Proverbs 2:22

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 fate of the wicked:

Proverbs 2:22 (ESV)

but the wicked will be cut off from the land,

and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.

This is the warning of Proverbs.   Those who do not seek wisdom and do not follow hard after her once they find her will be "cut off" from the land and will be "uprooted" from it.  What does that all mean?  In our world, society, this wisdom of Solomon simply seems to lose it's meaning.   But, look closely at the thought the King of Wisdom is given us: Failure to seek wisdom (the verses preceding this verse ... 2:1-21) will result in loss.  We understand loss in our society.  That may be the one thing we know most of.  But, it doesn't have to be that way.  As we pursue wisdom God will assure us against loss.  That doesn't mean we will not see death, damages or a derailing or two in our lives.  What it means is that if we are holding to wisdom (which is Christ incarnate ... 1 Corinthians 1) we will not really lose anything.   Those who reject Christ (Wisdom) will suffer loss since all they have is what they currently possess.  However, as we pursue wisdom we will not suffer that kind of lose.   For we hold to something eternal and something spiritual.   What Solomon is talking about specifically is that those who reject truth and the wisdom in it will not attain to the promise land God had promised the Israelites.   We must realize that choosing wisdom brings "eternal" blessings, but forsaking wisdom produces wickedness which means we will suffer loss through being "cut off" and being "uprooted."

Proverbs 1:7

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 where to start:

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction.

It’s always nice to start from the beginning. But, to start from the beginning you have to know where the beginning starts. So, the first chapter of Proverbs, which is a book to help us discover wisdom, starts with first telling us about the beginning steps. The first step to a life full of wisdom is to live in fear of God. Not a fear like being afraid of snakes, heights or spiders, but a Godly fear; a fear that causes you to stand in awe of something. Fear of God is the beginning of being wise. But, those who don’t stand in awe of God are fools. Fools don’t fear God and therefore don’t get wisdom, discipline or knowledge (all words meaning and pointing to the same thing in Hebrew poetry). Only those who fear the Lord can expect to get wisdom from the Lord. Live in fear of Him today and have wisdom as to what He wants you to do tomorrow.   Folly starts with rejection of an awe of God.  It reveals itself with symptoms of bad choices and selfishly wrong decisions.  Note:

Psalms 53:1 (ESV)

TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO MAHALATH. A MASKIL OF DAVID.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity;

there is none who does good.

The fear of the Lord puts God in the center of decisions and His will.  Folly puts self in the center of all actions and your own will.  Notice how the writer of Hebrews described true worship:

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV)

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

Later in Proverbs, Solomon will say again:

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 15:33 (ESV)

The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom,

and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 2:4-5 (ESV)

if you seek it like silver

and search for it as for hidden treasures,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God.

Fear the Lord!

Proverbs 31:11

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 marriage:

Proverbs 31:11 (ESV)

The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

In today's marriage "industry" the ability to "trust" a spouse has been shattered, broken, watered-down and brought into suspect.   In Proverbs 31:11 we read that when a man fines an "excellent" wife (31:10) his heart will "trust" in her and he will have no "lack" of gain.  God's plan for marriage seems pretty plain and simply.  He provided a partner for the man that would have some relationship with man and cause him to relax and be satisfied in that relationship.   Because she is a woman who "fears God" she will be trusted by the man in this relationship.   His trust of her is directly tied to her trust of God.   That is so simply it is breath-taking.   God intended trust to be built upon, not our mutual ability to "prove" our abilities, but on our moral character and Godly compass of trust in HIM.  God makes it simply.  It is the evil in our hearts and the evil of the world and demonic realm that causes the lack of trust.   God wanted the marriage to be a perfect example of His bound with us.   That is why it is so under attack.   Trust in another can only be found when we have trust in our Maker.  It is like a pyramid, with God at the top.  The closer a spouse climbs up one side and the other spouse climbs up the other side the closer they become to each other.  As they draw near to God they draw near to each other.  Pretty simple.  

Proverbs 30:21-23

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 four things that are hard to bear with: 

Proverbs 30:21-23 (ESV)

Under three things the earth trembles;

under four it cannot bear up:

a slave when he becomes king,

and a fool when he is filled with food;

an unloved woman when she gets a husband,

and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress.

This is an interesting proverb.   It is an observation about life during Solomon's day and our, the same.  The truth being conveyed by Solomon is that the world, our society, struggles with four things.  They struggle with a servant who moves into a place of authority.   For some reason we can't handle this ascension from the place of the lowly to the place of position.  We can't handle someone who is a fool who also has prosperity (food).   That simply puts a bad taste in our mouth.   A women who is not loved, but is married, also causes us to pause.   We see marriage as an unnatural way for those who are not loved.  Unloving marriages are like cars with no engines; they shouldn't run, at least not very far.   The last example of difficult situations we struggle with, occurs when the maid is now the mistress.   Life struggles come when we see those honored who shouldn't be and those who have honor lose it.   The key in this proverb is to realize Solomon is telling us that the "earth trembles" at these things.   The earth can't handle an imbalance of some of life's "perceived " natural order.   The lesson for us is to realize despite the lack of order we, as the faithful, don't have to worry about what is happening in life.   God is still on the throne and in control.  It is God who makes a servant a king (David).  It is God who makes the fool full of food (Nabel).  It is God who makes the unloved married (Jacob and Leah).   It is God who displaces the mistress with the maid (Sarai and Hagar).   God is in complete control. These things amaze the world.  They should not amaze the people of God. We have faith that God knows what He is doing and is in control.  

Proverbs 29:26

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 seeking the favor of a leader: 

Proverbs 29:26 (NASBStr)

Many seek the ruler’s favor,

But justice for man comes from the Lord.

Proverbs 29:26 (ESV)

Many seek the face of a ruler,

but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.

If you have ever experienced mistreatment, unfair accusations, wrongful conduct you can appreciate the above proverb.   Solomon was a man of great stature and many people sought his "favor" (Hebrew word: Face).   See 1 Kings 10:24.   He knew that men would want him to judge between their different opinions.  The first example of his great wisdom in Scripture was the two women who fought over the one baby (1 Kings 10).   And, even though Solomon possessed Godly wisdom he knew the truth above: True justice for man comes from God.  No man can be completely just.  We don't have the capacity since we are full of sin.   We might appeal to our rulers of this age to give us some just treatment to relive the way others have done us wrong.   But, even that justice is tainted.  Sometimes we NEVER get justice.  True and pure justice can only come from someone with a true and just heart ... and that is not mankind.  We need to look to God for justice and fair and equitable treatment.   Note the following:

Psalm 27:8 - When You said, “ Seek My face,” my heart said to You,

“Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.”

But, when God administrates His justice He does so through the agency of man.   In Proverbs 21:1 we read that God controls the hearts of the king.  We read in Job 36:6 that God defends the poor and provides them with justice.  If we want to have justice we need to appeal to God.  Only He can provide it.  He often will, through those He puts in leadership.   He ultimately will in the end of the age.   We need to remember that until God's final judgement unfair accusations, wrongful conduct and general mistreatment will affect us all.  Seek His face for relief.

Proverbs 28:8

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 wealth: 

Proverbs 28:8 (ESV)

Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit

gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

This proverb is a good "economic" proverb.   It tells us God's system of economics.   When you listen to the radio or the talking heads on television inform us about "how money" works, it is amazing how far off they are compared to God's wisdom toward money.   What God tells us in this chapter is the one who "gives" his money away to help the poor will be the beneficiary of the money accumulated by the one who charges others interest and usury.   That is not the world's system.   God is telling us that gracious giving trumps money grabbing.   Most people spend their life accumulating and doing so by any means necessary.  However, what God is telling us is that he will reward those who "give" using the very money of those who do not.   So, the next time you come across a money grabbing wicked person tell them thanks for making money for the one who gives to the poor.   Because that is what God is going to do with that man's saving's account.   Follow God's Wisdom when it comes to money and not man's soiled advice.

Proverbs 27:15-16

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

Proverbs 27:15-16 (ESV)

A continual dripping on a rainy day

and a quarrelsome wife are alike;

to restrain her is to restrain the wind

or to grasp oil in one’s right hand.

I have never tried to grasp oil, but I get the point.   Nor have I ever tried to restrain the wind, but the point is very easy to grasp as well.  Solomon had many wives and many more concubines.   He had not doubt plenty of times to understand and work with a contentious woman/person.    Like a constant dripping from a leaky roof, they are annoying and destructive.    Solomon is telling us that when we have such a women/person in our midst it is best to avoid trying to correct the behavior.  In other parts of this wonderful book he tells us it is better to be on the roof than than in a house with her (Proverbs 21:9).  He also says moving to the desert is better than living with her (Proverbs 21:19).   In Proverbs 26:21 he tells us she is like burning embers.   Avoidance, separation, and pain are all affiliated with this type of women/person.  In contrast is the virtuous women in Proverbs 31. When she opens her mouth, wisdom comes forth (31:26).   You can tell the heart of a women by her words.   The constant dripping of a contentious women is revealing the heart of a women who does not know God or honor God or Fear God.    If you are with one, go to the roof ... you won't change her.

Proverbs 26:1

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: 

Proverbs 26:1 (ESV)

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,

so honor is not fitting for a fool.

We spend a lot of time in our society giving honor to people who don't deserve it. We honor them for all the wrong reasons. We honor people in our country not because of the spiritual character but becasue of the physical talent. The reason we have the problems in our society is because you get what you honor in life.  So if you honor fools you get fools. Who we ought to honor is those who fear God and have Godly character. We can't do that in a broken world but we can do it in our homes and our churches and our Christian organziation. But we don't do it there either. We rejoice over athleticism but we are bored with spiritual growth. You can tell who we honor by who and what we celebrate. This proverb is very fitting for homes, schools, organizations and our country. We don't like what we see. We don't like what we have become. It seems odd! It seems out of sync! It seems like ... snow in summer and rain in harvest! Don't give honor to a fool. Reserve honor and celebrate wisdom in Christ.  Celebrate spiritual mindedness.  Give honor to someone who lives in honor of Christ.  When we give honor to those who do not deserve honor we will be seeing snow in summer and rain in harvest time.  

Proverbs 25:9-10

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 trust:

Proverbs 25:9-10 (ESV)

Argue your case with your neighbor himself,

and do not reveal another’s secret,

lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,

and your ill repute have no end.

We can’t expect others to trust us if we are not truthful.  We can’t expect others to be able to rely on us if we allow our tongues to wag about what is going on between two people.   In the above proverbs we see that Solomon is teaching us a very important truth about how to hand conflict between two people.   We can either build trust in the midst of conflict, or we can damage trust, further.   In this caste we see that we are to “argue” our case, alone with our “neighbor.”  The world “argue” is typically translated in the Old Testament as “quarreled.”  When we have a dispute with someone near us, we are to make sure we do so, in “secret.”  There are some things that are ONLY between two parties.  There certainly is time to talk to someone else about a struggle, but the first step, is found in the truth of this verse.   If we DON’T follow this passage we bring “shame” to ourselves.   Following the verse does not mean that things will always work out.  Remember what Paul told us about conflict:

Romans 12:18

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

We can’t always get everyone to live at peace with us.   But, our obligation is to have integrity in regard to how we handle the “case” between us and our neighbor.   Not only will be get “shame” to us when we don’t have integrity, but we can also assure that the dispute will continue on and on.   There is no end to a dispute if we refuse to handle the conflict in the correct manner.   This proverb tell us to:

1. Go directly to the person.

2. Keep the conflict in confidence and ONLY between the two of you.

3. “Arguing” about something is OKAY.   There comes a time when you have to present your case.   Yes, the same writer will also say

Proverbs 19:11

Good sense makes one slow to anger,

and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

But, when it is time to argue, argue!!   

Proverbs 24:8

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 our reputation:

Proverbs 24:8 (ESV)

Whoever plans to do evil

will be called a schemer.

Do you care what people call you?  Surprisingly, many don't care what their reputation is with others.   In this proverb Solomon is giving us one of the simply facts of life.  If you sit around and make plans to do evil you will get the reputation as a schemer.  We need to realize, that in our lives, we will have such people show themselves.   Especially in our youth.   Young men and women who are bored, lack a moral compass, or simply have not been able to come to control the evil in their hearts will plan evil and scheme evil.   Jacob, before his name was changed to Israel, was a schemer.  His name actually means supplanter, which means to take another's place.  He schemed (once on his own and once with his mom's help) to take away his brother's birthright and blessing, even though God had already provided it through a promise.  Rather than trusting God, he schemed.  That is how he was known.   That is the point of Solomon's proverb.   If you know a schemer, they are always trying to figure out how to get out of work.  They are always trying to figure how to sue someone to get rich.  They are always devising schemes to get something they don't deserve.   The religious leaders of the day schemed with Judas how to betray Jesus.   Ultimately our scheming is all about evil - selfish desires for ourselves to get something God promised (but we don't want to wait); or God denies us (and we think we can have it anyhow).   Our plans to do evil will, in the end, give us a reputation as a schemer.    See further for an example of schemer the story of Ammon and his cousin, Jonadab.

Proverbs 23:12

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 insights about applying God’s Word to our lives:

Proverbs 23:12 (ESV)

Apply your heart to instruction

and your ear to words of knowledge.

The concept of "applying"  yourself to something is unique picture for our society.   It is not that we don't apply ourselves; it is just a foreign mindset to think about it and to actually engage in the act of applying ourselves to something.  With that said, we need to understand what Solomon means for us when he uses the word "apply."   The actual Hebrew word is "bo."   Short and sweet, but it has a variety of meanings.   Only once is it translated "apply," even though the verb is used some 2500 times in the O.T. Hebrew.   The more popular use is. “to come in or go out.”   With that in mind Solomon might be telling us to present ourselves (come in) to discipline and knowledge.   When we "apply" ourselves to a sport we present ourselves day and night to the learning that sporting craft.   That is what golfers do ... they go to the range to hit many buckets of balls.  They "present" themselves.   Solomon is telling us to get to the range of discipline and knowledge.   Let our hearts learn inward and outward correction (discipline) and bring our hearts into a place where knowledge can and will shape us.   But how?   When we "go into" (Hebrew "Bo") God's Word we are applying ourselves to disipline and knowledge.  By reading this Proverb and putting it to use we are applying ourselves to its truths and thereby fulfilling it.   It is time to apply our hearts and hearing to God's discipline and knowledge.

Proverbs 22:15

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 about folly in a child:

Proverbs 22:15 (ESV)

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

The aspect of corporal punishment probably gets its brith from this verse.   And, rightly it should.   Whether we take it literally or figuratively we should understand that discipline is an important aspect of the believers life.  The "rod" is just a tool.  It can, in the hand of the shepherd, be a comfort and a guiding touch (Psalm 23).  

Psalms 23:4 (ESV)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

However, in the hand of the Judge, it can be the rod of discipline and wrath:

Psalms 2:9 (ESV)

You shall break them with a rod of iron

and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

In the hand of a gracious and loving father the rod of discipline can be a blessing to a child.  However, in the hand of a wicked father a child should never be subject to that rod.   The rod is the tool, the heart that wields it should be first and foremost considered.   Loving and gracious discipline is important in the discipline and growth of the child.  It is not the rod that we should object to.  It is the poor and wicked heart that might use it that should be shunned.  Gracious and loving discipline drives out sin, which is what God wants us to do.  We are not to use the rod of discipline to drive out sin while being in the sin of anger and lack of grace, at the same time.  

Proverbs 21:5

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 long term wisdom:

Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,

but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Too many people rush into too many things.   Too many people don't look into things long enough before they make their decisions.   Too many people are titillated by shinny things and by short term investment in hopes of long term gains.   Wisdom says different.   Wisdom says that diligence will always pay off.  However, those who are hasty and don't plan will find nothing but an empty hand.  We get advantage if we move forward according to plan and design.   Being diligent will lead to an advantage in all that we do.   Others, who fail to plan and fail to work their plan, who move ahead with haste, will end with nothing.  They will end in want.  They will end in emptiness.   Wisdom says move forward with a well thought out plan and with a diligent attitude.   It is when we are in haste and without a plan that we stand at the door of want.   Plan and be diligent in working it.   Another proverb that states the same thing is here:

Proverbs 10:4-5 (ESV)

A slack hand causes poverty,

but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,

but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.

The prodigal son had a “slack hand” and it caused his poverty.    Jacob was a prudent son and it produced a blessing in his life.   We can go in either of those directions.  These proverbs lay out both the choice and the results.   The wise choose to be diligent.   

Proverbs 20:6

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 trust and loyalty:

Proverbs 20:6 (ESV)

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,

but a faithful man who can find?

Words mean nothing without the walk behind them and supporting them! You can claim your loyalty with your mouth but you must demonstrate it with your life by being trusted. Loyalty is something that leaders desire and need. Many claim to be loyal to the leader but the follower who is indeed loyal demonstrates it through being trusted to carry about the mission and the desires of the leader. The connection between loyalty and trust can't be diminished. But the real teaching in this proverb is the relationship between "proclaiming" one thing (loyalty) and the "finding" of the other (trustworthiness). What is proclaimed must be found to make the proclamation valid. We have many who claim loyalty and then when the fire gets hot they are no where to be found. Our Savior saw this when all the disciples scattered. They proclaimed loyalty and then denied association (think Peter). A "trustworthy" follower is one who is there when the idea didn't work; or the project was a bust; or the game plan failed. Loyalty is the words, trustworthiness is the action. Which are we?

Note also:

Proverbs 20:28 (ESV)

Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,

and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.