Proverbs 20:3

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 how to have a healthy fight:

Proverbs 20:3 (NASBStr)

Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man,

But any fool will quarrel.

Proverbs 20:3 (ESV)

It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,

but every fool will be quarreling.

In this proverb the second line contrast the first line. This proverb gives us instruction about how to fight. I am convinced we don’t know how to fight in a healthy way. The book of Proverbs does a good job of giving us great principles on how to have a healthy disagreement and not damage one another. The first line of this proverb tells us to stop striving is an honorable character quality. In our society, regretfully, it is seen as weakness. But, if you read some of the passages about Christ’s life on this earth, He seldom was dragged into the arguments of those around Him, whether it was the religious leaders of the day or His own staff. Any “fool can start a quarrel.” It takes honor, humility and patience to stop “striving.” We don’t have a lot of honorable husbands and wives. We don’t have a lot of honorable parents and children. Want to live honorably? Be the first to stop striving. If both stop you can fight about who was the first to stop striving. That, at least, is a worthy fight!   When we have a struggle at work, at home, on the street, in the community, we can, but the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives,  stop striving.   In the context of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, note what the Apostle Paul tells us:

Ephesians 4:25-27 (ESV Strong's)

25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.

Any fool can quarrel.   We can resist a quarrel through God’s wisdom (Christ) via the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 19:5

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 on truth:

Proverbs 19:5 (ESV)

A false witness will not go unpunished,

and he who breathes out lies will not escape.

The day I read this proverb I was in a courthouse to testify in a civil matter in regard to an accident I observed as a primary witness.  Since there were teenagers involved, and a death, the situation was quite dicey.   One of the attorneys asked me on a cross-examination if I knew that the teenagers in the accident testified "different" than I did.   I said, no I didn't know that but that didn't concern me since I knew what I saw and was testifying in that regard.  I rested in this proverb that the truth will always win out and when given the opportunity we ought always to tell it, no matter the result.  I knew if I altered my testimony a young lady, who lost a portion of her leg, would benefit.   But I also knew if I did, it wouldn't be the truth and it would further harm the parents of a young man who lost his life.   Truth is the cornerstone of our lives.  To alter it is to put oneself under the burden of justice.  Don't bear false witness.   We are called to speak the truth in every situation.

Proverbs 18:16

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 persuading someone:

Proverbs 18:16 (ESV)

A man’s gift makes room for him

and brings him before the great.

Solomon is giving us some great insight as to how the world works.   He is pointing out that when we give gifts to someone it opens doors for us.   This is an observation from Solomon not necessarily something he is promoting.   The fact that bribes and gifts work for opening doors is a fact of life.   This fact is both good and bad.   There are those who use bribes and gifts for ill.  They want to promote only their personal agendas and have no care for others and righteousness.   Solomon recognises that.  However, he also let's us see the good of the gift in the second line.   The giving of a gift gets you an audience for good, as well.  It gets you in front of great men; men you can influence for good.   Using a good gift to do good is a way we can influence.   In today's world we call that "marketing."   In Solomon's day they called that "gift giving."   Same result.  It is not improper to give a gift to find an audience to promote good.  However, it should be worthy of the good.   Again, this is an observation by Solomon.   Notice what Solomon also said:

Proverbs 25:6-7

Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence

or stand in the place of the great,

for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”

than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

We have to balance what we do in life with what Solomon is saying.  When we want to have influence, integrity is still the guiding principle.   Yes, a “gift” will get you an audience.  But, we need to make sure we are not presumptions, as well.

Proverbs 17:8

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 persuasion techniques:

Proverbs 17:8 (ESV Strong's)

A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;

wherever he turns he prospers.

Make no mistake, taking a bribe and using a bribe for selfish gain is contrary to God's law. Note the following:

Exodus 23:8 "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.

Proverbs 21:14 A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

Ecclesiastes 7:7 Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

Isaiah 1:23 Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them.

Amos 5:12 For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. You oppress the righteous and take bribes and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts.

So, if these verses all teach that "taking"a bribe and "using" a bribe are unbiblical, why Proverbs 17:8? What Solomon is saying in this proverb is that having a bribe and using it is like having a lucky charm ... it allows you to obtain favor. During Solomon's day there would have been a large variety of ways leaders took bribes. Solomon undoubtably would have seen people try to bribe his father, David. A bribe was a pass to get where you wanted to get. Solomon is not promoting using a bribe ... that would have been contrary to other Scripture. He is telling us that, like a compliment, a bribe gets us into favorable places and prosperous ways. Don't use a bribe; beware of bribes.  Solomon will, in this same chapter, say the following:

Proverbs 17:23 (ESV Strong's)

23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret

to pervert the ways of justice.

We can use “charms” or “bribes” or “compliments” to pervert justice; to get our own way.  Or we can use these “tools” to provide wisdom to others.   Remember what Solomon said in an earlier proverb:

Proverbs 11:30 (ESV Strong's)

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

and whoever captures souls is wise.

The truth here is that those who can win over others and share the gospel with them are wise.   Using a compliment to win others to impart knowledge and truth is the right thing to do.  To use a compliment to pervert justice is not wise.  It is foolish.  

Proverbs 16:1

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 planning:

Proverbs 16:1 (ESV Strong's)

The PLANS of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV Strong's)

Commit your work to the Lord,

and your PLANS will be established.

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV Strong's)

The heart of man PLANS his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 16:30 (ESV Strong's)

Whoever winks his eyes PLANS dishonest things;

he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.

We can PLAN, but God is Fully In Charge

In the above proverbs there are three different Hebrew words for “plan.”  Although we translate them all the same, the difference in the Hebrew words is worth noting.  According to Vine, here is what we learn: 

16:1 - Hebrew “ma‘ărâḵ” - an arrangement, i.e. (figuratively) mental disposition: — preparation.

16:3 - Hebrew maḥăšâḇâ; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice): — cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought.

16:9 & 16:30 - Hebrew - ḥâšaḇ; a primitive root; properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e. (literally) to weave or (gen.) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); hence (from the mental effort) to think, regard, value, compute: — (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think.

In our way of thinking it might look like this:

16:1 - it is speaking of the “beliefs” of our mindset

16:3 - it is speaking of the “plans” of our mindset - or produced by our mindset

16:9, 30 - it is speaking of the “logic” of our mindset

In each case, what we are taught is that God is perfecting still in control, no matter what we might produce in our minds.   We can, if we want, contrive and contour the path we are on, but God will still make sure we travel the way He wants, when He wants and the way He wants.   That is both assuring and frightful.   To those who do not want to recognize the sovereign power and privilege of God, it can, probably, insulting.   Never-the-less, it is God and He is in charge.   He is in control.  Some fight that truth.  They don’t like it.  As if they, in their own faults and struggles, can actually plot a better path.  But, to those who trust completing in God’s perfect plan and ultimate control it can be the very assurance they are desiring.   

Proverbs 15:27

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 greed: 

Proverbs 15:27 (ESV)

Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,

but he who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:27 (NASBStr)

He who profits illicitly troubles his own house,

But he who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:27 (NIV1984)

A greedy man brings trouble to his family,

but he who hates bribes will live.

Every home in the country is concerned about their personal finances.   When they attempt to make a "living" they must, at some point, decide how that living will be made and what making a "living" means.   In the above proverb Solomon warns us about trying to make a "living" in a way that brings shame to their household.   When someone tries to obtain wealth in a way that is lacking in character, Godliness and/or hard-work (see Solomon's words on this subject) they will bring trouble to their own home.   The converse of that is the person who "hates" the income that can come from poor means.   In the second line, above, the one who hates a bribe will have life.   Solomon was the wealthiest man of all time.   He knew what it was like to have wealth.  He obviously had first hand knowledge about how to earn money.   He wants to make sure we don't try to get wealth in a way that does not honor the gospel and Christ.   God rewards faith and hard work that flows from a life of faith.   God does not reward hard-work.  He rewards hard-work that is done in a Godly way and for His glory and through faith.   Do people who work hard and who have good character earn wealth?  Yes.  But, the meaning in Proverbs is that those who try to obtain wealth in a way that lacks God's principles will suffer for it and not only them but their entire house.

Proverbs 14:13

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 joy and grief:

Proverbs 14:13 (ESV)

Even in laughter the heart may ache,

and the end of joy may be grief.

Only the heart knows the person. Society has done a great job of "masking" their pain with laughter and false joy. People drink to hide pain and start laughing even though their life is slipping away. We use competition, substance, friends, possessions and much more to fool the world around us into thinking we "have" and are "with it" and are happy. Solomon's Proverbs tells us the crude truth. Even when we hear laughter that doesn't mean the heart is full of real joy. Jesting is a common way for us to difuse stress. Like a valve on a pressure cooker, jesting simply lets off steam so the pot doesn't blow up. Don't be fooled by the fool who laughs when he/she should be fearful of the difficulty they are facing and should be crying out to God. Don't envy those you see laughing unless you know it flows as a fruit of the Spirit. Laughter is as much a drug to cover pain as the substance we use to generate the laughter.

Proverbs 13:5

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 13:5 (NASV)

A righteous man hates falsehood,

But a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully.

Proverbs 13:5 (NIV)

The righteous hate what is false,

but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

Proverbs 13:5 (ESV)

The righteous hates falsehood,

but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.

You can tell a lot about people when you observe their response to evil and wrong.   Those who cozy up to sin and to wrong in life demonstrate their infinity for wickedness.   They aren't afraid to associate with shame and disgrace.   In fact they bring it on with their lies and actions.   In contrast is the plight and approach of the righteous.   Note what the above proverb says - they "hate" falsehood.   The word "hate" is very strong.  Earlier in Proverbs we saw the things God hates:

Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)

There are six things that the LORD hates,

seven that are an abomination to him:

haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

and hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked plans,

feet that make haste to run to evil,

a false witness who breathes out lies,

and one who sows discord among brothers.

Note what Psalm 15 states about hating or despising the falseness around us:

Psalms 15:4 (ESV)

in whose eyes a vile person is despised,

but who honors those who fear the LORD;

If we are to be like God we will have to hate the same things that God hates.  We can't love falsehood and then claim righteous.  We must always be on the side of searching for truth rather than defending our agenda or cause or opinions.   The wicked will defend their untruths and their own causes even if it brings shame and disgrace.    We can observe others and see how they interact with truth and falsehood.  That will tells us which one they mirror.

Proverbs 12:6

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 use our words:

Proverbs 12:6 (ESV)

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

The wicked "lie in wait for blood" ... with Words?   I have heard of lying in wait for blood with a gun in your hand.   Or, maybe a shovel to hit someone.  Maybe a knife, or a rock, or a 2 x 4 ... but "words"?  What is Solomon telling us here?  To clarify the first line, the King gives us the second line, which is a corresponding line, but contrasting at the same time.   In the second line the "mouth" (equivalent to the wicked's "words") of the upright (opposite of the wicked) will deliver "them."   The term "them" in this second line, I believe, is talking about those the wicked lies in wait to hurt.   The message here is clear - wicked people stand in waiting to destroy with their speech.  The righteous on the other hand, use their speech (their mouth) to deliver others.   The wicked use words to inflict pain and suffering.  They stand off to the side, in the shadows of life, and throw false acquisitions toward the innocent.   The upright, on the other hand, can, with one sweet and appropriate word, deliver people.   How we choose to talk to someone, or about someone, can really reveal a person's heart.   We have all heard the phrase, "I am going to give them a piece of my mind."   What that really means is that as I speak I am going to reveal what is in my heart.   If uprightness is in my heart, than my words will be holy and pure and uplifting to those I am speaking to ... it will deliver them.  If, on the other hand, my heart is corrupt, the words I give will be harmful to them.  Our words can reveal the wickedness in our hearts and draw blood.  Or, they can reveal the uprightness in our hearts and "deliver" others.   Use your words carefully ... they say more about what's in your heart than what's on your mind.

Proverbs 11:2

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 correlation of pride and wisdom:

Proverbs 11:2 (ESV)

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,

but with the humble is wisdom. 

Want to know how to get wisdom? Want to know what prohibits wisdom? Read the above proverb, again. The road block to our obtaining wisdom is "pride." The gateway to wisdom is "humility." This is why James tells us that if we lack wisdom we are simply to "ask God, who gives to all men liberially" (James 1). In order to ask we have to be humble. Pridful people don't ask. Humility allows us to come to God because we realize we need God. When we have pride we don't want to listen to God and we don't want to listen to God's messengers. Pride is like a vice grip being applied to God's conduit of wisdom. Think of a pipe coming right down from heaven and it is full of wisdom. God sends wisdom right to us. However, our pride pops up and squeezes the tube ... wisdom stops and our pride is the cause. God is willing to provide wisdom but He has one criteria: You must be humble. Ego is an obstruction to wisdom. Swallow your pride and drink from God's tube of wisdom.

Of all the principles taught by Solomon via the Holy Spirit there are few that are in such a contrast to the world's philosophy than this truth. The world talks about and teaches that we are to be focused on self-building and self-promoting life styles. Look at your average pro-athlete and you can visualize today's philosophical bent contrary to humility. It would be a rare find to locate a humble pro athlete. One who realized that his or her talents was based upon God's grace and mercy. However, you don't have to go to the playing pitch to observe such contrary living. You can often find the same thing in today's pulpits. You don't have to pay a ticket to see a sporting event to see pride in high function - you only have to take a free seat in any pew. Pastors, elders, deacons and church members all fall to the sin of pride and miss the beauty and grace that humility ushers in. God is ready and willing to give wisdom and grace to the humble. But, God resists the proud. When the King of Tyre had pride fill his heart, God sent judgment (Ezekiel 27). When Pharaoh wouldn't humble himself before God than judgment came (Exodus 6-10). When Nebuchadnezzar became filled with pride, God made him eat grass like an ox (Daniel 7). God does indeed resist the proud. The greatest sin we can commit is to steal God's glory and take it for ourselves in pride. When Eve saw the fruit that it could make her wise she took it for herself and gave it to her husband. Pride is the center of sin. When we give glory to ourselves we steal God's praise. He can't give wisdom to those who believe they have it in themselves. Humility opens doors to God's world of grace, mercy and wisdom. Pride shuts those doors.

Proverbs 10:29

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 and walking in God’s way:

Proverbs 10:29 (ESV)

The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless,

but destruction to evildoers.

The first line of this proverb carries so much meaning and power for the believer.  When we are in the "way of the Lord" we will not always be comfortable, feel secure or have pleasure.   But when we are in the "way of the Lord" we will be safe, watched over and strong and powerful.   When we walk in God's way we have the security of God watching over us.   When we walk with God we stand under the shadow of His wings.   We might see the storm and feel the spray may be on our face.  But we are safe under His wings.  We might smell the smoke of the fire all around us and hear the crackling of the sticks being consumed, but we are safe under His wings.  Not so with those who do and work iniquity.  They will feel the wrath of the flame and the rage of the storm.   They have no wings to seek rescue and shelter.   Being simply "in the way of the Lord" (doing what He says by faith through His Son) we will keep us under His wings.  If we obey God we may see horror all around us, but we will never succumb to that horror.