Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Excellent Things – Part 2

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Proverbs 22:20-21 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? 

‘Counsels and knowledge’ – These “excellent things” consist of counsels – practical guidance for living rightly, making decisions, and navigating life’s challenges; and knowledge – understanding rooted in truth, not merely information but insight that leads to wisdom.

Together, they form a complete framework for both thinking and living according to God’s design.

‘That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth.’ The first purpose is the certainty of truth. One of the central aims of Scripture is to establish confidence. Truth is not presented as uncertain or shifting, but as firm and reliable. The believer is not left guessing, but is grounded in what is sure and unchanging.

This certainty is affirmed throughout Scripture: 2Timothy 3:16 teaches that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable. John 5:39 points to the Scriptures as a faithful witness to truth. Thus, the “words of truth” are not human speculation; they carry divine authority and proven reliability.

To be continued…

Excellent Things – Part 1

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Proverbs 22:20-21 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? 

The statement is both a reminder and a reassurance. It points back to what has already been given and forward to what it is meant to accomplish in the life of the reader.

‘Have not I written…?’ This rhetorical question emphasises that the reader has already been provided with sufficient instruction. Wisdom is not hidden or withheld; it has been clearly revealed, written down, and made accessible. The responsibility, therefore, is not to seek new truth, but to receive, understand, and apply what has already been given.

‘Excellent things’ The word translated “excellent” comes from the Hebrew shaliysh, which can mean threefold, choice, or of highest quality. This gives the phrase a rich depth of meaning: It may refer to things of great value and distinction, truths that are noble, weighty, and trustworthy. It may also suggest a structured completeness, possibly pointing to a threefold body of wisdom. Some have connected this to the writings of Solomon – namely Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs – each contributing to a full picture of life, meaning, and godly wisdom.

Whether understood as excellent in quality or threefold in structure, the emphasis is clear: what has been written is both intentional and sufficient.

To be continued…

Bow Down…Hear the Words…Apply Thine Heart –Part 3

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Proverbs 22:17-19 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 

The phrase “the wise” ultimately points to those whom God has endowed with understanding. Solomon stands as the chief example, described in 1Kings 4:31 as surpassing others such as Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda. Yet even this wisdom is derived from God, making Him the ultimate source.

Verse 18 reveals a vital condition: “if thou keep them within thee.” Wisdom must be guarded, remembered, and treasured inwardly. This aligns with the teaching of John 15:7, abiding in the word leads to fruitfulness and blessing.

When truth is stored in the heart, it shapes character, it governs speech, and it guides decisions. Thus, it becomes “fitted in thy lips” – ready to be shared with clarity and conviction.

This passage is not merely about gaining knowledge; it is about transformation. It calls for a humble posture, a listening ear, and an engaged heart. And it promises joy within, wisdom to share, trust in God, and certainty in truth.

To “bow the ear” is the beginning, but to apply the heart is where wisdom truly takes root and bears lasting fruit.

Bow Down…Hear the Words…Apply Thine Heart –Part 2

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Proverbs 22:17-19 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 

There is a fourfold purpose to these commands; they are not empty, they lead to real spiritual outcomes: [1] Personal delight and inner profit. Verse 18 teaches that wisdom brings pleasure when it is “kept within thee.” True joy is not found in outward gain alone, but in a heart filled with truth and understanding. [2] Readiness to share wisdom with others. When wisdom is internalised, it becomes “fitted in thy lips” (22:18, 21). One becomes equipped to speak truth, counsel others, and give sound answers. Wisdom received becomes wisdom expressed. [3] A strengthened trust in the Lord. According to verse 19, these teachings are given “that thy trust may be in the LORD.” Wisdom leads beyond knowledge; it directs the heart to rely on God rather than self. [4] Assurance of truth and certainty. Proverbs 22:21 emphasises “the certainty of the words of truth.” Wisdom provides stability in a world of uncertainty. It anchors the soul in what is reliable, unchanging, and divinely grounded.

This message contains a fivefold nature and highlights the richness of what is being received: [1]. “The words of the wise” (v.17). These are teachings shaped by experience, discernment, and reverence for God. [2] “Knowledge” (v.17, 20). Not mere information, but understanding that leads to right living. [3] “Pleasant things” (v.18). Wisdom is not burdensome; when embraced, it brings peace, order, and satisfaction. [4] “Excellent things in counsels and knowledge” (v.20). These are weighty, noble truths – guidance that elevates life and leads to wise decisions. [5] “The words of truth” (v.21). At its foundation, wisdom is truth – reliable, trustworthy, and aligned with God’s nature.

To be continued…

Bow Down…Hear the Words…Apply Thine Heart –Part 1

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Proverbs 22:17-19 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 

The exhortation, “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge,” serves as a transition from individual proverbs to a deeper call: not merely to read wisdom, but to profit from it. Here, the focus shifts to instruction on how wisdom is received, retained, and lived out.

A threefold command: How to profit from wisdom. The verse lays out a progression of response: [1] “Bow down thine ear.” This speaks of humility and intentional focus. To “bow down” the ear implies a willing posture – setting aside pride, distraction, and self-reliance to truly listen. Wisdom is not gained casually; it requires a teachable heart. [2] “Hear the words of the wise.” Hearing goes beyond physical listening. It involves attentiveness, discernment, and acceptance. The “words of the wise” are not human opinions alone, but truth shaped by the fear of the Lord and grounded in righteousness. [3] “Apply thine heart unto my knowledge.” This is the deepest level – internalisation. The heart, in biblical terms, is the centre of thought, will, and desire. To apply the heart means to embrace wisdom fully, allowing it to shape one’s character, decisions, and way of life.

Together, these steps move from humble listening to attentive receiving, which leads to personal transformation.

To be continued…

Oppresses the Poor

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Proverbs 22:16 He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he that gives to the rich, shall surely come to want. 

The proverb exposes two serious moral evils that corrupt both society and the human heart.  First, there is the oppression of the poor for personal gain. This includes exploiting those who are vulnerable, through unjust wages, manipulation, or taking advantage of their need, to increase one’s own wealth. Scripture strongly condemns this behaviour. In James 2:6, the poor are described as those whom the wealthy often dishonour and oppress, while James 5:1-6 warns that riches gained through injustice will testify against their owners. God sees such injustice, and He stands as the defender of the poor. Wealth acquired in this way is ultimately empty and invites judgment rather than blessing.

Second, the proverb warns against giving to the rich to gain favour, influence, or advantage. This is not generosity, but self-serving manipulation, using gifts as a means of securing position, power, or recognition. As noted in Proverbs 18:16, a man’s gift can make room for him, but when such giving is driven by selfish ambition rather than righteousness, it becomes corrupt. It reflects a heart that values status over justice and personal advancement over compassion.

In both cases, the poor are neglected or harmed. In the first, they are directly oppressed; in the second, they are indirectly wronged, because resources that could have relieved their need are instead wasted on those who already have abundance. Thus, both actions reveal a distorted value system, one that favours wealth and influence over mercy and righteousness.

The outcome is clear: “shall surely come to want.” This does not merely refer to financial poverty, but to loss in a broader sense – loss of integrity, divine favour, and lasting blessing. Ill-got gain and self-serving generosity cannot produce true prosperity. Instead, they lead to emptiness and eventual downfall.

This proverb calls for a life marked by justice, generosity, and discernment. True wisdom seeks to uplift the poor, act with integrity, and give without partiality or selfish motive. In doing so, one aligns not only with righteousness but with the heart of God, who cares deeply for the needy and opposes all forms of injustice.

The Heart of a Child

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Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 

The word “foolishness” in Proverbs is translated from the Hebrew ’ivveleth (H200), a term that carries a deeper meaning than mere childish immaturity. It refers to moral deficiency, silliness, perverseness, and a careless disregard for both body and soul. It describes not only a lack of wisdom but a tendency toward wrong thinking and behaviour that resists correction and leans toward sin.

Scripture teaches that such foolishness is naturally “bound in the heart of a child” (Proverbs 22:15). This does not mean a child is evil in the fullest sense, but that from an early age there is an inward inclination toward self-will, impulsiveness, and disregard for instruction. Left unchecked, this foolishness matures into destructive habits and patterns that affect both character and spiritual life.

Therefore, the proverb presents “the rod of correction” as the necessary remedy. This “rod” symbolises firm, consistent discipline, guided by love and wisdom, not anger or harshness. Its purpose is not merely to punish, but to train, guide, and shape the child toward righteousness and self-control. Discipline helps to “drive” foolishness away by confronting wrong behaviour and reinforcing what is right.

This principle is echoed throughout Proverbs. Proverbs 13:24 teaches that withholding discipline is not kindness, but neglect: “he that spareth his rod hateth his son.” Similarly, Proverbs 19:18 urges timely correction while there is still hope, and Proverbs 23:13-14 emphasises that proper discipline preserves a child from greater harm. The consistent message is that loving correction is an essential part of responsible parenting.

In a broader sense, this teaching highlights the importance of intentional formation. Children do not naturally grow into wisdom; they must be taught, guided, and corrected. Without this, foolishness takes root and shapes the course of their lives. But with faithful discipline, balanced with instruction, example, and care, a child is directed toward wisdom, maturity, and a life that honours God.

A Deep Pit

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Proverbs 22:14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein. 

This warning presents a vivid picture of spiritual and moral danger. The “strange woman” refers not only to a literal immoral woman, such as a prostitute, but also to one who represents apostasy, someone who leads others away from truth and covenant faithfulness to God.

Her “mouth” symbolises seductive speech, words that are flattering, persuasive, and enticing. These words appear harmless, even desirable, but in reality, they conceal destruction. The comparison to a “deep pit” suggests something hidden, difficult to escape from, and ultimately deadly. Just as a pit traps its victim suddenly and completely, so does deception ensnare the unwary soul.

This imagery is reinforced throughout Proverbs. In Proverbs 23:27, she is described as “a deep ditch and a narrow pit,” emphasising both danger and confinement. Earlier passages such as Proverbs 2:16, 5:3, 6:24, and 7:5 warn that her lips “drop as honey” and her speech is smoother than oil, yet her end is bitter and leads to ruin. The progression is clear: what begins in pleasure ends in bondage.

The latter part of the verse, “he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein,” does not suggest arbitrary rejection, but rather reflects a heart already turned away from God. One who rejects wisdom, resists correction, and delights in sin becomes vulnerable to such traps. Falling into this “pit” is therefore both a consequence of moral neglect and a form of divine judgment.

In a broader sense, this proverb teaches discernment. It is not only a warning against sexual immorality, but also against any voice, whether a person, ideology, or influence, that draws one away from God’s truth through appealing but deceptive words. Wisdom calls for vigilance, self-control, and a heart anchored in Scripture, so that one is not captivated by what seems good but leads to destruction.

The Slothful Man – Part 2

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Proverbs 22:13 The slothful man said, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. 

‘I shall be slain in the streets.’ Fear is used as a cover for avoidance. The excuse becomes dramatic: not just danger, but certain death. This reveals how laziness often hides behind fear and overthinking. Rather than saying, “I don’t want to do it,” the slothful person says, “I can’t do it,” or “It’s too risky.” In this way, responsibility is avoided, action is delayed indefinitely, and opportunities are missed.

Laziness rarely presents itself honestly. It often masks itself with excuses, fear, and exaggeration to avoid effort and accountability.

In practical terms, recognise when excuses are replacing action. Distinguish between real risks and imagined ones. Take small steps forward instead of avoiding altogether. Develop discipline to act even when it is uncomfortable.

The slothful person invents reasons to avoid responsibility, often exaggerating danger or difficulty. Instead of facing life with courage and diligence, they retreat behind excuses. Wisdom, however, sees through these false fears and chooses action over avoidance.

The Slothful Man – Part 1

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Proverbs 22:13 The slothful man said, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. 

This proverb exposes the mindset of laziness, not just inactivity, but the habit of making excuses to avoid responsibility.

The slothful person is not simply someone who needs rest, but one who avoids effort and responsibility, delays what should be done, prefers comfort over discipline, and finds reasons not to act rather than ways to act.

Laziness becomes a pattern of thinking, not just behaviour. It often disguises itself through justification and rationalisation.

‘There is a lion without…’ The image of a lion in the streets is clearly unrealistic in everyday life. The slothful person creates imaginary dangers or exaggerated problems to justify inaction.

This shows how laziness works: small difficulties are made to seem overwhelming, unlikely risks are used as reasons to do nothing, and fear is exaggerated to avoid effort. Instead of facing reality, the slothful person makes excuses that sound convincing enough to themselves.

To be continued…