Proverbs 9:18

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 the path the fool is on:

Proverbs 9:18 (ESV)

But he does not know that the dead are there,

that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Solomon, in this proverb, is telling us about the person who lacks understanding and is naive.   He rejects truth so he has no understanding about certain things ... many things, in life.   In this proverb he tells us that one of the things they surely lack in knowledge, is that those, like him, who follow after folly, are actually entering the entrance to death and hell.   There is one thing to reject truth.   There is another thing to jump on a path and not care or worry about where it leads.   In this case it always leads to a dead-end.   Truth leads to life and, according to Christ, sets you free.   The lack of truth leads to deception and falsehood and death.   When we pursue the things of the world we must realize the journey leads to a dead-end ... literally.

This is not the first time in the first nine chapters of this book that Solomon talked about this truth.  Note:

Proverbs 8:35-36 (ESV)

For whoever finds me finds life

and obtains favor from the LORD,

but he who fails to find me injures himself;

all who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 7:24-27 (ESV)

And now, O sons, listen to me,

and be attentive to the words of my mouth.

Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;

do not stray into her paths,

for many a victim has she laid low,

and all her slain are a mighty throng.

Her house is the way to Sheol,

going down to the chambers of death.

Proverbs 6:12-15 (ESV)

A worthless person, a wicked man,

goes about with crooked speech,

winks with his eyes, signals with his feet,

points with his finger,

with perverted heart devises evil,

continually sowing discord;

therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;

in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.

Proverbs 5:22-23 (ESV)

The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,

and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.

He dies for lack of discipline,

and because of his great folly he is led astray.

You get the point!

Proverbs 8:31

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 wisdom’s legacy:

Proverbs 8:31 (NASBStr)

Rejoicing in the world, His earth,

And having my delight in the sons of men.

Proverbs 8:31 (ESV)

rejoicing in his inhabited world

and delighting in the children of man.

Solomon, in chapter eight, is describing the benefits of following wisdom.   The entire book of Proverbs follows that theme.   In the above proverb Solomon continues to address the legacy of wisdom.   Wisdom was with God in the beginning.   Wisdom was there when God created the earth.  In that creation Wisdom could have rejoiced and delighted in many marvelous aspects of God's work.   Mountains that cause us to lose our breath did not capture Wisdom's delight.   Vast oceans of water and depths of aquatic life did not.   The animal world with all its variety and variance did not.   It was man who was the apple of Wisdom's eye.  The word above for "delight" in the Hebrew means Wisdom "plays" with the sons of men.   God takes such delight in man that He sends wisdom to interact in a playful manner.   We can rest and relax in the fact that God so loves us that He provides us with Wisdom in a delightful manner as we fear Him.   The relationship with Wisdom and man is not one of constraint, or compulsion, or coarseness.  The relationship with Wisdom is exciting and delightful.    We will know when we have God's Wisdom when we have that delight.   It is not harsh.  God choose us over all of creation to dance with in an intimate and delightful manner.

Proverbs 7:12

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 folly’s location: 

Proverbs 7:12 (NASV)

She is now in the streets, now in the squares,

And lurks by every corner.

Proverbs 7:12 (ESV)

now in the street, now in the market,

and at every corner she lies in wait.

We like to think, when we are sinning, that we are special and in a special place.  We like to think that that feeling, the vision, that experience, that happening was created just for us.   We are special and this is something special just for us.    In Proverbs 7 we are reading the story of Sin (Folly) seeking us out and finding us.   We might find her on THE corner, but in reality (per this proverb) she is on every corner and visible and available in every open square.   We think we are special when we are in the corner, in the darkness of night.  However, She is on the open streets and the open squares.  She lurks at every corner.   Don't think that sin is special.   It is right there in the open.  We would like to think we are special, but we are not.   We are simply one more naive person choosing sin.   She is out there on the streets, every where we walk and live.  When Solomon’s father, King David, walked out on his roof and saw Bathsheba, he thought that was a special moment.  He thought because he was the king, this was something special that happened.   But, from this proverb we read that David could have gone out on any roof, on any given night, for no reason at all.  Sin is on every corner.   She comes to a variety of roofs to bath in front of us.   We can think something is special to us, but in reality, sin is out there for everyone.  

Proverbs 6:9

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 lazy people:

Proverbs 6:9 (ESV)

How long will you lie there, O sluggard?

When will you arise from your sleep?

I have observed that sluggards, lazy people, do one of two things: They either do nothing (sleep) or they complain (talk). In this proverbs Solomon calls to question the fomer. In other proverbs he calls into question the latter. Lazy people like to sit around and do nothing. They like to live off others. They like to play games. They like to observe and have their senses tickled. They love to do anything but work their way out of their problems and to move passed their current situation. They blame, but don't move. They "sleep." We have here a picture of the sluggard who refuses to get up off their butt and do something constructive to help their situation. "How long," Solomon asks. The time frame is called into question, not the activity. It isn't wrong to rest and refresh. It is wrong to stay and lay. If you find yourself in a bad spot, are you up and working your way out of it? Or, are you sleeping and talking?

Proverbs 5:23

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 going astray from God’s Word:

Proverbs 5:23 (ESV)

He dies for lack of discipline,

and because of his great folly he is led astray.

We underestimate the cost of sin in our lives.   Paul tells us that what we sow we reap (Galatians 6:7), yet, we live as though that principle is not true.   Like denying gravity we jump off the roof of sin hoping to fly and act surprised when we land with our face firmly plated in the ground.   Solomon, in the above verse, tells us that when we fail to listen to God's Word (Instruction) we "die."   The second line is not as strong as the first line, simply telling us we will go astray when we don't heed God's instruction.   Yet, in Proverbs seven we read that this going astray is like an ox who is headed for slaughter and like a bird which will be caught in the trap.   Sin costs!  Eternally the cost is death in separation from God.   In this life it can mean a number of things.   "Death" and "going astray" can add a multitude of hardships in this life.   Yet, they can be totally avoided by heeding the Instruction of The Lord.   We don't have to fall into difficulty and the way of death.  Instruction is to keep us from the pain of death. Folly leads us to the end.  It never looks like the end when Folly begins its allure.   She paints a great picture and a warm and friendly path.   But in the end there is nothing but death.   The party looks good but the death is the same as any death.

Proverbs 4:19

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 walking in darkness:

Proverbs 4:19 (ESV)

The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know over what they stumble.

This proverb is only one of many with the same theme in the book of Provebs. In the next chapter Solomon will write a similiar truth: 

Proverbs 5:5 (ESV)

Her feet go down to death;

her steps follow the path to Sheol; 

The wicked fail to see the path they wander.  We sometimes look at the wicked and wonder why they do dumb things or dangerous things or bring self-inflicted pain onto themselves. But it is not like they can see the path they are on. Simple logic would allow someone to stop before they drive over a cliff.   But when it comes to spiritual matters simple logic is on the course of destruction. In Romans we read that their path is "hostile" to God:

Romans 8:5-8 (ESV)

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Wicked people (anyone who rejects God’s truth) can't change their course. They are in darkness. You can't see in darkness. God has allowed us to show His light to those in darkness so they can see the path we are on and perhaps generate enough light to grant them vision to repent. Those who are not with God don't even know it. They are in darkness. David wrote that the Word is the lamp that lights our path (Psalms 119:105). We walk in the light when we live in the Word. The wicked walk in the dark because they refuse to believe in the Word. This proverb is telling us the downfall of folly.  Not only do they reject God, they don't even know they are walking in darkness and don't know what they are stumbling over.  When we walk in darkness we ought to walk carefully.  However, folly walks in such a way they refuse to even slow their pace.   They run headlong into the darkness and they stumble over their own foolishness.

Proverbs 3:32

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 righteousness vs wickedness:

Proverbs 3:32 (ESV)

for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD,

but the upright are in his confidence.

This proverb is a contrasting proverb where the first line and second line are in contrast to one another.   This contrast between the two states of people in relationship with God is remarkable.   Those in the state of foolishness and wickedness ("devious" in the above proverb) are an "abomination" to The Lord.   That is an amazing statement by itself.   We don't think of God as someone who holds any in abomination.  But clearly this statement from the pen of Solomon confirms that God holds all those who reject truth as an abomination.   Remember, God must be worshipped in truth:

John 4:24 (ESV)

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

However, the opposite is true of those who seek God.     For those who have faith in God, He holds them in “confidence.”    The word "confidence" in the Hebrew has to do with confidential talks and intimacy.   God wants to have that type of relationship with all those who put their belief in Him.   When we trust Him we have the joy of knowing that God wants us to be close to Him.   He wants us to have intimate, confidentiality with Him.   Theological understanding of God produces intimate conversation with God.  

Proverbs 2:18

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 the dangers of Folly and the benefits of wisdom:

Proverbs 2:18 (NASBStr)

For her house sinks down to death

And her tracks lead to the dead;

Proverbs 2:18 (ESV)

for her house sinks down to death,

and her paths to the departed;

God gives wisdom (see Proverbs 2:6).  He gives it to us for many reasons.   The reasons are outlined in the entire book of Proverbs.  In the proverb above we see, yet, another reason we should fear God and receive the gift of wisdom (through our union with Christ).   Solomon has just told us in that wisdom will keep us from the adulterous women.  She is both real ... a real live women who seeks an adulterous affair with married men; and a figurative woman.  The adulterous women in Proverbs is a personification of Folly.  Folly is a main character in the book of Proverbs.  She wishes to have everyone captivated by her lore and lure.   She wants to pull everyone down to her home and wrap them in her the fragrance of her death.  Once again Solomon is telling us that folly leads to destruction and death.   Make no mistake, it matters not the fragrance of folly; her smell, in the end, is that of death.   Hollywood makes folly look so inviting.   Designers make folly appealing.   Music makes her sound good.   Fiberglass and paint makes her seem so fast.   Shinny gold makes her seem so comforting and reassuring.  But, they all lead to death.  The road may be lined with roses but it ends as the bouquet on your grave.  Wisdom gives us the strength of mind to avoid adulterous folly.

Proverbs 1:3

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 proverbs and their purpose for us:

Proverbs 1:3 (ESV)

to receive instruction in wise dealing,

in righteousness, justice, and equity;

When we read these words in regard to the purpose of Proverbs, as outlined by Solomon, we can see why Proverbs is such a good book to read for young and old. I have been reading a chapter of Proverbs every day since I was young. I owe all of my success in life to these words of wisdom and prudence. They have instructed me repeatedly throughout my life in regard to "wise behavior." The world would like to outline "wise behavior" but only Proverbs gives us the best definition and discription (The Fear of the Lord). Only a righteous God can properly describe "righteousness, justice and equity." As we read the Proverbs and internalize them through faith in Christ we find that we understand and are empowered to live out wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity. The world clamours for it yet, at the same time, rejects it. Only through reading these words, believing them and obeying them, are these virtues ever attained. God has laid out for us, in simply form, wise behavior. God directed us in and supplies us with the map to find it. Through the Spirit He provides a Guide with the map. Rejoice in the source Proverbs has ... if we will but read them, believe them, obey them.  In the above verse we see that Proverbs was written to give us wisdom in "wise dealings" (Hebrew: Sakal).  Solomon is referring to "prudent" behavior: Making a wise decision in the midst of tough circumstances.  This is what Solomon did when the two women came to him fighting over the same baby.   He had prudence.   The book of Proverbs gives us prudence.  

Proverbs 31:8-9

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 being the voice for the unheard:

Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV)

Open your mouth for the mute,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

Open your mouth, judge righteously,

defend the rights of the poor and needy.

This is a complimentary proverb. The first line tells us what we are to do and the next three lines compliment it and explain it further. Those who believe in God have a Biblical responsibility to speak for those who cannot speak; to defend the rights of those who have lost their rights; and to speak up for those who have need and are being judge unfairly. When we see someone who is being treated unfairly or is in need, we are to come to their rescue. Our USA Memorial Day is about recognizing those who gave their lives for such action. Many have lost their lives doing what Solomon told us in these two verses. We must never forget that we are a country that is founded upon these words.  God's Word puts a lot of emphasis on standing up for the needy.  In our USA society there has been a lot of abuse of the "system" with a lot of people simply refusing to work and to live off the government.  That abuse has soured the hearts of those who should be willing to defend the rights of the poor and the needed.  If we are going to practice the areas addressed in Proverbs, with the wisdom God gives us, we should recognize who among is us truly needed and have the prudence to speak for them.  We ought not let the behaviors of the few to hinder our obedience toward God in our speaking up for many.   God intended the voice of those who speak the wisdom of God to shout from the roof tops in defense of those who cannot.  

Proverbs 30:17

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 respect for your parents:

Proverbs 30:17 (ESV)

The eye that mocks a father

and scorns to obey a mother

will be picked out by the ravens of the valley

and eaten by the vultures.

In our society today the rebellious nature toward parents is at an all time high.   Today's children think they can rebel and have little consequences for their rebellion.  In this proverb we see that God is in control of those who rebel against parents.  God will deal with them.  If you roll your eyes toward the authority in your life you will have bad consequences.  In this proverb we see that the "eye" that rolls toward the parent will be picked out and destroyed by the birds.   Solomon gives us a graphic look at the cost of rebellion.   Whether he is telling of an actual event or a metaphor, we see that God will destroy the roll of the eye by removing them.   You can think you can mock a father and scorn a mother, but when you do, God will provide exceptional retribution on those same eyes. Absalom is a great example of this. He rebelled against his father David.   He was wanting to have the kingdom to himself.  King David discovered the plot and left Jerusalem.    Eventually David returned and Absalom was destroyed.   This is a living example of the above proverb.  Perhaps Solomon had that in mind when he wrote the above proverbs.   His half-brother tried to steal the kingdom from his own farther.  

Proverbs 29:23

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 pride:

Proverbs 29:23 (ESV)
One’s pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

You can't read too far into Proverbs without catching the flavor of this proverb through out the entire book.  Proverbs says a lot about someone being willing to be corrected and it all has to do with pride.   It also says a lot about how you use your tongue, your money, your temper, your position and your power ... that all has a root in pride.   A man's pride brings him low because it attempts to exult him higher than he should be exalted.    As a contrary view, in this proverb, Solomon tells us that humility is the gateway to honor.   When we humble ourselves we are in the position to be corrected and that allows us to learn and improve. So humility is the gateway to improvement.  When we humble ourselves we are in the position to give. Giving opens up the door to blessing.  So, humility is a gateway to riches.   It is the key to spiritual growth and the path to Christ.  In Philippians 2 we read that Christ "humbled" Himself and became obedient onto death.  His humility opened the gateway to our salivation.  So, the humble spirit will obtain honor.  Humilty keeps us from making poor choices. It is pride that gets us into areas of trouble.   Pride does not let us say, “no!”   Instead, pride thinks it can do anything.   Pride destroys honor.   Humility puts us in the place for certain honor.   Jesus said it this way:
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Proverbs 28:4

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 confronting wickedness and creating conflict:

Proverbs 28:4 (ESV)

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law strive against them.

Most people would rather avoid a conflict.  Few people try to start conflicts on purpose.  In fact, if you do, others think less of you.  But in this proverb we see that those who attempt to appease the wicked by ignoring God's truth end up "praising" the wicked.  When we "stand up" to the wicked and keep God's law we will create a conflict with the wicked.   It is tough in the world we live in to avoid real conflict under this definition.   When a leader "forsakes" the law they create an environment that praises the wicked.   Failure to hold to God's principles will create a culture that allows wickedness to flourish.  The only way to change that type of culture is to "keep God's law;" which WILL create conflict.   It should be noted that in Solomon's world and definition, "wickedness" is as minor as failure to keep God's law and to practice Biblical principles as seen in the fear of the Lord.   When leadership "keeps" the law (under this definition) they will "strive" with those who don't.   It is simply part of the life we have when we choose to "keep" God's Word and practice the principles of God's Word.

Proverbs 27:11

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: 

Proverbs 27:11 (NIV1984)

Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;

then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

Proverbs 27:11 (ESV)

Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,

that I may answer him who reproaches me.

There is nothing better than the joy a parent feels in the heart that comes from their child(ren).   In Psalm 127 we are told that children are a heritage from The Lord.   We are given children for the purpose of bringing glory to God.  In return God gives us joy through them and in them.   But, joy comes from a life of wisdom.   Children who don't walk in wisdom won't bring joy to their parents or glory to God.   In this proverb Solomon is telling his son to "be wise" and then infers that this will bring joy to his heart.   When our children forget that joy comes from wisdom rather than things, or position, or power, than they fall into a horrible trap set by the world and by Satan.   Joy doesn't come from something in this world.  It is a fruit of the Spirit.   When our children walk in wisdom they can be assured that their parents will have the Spirit's joy flow through them and to them.    But, joy is only one of the benefits of a walk in wisdom.   Not only will it give the Spirit room to produce joy it will also give the parent confidence and defense against those who might attack him/her.   Parents are often left to the task of defending their children; for a variety of reasons.   When a child walks in wisdom the parent has confidence to answer anyone who may challenge them or treat them with contempt.   What a privilege that would give a parent.     A wise son makes a glad parent.    On the other hand, a foolish son would bring nothing but struggle and strife to a parent.   This is why Solomon gives instruction to the son to follow the wisdom path.