Sureties for Debts – Part 1

June 17, 2026May 29, 2026 ~ iolaHC ~ 1 Comment

Proverbs 22:26-27 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Here we have a serious warning about financial wisdom, personal responsibility, and the dangers of careless promises. In biblical times, “striking hands” referred to making an agreement or sealing a financial promise with a handshake. A “surety” was someone who guaranteed another person’s debt, much like co-signing a loan today. Scripture warns against hastily putting oneself under obligation for another person’s financial responsibilities.

This passage does not condemn generosity, kindness, or helping others in times of need. Rather, it warns against unwise commitments made without careful thought, wisdom, or the ability to fulfil them. Many people make emotional promises, assuming everything will work out, only to later discover they have placed themselves in hardship and bondage.

When a person becomes responsible for another’s debt and the borrower cannot repay it, the burden falls on the guarantor. Scripture paints a vivid picture by asking, “Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?” Even the necessities of life could be lost because of reckless financial agreements. The “bed” symbolises personal security, rest, comfort, and provision. In other words, poor financial decisions can strip a person of peace, stability, and even essential possessions.

To be continued…

An Angry Man

June 16, 2026May 29, 2026 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 22:24-25 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

These verses warn us not to form close relationships with people who are ruled by anger or uncontrolled emotions. This does not mean we should hate or reject such people, but rather that we must be wise about who we allow to influence our hearts, minds, and behaviour.

The people we spend the most time with have a powerful effect on us. Their attitudes, speech, habits, and reactions slowly begin to shape our own. Often this happens subtly and unconsciously. A person who constantly lives in anger, bitterness, or conflict can gradually draw others into the same pattern of thinking and responding. Before long, we may find ourselves becoming more impatient, harsh, argumentative, or easily offended.

Scripture warns that if we continually walk with those who are controlled by fury, we may “learn their ways and get a snare to our soul.” In other words, destructive behaviour can become contagious. What begins as sympathy or companionship can eventually become imitation. This is why wisdom requires discernment in our friendships and close associations.

Good company encourages peace, self-control, kindness, and godly character. Wise and uplifting relationships strengthen us spiritually and emotionally, helping us grow in patience, humility, and wisdom. Therefore, we should choose companions who inspire us toward what is right, rather than those whose conduct may lead us away from peace and righteousness.

Rob not… Neither Oppress – Part 3

June 15, 2026May 29, 2026 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 22:22-23 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

‘For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.’ The warning continues. Here, the focus shifts from human courts to divine justice.

‘The LORD will plead their cause.’ God Himself takes up the case of the poor. When they have no advocate on earth, He becomes their defender. He sees every injustice, hears every cry, and ensures that no wrong goes unanswered.

‘And spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.’ This is a strong warning: those who exploit others will themselves face loss. Just as they have taken advantage of the weak, so their own lives will be brought into ruin. The “soul” here points to the whole life – inner peace, security, and well-being.

These verses reveal a consistent biblical truth: God identifies with the poor and afflicted (not counting those who are poor because of laziness or wrong dealings); He opposes those who abuse power; and He ensures that injustice is ultimately repaid. What may seem unnoticed in human systems is never overlooked by God.

This passage calls for integrity in all dealings, especially with those who are vulnerable. fairness in judgment, whether in leadership, business, or personal decisions, and compassion over exploitation, seeing the poor not as an opportunity, but as a responsibility. It also offers comfort to those who are wronged and are not forgotten. God Himself stands as their advocate.

Rob not… Neither Oppress – Part 2

June 12, 2026May 29, 2026 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 22:22-23 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

‘Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate.’ The “gate” refers to the place where legal matters and public judgments were handled in ancient cities. It was the centre of justice, leadership, and decision-making.

In the culture reflected in Job 5:4; 31:21; Psalms 127:5; and Jeremiah 38:7, the city gate served as a courtroom where elders and leaders would hear cases and render judgments.

To “oppress in the gate” therefore means denying justice in legal proceedings, showing partiality to the powerful, silencing or dismissing the poor, and using authority to favour the wealthy over the needy.

This is a serious corruption of justice. The very place meant to protect the vulnerable becomes the place where they are wronged.

To be continued…

Rob not… Neither Oppress – Part 1

June 11, 2026May 29, 2026 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 22:22-23 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

The command, “Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate,” addresses a subtle but widespread form of injustice – taking advantage of those who are vulnerable simply because they lack the power to resist.

‘Rob not the poor, because he is poor.’ This phrase exposes a dangerous mindset: exploiting someone because they are poor. The poor are often easier targets; they may lack influence, legal support, or resources to defend themselves. This can lead to unfair treatment in business or wages, taking advantage of desperation, and ignoring their rights or dignity.

The command does not merely forbid robbery in the obvious sense, but also any form of injustice or exploitation. Poverty must never be seen as an opportunity for gain, but rather as a call for compassion and fairness.

To be continued…

Excellent Things – Part 3

June 10, 2026May 29, 2026 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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?

‘That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee.’ The second purpose is the readiness to answer. Wisdom is not meant to remain hidden within; it is to be expressed and shared. The one who receives and understands truth becomes equipped to give sound counsel, respond wisely to questions, speak the truth with clarity and confidence, and represent God’s wisdom in real-life situations.

This reflects a movement from learning to assurance, and assurance to communication. Truth received becomes truth lived, and truth lived becomes truth spoken.

This passage reveals a powerful progression: [1] Truth is written and given – accessible and sufficient. [2] Truth is understood with certainty – producing confidence. [3] Truth is spoken to others – bringing guidance and light. It is not enough to possess truth intellectually; it must become part of one’s inner conviction and outward expression.

Proverbs 22:20-21 reminds us that God has already provided excellent truth – rich, complete, and trustworthy; clear purpose – to establish certainty; and practical outcome – to equip us to speak and live wisely.

The believer who embraces these “excellent things” becomes grounded, confident, and useful, able not only to walk in truth, but to set an example therein for others.

Excellent Things – Part 2

June 9, 2026May 29, 2026 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘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

June 8, 2026May 29, 2026 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

June 5, 2026May 9, 2026 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

June 4, 2026May 9, 2026 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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…