Proverbs 10:3

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 on how to assure satisfaction in life.  

Proverbs 10:3 (ESV)

The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry,

but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

When studying Proverbs you have to work through the differences between a Promise, a Precept and a Principle. Whether a proverb is one of these three (or all three) has often perplexed the readers of Solomon's prose. If this verse is a promise we can pray and thank God for the fact that He is going to provide something for us based upon "His" character, not our life. If it is a precept we relize there is something we must do to obey it and then the precept kicks in based upon that "instruction" to us. As a principle we understand that as we incorporate the principle into our daily walk we know that God will incorporate the aspects of this verse into our daily lives. There is a lot of different views as to whether a proverbs is anyone of these three or all three together. I think you have to allow the proverb to carry its own water and allow other teaching to make the character of the proverb known to you. In this case I think the proverb is telling us that those who put their trust in God for their righteousness can be assured that on top of His providing righteousness for the soul He will meet the needs of the body. That same truth is not so for the wicked. We know, based upon other teachings (Matthew 6), that this teaching is true. God will provide for those He regenerates. Those who He make righteous, He will also care for (Psalm 138:7,8)

God provides for the righteous that are diligent in their work. In 10:3-5 we read that God rejects the cravings of the wicked and if you neglect your work He will not provide for you. But, if you are righteous, that doesn't guarantee anything unless you are diligent in your work. God does not just “give” things to the righteous. He honors those who walk with Him but who also demonstrate the character of hard work and diligence.

Proverbs 9:6

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 walking in light:

Proverbs 9:6 (ESV)

Leave your simple ways, and live,

and walk in the way of insight.”

This proverb is a simple but solid truth.   When we "forsake" folly, we indeed put ourselves in the path for living.   That allows us to "proceed" further on the way to understanding.    This is a complementary proverb where the second line compliments and further defines the first line.   We can't have the second line if we don't do what is required in the first line.   If we do what is required in the first line we can be assured of the results of the second line.   We are being told to "forsake" our folly first and then, obviously, God can bless us with life - not just life, but an understanding life.   We ought to make sure we know that beauty of a life that has understanding.  It is a life of clarity.  It is life of knowing what is happening and a life that gives some sense of control and peace.   When we choose to hold to folly we miss that understanding and we choose to miss the opportunity to live life the way God wants us to.   It is all contingent upon our ability to "forsake" folly.     Can we on our own?  NO!  But, by faith in Christ we can turn away from folly and find ourselves in the place God can bless us.   It all starts with faith in Christ to turn us from Folly.

Proverbs 8:2

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 folly and wisdom:

Proverbs 8:2 (ESV)

On the heights beside the way,

at the crossroads she takes her stand;

Proverbs 9:3

She has sent out her young women to call

from the highest places in the town,

Why do corporate executives get the top floors?  Why is the house on the hill, typically, worth more than one in the valley?  Why do we lift people up and put them on our shoulders after they have accomplished a great battle, or moment?   In fact, why do we put people “up” on a pedestal?  Why is it putting them “down?”  In the above verses we read that wisdom is on the “heights” and in the “highest places.”  Solomon is concluding the first nine chapters of his book on wisdom.   He wants us to know that this wisdom of his is highly available.   He wants them to know that he is not hiding this wisdom. It is not under a bushel.  It is at the heights for us to see, observe and know.    Wisdom does not hide.    The writer of this song in the Psalms states something similar:

Psalms 19:1-3

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours out speech,

and night to night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words,

whose voice is not heard.

But, wisdom is not the only thing that can be seen at the heights.   Notice what Solomon also states about folly:

Proverbs 9:13-14

The woman Folly is loud;

she is seductive and knows nothing.

She sits at the door of her house;

she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,

Both wisdom and folly are at the heights. Both call out.  Both make noise.  But, only one satisfies.   That is the choice of man.  He can see both.  He won’t be able to say, later in life, “I did not see wisdom.”    It is signing and shining at the highest places.  

Proverbs 7:19

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 the enticement of folly:

Proverbs 7:19 (ESV)

For my husband is not at home;

he has gone on a long journey;

When we read the story in Proverbs 7 we see that sin (the metaphor of an adulterous woman) tempts the young, naive soul to fall into sin.    Throughout the chapter she, Folly, uses some enticing speech that appeals to his (the Naive one) ears, eyes and other senses.   In the above proverb we see her appealing to the young man's sense of self-preservation.   Few, perhaps none, put themselves deliberately into harms way.   Although we know that Folly is about to destroy this young man (if she gets a chance), she will not do so, without making the young man feel safe and secure about his life and his journey.   She tells him that her "husband is not at home," allowing him to believe he is safe from retaliation (something Solomon just talked about in chapter six).  Although she is an adulterous and probably would not be married.  What is one more lie?   She furthers the false-hood by telling the young man that her "fake" husband is not only not home but he has cash and plans to be gone a long time.  Once again we see Folly's lies and deception.  There is no safety when we pursue folly.   Even though she falsely claims it so.  We are lead astray by her fine speech, warm smile and false claims of excitement and fulfillment.  Yet, she kills us in the end.  She offers personal safety and comfort.  But, she only makes the path smell like the roses on a coffin.  They are there only to mask the reality of death.

Proverbs 6:19

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 lying:

Proverbs 6:19 (ESV)

a false witness who breathes out lies,

and one who sows discord among brothers.

In this section Solomon is continuing his description of the things God hates.   Here in this proverb we see two a more statements as to what God hates.  It is not surprise that the God of all Truth would hate lies.  Jesus is said to be the Way, the Truth and the Life.   We need to take stock of this thought.   When we lie we are acting contrary to the very nature of God.  Speaking untruth is the same as speaking against God.   But, lying is not the only thing listed in this proverb that brings God's hatred.   He also hates it when someone in the Body of Christ stirs up strife in the Body of Christ.  Lying is one thing, but it is quite another to bring others down with you.   Stirring up strife among otherwise brothers is a thing hated by God.  God is a triune God in complete harmony within that Godhead.   So, when we stir up strife among brothers we, again, do something contrary to God's nature.   God wants us to reflect His nature not rebel against it.   Speak the truth and strive for harmony.   That is the character of God.

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 instructions from God:

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 how to gain insight:

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 3:4

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 finding favor with God and man: 

Proverbs 3:4 (ESV)

So you will find favor and good success

in the sight of God and man.

As Jesus was growing, Dr. Luke tells us that He grew in "favor of both God and man" (Luke 2:52).   In Proverbs 16:7 we are told that those who are wise and follow God and please God will have even their enemies to come in favor with them.  

Proverbs 16:7 (NASBStr)

When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

In the above proverb we have just been told to keep God's Word close to us and to secure it into our hearts.   One of the positive results that is stated for keeping God's Word in your heart is that we will have favor and a good repute with God and man.   There are a lot of people who give advice and consult others on how to get along with everyone.    Some have great suggestions and have enlightened (they think) concepts.   Few, however, would say to corporate America that if you want everyone to get along read God's Word and keep it in your heart, securely.  Read again what proceeds this proverb:

Proverbs 3:1-3 (NASBStr)

 My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

 For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

 Bind them around your neck,

 Write them on the tablet of your heart.

This is the formula for team work and great success in business, churches, families, military and non-profit organizations.   You might not hear someone tell a corporate board or an organization administrative team the exact above words, but almost every consultant who is the lest bit successful would tell his/her clients to seek truth, kindness and bind those things in the corporate culture.   The above proverb is a formula for success no matter how it is said.  The truth of the proverb is taught by everyone who wants people to do right.   Pursuing kindness and truth would be to pursue God.   As a corporate coach I spend most of my days telling leaders to pursue the teachings of God's Word; embodied in truth and kindness.   They may not immediately know that  the principles I teach are simply God's Word, but they soon discover their ability to bring them closer to each other (in favor of men) and, eventually and hopefully, later closer to God.

Proverbs 2:2

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 “gates” of life:

Proverbs 2:2 (ESV)

making your ear attentive to wisdom

and inclining your heart to understanding;

Everyone knows what a gate is for.  In the back yard it locks your toddler in and the neighbor’s dog out.   In a "gated-community" project it keeps the unwanted out and the desired secure.   Gates are a part of life.   We see them every day and encounter their "power" at every turn.   It is doubtful that most people would think of their "ear" or "heart" as a gate.   But in this proverb that is the imagery that Solomon uses.   In Solomon's words of wisdom for us he is equating the ear and the heart as the gate to the soul.   He is telling us that when we open the "ear-gate" to wisdom and the "heart-gate" to understanding, good things will happen in our lives.  In the rest of the chapter he outlines those good things.   As we open these "gates" we allow wisdom and understanding, from God, to enter into our soul.  That is where strength, insight and power come from.  When we close our "gates" to wisdom and understanding we lace the strength, insight and power to overcome evil and sin.   It becomes worse when we not only close these gates to God's wisdom and understanding (His Word!) and open them to the evil and sin in the world.  When we do that, we open our soul to that destruction. God gives us power, through the Spirit, to open and close those gates.  In the Lord's prayer we are actually told to ask God to "keep us from evil."  That is another way of saying, or asking God, to close our gates to evil and open them to His Word.   We are to make our eyes "attentive" to God's Wisdom (Christ is Wisdom).  We are to incline to the Power of Christ and wisdom will flow through us and to us.

Proverbs 1:10-15

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 1:10-15 (ESV Strong's)

My son, if sinners entice you,

do not consent.

If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;

let us ambush the innocent without reason;

like Sheol let us swallow them alive,

and whole, like those who go down to the pit;

we shall find all precious goods,

we shall fill our houses with plunder;

throw in your lot among us;

we will all have one purse”—

my son, do not walk in the way with them;

hold back your foot from their paths,

Theme:  The Hunger of the Wicked vs the Righteous

Solomon, in the book of Proverbs, is giving us “sayings” that drive us to “fear the Lord” (which is the beginning of wisdom).   Ungodly men are attempting to lead us astray.   They want us to follow their path of destruction and mayhem.   Notice in the above passage that their desire is to plunder those who are righteous and to “find all precious goods ...”.  They wish to “fill our houses with plunder ...,” and have “one purse ...”.   The accumulation of goods is and always will be a replacement for real hunger and thirst.  In the Beatitudes, Jesus tells us this is what our hunger should look like:

Matthew 5:6 (ESV Strong's)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

The wicked hunger for the accumulation of things in their lives and will do anything they have to do in order to fill their “purse.”   The righteous hunger and thirst for righteousness.  This is Solomon’s contrast.  He tells us to “not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths.”  Our hunger ought not be for things and accumulation but for righteousness. That is the only place we find real satisfaction.   

Proverbs 31:12

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 marriage relationships:

Proverbs 31:12 (NASBStr)

She does him good and not evil

All the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:12 (ESV)

She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

If you want to know if a wife is the women of Proverbs 31 you only have to look at how she treats her husband and how she builds their relationship.  In this chapter we have the description of the Godly Wife.   Solomon had over 700 wives.   That is great research data as to what a good wife looks like.   We see in this proverb that a Godly wife, from beginning to end, brings good to her husband and not evil.   We see character and consistency over time.  That might be a good description of a women of integrity.  Any women can do it before the wedding.  Any women can do it for the first year.   But what about during those tough times? What about during those times when he is unloveable?  When he doesn't take out the garbage or treat you with the respect you deserver or desire?   Remember, the character of a Godly women over time at its highest level is being described here.    She does him "no" evil "all" the days of her life.    The only way this is possible, of course, is to allow the Fruit of the Spirit to reign in your life as you allow the Spirit to lead your life.  Love covers a multiple of sin.  Love allows you to look past mistakes and flaws.   Love flowing through the Spirit, through the life of the believer, allows her to love him and do good all her days.   It allows him to only see good and not the evil that comes from being a human being.   The only way this is possible is if you’re  allowing the Son of God to reign in your life and live through your life through the Spirit of God.

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 how to lead:

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 29:1

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 taking correction:

Proverbs 29:1 (ESV)

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,

will suddenly be broken beyond healing. 

Being corrected is tough on most of us. We don't like it when our spouses correct us. We certainly don't like it when our children correct us. And we hate it when our parents correct us. But, what about when God corrects us? What about when He "chastens" us. We are told not to "dispise" the chastening of the Lord. We are not to look at God's correction as something light or something wrong. God chastens every son He receives, Hebrews tells us. So, when we are corrected by God we should be careful to not reject that correction - the alternative is that God will stop correcting us and allow us to just live our lives the way we want ... there is no remedy for that. God is in the process of perfecting us and purifying us. That is called sanctification.. If there is no willingness to take that correction than their remains no remedy and only brokeness. And, there is no warning for this. God will not give a three count that he is about to do something. Failure to allow reproof to correct us is suddenly stopped and brokeness is left. We all must ask if we are being corrected and shaped by God's correcting, done in grace.   If not, their is no remedy remaining.  Perhaps Esau gives us an example of this, as the writer of Hebrews points out:

Hebrews 12:15-17 (ESV)

15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

He was beyond healing!

Proverbs 28:10

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 deception:

Proverbs 28:10 (ESV)

Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way

will fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

This three line proverb gives us some great truth about God's sovereignty, man's evilness and the blessings of the righteous.   There are those in our society who have a desire to lead others astray.  They are selfish and wish to use the "upright" in a way that will promote themselves.   In an effort to "cause the upright to fall" they (the unbeliever) will apparently dig a pit ... a trap that the righteous might fall into.   With the evil in man's heart, they not only hurt themselves with their choices, but also hurt their fellow man.  It is utterly amazing what destruction they can do.   But God is sovereign.   God sees the trickery and deception of the evil man and will eventually turn the very pit they dug for the righteous to become their demise.   The story in the Book of Ruth shows us this truth.   Hamman, an evil man, hated the righteous Mordecai.   He even built gallows where he was to watch Mordecai hang.   But, God, in a sovereign act, turns the tables on him and he is hung himself.  A living example of Proverbs 28:10.   The same is true of the wise men who wanted Daniel tossed into a pit.  Daniel did go into the pit because he continued to pray.  But, God saved him.   Then, God had Daniel's opponents tossed into the Lion's pit, where the lions no longer could keep their mouths shut.   The same is true of Daniel's three friends and the fiery furnace.  God will bless the righteous.  They may have to visit the lion's den, the fire, or, like Joseph and Paul, the local prison.   But, God does deliver and the pit that was set for them will destroy the unbeliever, who not only wishes his/her own destruction, but the Godly as well.  God is sovereign and in control.