Proverbs 15:22

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 getting counsel:

Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)

Without counsel plans fail,

but with many advisers they succeed.

We all have big plans.   We all have very big plans.   Sometimes those plans work out.  Sometimes they fail.   In this proverb Solomon is giving us some good wisdom advice on how to assure we have better success with plans. He has already told us that plans that match God's will have a better chance of succeeding than if we try to do our own will (Proverbs 3).   But, in this proverb he gives us some sound counsel.   If we want our plans to succeed, we should get others to look at them.  Many minds make successful plans.  But, have you noticed that some people don't like to ask others for advice.  They don't want to get contrary opinions.  They are so set on their "plans" they don't want someone to nix their plans by good counsel.  What they do from there is ask only those who agree with them.  But, what Solomon is telling us is that we should ask for consultation, which implies getting diverse opinions.   If you only ask for advice from those who think like you or agree with you or have little depth of faith, you don't and won't improve your plans.  But, true "consultation" from "many counselors" will avoid frustration and produce wise and successful plans.

Proverbs 14:19

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: 

Proverbs 14:19 (ESV)

The evil bow down before the good,

the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

This is an example of synonymous parallelism; which, roughly stated, says the first line and the second line are saying the same thing but in different words.     It is plainly telling us that, no matter how secure and/or powerful the wicked may think they are, they will, eventually bow down to those righteous believers they may have stepped on to get to their positions.   The Bible is full of examples of this truth.   Remember the story of Joseph and his brothers?  His brothers acted wickedly.  They sold him into slavery.   Yet, they eventually would bow before him (Genesis 42:6). Remember the story of Esther, Mordecai and Haman?  Haman attempted to have the Jews destroyed and Mordecai hung on the gallows.  Yet, he was forced to lead Mordecai through the streets to honor him and hung on the very gallows he built to kill Mordecai (Esther 7:7).   The Rich Man was burning in Hades and asked God to have Lazarus to give him a drink.   In Revelation 3:9; and Psalm 49:14 we are told God will make the wicked bow before the righteous.   When making the choice to believe in God and receive wisdom or reject God and follow folly we must consider the truth of this proverb.   Those that reject God may be ahead today but they will be bowed down to honor and serve the righteous at their final stage.   Don't reject this truth.

Proverbs 13:24

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 disciplining a child:

Proverbs 13:24 (ESV)

Whoever spares the rod hates his son,

but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

This proverb is so foreign to today's chlid rearing mantra.   In the mid 1940s Dr. Spock published his famous book on child care and child development and that forever changed the concept of not just corporal punishment (mentioned in the above proverb) but child care of all kinds.   Tough love was replaced, eventually, by time outs.   Our societal-world-view is quite different than a Biblical-world-view.   The NIV Study Bible has a great thought on this verse: 

NIV Study notes:  Whoever spares the rod hates their children. Parents are encouraged to apply the rod of punishment to drive out folly (22:15) so that the child will not follow a path of destruction (19:18; 23:13–14). The rod and a reprimand “impart wisdom” (29:15) and promote a healthy and happy family life (29:17). Discipline is rooted in love (see 3:11–12 and note). rod. Probably a figure of speech for caring discipline of any kind.

Although there is some disagreement that the "rod" is a figure of speech, what the study notes tell us is that God knows that real love includes discipline (of many sorts).  In Hebrews 10 we are told that God chastens every son He receives.   And, He does so out of love.    I especially like the reference in 29:15:  

The rod and reproof give wisdom,

but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

When we don't discipline a child and our reason is because we "want them to know we love them and accept them the way they are," we will eventually get shame.  Correction (the rod AND reproof) will give wisdom.    Neglect discipline and two things happen:  The child loses a chance to gain wisdom and the parent gains shame.

Proverbs 12:28

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 benefits of the journey while walking in God’s wisdom:

Proverbs 12:28 (NASBStr)

In the way of righteousness is life,

And in its pathway there is no death.

Proverbs 12:28 (ESV)

In the path of righteousness is life,

and in its pathway there is no death.

A much mentioned theme in Proverbs is that not only is there a great end when we are on the path of wisdom, but also, the journey itself is enjoyable.   The above proverb talks about the way of righteousness (being declared righteous by faith in the One who supplies righteousness, Christ) being life.  When God works in our lives and makes us righteous we can be sure that we now have life and not death.   The destination is life, but so, too, the pathway to the end.   Even in disappointment we can be assure that life will spring from the diffilculty.    God is the Master of turning situations that look like death into life (Daniel in the lions den; the three Hebrew boys in the fire; Joseph in slavery; ect.).  Solomon knows that the God of creation gives life and that when we follow God we will be given life and not death; both in the end and on the journey.   This is not excluded to only physical death and life.   But, when things don't work out for us we often have the "death" of a vision.   Yet, God turns these "vision deaths" into life by showing us the new path God has for us.   We ought not fear the path of righteousness.   God will make it shine both at the end and on the journey.   See also Proverbs 8:8, 20; Proverbs 10:2b; Proverbs 11:4b.

See also:

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV)

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Proverbs 11:27

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 seeking evil or good:

Proverbs 11:27 (ESV Strong's)

27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,

but evil comes to him who searches for it.

Proverbs 11:27 (ESV)

Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,

but evil comes to him who searches for it.

We can seek a lot of things in this life. The above proverb gives us the two choices we are faced with each day. Most follow the second line of the proverb. They seek evil. They can be assured of one thing: They will find evil ... in fact it will overtake them. Evil is in hot pursuit of us the minute we step toward it. In the first line, however, we have a different track: When we diligently seek good, we are in reality seeking favor for ourselves. Let's apply this verse to something as simply as being offended at the cashier counter. I am notorious for arguing with cashiers that I know are wrong, or who are poor in customer service. If I seek evil with them ... to cause an issue and to point that I AM RIGHT, I make matters worse and turn a simple issue into an evil issue. But, when I seek good in the situation, good things happen. I find favor and good understanding passed my way. It is easy to seek evil. It is tough to seek good. When we are born of evil we seek it. It is only by faith in Christ we have good so it is by faith we must seek good and find favor. Don't seek evil with others ... seek good.  Probably a good example of this from the Old Testament is the story of David, Nabal and Nabal’s wife, Abigail.   David had, at of his own will, shown grace to Nabal’s shepherds.   When David sent his men, on a feast day, to ask for just a little something for food, Nabal rejected David’s graciousness and his request to return the favor.  Instead, he showed David’s men contempt and sent the away with nothing.   David orders his men to strap on their swords and head back to Nabal to do him harm.  However, Abigail, who was beautiful and gracious and charming, instead tries to make things well with David and meditate a settlement to save her husband.  She hurries out to meet David and here is what she tells David about her husband, Nabal (who’s name means “fool”). 

1 Samuel 25:25 (ESV)

Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.

David had sought good, but then evil.  Abigail sought good.  Nabal sought evil.   Nabal would end up dying from a heart attack when he hears that David was coming to kill him.  Abigail ends up becoming David’s wife.   Those who seek good, find good.  Those who seek evil, find evil.  

Proverbs 10:24

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 fear:

Proverbs 10:24 (NASBStr)

What the wicked fears will come upon him,

But the desire of the righteous will be granted.

Proverbs 10:24 (ESV)

What the wicked dreads will come upon him,

but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

The contrast between the righteous and the wicked is a general theme of proverbs and in particular this chapter and the next.   The first line begs the question as to, "what does the wicked fear?"   If you were to ask them, the wicked would easily confess they have no or little fear.  But God knows that they do have fears and those fears are well deserved.   Since they have rejected God they should fear that He will, eventually, reject them.   That is something to fear, even if you don't publicly acknowledge the fear.   God has placed that fear in their hearts.  No matter how they try to suppress the fear, it is still there.  The righteous on the other hand have the assurance that their desires will be granted.   There is much written on this subject throughout God's Word:  Ps 145:19; Prov 15:8; Matt 5:6; 1 John 5:14, 15. The key here is that once we are declared righteous, we have a change in spiritual desire.   Or, at least you should have a change..   Once we have been declared righteous we have a hunger for the King and that hunger is for the King's will in our lives   Reject God and receive fear.   Accept God and receive fear.

Proverbs 9:12

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 being wise:

Proverbs 9:12 (ESV)

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;

if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

I know I have read this verse hundreds of times but I have either been too dull or too distracted or too old to remember it and to grasp it. What the verse tells us is that wisdom is a solitary function that we can use. It doesn't help God any. It is for us to use. Man thinks the more wisdom he attains the more valuable that makes him to God. This verse implies that it does not add to my value in relationship with God. It also implies that my wisdom can't necessarily help and add benefit to others. The only way it benefits them is if they are willing to apply the wisdom someone may offer. Otherwise the wisdom of one only benefits the one. The key is to learn wisdom and use it to follow God. But, the wisdom itself is solely for my benefit. My wisdom can't help others or be transferred to them unless they are willing to apply the wisdom themselves and follow the steps of wisdom in Scripture.  Chapter nine is a warning to listen to wisdom and to not scoff at it.  We bear the results of our attitude toward listening to wisdom, or scoffing it away.   Those who make poor choices are scoffing at wisdom.  They, therefore, alone, must bear it.   Rejection of truth produces harm in our lives.    It is interesting that when we choose wisdom, we, ALONE, can enjoy it. When we reject wisdom, we ALONE, suffer for it.  However, we also have a corporate aspect of our choices.  Mothers, fathers, leaders, etc. all have to make choices and those decisions impact others.  We can’t make others hear our wisdom or make decisions based upon our wisdom.  But, OUR choices can put others in a better place to hear the wisdom God gives us.  A parent who makes wise choices can impact their entire family.   

Proverbs 8:25

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 history of wisdom:

Proverbs 8:25 (NASBStr)

“ Before the mountains were settled,

Before the hills I was brought forth;

Proverbs 8:25 (ESV)

Before the mountains had been shaped,

before the hills, I was brought forth,

As we stated in other comments about these proverbs, Solomon, in chapter eight, is giving us a deep discussion on Wisdom.   In particular Solomon has told us that Wisdom was "with God" in the beginning at creation.   Here, in the above proverb, we see more evidence of that truth.   Wisdom is old.  It was there before the mountains were even settled (Hebrew word here for settled means to sink in ... to establish them).   Before the mountains and the hills were even formed and planted into the depths of the earth, wisdom was here.   Solomon is giving us insight into the eternality of wisdom.  Some translations make the second line to replace "brought forth" with "born," indicating that Wisdom had a beginning.   But, the context of the chapter is against that.  Plus we know that Christ is the Wisdom of God, therefore there is no "birth" of her.   What is meant here is that prior to the mountains being put in place, God put creation together .. with Wisdom.  Wisdom was brought forth as the attribute of God used in the creation process.   We might say that when we express love to our kids love was born.  But, that doesn't mean love wasn't here before.  It was just born to them at the moment.   We don't value all things that are old, like Wisdom, in our society.   An old couch doesn't get as much honor as an old bottle of wine.    Wisdom is old.   Very old.   Solomon is making a point to tell us this and will continue over the next few verses to impress upon us the validity and value of wisdom; it was with God in the beginning.  Through wisdom He established creation.  Why not embrace wisdom by Fearing The Lord.

Proverbs 7:4

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 our relationship with wisdom: 

Proverbs 7:4 (ESV Strong's)

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”

and call insight your intimate friend,

In today's society, especially the educational world, wisdom is accumulated and obtained by the amount of degrees you have on the wall.   Knowledge, people believe, equals wisdom.   Like most false philosophy there is an appearance of truth in such thoughts.  However, what we learn from the book of Proverbs, the above verse being a key indicator, is that Wisdom is not simply accumulated knowledge.  In the early chapters of Proverbs we were told that the beginning of wisdom was the "fear of the Lord.".  In the above proverb we are told that wisdom is to be considered in the context of a relationship.   Wisdom is personified in this proverb as a person.   We are to be so close to God in fear (reverence) that we are to call wisdom "sister" or "friend.".  In 1 Corinthians 1-2 we see that Christ IS wisdom.   The thought here is that to have a close relationship with Wisdom we have to have a real relationship with God through Christ.   Wisdom is found, not in books, degrees, or graduate courses, it is found in a real relationship with Christ, who is our intimate friend.

The subject discussed in this proverb is our relationship with wisdom. The first line tells us that we are to have a strong relationship with wisdom. Wisdom is to be as close to us as a “sister.” How close is wisdom to you? Do you seek to have a close relationship with wisdom? The second line in this proverb tells us something more about that relationship. We are to call wisdom (or, to identify her), a “kinsman.” A kinsperson is a close relationship. Wisdom is supposed to be in close relationship to us. However, the second line also gives us another word for “wisdom.” It is “understanding.” This proverb tells us that we are to seek a strong relationship with wisdom, which is the ability to have understanding in difficult times. Proverbs chapter seven goes on to show a vivid picture of what it looks like when we don’t hold wisdom close and pursue other “relationships.” Make wisdom a close relative.

Proverbs 6:32

Proverbs 6:32 (NASBStr)

The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense;

He who would destroy himself does it.

Proverbs 6:32 (ESV)

He who commits adultery lacks sense;

he who does it destroys himself.

Solomon has been describing the outcome of a man who engages in adultery.   Again, adultery is being discussed here as both an actual event and as a metaphor for when we "cheat" on God and sin with another god-like partner.   Now that he has compared the adulterer with a thief (vs. 30-31) he begins to tell us the outcome of an adulterous life.   In the above proverb he tells us how completely damaging to one's own soul and conscious it is to commit this type of sin.  

Solomon tells us that to commit such a sin is to "destroy" the soul.  The Hebrew word for destroy is “shamad.”  It is first used in the O.T. in Genesis 6 where God is describing the corruptions of men and women prior to the flood.  Men were said to be corrupt.  That is what Solomon is telling us is happening to the man who commits this sexual sin.   He is making himself corrupt.   The corruption means he has no value and is placing himself in the path of God's wrath.   The sad part is that he is doing this to himself.   His corruption is a result of his own lust for sexual pleasure outside God’s plan.   Like a mouse who must have the cheese he is caught in the very tool that promised to satisfy his hunger.  This type of man succumbs to lust and shames his own soul.   When we reject the love of God we destroy our soul.  When we pursue something ELSE to satisfy our desires we reject God.  The sin in adultery is that we join ourselves “physically” with this sin and that demonstrates the commitment “spiritually.”  Note how Paul stated it:

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (ESV Strong's)

Flee Sexual Immorality

12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Sexual sins reveal the heart is connected to the object of our lust and shows our heart is not united with God.  We are not captured by His love.  That is folly, not wisdom.  

Proverbs 5:16

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 intimacy with your spouse:

Proverbs 5:16 (ESV)

Should your springs be scattered abroad,

streams of water in the streets?

We pick this proverb up in the middle of Solomon's warning to husbands about their relationship with their wife.   He is warning men that they should "drink" (enjoy in intimacy) waters from their own "cistern" (their wives) (5:15).  In this proverb he is telling the husband the problems that can occur if they don't "drink" out of their own "cistern".  In this proverb and the one just prior to this proverb, we see "water" as the picture of the wife.   We have to keep that in mind as we look at this proverb.  Solomon is telling us that failure to keep intimacy between husband and wife may end up as a very dangerous launching pad.  Solomon is telling men that if they don't find intimacy exclusively in and around their wives that very intimacy will be out in the streets!   Solomon is showing us that the failure of the husband to keep his sexual desires in his own home may result in the wife running around in the community.   The principle here is that the husband is the umbrella of protection to the wife.   God has placed the husband in that place of protection for his wife.   Failure to obey God can produce harmful affects on those you love.   Sin welcomed into the house can destroy the home. When the head of the home invites sin into the home this opens up the floodgates outside the home.   

Proverbs 4:11

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 walking the righteous path:

Proverbs 4:11 (ESV)

I have taught you the way of wisdom;

I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

The above proverb is a complimentary proverb. The second line compliments and further explains the first line. Wisdom is taught by a good parent and wisdom is explained as the “paths of righteousness.” Here is were children sometimes stumble. To walk along the “paths” takes much strength and much commitment. Because, in the mind of the world the “paths of righteousness” is boring, unadventurous and too predictable. The world wants excitement, risk and challenge. So, to walk along the safe and straight path (see also Proverbs 4:18,19) is in sharp contrast to the call of the world (Proverbs 4:14-16). Note the contracts between these two paths:

Proverbs 4:18-19 (ESV)

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,

which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know over what they stumble.

Proverbs 4:14-15 (ESV)

Do not enter the path of the wicked,

and do not walk in the way of the evil.

Avoid it; do not go on it;

turn away from it and pass on.

A Godly parent must be constantly calling to a child to “walk the upright path.” However, the straight path might be boring. So, the child’s natural (sin nature) will wander and want to walk into the path of the wicked that seems more exciting. A parent’s job is to walk the straight path and to constantly remind the child. Today the world wants to confuse us by changing the meanings of the straight path vs the evil path.  They want to color the two the same.    This is why Solomon wrote his book of proverbs. He wants to constantly point out that the straight path and the evil path are NOT the same.   That is where a parent can help a child.   Children often lack discernment to know the difference between the two.  

Proverbs 3:26

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 our confidence:

Proverbs 3:26 (ESV)

for the LORD will be your confidence

and will keep your foot from being caught.

The word used in this proverb for "confidence" has an unusual meaning.  The word is "ḵesel" in the Hebrew and it is used to designate the fat or loin of the intestines.  If you have ever been told to "gut" it out, that is the use here.   Solomon isn't telling us to "gut" it out, but by using this word he is telling us that if we reach down deep in the midst of a struggle we can be assured we can "gut" it because God is our "gut" ... our strength.  God is at the base as we dig down deep.   He should be our strength within:

Ephesians 3:16 (ESV)

that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

If we find our foot caught in a trap we can have faith that God is our “kesel.”   He is our strength.   He is our confidence.   When we put our faith in God we can relax and know that God is what we can rely on and not on our own strength.   We can't trust ourselves because we are failing ourselves and God all the time.   God is our loin!  He is our stronghold.  Note what Peter says about the “power” we have through “faith” in God:

1 Peter 1:3-5

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Peter says that believers are being guarded by God’s power “through faith.”  We can have confidence in life because we have confidence in God.  Our faith in God gives us strength.   So when the Scripture says we should “take up the shield of faith,” we can have confidence in our life.   

Proverbs 2:12

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 being delivered from evil:

Proverbs 2:12 (ESV)

delivering you from the way of evil,

from men of perverted speech,

In the Lord's Prayer, Christ gives us a pattern of how to pray.  Although some believe that it is the actual prayer we are to pray (and repeating it with meaning is certainly a good thing to do), the prayer is probably more of an example of how to pray more than a specific prayer we are to do.  Whatever the reason Jesus spoke it to His disciples it is certainly clarifying one thing we should pray for:  We are to ask God to "deliver" us from evil.   So, when we read the above proverb, along side that instruction from Christ, we see the method God uses to accomplish His answers to our prayer.  When we ask God to "deliver us from evil" Solomon is telling us that we can be delivered from the way of evil and the people who speak perverse things by making sure we are seeking God's Word (as silver) and following God's Word.  That is the theme of Proverbs 2:1-11.  Asking God to deliver us from evil without utilizing His method is like ordering ice cream and refusing to eat.   God has given us the method to be delivered from evil.   Pray for it and seek His Word and receive it.  Both are needed.