Proverbs 27:14

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 doing a good thing, but at the right time.  :

Proverbs 27:14 (ESV)

Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,

will be counted as cursing.

There is a time and a manner by which we are to give blessings to others.   We are judged, not simply by the fact that we give blessings to others, but when and how we do it.   As this proverb points out, simply blasting out in the morning is not a proper and acceptable manner to give a blessing.   Blessings need to be provided in a manner that others will receive them properly.  Dropping off a meal in an inappropriate manner or time does little if the receiver is interrupted by it.    It is merciful to offer grace properly.   If we provide a blessing in an untimely or offensive manner the receiver will count it as curse rather than a blessing.   Perhaps we have all known someone in our past who wished to "help" but became more of a "burden" instead.   We have to be willing to temper our giving, to make it affective for the receiver.   Manner and timing are just as important as the blessing itself.   Sometimes an anonymous gift can do more than one shouted from the mountain top.   Sometimes a gift in secret later in the situation can be more beneficial than a known and early gift.   Think about giving your blessings on others with proper manner and proper timing.

Proverbs 26:28

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

Proverbs 26:28 (NASBStr)

A lying tongue hates those it crushes,

And a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs 26:28 (ESV)

A lying tongue hates its victims,

and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Solomon is warning us in this proverb about the speech of those around us.   He is telling us that those who lie to us may think the untruth is innocent and harmless.  However, every lie, no matter how small, is harmful.  He says it "crushes".    And, if lying were not enough, we read in the second line that we are to beware of those who come with a flattering tongue.   Lying will crush you, but flattering still works a subtle ruin in our lives.   As Word Biblical Commentary puts it: 

"lying tongue hates those it hurts. See 10:18. flattering mouth works ruin. See 29:5; cf. 16:13."

When people use their speech for something other than to convey truth we see the downfall that works in the hearts of others.  Deception (whether in a full lie or in a false, flattering manner) will work destruction in our hearts.  Beware of it.   When we speak the truth in love we have a better opportunity to see freedom and liberty as truth sets you free.   Lying, deception and false flattery bind us.   Beware of them.   They crush and work ruin.

Proverbs 25:8

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

Proverbs 25:8 (ESV)

do not hastily bring into court,

for what will you do in the end,

when your neighbor puts you to shame?

We all have "issues" with our neighbors and/or friends and/or business partners. The issue in this proverb is not the fact that we have "issues" with others, but the "resolution" of the issues. One principle that should always be our target in the resolution of problems with others is that "how we handle a problem should never become a newer problem." That seems to be the central thought of this proverb. Don't let how you handle the problem to become the problem. Solomon is telling us that time is one aspect to consider when resolving an issue. When we strive to solve the issue "hastily" we put ourselves at further risk. Time, of course, is not the real issue. The real issue is what we do with our time to prepare for the resolution of the issue. What Solomon is teaching here is to make sure you do your due diligence in the resolution of problems with others. Solomon does not want us to get to the point in the resolution that we are humiliated. He wants us to make sure we know what we are doing to properly resolve the issues we have with others. Don't go hastily to argue ... do your due diligence.

Do not let how you handle the problem to become the problem.

Proverbs 24:7

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 the availability of wisdom:

Proverbs 24:7 (ESV)

Wisdom is too high for a fool;

in the gate he does not open his mouth.

It is tough when you can't reach something.   There it is, right in front you, but you can't reach it.   We once averted a major issue on our boat.  We had a small on-going leak from the fresh water inlet and it finally proved to much to tolerate - it sprang free.  We couldn't find it but, thankfully, it wasn't too much for our four bilge pumps.   That is, until two of the bilge pumps decided to break at the exact same time (how does that happen?).   Obviously the bilge pumps became priority for us.  We could turn off the shore water but what if we had a leak from the lake?  One bilge was right there.  Easy to see, easy to fix.  The other ... not so much.  You could see it but you couldn't touch it.  Just out of reach.   We would have to get longer arms, or climb into a small hole with both body and limb and hope that once there you had the right tools and right parts.  Thankfully my boat mechanic has done this before.  He asked, "Why not move the bilge so we can work on it and fix it when we need to?"   That was it.   But until we moved it, there was not much hope.   That is what wisdom is to us.  We can see it (Proverbs 8 & 9) but we can't touch it until God moves it to our reach (James 2).   God will move wisdom into our reach by placing Christ into our hearts.  Once we have Christ in our hearts we have God's wisdom within reach and should be willing to speak up when in places that matter.  The fool, on the other hand, does not have wisdom.  When he is at the city gate (the place in those days where thought was exchanged), the fool has nothing worthy to say.  Wisdom is out of the reach of a fool.   Remember, a fool is a person who rejects God.  If you reject God, His wisdom is out of your reach.  If wisdom is out of your reach you are the fool at the city gates.   Believe in God and He will move wisdom and pump it into your heart and mind. 

Proverbs 23:10-11

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 about tradition:

Proverbs 23:10-11 (ESV)

Do not move an ancient landmark

or enter the fields of the fatherless,

for their Redeemer is strong;

he will plead their cause against you.

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day are a time of year where there is a lot of focus on tradition. We do the holidays like we always do them. We like to repeat the same celebrations. Traditions make us comfortable and are familiar. That isn't always the best reason to follow a tradition, however. Being comfortable and familiar is sometimes dangerous and rigid. In this Proverb we have a great reason to not remove the traditions of the past (ancient boundary or father's field). Removing them should be done with extreme caution as God watches over these boundary stones and these fields of dreams. There is an assumption in this proverbs that God has been part or the reason the boundary and field has been established, however. We can't assume that the boundary is to be saved simply because the boundary has always been there. We have to decide if the boundary is a boundary established by God or for God. He will then establish the boundary and "plead" for it. So, before you remove a tradition be careful that you don't remove something that God has established and will guard and protect.

Proverbs 22:13

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

Proverbs 22:13 (ESV)

The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!

I shall be killed in the streets!”

There are many reasons people don't do the things they should.  They often make excuses to not do them.  The above proverb gives us an example of such an excuse.   It should be noted that in Biblical days when this proverb was composed, lions in the street were a real threat.   If the city gates were left open lions and other animals would wonder in and out.   So to say that there is a lion outside is a very real and good reasons to not go into the streets to do work.   The sluggard sees the lion and sees only obstacles.    However, those who have wisdom and trust in God don't see a lion only as a danger, they also see the lion as dinner.   The lion in the street is a metaphor to teach us about the industrious wisdom seeker.  Wisdom sees not an obstacle but an opportunity.   There are many excuses we can use to not follow Christ and not do what God wants us to do.  They are often encompassed by fear and failure because they are not viewed through the eyes of faith, but rather the rational thought process of man.  Faith is not based upon man’s rationale.  Faith is based upon God’s rationale.  By faith we can see what God "can" do.   We do see the lion as something to be feared but through faith it is something to be conquered.   There may be an obstacle in front of you but with God the obstacle is a miracle ready to happen.  Moses saw a rock while God saw a water facet.   Israel saw a giant while David saw a bigger bullseye.   Gideon saw the large possibility of a great army with large weapons, while God saw a stealth fighting force of the few with only broken jars and torches.   Do you see a lion outside?   Sneak away and find safety, or through faith go get your lunch!

Proverbs 21:4

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 what happens when we let our pride guide us:

Proverbs 21:4 (ESV)

Haughty eyes and a proud heart,

the lamp of the wicked, are sin.

In this proverb Solomon gives us a clear and percise definition (or, at least example) of sin. Each statement in the proverb builds on the former. Haughty eyes, produce a proud heart. A proud heart produces a "lamp" for the wicked. Let's break that down: When we have a "high look" of ourselves that produces a proud heart. Stating it another way, when we see ourselves as important we start to believe we are important. When we believe we are important the "light" in our lives (our conscience) begins to see "us" as the center of the universe, rather than God. We take God away from the throne and put ourselves in its place. The word "lamp" in Solomon was used earlier in 6:3. The "commandment" is God's Word and it is a "lamp" to us. Either God's Word is our lamp (Psalms 119:105) or our own opinion is a our lamp. A haughter eye (one that sees self as superior) will produce a sense of pride. That pride than leads us like a lamp. And that is sin (missing the mark of God's Word). We know from other passages that the lamp of the wicked will be their destruction. Their pride will be their destruction:

Proverbs 13:9 (ESV)

The light of the righteous rejoices,

but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Proverbs 24:20 (ESV)

for the evil man has no future;

the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

This proverb is a warning ... respond to it and don't let your eyes produce a failing lamp.

Proverbs 20:5

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 about understanding others:

When we cry out for wisdom God shows Himself available and grants our request for that wisdom.

Proverbs 20:5 (ESV Strong's)

The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,

but a man of understanding will draw it out.

It is hard to know what others are thinking or planning. They may not even know it themselves. How many people walk around each day and respond to events their lives in one way or another and have no clue why? The psychy of the human mind and spirit is tough to figure out sometimes. Events that happen years ago in our lives often propell us, drive us and coral us in ways we have no conscious understanding or explanation. That is where a wise man of understanding comes into play. What Solomon is telling us in this Proverb is that a "man of understanding" can draw out the deeper meanings hidden in the heart of another. How is this possible? Remember that Solomon has already explained that "understanding" is another term for wisdom. A man of "understanding" is a man of "wisdom." Wisdom comes from God so a man who is fearing the Lord and has been given wisdom by God has the ability to understand and discern what is in the heart of anotehr ... to "draw" it out ... because God knows what is in that heart. God gives wisdom to others to draw out what they don't know themselvs. Others may not know the "plans" in their heart but God does. When God does, He can reveal that to someone who "fears the Lord" to unfold and unpackage the deepest part of the heart.  When Solomon was introduced to the Queen of Sheba, note what happened:

1 Kings 10:3 (ESV Strong's)

And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her.

We also see Joseph and Daniel as examples of God revealing to those who Fear the Lord (giving them wisdom) to revel the heart of man.

Man's steps are from the Lord and he can't understand his ways ... this is why God sends other men into our lives to help us find meaning in our steps:

Proverbs 20:24 (ESV Strong's)

A man's steps are from the Lord;

how then can man understand his way?

In 2 Corinthians 2:6-15 we have Paul's statement about how the Spirit of God can discern the mind of a man.   Even man doesn't understand himself the way the Spirit of God does.   

Proverbs 19:7

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 we treat the poor:

Proverbs 19:7 (ESV)

All a poor man’s brothers hate him;

how much more do his friends go far from him!

He pursues them with words, but does not have them. 

God has a special place in His heart for the poor.  He expects the same of us.  The word poor appears over 100 times in the Bible and in most Old and New Testament books.   God gave instructions to Moses on how Israel is to treat the poor and to James, Paul and Peter on how the church is to treat the poor.   God sees the poor as the perfect example of how we are all treated by God.  The poor can't help themselves.   So, they need mercy and grace from others.   When we see the poor, many people might tend to see them as lazy and wasting their life.  But, God created the poor and He places them in our path for us to show grace and mercy.

Proverbs 22:2 (ESV)

The rich and the poor meet together;

the LORD is the maker of them all.

That is what is so remarkable about this proverb.   This proverb tells us what many do to those who are poor.  The poor are abandoned by their friends.  Their family hates them.  When they see the poor coming, the friends and family of the poor desert him.   They run from him even though he calls out them.   The friend of the poor and the family of the poor have no heart for him.   This is contrary to God's instruction.   We are not to run, ignore or abandon them.  We are to feed and care for the poor.  That is what God wants and expects.  Note what Solomon will say later in this very chapter:

Proverbs 19:17 (ESV)

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,

and he will repay him for his deed.

Proverbs 18:18

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 two might combatants:

Proverbs 18:18 (NASV)

The cast lot puts an end to strife And decides between the mighty ones.

Proverbs 18:18 (ESV)

The lot puts an end to quarrels

and decides between powerful contenders.

Sometimes an arbitrary decision making process is not a bad decision making process. When you have two "mighty ones" it might be easier to just let the "roll of the dice" decide. The casting of lots is not, however, simply a "roll of the dice." The "casting of lots" is not only an actual method to decide something, it is also, in this proverb, a metaphor for trusting God's sovereign rule to make the decisions rather than sheer might. "Tossing" the decision to God is the best way to handle some strife. Do we have enough faith to trust God to make decisions? The ability to express your decisions via God's sovereign plan is an extreme expression of faith. Solomon is teaching us to allow God to make decisions in our lives, especially when the decisions are between two good things (two mighty ones). God wants us to trust Him for our hard decisions. He wants us to trust Him for every decision.  Have you ever had someone make a decision about you and not favored that decision?  You might think about a job promotion you were hoping to receive and it isn’t given.   Can we, in that moment, accept God’s sovereignty over all decisions?   That is tough to do but our lack of acceptance does not make it untrue.   God sovereignty over decisions is a basic belief all believers must embrace and be excited to belief.  

Proverbs 17:18

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 co-signing: 

Proverbs 17:18 (NASBStr)

A man lacking in sense pledges

And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.

Proverbs 17:18 (ESV)

One who lacks sense gives a pledge

and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.

The concept of co-signing has been around for many years.  As you can see from the above proverb we see Solomon telling how senseless and how much it shows folly in the soul to co-sign for someone.   In this proverb Solomon seems, again, to be pointing out the folly in co-signing for someone who is your neighbor or friend.  He describes this as "lacking sense."   True wisdom doesn't lead us to cover for someone else in regard to financial responsibilities.  When we pledge to cover for someone we don't know or know that we can trust we fail to demonstrate true wisdom.   Wisdom is being full of sense.   Lacking sense is counter to wisdom.   When we are full of wisdom we are able to discern that foolishness and folly are in the realm of guarantor activity.  Solomon lived in a day when others needed credit and would ask them to guarantee their debts.   Many times Solomon must have observed those who co-signed for another brought into debtor's court to pay or be taken away into bounds.   True wisdom doesn't not co-sign for others.

Proverbs 16:3

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 our plans:

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

Commit your work to the LORD,

and your plans will be established.

The word "commit" in the above proverb actually is the Hebrew word for "roll." The concept here is that you and I are to "roll" our works to the Lord and that will allow them to be sustained (established ... or, become "firm"). There are a number of passages in God's Word that says the same thing:

Psalms 37:5 (ESV)

Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him, and he will act.

Psalms 55:22 (ESV)

Cast your burden on the LORD,

and he will sustain you;

he will never permit

the righteous to be moved.

Proverbs 3:6 (ESV)

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

What Solomon is telling us is that the mere "rolling" of our burdens, plans and desires over to God allows Him the opportunity to work in those burdens, plans and desires and establish them, or bring them to firmness. In those above verses we are told to "cast" our cares on Him; "acknowledge" His rule over our cards and affairs; and, "commit" our plans to Him. In each verb used the noun is the same. We are to give all of our plans and burdens to God in a way that He is recognized as the Supreme overseer of those things and when we do they will be established or made firm. The thought there is that when we give them to Him we wouldn't give Him plans that are not worthy of His praise and approval. James tells us when we ask for things we are not to ask in our "own lusts." We are to ask with God's will and God's purpose in mind. So, committing your works and plans to the Lord is not just releasing them to Him for His magical blessing but making sure they are worthy of His blessing. Plans worthy of God's blessing with receive His blessing. See also:

Proverbs 16:4

The Lord has made everything for its purpose,

even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Proverbs 16:9

The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the Lord.

Proverbs 15:29

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 God hearing the prayers of the wicked:

Proverbs 15:29 (ESV)

The LORD is far from the wicked,

but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Solomon has addressed this message before.  Note 1:28 - 

Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;

they will seek me diligently but will not find me.

God closes His ears to those who close their ears to His Word.  When man walks in deviance of God He is no longer obligated by promise or position to hear their cries for help.  When the non-believer is in trouble and, prior to establishing a relationship with God via Christ's finished work on the cross, God does not hear their cries for help.   The world we live in today would not agree with that statement, but this proverb is clear (note Psalm 119:155).   Those who are wicked (anyone who rejects Christ's atonement is wicked) can not expect God to hear their prayers for help.   In God's common grace to all man He may choose to respond to them but He is not obligated.  On the other hand, those who have a relationship with Him through Christ, can expect God to not only hear their prayers but to respond to them.   God has a listening ear to our cries for help.   What a blessed assurance to know that God hears our very whimpers for help.   Parents, today, invest a lot of money in baby monitors to hear the slightest cry of their newborn.    God is even more attentive and doesn't need the technology.  This proverb shows He created the design for the technology.   God is always listening to His newborns.