Proverbs 6:21

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 our hearts, our eyes and our necks:

Proverbs 6:21 (NASBStr)

Bind them continually on your heart;

Tie them around your neck.

Proverbs 6:21 (ESV)

Bind them on your heart always;

tie them around your neck.

God's word is not to be left on the coffee table, at church, or near the bed stand.  God's word is to be taken with you throughout your day.   Solomon tells us that we should tie it to our hearts and wear it around our necks.   He is not telling us that we are to literally carry God's word in tattoos or neckless shaped verses.   He is telling us that we should make sure that when we leave the house and interact with society that God's word should be our guidepost and compass.   Carrying God's word in our hearts is a key to waring off Satan.   Mediating on God's Word in our mind is the key to fulfilling God's word this proverb.   Reading God's word is not enough.   Dwelling on it and thinking on it is paramount to obeying it.    We should not neglect or miss where God tells us in this proverb to hang God's word.   He uses heart and neck in this proverb.   We don't know the depth Solomon means in this proverb.   But God does not use any needless words.   As we meditate on the proverb we could see that the heart controls the will while the neck controls the way.   Our necks won't turn our eyes anywhere our hearts have not already gone.  Or, we can stop our necks from following our eyes if we are anchored in our hearts by God's word.   Bind God's Word in your heart and save where your neck turns.

Proverbs 5:7

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 keeping God’s Word:

Proverbs 5:7 (ESV)

And now, O sons, listen to me,

and do not depart from the words of my mouth.

Solomon opens this chapter with the same instruction that he outlines here for us.    Solomon is very much concerned that his "sons" will take heed to the teachings of the "old man."   There is an old adage that parents get smarter the older children get.   When they are old enough to have their own children a parents instruction "can" sound more relative and true.  That is not always the case but it often is.   Solomon is worried that the "son(s)" will fall away from what he has learned and fall into the trap of the world.   What parent is not afraid of the same thing?   Parents like to think they give great counsel and don't want the child to depart from the "words of my mouth." Not all parents, obviously, have Godly wisdom.   But, Solomon was God's chosen leader for Israel.  God had promised to protect him and bless him.   And, He did.  As a result, Solomon is telling his sons to listen and don't go astray.    We have insight here, as well, as to how God has chosen to correct, warn and prepare children ... through the instructions of their parents.  This is why it is so important that parents know God's Word and teach God's Word.    It is why they should rehearse God's truth before the child, often.   Before we warn our children to know "depart" from our words we need to make sure we have sound, Biblical teaching.   Tell children God's truth and then tell them not to depart from it.  The fact that it came from  your mouth matters not.

Proverbs 4:1-2

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 value of wisdom: 

Proverbs 4:1-2 (ESV Strong's)

Hear, O sons, a father's instruction,

and be attentive, that you may gain insight,

for I give you good precepts;

do not forsake my teaching.

There is much debate about wisdom literature and how to interpret the things written.  In Proverbs, specifically, we will hear many theologians and pastors tell us that the "proverbs" are observations of life and not to be taken as promises.    However, the words used in these first two verses of chapter four seem to give us a rich understanding of what the author meant when he wrote them.  "Instruction; precepts; teaching" are all words that are used in other parts of Scripture to convey something much more than "observations of life.".  When Solomon adds: "That you may gain insight," he is making a connection with these words and giving us a promise.   He is telling us that when we are: "hearing; attentive; and not forsaking" the instruction we will have a benefit.   If we read Psalm 119 (also wisdom literature) we can be assured that the promises of meditating on and obeying God's Word will produce benefit in our lives.  So, too the Proverbs.   It should be obvious that some of the proverbs are promises; some are precepts and some our principles to follow.   But, all are authoritative and beyond the thought of simple "observations" of life.   The Chinese philosopher Confucius was a later contemporary of Solomon.  He had observations in life.  He did not have the authority of God's Word.   Solomon did observe life and God gave him truth to give to us by way of Proverbs.   Many of these proverbs, like the one above, give us a promise we can be assured of.  If we hear and are attentive (listening and obeying) the instruction given to us here, we can gain insight.  That is a promise!!

Proverbs is about a lot of subjects but the main thought is for wisdom to be the fundamental choice of those following God and looking for the blessings of God.   God provides wisdom through His Word, which reflects His Son.    God provides that "Word" via many sources.  According to this proverb one source of God's Word comes from the instruction of a Godly parent.   Solomon is telling us that they are a source to enable us to "gain understanding."   We don't always think that when we are young.   But, God gives parents, Godly parents, insight into life and if we listen to them we can advance our understanding of life.   Solomon had a great dad - King David.  David was not perfect and was not without sin, but God gave him insight that he wanted him to pass down to Solomon.   The job of a parent is to listen to God and pass God's truth on to their children.   The child's job is to listen to the parent and gain understanding.

Proverbs 3:17

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: 

Proverbs 3:17 (NASBStr)

Her ways are pleasant ways

And all her paths are peace.

Proverbs 3:17 (ESV)

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

and all her paths are peace.

There are a lot of things that are good for you that are also hard to do in life.  For years I couldn't swallow medicine in the form of pills.  They made me choke.  Even if the pills were good for me.   Exercise is good for us but it is also hard to do and takes energy and hard work.    Walking up the stairs is not as easy as taking the escalator.   However, the above proverb tells us that Wisdom, being very good for us, is pleasant and full of peace.   Wisdom’s ways and paths are very good for us.  She is also pleasant.   We should not get frustrated with God's wisdom.  If we are frustrated either we are not in God's wisdom or we are not walking in the God's Spirit.   God's wisdom and God's Spirit are in harmony.   When we resist the wisdom of God we lose that peace and pleasantness.  When we are in the flesh we lose that peace and pleasantness.   The next time you feel like you lost your peace and pleasant way of life, evaluate your walk with God.   Paul tells us when we "walk in the Spirit, we won't fulfill the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:26).   A walk with the Spirit enjoys the fruit of the Spirit.  Note how King David penned this truth, before his son Solomon wrote the above proverb:

Psalms 16:8-11 (ESV Strong's)

8 I have set the LORD always before me;

because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

my flesh also dwells secure.

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Like father, like son!!!  God’s Wisdom brings pleasantness.  Notice what James says about wisdom:

James 3:17-18 (ESV)

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

When we have God’s wisdom it is the easiest part of life.   Good medicine that tastes as good as it heals.  

Proverbs 2:3

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 getting insight and understanding:

Proverbs 2:3 (ESV)

yes, if you call out for insight

and raise your voice for understanding,

It is interesting that Solomon gives us the formula for wisdom and understanding and includes an attitude of desire. In this proverb he tells us we can have wisdom, but we do have to desire it. He wants us to "cry for" insight and "lift our voice" for understanding. This indicates an active rather than passive approach. James tells us we can have wisdom if we ask for it (James 1).  Daniel asked for wisdom from God, received it and was seen as having much more wisdom than any of his counterparts in the world (Daniel 1). Perhaps the most interesting thing in Scripture about this concept, however, is that, without God's movement in our lives, no one would cry out for God's wisdom, discernment or understanding. God must be the initiator. Only believers, indwelled with the Spirit can "cry out" for insight. That is what Paul writes repeatedly in Romans and 1 Corinthians. God has provided the Wisdom of God through the indwelling Christ through the ministry of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 1). Because of that, believers have their desires changed and can cry out for the fullness of Christ ... which is synonymous with having insight and understanding. God fills us with the mind of Christ which is discernment and understanding. What do we cry out for? Do we cry for material things? Do we cry of safety and security? Do we cry for the fullness of Christ which manifests itself as wisdom, discernment and understanding? Cry out today!!

Proverbs 1:21

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 voice of wisdom:

Proverbs 1:21 (ESV)

at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;

at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:

As one of the commentators on this proverb states, the young man in the story of chapter one hears the voice of two people.  One is the tempter “folly” and the other “wisdom.”  This theme is the key to the book of Proverbs.  The voice of Folly crying out and seeking the young man to lead him into false enjoyment and a future of assured death.   The other voice is the voice of Wisdom.  She cries out, as well.  She shouts, in fact.  Here we see she shouts above the noise of Folly and the cries of the world.    She can be heard over the noise of this world.  We may not think that the world even hears Wisdom, but she is heard.   When Jesus was walking the earth, multitudes came to hear Him.    Today, God's Word goes out via pulpits, airwaves and internet.   The earth doesn't respond but it DOES here.   The "entrance of the gates" is Solomon telling us that Wisdom is heard at the key place where men meet.  The “entrance of the gates” was the “Wall Street” of Solomon’s day.  It was were business was done.   God is assuring that the world will hear the message of Wisdom, even if they don't respond; even if they are “busy” doing their “business.” No one will be able to claim, "I didn't hear the message."   God makes sure the voice of Wisdom is heard.   The young, naive men don't always respond, but they will hear.   The world might beat its drums loud and long.   But, God still allows the small, still voice of His Wisdom to be heard over the beat.  If we want to make great decisions about our life ... even in the midst of the “busy” noise of the “business” of life, we will have to hear and respond to God’s Wisdom, heard in the midst of Folly and all her friends at the city gate.  

Proverbs 31:17

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 the honorable woman in Proverbs 31:

Proverbs 31:17 (NASBStr)

She girds herself with strength

And makes her arms strong.

Proverbs 31:17 (NIV1984)

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

Proverbs 31:17 (ESV)

She dresses herself with strength

and makes her arms strong.

When you read this entire chapter (31) on the worthy women, you have to ask yourself, "How does she do it?"   How can you shop, plant, cook, sew, counsel, give, and serve and not be totally consumed by the effort?   This proverb seems to give us some insight into not just "what" she did (the majority of the rest of the chapter), but "how" she did it.   In the versions above, NASB vs NIV vs ESV, seem to indicate a slight difference in meaning.   The NIV seems to translate the Hebrew in a way that reflects how her strength enables her work with a sense of high energy and high output.   However, in the ESV and NASB, that she purposefully makes herself strong in some way to enable her to perform her work, vigorously.  It is beyond the scoop of this writing to debate the difference. However, perhaps the point being made is that this women takes time for herself to gather her strength and to preform her tasks in a vigorous manner.   Whatever the differences are between the versions, one thing they have in common is that the worthy women is strong.  You don't get strong by sitting around.   The worthy women is no soap-opera-couch-potato.     She is taking time to "gird" or “dress” herself.  In other places in the Bible this term was the gathering or the robe for the purpose of running (1 Kings 18:46; 2 Kings 4:29).   The point being made is that this women not only provides for her family, she takes time to prepare herself for the task.   It could be maintained she prepares herself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.   Being prepared for the work includes doing the work to be prepared.   She sets herself to be strong.   She is not lazy or soft.   A worthy women spends as much time preparing herself to do the work as she does performing the work.   This is not the picture of something that just happens.  This is a picture of something that includes the effort to prepare herself for the task.

Proverbs 30:29-31

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

Proverbs 30:29-31 (ESV)

Three things are stately in their tread;

four are stately in their stride:

the lion, which is mightiest among beasts

and does not turn back before any;

the strutting rooster, the he-goat,

and a king whose army is with him.

At first glance we might ask, "Why these proverbs? What is gained in wisdom from this observation in life?"   Solomon is telling us that by nature there are some things that are "stately" in their walk ... how they march or stride.  Their tread, or stride is showing their confidence. They walk with little fear and with power in their hearts.   The three examples from nature (the lion, the rooster and the male goat) all demonstrate an attitude unparalleled by other animals or creation.   They are provided to us by Solomon to demonstrate to us the feelings of the unnatural leader ... the king with his army.  A leader, fortified by an army of obedient men, is hard to miss.  They are stately in their walk.   We might recall a poor example if this when Israel wanted to turn to Egypt for their salvation when the attack of the Assyrians came.   On the other hand, despite his defeat and loss, we can see the foolish confidence Pharaoh felt when he pursued the Israelites through the bed of the Red Sea.   Solomon knows the power of pride and the ego of men.  Solomon is not stating this is  good or a bad.   He is just stating an observation.   If the king is self-centered this "march" (confidence) would be for evil.  If the king is God-centered this "march" (confidence) would be for good and God's glory.    God made the strut of the lion, the rooster and the male goat.  He makes the powerful walk of a king, as well.  No king (leader) has power except it is given to him by God.   Pilate felt powerful when he condemned Jesus to the cross.  But, it was God’s plan and God allowed and willed Pilate to act in this manner and with that plan.   Think of the confidence of the Pharaoh during Joseph’s days.   He thought he had it all, but it was God who sent Joseph to give him wisdom, which allowed him to strut for 14 years.   Think about Nebuchadnezzar and his pride and arrogance and confidence.  It was Daniel who gave him insight from God.   Leaders with confidence should realize, like the lion, the rooster and the male goat, confidence is a gift of God.   Solomon said this way, earlier in Proverbs:

Proverbs 28:1 (ESV Strong's)

The wicked flee when no one pursues,

but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Confidence seen via a stately walk ought to be generated by our relationship with God through the righteousness He gives us. 

Proverbs 29:19

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

Proverbs 29:19 (ESV Strong's)

By mere words a servant is not disciplined,

for though he understands, he will not respond.

Proverbs 29:19 (NASBStr)

A slave will not be instructed by words alone;

For though he understands, there will be no response.

Proverbs 29:19 (NIV1984)

A servant cannot be corrected by mere words;

though he understands, he will not respond.

In leadership training there is much talk about how to motivate employees or workers.   Much has been written in the modern world of psychology on the art and aspect of motivational theory.   Just how do you motivate someone who is supposed to be working for you?   Apparently, according to Solomon in the above proverb, there is at least one type of employee (servant) who will not be motivated, corrected, or instructed by mere words.  Typical motivational speech will not work on this person.   Solomon is implying you have to have something other than words to get them to adhere to the instructions you are giving them.   We can talk and titilliate and reward with carrot all we want, but apparently, this person is only motivated by the fear of discipline.   If they were serving out of love, this proverb would not apply.  If they were serving out of duty, this proverb would not apply.   If they were serving out of the hope of reward, this proverb would not apply.   There are servants (employees) who do serve for one of those reasons.   But, this particular person is only motivated by the threat of discipline.   Mere words are not enough.   One size does not fit all in the motivation of others.   Solomon is telling us that we need to know the servant if we want the employee the correct motivation.

Each line of the Hebrew poem works in conjunction with the other. In this proverb the second line gives further information on the first line. The subject mentioned here is on correcting those under you in authority. Yes, the context uses the word slaves, something we would despise and reject today. But, the meaning of the text here should not be rejected. When we have others under our authority (parent-child; employer-employee; coach-player; etc.) we may not be able to correct them with simple instructions. They might understand, but understanding is not enough. The verse does not imply we are then to strike them, beat them or hurt them. It is simply stating that words and instructions, given in the best manner may never be enough for some. The servant will not change until there is an emotional attachment with his heart. State your case and wait for God to change the heart. We are not the ones who have the ability to change hearts. Only God does that.

Proverbs 28:15-16

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 bad leaders:

Proverbs 28:15-16 (ESV)

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,

but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

There is nothing worse than working for a person who is a bad leader.   There is nothing more oppressive than to live in a country with bad leaders.  We have to wonder, at times, how some people were elevated to leadership positions.   In the above proverbs, one of the greatest leaders of all time (Solomon) gave us this great word picture of what it is like to be lead by a fool.   I have seen bears from afar but not up close.  I am good with seeing them from a long distance.   I certainly have seen lions in zoos, but not in the wild.  The word picture of a roaring lion or charging bear communicates so, so well what it is like to live under a ruler who has no concern for the poor.  Paul tells us in Roman 13 that government (leadership) should be a terror to evil, not to good.  But our leaders today seem to have a bent on being oppressive to the poor (the real poor).  They do things for the poor, but so that it will line their pockets with possession and power.   But the ruler who hates unjust gain is the one who will be a long lasting ruler.   The character of a great leader is how they use their power and possession for justice and not for personal gain.  There are certainly some great government leaders out there.  But, by far, most seem to enrich themselves before and/or more than they enrich those they lead.   We have seen some very common and lowly and good people go into government leadership.  They seem to come out with riches, power and fame.  For the most part, their constituents are not as equally blessed. This is what Solomon is warning us about.  Leaders who better themselves on the backs of those they lead will be brought low, eventually.  Those who practice justice will be elevated.   

Proverbs 27:20

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 desires:

Proverbs 27:20 (NASBStr)

Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,

Nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied.

Proverbs 27:20 (AMP)

Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the place of destruction) are never satisfied; so [the lust of] the eyes of man is never satisfied.

Proverbs 27:20 (ESV)

Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,

and never satisfied are the eyes of man.

The other day a 50 foot wooden cruise boat named, "The Pilgrim" caught my eye.   The wood work alone was enough to make you stare.  But, it was also outfitted with gold plating on every window, door or fixture.  Even the anchor was gold plated.   It was probably brass but from a distance, through my binoculars it looked like gold.   I was sitting on my own 42 foot boat, that is both our home and love.   Others, when we are out, stare at our boat.   You get the point.   Solomon is telling us that, like death and destruction, our lust is never satisfied.  We want what we don't have, or can't have, and we want what we don't need.  The eyes of man ... the portal for his lusts ... are always open and scanning the horizon to see what more is there.   We have car shows and bike shows and clothes shows and department stores full of things for us to behold with our eyes.  Commercials and marketing ads rely on the truth of this proverb to attract our wandering eyes to get us to respond to the lusts and buy.   We will never be satisfied.   Our eyes continue to take it all in.  It is only through Christ that we can be fully satisfied.  The heart of faith fills us with the glory of God that we will one day see complete.   It is through faith that God will take away the lust of the eyes to provide the satisfaction of the soul.

Proverbs 26:7

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 giving a proverbs to a fool:

Proverbs 26:7 (ESV)

Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless,

is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

If you study the proverbs long enough you will eventually find yourself remembering them and even quoting them (at least the parts you remember).  It is invariable that you will find yourself in a tough situation and having a conversation with someone in the midst of folly, or someone who epitomizes folly.   The temptation will be to provide them with a quick proverb.    To the listening ear you can be assured of some positive outcome from your efforts (Proverbs 25:12).   However, Solomon warns us here that when we give a proverb to a fool we are wasting our time.   Hoping a fool will use a proverb, deliver a proverb, or convey a proverb is like trusting a lame to use his legs.   He may have all the intentions in the world but if his legs don't work that intention won't move him.  The fool can have all the intentions in the world.  But, if you give him a proverb to follow, or he stumbles on it by himself, it won't do him much good.   Fools don't digest wisdom.  Fools don't and can't allow wisdom to move them.   A fool does not revere God (Psalms 14:1) and reverence for God is the first step in leaving folly and pursuing wisdom.    Give a fool a proverb but realize he will not go far with it.  They lack the spiritual legs to allow it to carry them onward and upward.

Proverbs 25:15

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 25:15 (NASBStr)

By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded,

And a soft tongue breaks the bone.

Proverbs 25:15 (ESV)

With patience a ruler may be persuaded,

and a soft tongue will break a bone.

There is a real skill when it comes to the art of negotiations.   Few people can actually accomplish the art of persuasion without first stumbling and even touching the hems of offending.   When you have a point to make most people blast it out like a shell out of a cannon.   They wound the other party before they even get a chance to win the other person over to their way of thinking. In the above proverb we read about two elements of persuasion that are a must for would-be negotiators.  In the first line we read that good persuasion takes much time, patience and persistence.   We can't give up in the face of resistance and we can't give in when others don't agree, no matter their station or authority over us.   The second line of this proverb says that the cannon shell should be replaced with the jar of honey.    Perhaps this is were we received the old adage that "you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."  We don't have to blast our opinion to convince.   If we have a valuable opinion sometimes the best way to get others to hear it and accept is to create a warm and friendly path to our well and allow them to draw the bucket and drink from it out of their own will.   Simply hitting them with the arrows of our arguments isn't the best way, or a good way at all.   This proverb seems to tell us that if we want others to hear us and accept our view we should be patient, persistent and positive.

Notice how the Apostle Paul explains this to the young Pastor Titus:

Titus 2:9-10 (ESV)

Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

Proverbs 24:19-20

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: 

Proverbs 24:19-20 (ESV)

Fret not yourself because of evildoers,

and be not envious of the wicked,

for the evil man has no future;

the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

In Psalm 73 Asaph, the Priest during David and Solomon's day, found himself envious of the evil men around him.  As he observed he couldn't see any troubles in their lives.  He only saw them relaxing and enjoying life, while he, a child of God, suffered in difficulty.   Job was in the same way and even has his wife and his friends condemn him.   Demas, in Paul's day, left Paul and the "confines" of the ministry, falling in love with the world (2 Timothy 4:10).   Demas didn't remember, or know, the truth of the above Proverb.   Job's wife clearly missed its truth.   Asaph, later in Psalm 73, comes to his senses.  He states that it wasn't until he "remembered" their (the wicked) end.   Once he recalled what God said about the wicked and evildoers he was able to press on in his faith.   We all have similar thoughts and envy like these examples.   Solomon knew that and pens this truth so that you and I can remember not to be envious of those who reject God.  This is Satan's world and he rewards his subjects handsomely.  Satan wants others who reject God feel comfortable.  The reason?  Because he knows his end (he can read God's Word).  He knows the end of those reject God ... there is no future and their lamp will be put out.   When we remember their end we come to a point of compassion.  They have lost everything of value to follow their own desires and to "win in this world."   Don't be envious.   Be compassionate and prayerful.   The light they have now that shines so brightly is running quickly out of fuel.