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.  

Proverbs 31:8-9

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 being the voice for the unheard:

Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV)

Open your mouth for the mute,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

Open your mouth, judge righteously,

defend the rights of the poor and needy.

This is a complimentary proverb. The first line tells us what we are to do and the next three lines compliment it and explain it further. Those who believe in God have a Biblical responsibility to speak for those who cannot speak; to defend the rights of those who have lost their rights; and to speak up for those who have need and are being judge unfairly. When we see someone who is being treated unfairly or is in need, we are to come to their rescue. Our USA Memorial Day is about recognizing those who gave their lives for such action. Many have lost their lives doing what Solomon told us in these two verses. We must never forget that we are a country that is founded upon these words.  God's Word puts a lot of emphasis on standing up for the needy.  In our USA society there has been a lot of abuse of the "system" with a lot of people simply refusing to work and to live off the government.  That abuse has soured the hearts of those who should be willing to defend the rights of the poor and the needed.  If we are going to practice the areas addressed in Proverbs, with the wisdom God gives us, we should recognize who among is us truly needed and have the prudence to speak for them.  We ought not let the behaviors of the few to hinder our obedience toward God in our speaking up for many.   God intended the voice of those who speak the wisdom of God to shout from the roof tops in defense of those who cannot.  

Proverbs 30:17

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 respect for your parents:

Proverbs 30:17 (ESV)

The eye that mocks a father

and scorns to obey a mother

will be picked out by the ravens of the valley

and eaten by the vultures.

In our society today the rebellious nature toward parents is at an all time high.   Today's children think they can rebel and have little consequences for their rebellion.  In this proverb we see that God is in control of those who rebel against parents.  God will deal with them.  If you roll your eyes toward the authority in your life you will have bad consequences.  In this proverb we see that the "eye" that rolls toward the parent will be picked out and destroyed by the birds.   Solomon gives us a graphic look at the cost of rebellion.   Whether he is telling of an actual event or a metaphor, we see that God will destroy the roll of the eye by removing them.   You can think you can mock a father and scorn a mother, but when you do, God will provide exceptional retribution on those same eyes. Absalom is a great example of this. He rebelled against his father David.   He was wanting to have the kingdom to himself.  King David discovered the plot and left Jerusalem.    Eventually David returned and Absalom was destroyed.   This is a living example of the above proverb.  Perhaps Solomon had that in mind when he wrote the above proverbs.   His half-brother tried to steal the kingdom from his own farther.  

Proverbs 29:23

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 pride:

Proverbs 29:23 (ESV)
One’s pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

You can't read too far into Proverbs without catching the flavor of this proverb through out the entire book.  Proverbs says a lot about someone being willing to be corrected and it all has to do with pride.   It also says a lot about how you use your tongue, your money, your temper, your position and your power ... that all has a root in pride.   A man's pride brings him low because it attempts to exult him higher than he should be exalted.    As a contrary view, in this proverb, Solomon tells us that humility is the gateway to honor.   When we humble ourselves we are in the position to be corrected and that allows us to learn and improve. So humility is the gateway to improvement.  When we humble ourselves we are in the position to give. Giving opens up the door to blessing.  So, humility is a gateway to riches.   It is the key to spiritual growth and the path to Christ.  In Philippians 2 we read that Christ "humbled" Himself and became obedient onto death.  His humility opened the gateway to our salivation.  So, the humble spirit will obtain honor.  Humilty keeps us from making poor choices. It is pride that gets us into areas of trouble.   Pride does not let us say, “no!”   Instead, pride thinks it can do anything.   Pride destroys honor.   Humility puts us in the place for certain honor.   Jesus said it this way:
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Proverbs 28:4

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 confronting wickedness and creating conflict:

Proverbs 28:4 (ESV)

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law strive against them.

Most people would rather avoid a conflict.  Few people try to start conflicts on purpose.  In fact, if you do, others think less of you.  But in this proverb we see that those who attempt to appease the wicked by ignoring God's truth end up "praising" the wicked.  When we "stand up" to the wicked and keep God's law we will create a conflict with the wicked.   It is tough in the world we live in to avoid real conflict under this definition.   When a leader "forsakes" the law they create an environment that praises the wicked.   Failure to hold to God's principles will create a culture that allows wickedness to flourish.  The only way to change that type of culture is to "keep God's law;" which WILL create conflict.   It should be noted that in Solomon's world and definition, "wickedness" is as minor as failure to keep God's law and to practice Biblical principles as seen in the fear of the Lord.   When leadership "keeps" the law (under this definition) they will "strive" with those who don't.   It is simply part of the life we have when we choose to "keep" God's Word and practice the principles of God's Word.

Proverbs 27:11

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 27:11 (NIV1984)

Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;

then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

Proverbs 27:11 (ESV)

Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,

that I may answer him who reproaches me.

There is nothing better than the joy a parent feels in the heart that comes from their child(ren).   In Psalm 127 we are told that children are a heritage from The Lord.   We are given children for the purpose of bringing glory to God.  In return God gives us joy through them and in them.   But, joy comes from a life of wisdom.   Children who don't walk in wisdom won't bring joy to their parents or glory to God.   In this proverb Solomon is telling his son to "be wise" and then infers that this will bring joy to his heart.   When our children forget that joy comes from wisdom rather than things, or position, or power, than they fall into a horrible trap set by the world and by Satan.   Joy doesn't come from something in this world.  It is a fruit of the Spirit.   When our children walk in wisdom they can be assured that their parents will have the Spirit's joy flow through them and to them.    But, joy is only one of the benefits of a walk in wisdom.   Not only will it give the Spirit room to produce joy it will also give the parent confidence and defense against those who might attack him/her.   Parents are often left to the task of defending their children; for a variety of reasons.   When a child walks in wisdom the parent has confidence to answer anyone who may challenge them or treat them with contempt.   What a privilege that would give a parent.     A wise son makes a glad parent.    On the other hand, a foolish son would bring nothing but struggle and strife to a parent.   This is why Solomon gives instruction to the son to follow the wisdom path.

Proverbs 26:23

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 deceit: 

Proverbs 26:23

Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are burning lips and a wicked heart. 

Proverbs 26:23 (ESV)

Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel

are fervent lips with an evil heart.

 This is an emblematic proverb. It is a "picture" of the what happens when the "heart" is fake but the lips are real. God sees all hearts and knows when we have fresh "lips" but bad "lives." An "earthen vessel" is a bowl or dish made out of dirt. It has little value. Dried crust that is masquerading as fake cement. But, a fake heart is hidden by "burning lips." The picture here is that the lip can bring passion or poison. Lips can produce fruit or fire (see James 2). But, the lips can always lend to truth or to tricks.   When we are being spoken to we might also be lead into a trap. The lips burn with words but seldom with wisdom. We have to be careful as we listen to those around us. They may be only a vessel full of dirt and made of dirt even though they speak of gold and silver. Let the words be heard but the heart beware. God is the revealer of the real heart but we are to be warned about and beware of the false heart.  Lips can be made to look so refreshing and wanting.  They can cover the sick, guilty and shameful heart.   Lipstick can change what we see on their face, but it won't cover-up what someone has in their heart.  We tend to want to worship the words of the lips.   We need to be careful not to give the words of others in our lives “worth-ship” status.  The heart can be deceitful.   The lips can appear pleasant.   It is better to weigh the words we hear via the lens of God’s Word.  His lips speak truth from the purest of all places.   Those are The words we should worship and give worth in our lives.  

Proverbs 25:3

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 leadership:

Proverbs 25:3 (ESV)

As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,

so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

Sometimes it is not easy being the guy or girl at the top of the ladder. The burdens of the company, the family or the government are weighty on a heart. The above proverb talks about how unsearchable the hearts of leadership can be. We don’t always understand the reasons leaders do what they do, but you have to understand the depth of their heart. Fathers are not always understood by their sons; employees don’t always understand the CEO; players and parents don’t always understand the coach. But, the ultimate is that we, as God’s children, don’t always know what is in God’s ways … His heart is the ultimate unsearchable heart. Understand that God is God, so we shouldn’t be able to understand Him. If we could fit God in our box and understand His heart, wouldn’t He be normal? Who wants a normal God?  The proverb just before the above proverb states:

Proverbs 25:2 (ESV Strong's)

It is the glory of God to conceal things,

but the glory of kings is to search things out.

It is to God’s glory we don’t understand him.   We have to study His Word and we can understand him “better” but not “completely.”   God will give us as wisdom to fear Him and understand Him.  But, we will also never full grasp the depths of the character of God ... do you really want to?  That would put God on the same level as every human being.  

Proverbs 24:2

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 dealing with the world around us:

Proverbs 24:2 (ESV Strong's)

... for their hearts devise violence,

and their lips talk of trouble.

If you are a believer in this world and do business with this world, this is a great proverb to memorize and mediate upon. When we deal with a lost and fallen world it is best for us to remember that the world is broken and the depravity of the mind is constantly at work in the heart of the unbeliever. In this proverb we learn that those void of faith are not only without salvation but their hearts ("minds" in some translations) are constantly at work devising plans of trouble. In Proverbs 1 we read this of those who want the naive one to go astray with them:

Proverbs 1:10-11 (ESV)

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;

They try to entice him to follow their corrupt plans (1:8-19). We can see it every day in this life of our political world, our business world, our sports world, our educationals system. People are constantly looking out for number one (themeselves) so they spend their time devising plans to promote themselves over others, to secure the biggest chance for themselves or their children and/or to be first in some mytical line or corporate ladder. Be aware, their hearts devise violence and their lips talk of trouble. It is why the Psalmist prayed for protection from those who speak falsehood:

Psalms 144:8 & 11 (ESV)

whose mouths speak lies

and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

Rescue me and deliver me

from the hand of foreigners,

whose mouths speak lies

and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

 This proverb warns us to watch for and pray for protection from the mouths of the deceit.

Proverbs 23:7

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 how to work with a selfish person:

Proverbs 23:7 (ESV)

for he is like one who is inwardly calculating.

“Eat and drink!” he says to you,

but his heart is not with you.

In the proverb just before this one, Solomon has warned us to be weary of selfish people.   In this proverb he gives us the reason; they are deceptive in their hearts.  The selfish person may be saying to us, "Eat and drink!" when in reality his heart is not with you - implying it is against you.   We might be enticed by food and beverage.   But we must never be deceived by them.   Selfish people, even in their offerings, are always selfish.    We might see their gifts and think otherwise, but their gifts are for personal motives.   They give to get.  They invite to capture.   Their world is made up with them in the center and everything revolves around them.     Selfishness is not always corse and rough.   We may think of selfish people as caustic and crooked.   However, this proverb tells us that is not always so.  They can be so inviting that we fail to see the kool-aide they offer is kill-aide.   We think they may change and we think they may want to help us and benefit us ... they don't ... their heart is not with us.  We might think of Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss.   Don’t always look at the outward activities someone presents but rather take time to study the inward motives behind that activities.   

Proverbs 22:10

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 how to deal with a scoffer:

Proverbs 22:10 (NASB)

Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out,

Even strife and dishonor will cease.

Proverbs 22:10 (ESV)

Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,

and quarreling and abuse will cease.

One of the most difficult attitudes to deal with is the scoffer.  A scoffer makes light of the heavy conversation, fun of the serious and ignores instruction.   Scoffing is a serious problem in a society bent on fun, self-indulgence and vanity.   If you lead a group of people and you harbor a scoffer in your midst you have felt the thorns of the rose ... a person created in God's image who doesn't admit it.   Solomon gives us the solution for the scoffer but it is not an easy one to employ.  Solomon tells us to "drive out the scoffer."    Driving out is not something we do.   We want harmony..  We want to enlist people into service.  We want to invite people to join.  Here we are told to drive out.   Solomon gives us the benefits of such an act, however.   He tells us that if we drive out a scoffer we will end "contention".  We will see strife and dishonor "cease."   The implication is that a scoffer fosters contention, strife and dishonor.   If you read Proverbs long enough you will see that Solomon offers NO solution to change a scoffing mind.   We can change the naive and are instructed in Proverbs of how to do that.    However, we are not encourage to change the scoffer's mind.  We are told to drive him/her out.   Seems tough but those who reject the authority of God in their lives possess the scoffing life.  If they are not driven out they will affect the entire environment.   Drive them out or live with them.  There doesn't seem to be a middle ground.

Proverbs 21:1

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 God’s sovereign rule over leadership:

Proverbs 21:1

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; 

 He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. 

This proverb gives us insight how God actually directs and works with leaders. We all think that the boss, the politicians, the leaders of the world makes decisions that affect us. However, this proverb gives us different insight. When I was a child I remember playing outside in the rain. When water would run down the driveway I would drag my foot and make a channel for the water. The water had a mind of its own, but I would direct it where I wanted the “mind” to take it. The water did what water does. But the dragging of my heal and the subsequent channel took control. That is how God directs leadership. They may be “doing what they do” but it is God who creates the channels they run through and operate in. We don’t need to fear the decision the boss may make, or a law a politician creates, or the direction the leader will go! For, we know Who is digging the channels they all run through.  Perhaps one of the best examples of this is the punishment, by God on the nation of Israel, for their disobedience.   God brought the nation of Babylon into their lives to use this wicked nation to punish them.  The prophecy is that the punishment would last 70 years (Daniel 9).   EXACTLY 70 years later, with Israel still in captivity and Babylon long gone, Cyrus King of Persia has a sudden change of heart and is moved to let some of the captives go to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. 

Ezra 1:1-4 (ESV Strong's)

1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:

2 “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. (See verses 3 and 4, as well). 

God moved Cyrus like a dug channel makes highway for running water.   God did that.  He does that all the time.  To fulfill His plan, God digs the channels and uses the nature of man to follow that channel to accomplish that purpose.   The kings hand is in the hand of the Lord and He moves it wherever He wants.