is the ramp of the flesh.     The other road before is the road entered by faith.  It has bumps and suffering and trials but, in the end, is filled with promise, blessing and joy.   We enter that road by the fear of The Lord.   That fear in "The Lord," gives us wisdom.  That wisdom allows us to walk wisely.   When we lean to our own understanding (our own mindset) we lack wisdom.  Our own mindset is made up of our own arguments, thoughts and limited perspective and the early imprints of our lives ... good or bad.  It is only God who can give us true understanding about life.   When we walk wisely (in the Fear of The Lord) we can know and be confident we will be delivered from the things of life.   God is in the way of wisdom.  When we follow the Spirit of God He gives us wisdom to change our the thoughts of our mind and to make the right choices and God honoring decisions.

Proverbs 27:7

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about satisfaction:

Proverbs 27:7 (NASB0

A sated man loathes honey,

But to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet.

Proverbs 27:7 (ESV)

One who is full loathes honey,

but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.

Dissatisfaction is one of the greatest motivators in life.   That is what Solomon is saying in this proverb.   When a man is satisfied, even a great thing is not an interest to him.   When you have more than you want, or all that you want, very few things interest you anymore.   However, when you are empty and have nothing, you will go after anything - your desires will be altered to consume even the worse things (think of the prodigal son eating with the swine).  When we see the nation of Israel eating their young during the siege of the Assyrians, we have a better understanding of the truth of this proverb.  In our society, today, we don't have a lot of "famished" living.  We tend to be over stimulated.   We tend to be on the "loathing of honey" more than the "consuming the bitter."   That is, of course, in every area except the area of spiritual hunger and thirst.   In the area of spiritual development we tend to be famished and go after everything but God.   To avoid chasing the bitter, we have to make sure we never get full of the honey.   God's Word is honey to our soul.   We have to make sure we never get satisfied with what we know or understand about God and His Word.   We have to realize that the life we have with Him is to be fostered and harvested.  If we get satisfied we may reject the honey and eat and chase the bitter. Perhaps this is what Jesus was talking about in this Beatitude:

Matthew 5:6

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

We can be satisfied as we hunger and thirst for righteousness.  But, the more we hunger and thirst for it, the more we want of it.   We are to famished when it comes to righteousness so that we seek it more.   But, to be famished and seek whatever things we find to give us satisfaction will only lead to bitterness of soul.   Notice how this thought impacted Esau:

Hebrews 12:15-17

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

He became bitter because he sought, first and foremost, the world to satisfy his appetite.   We are to seek Christ for satisfaction.

Proverbs 26:17

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about gossip:

Proverbs 26:17 (ESV)

Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own

is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

This proverb uses a word picture to give us great insight about getting involved with matters that don’t concern us. In any church it is easy to get caught up in the latest talk; the most recent gossip becomes the flavor of the month. In any business it is easy to take on responsibilities that don’t concern us.  Solomon tells us, in vivid form, that to get involved in something that doesn’t really concern us is like grabbing a dog by the ears. We could understand this better if we understood the context of Solomon’s day. Most people did not view dogs, at that time, as a household pet. Dogs ran wild and were more of a family nuisance than a family nicety. If you grabbed a dog by the ears you would most certainly be attacked by their teeth. So, too, is it when you get involved with something that is not your concern. You can always tell who has done that in the past … just look for the teeth marks on their arms!  The problem is not grabbing the dog by the ears.  For when you have the ears you have some control over the dogs head.  The problem is in the letting go.   Once you let go  you have no control.  So, getting yourself involved in a matter that isn't your concern is the easy part.  It is getting out of the matter that becomes a problem.  Those with good sense and good prudence know when and how to get involved in an issue.  

Proverbs 25:26

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about integrity:

Proverbs 25:26 (ESV)

Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain

is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

Proverbs 25:26 (AMP)

Like a muddied fountain and a polluted spring is a righteous man who yields, falls down, and compromises his integrity before the wicked.

If you have ever been very thirsty and desirous of a cold drink on a hot day, this proverb might carry more meaning for you.  Imagine being parched and coming across a well or spring right in your path.  You desire a cool drink from a thing that promises refreshment.  However, you stop and observe and notice that the well is polluted and the spring having the remains of those who have trampled through and over it.   What you thought would be (should be) refreshing, was disgusting and disappointing.   So, Solomon says, it is when a righteous person falls before the wicked in sin.  Or, when the believer gives way in their integrity before the wicked.   Or, when they compromise their standards in the presence of the wicked.   The wicked (every unbeliever on the planet) is parched, dried and desirous of a cool drink (even if they don't admit it).   Since the Son of God is the Living Water and dwells within every believer, the wicked should see us as a source of refreshment in the midst of the dried out society in which they live.  Failing to live in a righteous manner before the wicked not only disappoints the Father it also corrupts the streams of Living Water God provides to the lost world through us.   When we compromise God's principles to please the wicked, impress the wicked, fellowship with the wicked, or beat the wicked, we fail to be what God has left us here to be:  A fountain where society can find a cool and lasting drink through the Son who lives within us.

Proverbs 24:27

Proverbs 24:27 (ESV)

Prepare your work outside;

get everything ready for yourself in the field,

and after that build your house.

 The truth in the above proverb is: Set your priorities correctly if you want success. The word picture we have here is that we must get a source of food ready before we attempt to build a home to live in. What good is building a home if you starve to death half-way through the building process. A wise person set’s their priorities straight. Don’t try to jump ahead of the things that need to be done first. You wouldn’t attempt to put the trusses on the top of a house where you hadn’t first laid the foundation. Don’t try to do something in your marriage, your job, your hobby, your community until you first lay out the proper priority. Prioritize you life and success will follow. Since we live in an instant gratification society the temptation is to want to have the house before the tilling the land.  We tend to treat the urgent over the beneficial in our society.   Sometime might be important, but it might not be of great benefit.   Decisions in life are about making choices between different priorities.  The hardest thing in life might not be to choose the good and avoid the evil.   That is a choice we at least know what we SHOULD do.  The harder decision is the choose between two good things.  Either choice might be good.   In the above proverb we are admonished to choose the one that gives us the best chance to also choose the other.  

Proverbs 23:33

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the impact of over indulgence:

Proverbs 23:33 (NASBStr)

Your eyes will see strange things

And your mind will utter perverse things.

Proverbs 23:33 (ESV)

Your eyes will see strange things,

and your heart utter perverse things.

The passage this proverbs is taken from is in regard to what happens when we indulge too much into wine and drink.   Solomon lists several bad affects for what can happen from over indulging.   In this particular proverb we read that the bad affect results in the distortion of our sight and poor speech flowing from our heart through our mouth.   From Solomon's position in life (King of Israel) he would be able to see many who feel into this position.   But, we only have to go out on a Friday or Saturday night to see the same thing.    Drunk people say and see perverse things.  However, the alcohol simply allows what is already perverse within the heart.   The alcohol is not the reason for the perverse talk, it is the conduit ... or, better the igniter.  Alcohol doesn't "cause" perverseness.  It only allows perverse hearts to be seen faster and louder.     Alcohol shouldn't be made the culprit in this group of proverbs.   That doesn't mean long swigs from a bottle isn't wrong.   What Solomon is teaching us is that wine can put us into a place that creates more opportunities for sin to flow.    Sin needs little help to produce bad situations in our lives.  We don't need to oil it with wine so it runs smoother.