Proverbs 13:5

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 13:5 (NASV)

A righteous man hates falsehood,

But a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully.

Proverbs 13:5 (NIV)

The righteous hate what is false,

but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

Proverbs 13:5 (ESV)

The righteous hates falsehood,

but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.

You can tell a lot about people when you observe their response to evil and wrong.   Those who cozy up to sin and to wrong in life demonstrate their infinity for wickedness.   They aren't afraid to associate with shame and disgrace.   In fact they bring it on with their lies and actions.   In contrast is the plight and approach of the righteous.   Note what the above proverb says - they "hate" falsehood.   The word "hate" is very strong.  Earlier in Proverbs we saw the things God hates:

Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)

There are six things that the LORD hates,

seven that are an abomination to him:

haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

and hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked plans,

feet that make haste to run to evil,

a false witness who breathes out lies,

and one who sows discord among brothers.

Note what Psalm 15 states about hating or despising the falseness around us:

Psalms 15:4 (ESV)

in whose eyes a vile person is despised,

but who honors those who fear the LORD;

If we are to be like God we will have to hate the same things that God hates.  We can't love falsehood and then claim righteous.  We must always be on the side of searching for truth rather than defending our agenda or cause or opinions.   The wicked will defend their untruths and their own causes even if it brings shame and disgrace.    We can observe others and see how they interact with truth and falsehood.  That will tells us which one they mirror.

Proverbs 12:6

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 how we use our words:

Proverbs 12:6 (ESV)

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

The wicked "lie in wait for blood" ... with Words?   I have heard of lying in wait for blood with a gun in your hand.   Or, maybe a shovel to hit someone.  Maybe a knife, or a rock, or a 2 x 4 ... but "words"?  What is Solomon telling us here?  To clarify the first line, the King gives us the second line, which is a corresponding line, but contrasting at the same time.   In the second line the "mouth" (equivalent to the wicked's "words") of the upright (opposite of the wicked) will deliver "them."   The term "them" in this second line, I believe, is talking about those the wicked lies in wait to hurt.   The message here is clear - wicked people stand in waiting to destroy with their speech.  The righteous on the other hand, use their speech (their mouth) to deliver others.   The wicked use words to inflict pain and suffering.  They stand off to the side, in the shadows of life, and throw false acquisitions toward the innocent.   The upright, on the other hand, can, with one sweet and appropriate word, deliver people.   How we choose to talk to someone, or about someone, can really reveal a person's heart.   We have all heard the phrase, "I am going to give them a piece of my mind."   What that really means is that as I speak I am going to reveal what is in my heart.   If uprightness is in my heart, than my words will be holy and pure and uplifting to those I am speaking to ... it will deliver them.  If, on the other hand, my heart is corrupt, the words I give will be harmful to them.  Our words can reveal the wickedness in our hearts and draw blood.  Or, they can reveal the uprightness in our hearts and "deliver" others.   Use your words carefully ... they say more about what's in your heart than what's on your mind.

Proverbs 11:2

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 correlation of pride and wisdom:

Proverbs 11:2 (ESV)

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,

but with the humble is wisdom. 

Want to know how to get wisdom? Want to know what prohibits wisdom? Read the above proverb, again. The road block to our obtaining wisdom is "pride." The gateway to wisdom is "humility." This is why James tells us that if we lack wisdom we are simply to "ask God, who gives to all men liberially" (James 1). In order to ask we have to be humble. Pridful people don't ask. Humility allows us to come to God because we realize we need God. When we have pride we don't want to listen to God and we don't want to listen to God's messengers. Pride is like a vice grip being applied to God's conduit of wisdom. Think of a pipe coming right down from heaven and it is full of wisdom. God sends wisdom right to us. However, our pride pops up and squeezes the tube ... wisdom stops and our pride is the cause. God is willing to provide wisdom but He has one criteria: You must be humble. Ego is an obstruction to wisdom. Swallow your pride and drink from God's tube of wisdom.

Of all the principles taught by Solomon via the Holy Spirit there are few that are in such a contrast to the world's philosophy than this truth. The world talks about and teaches that we are to be focused on self-building and self-promoting life styles. Look at your average pro-athlete and you can visualize today's philosophical bent contrary to humility. It would be a rare find to locate a humble pro athlete. One who realized that his or her talents was based upon God's grace and mercy. However, you don't have to go to the playing pitch to observe such contrary living. You can often find the same thing in today's pulpits. You don't have to pay a ticket to see a sporting event to see pride in high function - you only have to take a free seat in any pew. Pastors, elders, deacons and church members all fall to the sin of pride and miss the beauty and grace that humility ushers in. God is ready and willing to give wisdom and grace to the humble. But, God resists the proud. When the King of Tyre had pride fill his heart, God sent judgment (Ezekiel 27). When Pharaoh wouldn't humble himself before God than judgment came (Exodus 6-10). When Nebuchadnezzar became filled with pride, God made him eat grass like an ox (Daniel 7). God does indeed resist the proud. The greatest sin we can commit is to steal God's glory and take it for ourselves in pride. When Eve saw the fruit that it could make her wise she took it for herself and gave it to her husband. Pride is the center of sin. When we give glory to ourselves we steal God's praise. He can't give wisdom to those who believe they have it in themselves. Humility opens doors to God's world of grace, mercy and wisdom. Pride shuts those doors.

Proverbs 10:29

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 being and walking in God’s way:

Proverbs 10:29 (ESV)

The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless,

but destruction to evildoers.

The first line of this proverb carries so much meaning and power for the believer.  When we are in the "way of the Lord" we will not always be comfortable, feel secure or have pleasure.   But when we are in the "way of the Lord" we will be safe, watched over and strong and powerful.   When we walk in God's way we have the security of God watching over us.   When we walk with God we stand under the shadow of His wings.   We might see the storm and feel the spray may be on our face.  But we are safe under His wings.  We might smell the smoke of the fire all around us and hear the crackling of the sticks being consumed, but we are safe under His wings.  Not so with those who do and work iniquity.  They will feel the wrath of the flame and the rage of the storm.   They have no wings to seek rescue and shelter.   Being simply "in the way of the Lord" (doing what He says by faith through His Son) we will keep us under His wings.  If we obey God we may see horror all around us, but we will never succumb to that horror.

Proverbs 9:18

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 path the fool is on:

Proverbs 9:18 (ESV)

But he does not know that the dead are there,

that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Solomon, in this proverb, is telling us about the person who lacks understanding and is naive.   He rejects truth so he has no understanding about certain things ... many things, in life.   In this proverb he tells us that one of the things they surely lack in knowledge, is that those, like him, who follow after folly, are actually entering the entrance to death and hell.   There is one thing to reject truth.   There is another thing to jump on a path and not care or worry about where it leads.   In this case it always leads to a dead-end.   Truth leads to life and, according to Christ, sets you free.   The lack of truth leads to deception and falsehood and death.   When we pursue the things of the world we must realize the journey leads to a dead-end ... literally.

This is not the first time in the first nine chapters of this book that Solomon talked about this truth.  Note:

Proverbs 8:35-36 (ESV)

For whoever finds me finds life

and obtains favor from the LORD,

but he who fails to find me injures himself;

all who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 7:24-27 (ESV)

And now, O sons, listen to me,

and be attentive to the words of my mouth.

Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;

do not stray into her paths,

for many a victim has she laid low,

and all her slain are a mighty throng.

Her house is the way to Sheol,

going down to the chambers of death.

Proverbs 6:12-15 (ESV)

A worthless person, a wicked man,

goes about with crooked speech,

winks with his eyes, signals with his feet,

points with his finger,

with perverted heart devises evil,

continually sowing discord;

therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;

in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.

Proverbs 5:22-23 (ESV)

The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,

and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.

He dies for lack of discipline,

and because of his great folly he is led astray.

You get the point!

Proverbs 8:31

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 wisdom’s legacy:

Proverbs 8:31 (NASBStr)

Rejoicing in the world, His earth,

And having my delight in the sons of men.

Proverbs 8:31 (ESV)

rejoicing in his inhabited world

and delighting in the children of man.

Solomon, in chapter eight, is describing the benefits of following wisdom.   The entire book of Proverbs follows that theme.   In the above proverb Solomon continues to address the legacy of wisdom.   Wisdom was with God in the beginning.   Wisdom was there when God created the earth.  In that creation Wisdom could have rejoiced and delighted in many marvelous aspects of God's work.   Mountains that cause us to lose our breath did not capture Wisdom's delight.   Vast oceans of water and depths of aquatic life did not.   The animal world with all its variety and variance did not.   It was man who was the apple of Wisdom's eye.  The word above for "delight" in the Hebrew means Wisdom "plays" with the sons of men.   God takes such delight in man that He sends wisdom to interact in a playful manner.   We can rest and relax in the fact that God so loves us that He provides us with Wisdom in a delightful manner as we fear Him.   The relationship with Wisdom and man is not one of constraint, or compulsion, or coarseness.  The relationship with Wisdom is exciting and delightful.    We will know when we have God's Wisdom when we have that delight.   It is not harsh.  God choose us over all of creation to dance with in an intimate and delightful manner.

Proverbs 7:12

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 folly’s location: 

Proverbs 7:12 (NASV)

She is now in the streets, now in the squares,

And lurks by every corner.

Proverbs 7:12 (ESV)

now in the street, now in the market,

and at every corner she lies in wait.

We like to think, when we are sinning, that we are special and in a special place.  We like to think that that feeling, the vision, that experience, that happening was created just for us.   We are special and this is something special just for us.    In Proverbs 7 we are reading the story of Sin (Folly) seeking us out and finding us.   We might find her on THE corner, but in reality (per this proverb) she is on every corner and visible and available in every open square.   We think we are special when we are in the corner, in the darkness of night.  However, She is on the open streets and the open squares.  She lurks at every corner.   Don't think that sin is special.   It is right there in the open.  We would like to think we are special, but we are not.   We are simply one more naive person choosing sin.   She is out there on the streets, every where we walk and live.  When Solomon’s father, King David, walked out on his roof and saw Bathsheba, he thought that was a special moment.  He thought because he was the king, this was something special that happened.   But, from this proverb we read that David could have gone out on any roof, on any given night, for no reason at all.  Sin is on every corner.   She comes to a variety of roofs to bath in front of us.   We can think something is special to us, but in reality, sin is out there for everyone.  

Proverbs 6:9

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 lazy people:

Proverbs 6:9 (ESV)

How long will you lie there, O sluggard?

When will you arise from your sleep?

I have observed that sluggards, lazy people, do one of two things: They either do nothing (sleep) or they complain (talk). In this proverbs Solomon calls to question the fomer. In other proverbs he calls into question the latter. Lazy people like to sit around and do nothing. They like to live off others. They like to play games. They like to observe and have their senses tickled. They love to do anything but work their way out of their problems and to move passed their current situation. They blame, but don't move. They "sleep." We have here a picture of the sluggard who refuses to get up off their butt and do something constructive to help their situation. "How long," Solomon asks. The time frame is called into question, not the activity. It isn't wrong to rest and refresh. It is wrong to stay and lay. If you find yourself in a bad spot, are you up and working your way out of it? Or, are you sleeping and talking?

Proverbs 5:23

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 going astray from God’s Word:

Proverbs 5:23 (ESV)

He dies for lack of discipline,

and because of his great folly he is led astray.

We underestimate the cost of sin in our lives.   Paul tells us that what we sow we reap (Galatians 6:7), yet, we live as though that principle is not true.   Like denying gravity we jump off the roof of sin hoping to fly and act surprised when we land with our face firmly plated in the ground.   Solomon, in the above verse, tells us that when we fail to listen to God's Word (Instruction) we "die."   The second line is not as strong as the first line, simply telling us we will go astray when we don't heed God's instruction.   Yet, in Proverbs seven we read that this going astray is like an ox who is headed for slaughter and like a bird which will be caught in the trap.   Sin costs!  Eternally the cost is death in separation from God.   In this life it can mean a number of things.   "Death" and "going astray" can add a multitude of hardships in this life.   Yet, they can be totally avoided by heeding the Instruction of The Lord.   We don't have to fall into difficulty and the way of death.  Instruction is to keep us from the pain of death. Folly leads us to the end.  It never looks like the end when Folly begins its allure.   She paints a great picture and a warm and friendly path.   But in the end there is nothing but death.   The party looks good but the death is the same as any death.

Proverbs 4:19

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 walking in darkness:

Proverbs 4:19 (ESV)

The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know over what they stumble.

This proverb is only one of many with the same theme in the book of Provebs. In the next chapter Solomon will write a similiar truth: 

Proverbs 5:5 (ESV)

Her feet go down to death;

her steps follow the path to Sheol; 

The wicked fail to see the path they wander.  We sometimes look at the wicked and wonder why they do dumb things or dangerous things or bring self-inflicted pain onto themselves. But it is not like they can see the path they are on. Simple logic would allow someone to stop before they drive over a cliff.   But when it comes to spiritual matters simple logic is on the course of destruction. In Romans we read that their path is "hostile" to God:

Romans 8:5-8 (ESV)

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Wicked people (anyone who rejects God’s truth) can't change their course. They are in darkness. You can't see in darkness. God has allowed us to show His light to those in darkness so they can see the path we are on and perhaps generate enough light to grant them vision to repent. Those who are not with God don't even know it. They are in darkness. David wrote that the Word is the lamp that lights our path (Psalms 119:105). We walk in the light when we live in the Word. The wicked walk in the dark because they refuse to believe in the Word. This proverb is telling us the downfall of folly.  Not only do they reject God, they don't even know they are walking in darkness and don't know what they are stumbling over.  When we walk in darkness we ought to walk carefully.  However, folly walks in such a way they refuse to even slow their pace.   They run headlong into the darkness and they stumble over their own foolishness.

Proverbs 3:32

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 righteousness vs wickedness:

Proverbs 3:32 (ESV)

for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD,

but the upright are in his confidence.

This proverb is a contrasting proverb where the first line and second line are in contrast to one another.   This contrast between the two states of people in relationship with God is remarkable.   Those in the state of foolishness and wickedness ("devious" in the above proverb) are an "abomination" to The Lord.   That is an amazing statement by itself.   We don't think of God as someone who holds any in abomination.  But clearly this statement from the pen of Solomon confirms that God holds all those who reject truth as an abomination.   Remember, God must be worshipped in truth:

John 4:24 (ESV)

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

However, the opposite is true of those who seek God.     For those who have faith in God, He holds them in “confidence.”    The word "confidence" in the Hebrew has to do with confidential talks and intimacy.   God wants to have that type of relationship with all those who put their belief in Him.   When we trust Him we have the joy of knowing that God wants us to be close to Him.   He wants us to have intimate, confidentiality with Him.   Theological understanding of God produces intimate conversation with God.  

Proverbs 2:18

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 dangers of Folly and the benefits of wisdom:

Proverbs 2:18 (NASBStr)

For her house sinks down to death

And her tracks lead to the dead;

Proverbs 2:18 (ESV)

for her house sinks down to death,

and her paths to the departed;

God gives wisdom (see Proverbs 2:6).  He gives it to us for many reasons.   The reasons are outlined in the entire book of Proverbs.  In the proverb above we see, yet, another reason we should fear God and receive the gift of wisdom (through our union with Christ).   Solomon has just told us in that wisdom will keep us from the adulterous women.  She is both real ... a real live women who seeks an adulterous affair with married men; and a figurative woman.  The adulterous women in Proverbs is a personification of Folly.  Folly is a main character in the book of Proverbs.  She wishes to have everyone captivated by her lore and lure.   She wants to pull everyone down to her home and wrap them in her the fragrance of her death.  Once again Solomon is telling us that folly leads to destruction and death.   Make no mistake, it matters not the fragrance of folly; her smell, in the end, is that of death.   Hollywood makes folly look so inviting.   Designers make folly appealing.   Music makes her sound good.   Fiberglass and paint makes her seem so fast.   Shinny gold makes her seem so comforting and reassuring.  But, they all lead to death.  The road may be lined with roses but it ends as the bouquet on your grave.  Wisdom gives us the strength of mind to avoid adulterous folly.

Proverbs 1:3

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 the proverbs and their purpose for us:

Proverbs 1:3 (ESV)

to receive instruction in wise dealing,

in righteousness, justice, and equity;

When we read these words in regard to the purpose of Proverbs, as outlined by Solomon, we can see why Proverbs is such a good book to read for young and old. I have been reading a chapter of Proverbs every day since I was young. I owe all of my success in life to these words of wisdom and prudence. They have instructed me repeatedly throughout my life in regard to "wise behavior." The world would like to outline "wise behavior" but only Proverbs gives us the best definition and discription (The Fear of the Lord). Only a righteous God can properly describe "righteousness, justice and equity." As we read the Proverbs and internalize them through faith in Christ we find that we understand and are empowered to live out wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity. The world clamours for it yet, at the same time, rejects it. Only through reading these words, believing them and obeying them, are these virtues ever attained. God has laid out for us, in simply form, wise behavior. God directed us in and supplies us with the map to find it. Through the Spirit He provides a Guide with the map. Rejoice in the source Proverbs has ... if we will but read them, believe them, obey them.  In the above verse we see that Proverbs was written to give us wisdom in "wise dealings" (Hebrew: Sakal).  Solomon is referring to "prudent" behavior: Making a wise decision in the midst of tough circumstances.  This is what Solomon did when the two women came to him fighting over the same baby.   He had prudence.   The book of Proverbs gives us prudence.