Proverbs 4:7

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

Proverbs 4:7 (ESV)

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,

and whatever you get, get insight.

 If you could take all you own and buy something what would it be?  What would be worth all you own? If someone said you could have a seat to fly on the next shuttle to the International Space Station, what would you be willing to give? If you could have anything you wanted and all you had to pay was everything you had, what would you buy? How about giving all you have for wisdom/understanding? Solomon tells us in the above proverb that wisdom (he calls it “understanding” in the second line) is the main thing to get in life. And, if it cost you everything you should be wiling to pay it. What a dilemma! If we want wisdom, the main thing, it may cost us everything we have to get it. But, are we willing to give anything up to get it? Gratefully, by giving our lives to Christ we get wisdom. He is Wisdom. Christ paid the ultimate cost on the cross for us to own it! We only have to give everything to Christ to get His eternal wisdom.  People are willing to pay "x" amount for flat screen televisions; for cars; for homes.   But, what would they pay for wisdom?   To make sure our lives are living out our purpose we have to have God's Wisdom and God's plan.   God is giving us, in Scripture, His words and plan.  How much is that worth?  Would you pay all you have to acquire wisdom?  If you are willing do you realize how much you are losing?  

Proverbs 3:22

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 wisdom on our neck:

Proverbs 3:22 (ESV)

and they will be life for your soul

and adornment for your neck.

It is hard to find something that provides the same assurances and benefits as God's wisdom.   In the above proverb we read that God's wisdom provides something at the end (life) and something on the journey (adornment) to those who Fear The Lord.   The Fear of The Lord gives us wisdom and with wisdom we get "life" for our soul and blessings around our necks.   We often think of God's blessings at the end of our lives, but in this proverb we see that God also gives us an adornment on our neck.   The fact that God gives us peace at the end and a prize on the way, really gives us something to sing HIs praises.   This proverb shows us the internal piece of God's salvation (our inner peace knowing that God is going to save us to the end) and an external piece (an adornment that other's see and that will be drawn to praise God, as well).  When the book of Proverbs begins, Solomon gives us a similar glimpse into the benefits of fearing the Lord:

Proverbs 1:8-9 (ESV Strong's)

8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction,

and forsake not your mother's teaching,

9 for they are a graceful garland for your head

and pendants for your neck.

The Fear of the Lord produces wisdom and that produces a great reputation today and a place with God tomorrow.  

Proverbs 2:8

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 guarding the path of justice:

Proverbs 2:8 (ESV)

guarding the paths of justice

and watching over the way of his saints.

Earlier in this chapter (verse six) Solomon tells us that God is the one who gives wisdom.  In this entire chapter God (through Solomon) is making the case for following wisdom and seeking wisdom and desiring wisdom over the way and fruit of folly.   In this particular proverb Solomon gives us one more benefit, or evidence in favor, for following wisdom.   God not only gives us wisdom, but He protects us when we use it.   God protects the "paths of justice."   The second line adds to the understanding of the first line by telling us that He (God) not only "guards" the path of justice, but preserves those who are on the path.   God sets an established path for those who are doing what is right and upholding what is right.   Those who are on that path should fear nothing.  God is watching over them and making sure their way is not only protected but will last - preserved.  This word "preserved" in the Hebrew was first used in Genesis when Adam and Eve were instructed to "tend" the garden or to "keep" it.   So, just as we might care for the growth and fruitful product of our tomato plants, God does the same thing for they way of justice and those who walk on that path.  We might not always see God's hand of protection, mercy and preservation, but that is where faith comes into the process.   We might wonder "why" things are going bad when we are trying to do what is right.    But by faith, we believe that God is watching, caring and preserving the path of what is right.  When we do "right until the stars fall" we do so because we know that God has our backs and will make sure that, even though current circumstances don't favor us.   Note the story of Cain and Abel.  Abel did what was right and was killed by his brother.  Yet, God heard his voice cry from the ground and vindicated his "path of justice."   God will always guard and preserve justice.  He is a God of justice.  When we follow wisdom and seek it by faith we will walk in justice and do just things.   God will guard that, even when we don't see it in day-to-day situations.

God not only is the "shield for us,” He also "guards" our justice and "perserves" us. We ought to rejoice that God is watching over, not only our person, but our path. God is protecting us and what we do. He protects the justice we do. When we perform justice God watches over that. When we walk justly, God watches over that. He is taking care of us AND what we do for Him in the right way. How often does out work get interrupted and/or hindered due to the sin of this world. Yet, God does not let our just work or the integrity of our way fail. We can rejoice that God not only takes care of the sower, He watches over the seed.

Proverbs 1:26

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 God’s attitude about calamity: 

Proverbs 1:26 (ESV)

I also will laugh at your calamity;

I will mock when terror strikes you,

When tragedy happens in the world today believers are often asking, "Where is God?" or "What does God think of this?"   Believers are, seemingly, looking for an answer to "explain" the tragedy in light of God's sovereignty.    We often come up with good statements and pass along our favorite verses to solace them or defend God.  Yet, it would be seldom, if ever, that we quote the above proverb.   When calamity comes upon us we don't tell the non-believer that God is "probably laughing!"   Yet, that is what "God says" He WILL be doing if people reject His Word and His Ways.   This proverb is in the middle of the passage that is telling us that "if" we walk away from God and "if" we refuse to hear His Word, "then" He will laugh.   We hate calamity and we are hurt deep in our hearts when it happens.  Yet, God says that if we are going to turn away from Him than He WILL laugh at us when we experience a calamity.  You can’t have God protect you and ignore Him at the same time.   Later in this same passage He says he will not answer those who reject Him when they call on Him when this calamity comes (Proverbs 1:28).   God is a kind and loving God.  But, God is a just God, as well.  If you ignore Him, He has told us what He will do.  He will laugh at those who laughed at His offer to rule their lives.  

Proverbs 31:20

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 insights about the poor:

Proverbs 31:20 (ESV)

She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy.

God's Word is full of admonishments, commands and instructions on how to treat the poor and needy.   In fact, one of the major sins of the nation of Israel that brought about their discipline by God at the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians was their failure to care for the needy in the land.  It only takes Isaiah three chapters to mention their failure to treat the poor of the land justly:

Isaiah 3:14

The Lord enters into judgment with the elders and princes of His people,

“It is you who have devoured the vineyard;

The plunder of the poor is in your houses.

The word "poor" is translated over thirty times in the book of Proverbs alone.   Solomon and the other writers  of the proverbs were very much concerned about the poor, needy and those who needed help in the land of Israel.  Solomon in particular must have been extremely convicted as he was so blessed by God for his pursuit of God.   Solomon, no doubt, had read the word from the prophet Samuel about the poor:

1 Samuel 2:7

“ The Lord makes poor and rich;

 He brings low, He also exalts.

Since God makes the poor, we are to care for them.   All of this is to show "why" in Proverbs 31 God mentions that a women of virtue, who is honored by God, will, of course, do God's business and care for the poor.   This women mentioned in this chapter is not so concerned about her own life or the life of her husband and children that she also doesn't care for the destitute around her.  Virtue is not something done in isolation.   Good character cares for the needs of others and puts those needs high on the list of "things to do today.'   This women in Proverbs 31 was concerned about what God was concerned about.   That is the definition of virtue.

Proverbs 30:5-6

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 truth:

Proverbs 30:5-6 (ESV)

Every word of God proves true;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Do not add to his words,

lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Our faith in God is based upon our belief that God's Word is true. Faith takes root in God's Word and these two verses tell us that God's Word cannot only be trusted because it has been tested, but also that He watches over His Word to assure that no one adds to it. Reproof awaits Him who tries to add to His Word. God shields us by His Word. So, we can have faith in God's Word. We need to seek refuge in the Word. Many trust in the counsel of their friends when in trouble. They should seek refudge in the Word. What makes this tough is we are typically in trouble when we forsake the Word.   We will only be able to return to safety if we find refuge in the Word. That makes it hard to repent and return when we were running away in the first place.  It is amazing how many people will believe the owners manual of their car, the science book of their teacher, or the words of a politician they love.   Yet, each are full of flaws and produced nothing toward life.   Only God's Word is tested and true and a place we can rest assured that He is using it to protect us and He is protecting it, as well.   The Apostle Paul said the same thing, this way:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

We can trust God’s Word and we can lean on to it and lean in to it and know it will hold our fears and guide us to His pleasure.   

Proverbs 29:13

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 the poor:

Proverbs 29:13 (ESV)

The poor man and the oppressor meet together;

the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

The contrast in Proverbs is between the poor and those who oppress the poor ... the wealthy.   You don't have to read far into the proverbs to observe that God watches and is aware of the oppressor and guards over the poor.   According to James, the greatest act of "religion" is to visit those who are poor (visiting the fatherless and the widow ... James 1:27).  The difference between the two in Scripture couldn't be more stressed or accentuated.  Yet, with these differences in the background, Solomon draws one major similarity:  The fact that they can see the other is given to them as a gift from God.   Solomon wants us to know that both owe their sight to God.   But, deeper than sight, he wants us to know that God not only gives them the ability to see but what they behold, as well.  He gives "light" to them both.   He stresses what comes into their sight as much as the fact that they see.   As they behold each other and observe the status of the other, that ability comes from God.   They might behold different circumstances, but the fact that “they behold,” they have in common.   God gives gifts to us.  Sometimes, even though we are miles apart on the status spectrum, we have in common God's common grace.   Wealth and poverty might come from decisions and mistakes we have made along the way.  However, the ability to see those mistakes and the outcomes of them comes from God, giving both the poor and the oppressor sight.   God gives good things to the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45).  Notice what Solomon said earlier in Proverbs:

Proverbs 22:2 (ESV)

The rich and the poor meet together;

the LORD is the Maker of them all.

The point Solomon is making, whether it is the oppressor or the oppressed, God gives life to them both.  In Psalm 13:3 we see that the phrase “light of the eyes” is a metaphor for life and death.   Solomon wants us to know that God is the giver of life.   This proverb is a Divine warning that God is in control of those in society who are rich and those who are poor.

Proverbs 28:21

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 showing partiality:

Proverbs 28:21 (ESV)

To show partiality is not good,

but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

How you interpret this proverb may depend on what type of parallelism you believe the writer is using.  This tends to be a synthetic parallelism proverb.   In synthetic parallelism the second line of the proverb continues the thought of the first line.   In the above proverb we see that the thought is that if you show partiality, it is not good (simple words to tell us how foolish and wrong it is for rulers or anyone to show partiality over one person compared to the other).   If you believe this is synthetic parallelism, in the second line Solomon goes on to say, however, even the partiality can be enticed by something as simple as a piece of bread to commit this wrong.    If, however, you believe this is synonymous parallelism (where the second line says the same thing as the first line but in different words) then the meaning of the proverb is to emphasize corrupt and unethical behavior between people: In the fist line the unethical behavior is partial judgement.  In the second line the unethical behavior is selling your soul for something trivial and not lasting and eternal.  This proverb teaches us that people will, in the midst of trouble, conflict and struggles, do things to create an advantage for themselves.  We are not to be involved in unethical behavior to gain personal advantages.  Godly wisdom does not live in this manner.   The fear of the Lord in our lives does not produce this type of behavior, no matter how you interpret the proverbs.

Proverbs 27:3

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 interacting with a fool:

Proverbs 27:3 (ESV)

A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,

but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.

If you have thin skin you know how difficult it is to deal with a fool (someone who rejects God's truth and does not fear the Lord).   They bring a sense of "heaviness" to a conversation, an organization, a relationship.   Like a huge stone or a bag of sand they are not very movable, seldom flexible and often thick and impenetrable.    Solomon is telling us to beware of how a fool can provoke us and entice us to anger or frustration.   This proverb is not giving us a way to avoid it as much as it is to make us aware of it.   We are to make sure we know this fact and not be fooled by it when confronted and provoked by a fool.   Trying to change their ways or their minds is like moving a large rock or move sand.   Good luck with that.  Don't be caught trying as though you can.   Fools who reject God's truth can't be persuaded by human arguments.   That is like moving a rock with a spoon.   Stay on course with God's truth and allow God to move the rock.   He is good at moving rocks.  Through faith we can move mountains.  That means we are trusting Him to move the fool not our argument.

Proverbs 27:2

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: 

Proverbs 27:2 (ESV)

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;

a stranger, and not your own lips.

Self promotion has a distinct and foul smell.  Soliciting promotion and praise for oneself has a very unusual and ugly oder.  In this proverb Solomon gives us a warning about such acts.   It is not hard to find someone who seeks praise.  It is even easier to find someone who promotes themselves in an arrogant manner.  Our society actually promotes this type of self praise.  Solomon wants us to know that it isn't praise that is wrong but "self" praise.  He has earlier told us that when someone deserves honor we are to give it to them (3:27).   But, we are not to give it to ourselves.   Solomon told us to not seek a seat at the head table but let others call you to sit there rather than sit there and be told to move.

Proverbs 25:6-7 (ESV)

6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence

or stand in the place of the great,

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

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

What your eyes have seen

Solomon is not down on praise.  He is just down on self praise.   Let's make sure we don't praise ourselves.  Let others do that if they are incline.   For yourself, seek humility and obscurity.    

Notice how Solomon said the same thing a little earlier:

Proverbs 25:27 (ESV)

27 It is not good to eat much honey,

nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.

Proverbs 26:12

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 personal wisdom:

Proverbs 26:12 (ESV)

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Today I met a 14 year old girl who denies Christ and the existence of God.  She is bold in her professed "atheism," but I doubt if she can even spell the word.   She has never read the Bible or investigated Theological truth, yet, "she was wise in her own eyes."  She believes, at her young, rebellious and Godless life, that she knows God doesn't exist.   Talking to her is like talking to a person as described by Solomon above. As he states in this proverb, "there is more hope for a fool than for her."   When we kick God out of our schools, our entertainment and our government, don't be surprised if Proverbs 26:12 shows up more and more in the halls of youth and student dormitories.  In the last times Paul tells us men will be "ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7).   When man tosses God out of his conscious he has nothing left but to bring into his mind his new god ... self.   Atheist have a god ... it is themselves.   They worship what they are and what they want.  They attribute blessing to their own devices and own, self-prescribed intellect.   God is at war with atheism.  It is hard to believe, but God and all believers are in a war: The war is against unbelief. Similarity so, too, is this 14 year old. She is in a war with her own self.  As she attempts to spew her unbelief, I attempted to proclaim the gospel.  That is a holy war.   As we read Proverbs it is obvious where we can find wisdom.   God makes it available.    But, those who reject the fear of the Lord and therefore the wisdom of God, are fools in their own eyes.  They do not possess wisdom.  It is not available for them or to them.

Proverbs 25:20

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

Proverbs 25:20 (ESV)

Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart

is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,

and like vinegar on soda.

Have you ever been in such a great mood that you just want to sing? But when you come across a person who is down in the dump, then what?  When this happens, you probably, like me, want to share your great day and feelings of joy with this down hearted individual. When we do that, as the above proverb indicates, to them it is like taking their warm coat taken away in winter or pouring vinegar on soda—useless. Being in a great mood is certainly something that should be shared. But even a great mood should come with some discernment. Solomon is certainly not telling us to avoid cheering others on when they are walking through the valley of the shadow of death (his father David told us that). But beware that when we cheer others on and they are in a dark spot of life, we should do so with discretion. Joy should be shared discriminately.   When we counsel others we need to be sensitive and empathetic to their needs.  Jesus didn't automatically start preaching hope and wonder and excitement to the women at the well. This lady had numerous men in her life and was shamed in her society.  Jesus started by meeting her needs - a proper relationship with a man who just talked to her.   We don't always want to led with a cheery message.

Proverbs 24:28

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 truth and lies:

Proverbs 24:28 (ESV)

Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,

and do not deceive with your lips.

Perhaps the worse thing we can do to someone is to lie for the purpose of hurting someone.   One of the large themes of Proverbs is that of truth.   God is truth and therefore we are to walk in truth.  In Ephesians 4:25 we are told to speak the truth, in love.  We are not only to speak the truth to each other, the later part of this proverb instructs us not to use our lips even to deceive.   We are not to be deceptive in our very nature.   You can't use your lips to lead others astray.  Remember, Satan in the garden never actually told a bold faced lie.   He simply used information to deceive.  When we use information to bring about deception we damage them and we damage ourselves.   In the below proverb we read that when we deceive others we are like a club, a sword and an arrow to them.    

Proverbs 25:18 (ESV Strong's)

A man who bears false witness against his neighbor

is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.

When I read this proverb I think of the way politicians damage their constituents with "deceptive" lies.   They don't use bold face lies.  They use spin.  They use deception to promote themselves.   They use deceit to gain their power.   They use lies to get what they want and damn the rest.  That is not truth.  God is truth.

Proverbs 23:27

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 temptation:

Proverbs 23:27 (ESV)

For a prostitute is a deep pit;

an adulteress is a narrow well.

This whole chapter is about the dangers and the lies of the world system.  The products and the deception of the world is massive.  This chapter talks about the dangers and enticement of food, drink and sex.  In the above proverb we learn about the prostitute.  In Proverbs the prostitute is both a real woman and the picture of folly.   Here we have both a contrasting Hebrew poem and a complimentary poem.   Solomon is contrasting the "deep" and the "narrow" while at the same time complimenting the dangers of the prostitute and that of adultery.  Make no mistake, that Folly wants us to fall into her pit and get stuck in her well.   Make no mistake that the world will try to entice us with the smell and look of the harlot and the adulterous women but the dangers are real.  They suck you in to a place you can't get out.   The world's system are systems of extreme and systems of failure.   When we believe their lies we will find it tough to get out of the system.   The world wants to lock us in.   Only God can give us freedom.  Only Wisdom can give us safety.  God is Wisdom.   The World is folly.   Choose God.  Notice what sin wants to do: 

James 1:13-15 (ESV)

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

John Owen said it this way:

Our desires (epithumia) area always:

1) INCLINING to evil, 

2)HINDERING from that which is good, 

3)DISFRAMING the spirit from communion with God.