Proverbs 9:16

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 into the world of the naive: 

Proverbs 9:16

"Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,” And to him who lacks understanding she says,

Proverbs 9:16 (ESV)

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

And to him who lacks sense she says,

(This is the same proverb as Proverbs 9:4.)   

The above proverb is coming from the lips of Lady Wisdom who is telling us all what Mistress Folly says as she calls out to those who pass by. She calls out to the "naive" on the street for the purpose of enticing them to come to her and to fall to her trap. But, it is not only the naive who fall! The strong fall, as well. Perhaps as often as the naive! But, maybe that is because none of us are "mature" - we all fall into the category of the "naive." We tend to think of the other guy as "naive" while we fall into the same arms of deceit and succumb to Folly's ways. We fool ourselves into thinking we are "mature" and can toy with Folly, conjuring up strength at the last minute to fend her off. Yet, like the foolish naive one we fall into her net. What's worse, is that we know better. Her power of enticing so strong we trip and splash into Folly's pool looking for refreshment only to find stink and condemnation. Yes, Folly sits at the street calling for the naive. But, her fishing is better than most. Not only do the naive fall into her trap, but the mature, as well.

Proverbs 8:29

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 God, creation, boundaries and wisdom:

Proverbs 8:29 (NASBStr)

When He set for the sea its boundary

So that the water would not transgress His command,

When He marked out the foundations of the earth;

Proverbs 8:29 (ESV)

when he assigned to the sea its limit,

so that the waters might not transgress his command,

when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

Wisdom is being described in chapter eight of Proverbs.   Solomon is giving us a blow by blow picture of Wisdom.   In the above proverb we see that wisdom is making sure the boundaries of the sea and the land remain in their places.   Wisdom was there when God marked out the boundaries of the sea.  Without God's Wisdom the world's balance would be out of sorts.   God established boundaries to assure that we could be safe and live in security.   Without God's wisdom, life, the planet, would be in constant chaos.  In Romans 8:22 we read that creation groans in pain, waiting for the redemption that is in Christ.   Because of sin the world is falling apart.   Jesus told us that in the end times there would be earthquakes.   The earth is in pain.  It groans.   It pushes against the boundaries set for it.   If we didn't have the design of creation, by Wisdom, we would all parish.    God has made the seas to be right where they are.  Even though, through storms (the results of sin), the seas bellow and surge, crossing those boundaries, God is still in charge.   We can rejoice in the fact that God rules the universe and set the boundaries fast and sure.

Proverbs 7:10

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 Satan’s deception:

Proverbs 7:10 (ESV)

And behold, the woman meets him,

dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.

Each of us, every day, are confronted by people who are there to lead us astray from the course God has set us on. The woman met the naive one, in chapter seven, and uses the "eye-gate" to entice him. She dresses in an attire pleasing to his eyes but deceptive beyond the eyes. We seldom can see what we need to see. In the forefront is what temptation wants us to see. Inside and beyond the visible is something we can't see. The deception Satan uses is creative and appealing. The world see's Satan as a horned, pitch-forked, scary animal. In reality he dresses up as a seductive mistress who is looking to bring us down. Everyday temptations are beautiful to the eye. The only way to know what is cunning of heart is to be able to look through the deception with the eyes of faith. God gives us insights to avoid temptation. But, we have to live by faith to see what Satan has posed to us. If we don't act by faith we will respond to sight and destruction follows.  Notice what Paul says about Satan and his deception:

2 Corinthians 11:14 (ESV Strong's)

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Notice what he also says about what to do with these disguises and schemes of the Satan:

Ephesians 6:16 (ESV)

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

We have to be prepared to be tempted by the thing most pleasing to the eye.   That is why God gives us wisdom in the heart.   

Proverbs 6:2

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 being caught up in our own words:

Proverbs 6:2 (ESV)

if you are snared in the words of your mouth,

caught in the words of your mouth,

It is hard not to be caught in the above scenario.   If you are old enough to talk, you are old enough to be caught in a snare with your words.   In the context of Proverbs 6 Solomon is talking about making a pledge to someone you shouldn't or making a pledge about something you shouldn't.   If you offer to support your friend and you can't or shouldn't  you have snared yourself by your words.   If you have promised to pay a debt for someone and you shouldn't have, you are caught by your words.   He goes on and tell us how to deliver ourselves in the following verses.   However, before we try to deliver ourselves we have to admit we are caught.   Before we find relief, we have to know we are in need of relief.  This verse is not the solution but the admission of the need.   We will have times in our lives when our words catch us and trap us.   To get out of that situation we have to admit we have misspoken.  That takes humility and a loss of pride.  It is not "if" we have been snared but "if" we will admit the snare.

God takes making a vow very seriously.   Note the following:

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (ESV)

When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.

Psalms 15:4 (ESV)

in whose eyes a vile person is despised,

but who honors those who fear the LORD;

who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

When it comes to “giving a pledge” for others we put ourselves at risk.   It “snares” our mouths according to Solomon.    Solomon, in this proverb, wants us to come to the realization that making a vow puts us in risk, especially when you are making a vow to cover for someone else’s vow.  It is one thing to make a vow about your own life.  But, when you attempt to make a vow to cover someone else’s needs, you put yourself at risk. 

Proverbs 5:21

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 hidden sins … that are not hidden:

Proverbs 5:21 (ESV)

For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD,

and he ponders all his paths.

This proverbs should be viewed with one that Solomon is recorded as having said later in this book:

Proverbs 15:3 (NASBStr)

The eyes of the Lord are in every place,

Watching the evil and the good.

The last line of Proverbs 5:21 should be viewed in light of what Solomon says in the following:

Ecclesiastes 12:14 (NASBStr)

For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

The context of Proverbs chapter five is that of the adulterous women and the foolish young man who , might, succumb to her wanton ways.  When the act of adultery takes place it is done so in secret; at least that is what is in the mind of the two parties.  Don't let anyone know.  Keep it secret.   The looks, the glances, the not-so-innocent-touches; are all done with the thought they are hidden.  Yet, in 5:21 we read that a very comforting truth to those who are living free from sin is also a warning to those who think they sin in secret.   God is watching and will hold anyone accountable for sins, both done in public or private view.  The same truth that provides peace to some (that God is always watching) can be haunting to others.   He "watches" or "ponders" our path.   He holds us accountable.  He can, because He is the only one who sees it all.   When we think we are in secret and can sin without harm, we fail to know the truth of 5:21.  Make 5:21 a blessing and not a curse by allowing the Spirit of God to keep you from sin.  If we are going through tough times, through suffering, knowing God is watching us, is refreshing.   If we are in adultery, God watching is not so refreshing.  But, either way, He is!!

Proverbs 4:16-17

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 how the wicked operate: 

Proverbs 4:16-17 (ESV)

For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;

they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.

For they eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence.

What keeps you up at night?  For this section the NIV gives us a note to read: Ps 132:3–5.   In that Psalm we read King David telling us that he can't sleep unless he builds a place for God to dwell.   Hamman on the other hand could only think of one thing: How to destroy Mordecai.   Here you have two different life styles:  The righteous should be worrying how they should please The Lord (see the contrast between the married and the unmarried on this subject in 1 Corinthians 7).  Solomon is warning us to stay away from the wicked (4:12-15).  Now he gives us a reason: The wicked only think about wickedness.   In verse 17 he tells us that their very food and drink is wickedness and violence (cf. also 2:12- 15).    The picture painted for us here is that the foolish, those who reject the fear of the Lord, are gang like in nature; only looking for evil.    This picture description of the someone who can't sleep because they want to consume more wickedness is the scene at all evil across the world.   People stay up late and lose sleep simply to do something other than glorify God (that is what wickedness is ... doing something that doesn't glorify God).   The next time you can't sleep decide if it is because you are more like King David or wicked Hamman.

Proverbs 3:30

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 living at peace with others:

Proverbs 3:30 (NASBStr)

Do not contend with a man without cause,

If he has done you no harm.

Proverbs 3:30 (ESV)

Do not contend with a man for no reason,

when he has done you no harm.

I often wonder if the New Testament writers where reading portions of the Old Testament when they wrote their words to us.  In Romans 12:18 Paul tells us that as much as possible we are to live at peace with others.   Perhaps he had spent some time prior to writing those words meditating on the above proverb.   Solomon, like Paul, is telling us to make sure that we are not the ones who cause a conflict with others.   In this world, this fallen world, we will have conflict.  That is most definite.  However, that doesn't mean we should be the ones who cause the conflict.  In Romans 5:1 we read the God has restored peace with us through His Son.   When God established peace in our hearts we are given the capacity to practice peace.  In John 14:27 we are told that God is going to give us the Spirit of peace.  That enables us to practice peace with others.  In Galatians 5:20-21 we are told that the fruit of the Spirit includes peace.   God producing peace in our hearts enables us to live in peace with others and avoid conflict with others.  We are not to contend with others.   That is not the way of wisdom.   God has gone to great costs to provide us with peace with Him.  To demonstrate that peace we have with Him we can and should practice peace with others. In Matthew 5 we are told that the peace makers of this word are blessed.   Peace making is what believers should be doing.  Avoiding conflict is a mark of wisdom.   That is Solomon’s point in the above proverb.  

Proverbs 2:16

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 the smooth talk of folly:

Proverbs 2:16 (ESV)

So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words,

 We are often lead astray by those who use the "smooth" words. Those who can "twist" a tale or "spin" a yarn seem to entice us to leave our path and follow their ways. Flattery is such a mild form of seducement - it doesn't come across as offensive or threatening. It is often seen as something desired or even earned. But, don't be lead astray, flattery is Satan's main tool. He wants us to feel good about ourselves - when we are thinking good about ourselves, we are thinking less of God. He wants us to glory in our accomplishments (the ones he points out through flattery) - when we do we are glorying God less. Satan wants us to realize we have great value - when we do we realize less and less that our only true value comes from Christ's salvation of us. Don't be fooled by flattery. It leads off the path of life.  In the above proverb Solomon is giving us the impact wisdom can have on us.  Once wisdom enters our hearts we can have a sense of freedom from false words that are intended to draw us into Folly’s trap.  In Proverbs Solomon uses the adulterous woman as a metaphor for folly.  Solomon is telling us that wisdom can keep us safe from all kinds of folly ... including adultery.   This "forbidden women" he is talking about is the various folly available in this world that entices us to follow it.  Note one such episode:

Genesis 3:4-6 (ESV)

But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

Satan used smooth words to entice Eve.  She was lead astray by the false, but enticing words of Satan.  Notice how the appealed to HER needs and not God’s word.  Only God's wisdom can keep us clear and clean from Folly’s words.  Flattery is Satan bait to hook us into self-pleasure.   

Proverbs 1:1

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 the writing of the proverbs:

Proverbs 1:1 (ESV)

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

We might be tempted to pass over this proverb as not really a proverb.  It would be argued, quite successfully by some, that it is not.   It is simply an introduction to the proverbs giving us some biographical and historical accuracy.  However, it should be noted that God doesn't put anything in His Word that He doesn't want us to live and learn from.   This verse does tell us that Solomon is the source of these proverbs.  However, it also reveals to us a few truths we need to learn.  The first is that kings "to be" need to learn as much as others.  Solomon is commended by most for asking for wisdom when God gives him a chance to make his "wishes" come true.   Whereas most would have asked God for power and prestige and wealth, Solomon asked for Wisdom.  In Proverbs 4:4 Solomon will tell us the wisdom he is unfolding for us is from his dad.  In 31:1-4, if you believe "Lemuel" is actually also Solomon, simply by another name, he is teaching us what his mom taught him.   I believe when God gave Solomon wisdom it was not so much he poured previously unknown truth into his head, but rather opened his eyes to the truth he had been previously taught.   Like the Pharisees often blinded to the truth of the gospel, many have been given and see truth every day.   But, it is only through faith in Christ through the ministry of the Spirit that we can discern wisdom; or, as some say, use that truth in a way that shows wisdom.   In this first "proverb" we are seeing that not only does a king need wisdom but he attains it through the teaching of parents.  We are able to discern our parents teaching through the eyes of faith and that is what translates simple truth to practical wisdom.   We all know people who "know things."  They are truly smart.  But, they also, at times, show very little wisdom for this life.  They are often head smart and life dumb.  We know others, who through the Spirit, who are challenged in regard to knowledge but are wise beyond their years.   In this first proverb we have more than introductory lanquage.  We have the truth that "kings need wisdom to be taught to them" and that wisdom is "often taught through the parental line."   Embrace both wisdom and how we obtain it.  God doesn't pour things into our heads.  Through faith He opens our eyes to the things we are taught in His Word.  

Proverbs 30:14

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 the wicked and the poor: 

Proverbs 30:14 (ESV)

There are those whose teeth are swords,

whose fangs are knives,

to devour the poor from off the earth,

the needy from among mankind

When we read or hear of tragedies in the news and the world we are sometimes in shock and awe. However, we shouldn't be.   Solomon lays out for us how corrupt man can be.   "There is a kind of man," is a statement we should fully grasp.   Solomon describes him as a man who devours and destroys. Who do they devour?  They devour those who are already "afflicted" and those who are "needy" among men. His life is bent on using his resources (described as teeth like knives and swords) to devour those who can't fight for themselves.   The evil in the heart of man steams from the depravity of man. According to Romans 8 they are hostile to God.  That hostility toward God is reflected in man's hostility toward God's creation: other men. "There is a kind of man ..." should be a warning to us to not be surprised at the evil in the world and what man can do to other men. They will use their resources to destroy and devour. Don't be surprised by tomorrow's news.

Proverbs 29:21

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 relationships:

Proverbs 29:21 (ESV)

Whoever pampers his servant from childhood

will in the end find him his heir.

Most of the older commentaries treat the above proverb in the negative.   They almost unanimously believe that the "soft" treatment of the slave was neither good for the slave or the owner.  According to them, the favored treatment would allow the slave to think of himself more than he was: A simple slave.  It would also hinder the need of the owner, as he would not have anyone to do the work of the slave.  These may well be fair interpretations of the proverb and certainly the word "pamper" leads to some corrupt and negative thinking.    The word is only used once in the the Old Testament, here in Proverbs and only by Solomon. So, it is difficult to remove our modern day thinking as we translate it.   However, perhaps a another interpretation, that fits more of the context of Proverbs and other teaching in God's Word, is that the fair and gracious treatment of those who are subservient will eventually lead to their loyalty and deep relationship with us.   We are taught all the way through Scripture to be gracious, kind and merciful to those who serve us.  We are also taught by our Lord that the servant, who walks humbly with God, will be promoted over others, in the end.    Solomon taught in Proverbs 17:5 that to mistreat the poor (the slave would qualify as to this category) is to insult God.  

Proverbs 17:5 (ESV)

5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;

he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

In Proverbs 14:35 we are told that the slave who acts wisely obtains the favor of the King.   

Proverbs 14:35 (ESV)

35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,

but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

In today's world the fair and gracious treatment of those we employ (wether in a working relationship; contracting relationship; or customer service relationship) would go a long way to develop a great relationship.   It is better to treat others by God's grace and gain a relationship with them than to treat them harshly and poorly based upon their "status."   Develop relationship - don't damage them.

Proverbs 28:2

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 leadership:

Proverbs 28:2 (ESV)

When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,

but with a man of understanding and knowledge,

its stability will long continue.

Proverbs 28:12

When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,

but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

Proverbs 28:15

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

Proverbs 28:28

When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,

but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Healthy Leadership for mankind has a Healthy Relationship with God. 

When we read leadership books we seldom, if ever, if ever hear about the relationship of good leadership to Godliness.   People who are greedy, self-seeking, promotion driven, and/or power hungry are not good leaders.  They think they are.  They are also given leadership positions.   We actually assess leaders with assessment that measure their acumen for drive, structure and analysis.  These assessments are not wrong, but they would not pass the test Solomon has laid out for us in the above proverbs.   As we read the above proverbs (and these are the ones out of chapter 28 ONLY), it is evident that Solomon draws a strong and bold line between leadership and righteousness.   There are many ways to define leadership.  Not one leadership guru defines it the same.  But, Solomon is crystal clear:  Great leaders are righteous and that righteousness produces understanding and wisdom and that makes for happy and healthy followers.  When a “man” of understanding (another word in Solomon’s vocabulary for Godliness) is leading, good things happen around him.   If we want to be good leaders we must find a way to connect our leading with our following God.   We can’t expect to lead men if we aren’t following hard after God.  

However, when sin is allowed to reign in the land (organization, country, family) factions develop! Sin, unchecked, causes splits in leadership. On the other hand, when someone is ruling with justice and mercy through, Bibilical knowledge and Godly understanding, the land endures - the orgainization is stable, the country is prosperous and the family sound. When sin is ignored you will see a split and lack of harmony. When justice is part of leadership than stability in the leadership is demonstrated. It is quite easy to identify poor practices of organizations or governments when there is divisions among the people; especially in leadership.  If you are part of leadership and you have divisions this proverb would challenge your resolve and commitment to deal with "transgressions" (sins). When we deal with sin we have harmony and only then.

After reading all these proverbs written by Solomon you would have to come to the conclusion that Solomon understood leadership.   What you would also read is that the thing that really sets one leader apart from another leader is righteousness.  Whether the proverb is telling us to be righteous or to act in a righteous manner in our dealings with those around us.  We wouldn’t read that in most leadership books.   If we want to lead and connect with others we must first follow and connect with God and His righteousness.  

Proverbs 27:10

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 friendships:

Proverbs 27:10 (ESV)

Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,

and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.

Better is a neighbor who is near

than a brother who is far away.

Having a friend is an important aspect of our lives.   So much so that Solomon stresses that we not only make sure we keep our "personal" friends but that we also don't forsake the a friend that has been part of your family.   Having a personal friend you can trust and who knows you, allows you to navigate through life's journey.    Imagine having someone who was also an established friend of your father.   One who knows both the family secrets but also the family potential.  He knows you because he knew dad.     But, when we do need help we should be careful who we ask.   Solomon tells us that it is better to go to our neighbor than to a brother.  Family is not always better than a friend.    Sometimes a friend who is close is better than a brother who is far away.   Solomon is expressing to us the value of true friendship.   Solomon’s wisdom in this proverb: 1) Don't forsake your one friend.  2) Don't forsake long established friends.  3) Don't always burden your family in times of calamity.  4) A friend near is better than family far.