Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

As He Thinketh, So Is He – Part 1

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Proverbs 23:6-8 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. 

‘Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye.’ The “evil eye” refers to a stingy, selfish, begrudging person. Such a person may outwardly appear generous, yet inwardly resent every kindness shown. The warning is against accepting fellowship where generosity is insincere, motives are selfish, or kindness is manipulative. The stingy man gives reluctantly and keeps a mental account of every cost.

‘Neither desire thou his dainty meats.’ Do not be seduced by luxurious offerings from selfish people. Sometimes gifts are offered to gain control, to create obligation, or to manipulate relationships. Wisdom discerns the spirit behind the gift.

‘For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.’ A person’s true character is found inwardly, not merely in outward words. The stingy man says, “Eat and drink,” but inwardly he resents your presence and expense.

This verse reveals an important biblical truth: thoughts shape character, inward attitudes eventually define a person, and hidden motives matter to God.

To be continued…

Cease from Thine own Wisdom – Part 5

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Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

Seven things to labour for (continues): [3] To win lost souls (Php. 2:16). Paul laboured tirelessly so others might know salvation. Soul-winning, from our side, requires prayer, patience, sacrifice, and a faithful example. [4] To support the weak (Acts 20:35). The strong are called to help those struggling physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Christlike labour seeks to strengthen others, not merely enrich oneself. [5] Not to burden others (1Thess. 2:9). Paul laboured with his own hands when necessary so that he would not become a financial burden to believers, setting an example of diligence, responsibility, and godly provision. Scripture teaches that a man is to care for his own household, “for if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1Tim. 5:8).6. [6] To enter eternal rest (Heb. 4:1). Believers are exhorted to persevere in faith and obedience so they do not fall through unbelief. This “labour” is spiritual perseverance, not salvation by works. [7] To be accepted by God (2Cor. 5:9). The goal of life should be to please God. Human applause fades, but divine approval is eternal. A wise person asks: “Does this honour God?” rather than merely: “Does this increase wealth?”

‘Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?’ Riches are uncertain and temporary. The expression means wealth is unstable and fleeting, as though it hardly truly exists because it can disappear so quickly. People often build their identity around money, status, possessions, careers, or worldly success. Yet all temporary things eventually fade.

This proverb warns against making temporary things your life objective, do not anchor your identity in wealth, and do not trust what can vanish overnight. The next verse says that riches make themselves wings; they fly away. Money may disappear through economic collapse, sickness, theft, death, bad investments, or changing circumstances.  Only eternal things endure.

Cease from Thine own Wisdom – Part 4

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Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

Two things not to labour for: [1] Not merely to become rich (23:4). If riches are the sole objective, life becomes empty, priorities become distorted, and eternal matters are neglected. God may bless diligence materially, but wealth must remain a servant, never a master. [2] Not merely for temporary food (John 6:27). Jesus taught: “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” Human beings often devote enormous effort to temporary survival while neglecting eternal life. Food sustains the body briefly; spiritual truth sustains eternally.

Seven things to labour for: [1] Eternal food (John 6:27). Believers should pursue: truth, spiritual growth, righteousness, and eternal reward. The soul requires nourishment just as the body does. [2] To help the poor (Eph. 4:28) – generosity without enabling. While the verse encourages giving, wisdom must guide how we give. Scripture also teaches personal responsibility – those who can work should do so. Helping the poor must not become a way of supporting laziness or unwillingness to take responsibility. Work enables believers to provide for their household, assist the needy, and reflect God’s compassion.

To be continued…

Cease from Thine own Wisdom – Part 3

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Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

Three examples of labouring for riches: [1] Lot (Gen. 13:10) chose the fertile plains of Jordan because they appeared prosperous and well-watered. His decisions were guided by outward prosperity rather than spiritual wisdom. Though he gained temporary wealth, he eventually lost his home, his peace, his wife, and much of his family influence. The pursuit of material advantage led him toward Sodom and spiritual compromise. [2] The rich fool (Luke 12:16-20). Jesus described a wealthy man who stored earthly treasure but neglected his soul. The man believed security came from possessions: “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years.” But God called him a fool because death came before he could enjoy his plans. His tragedy was not wealth itself, but living entirely for temporary things while ignoring eternity. [3] Rich men (1Tim. 6:9-10; Jas. 5:1-6). Scripture warns that many who crave riches fall into temptation, become trapped by harmful desires, oppress others, and harden their hearts. James rebukes wealthy oppressors who have gained riches unjustly and neglected mercy and righteousness. Riches can easily produce false security and spiritual pride when not governed by godliness.

To be continued…

Cease from Thine own Wisdom – Part 2

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Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

This verse does not condemn honest labour, success, or wealth gained through righteousness. Scripture repeatedly praises diligence, wise stewardship, and faithful work. The warning is against making riches the supreme purpose of life.

The phrase “labour not to be rich” means not to make wealth your god, do not exhaust your life chasing material abundance, and do not measure your (or others’) worth by possessions. A person may gain riches yet lose peace, integrity, family, spiritual sensitivity, or eternal reward. The obsession with wealth often produces anxiety, greed, selfishness, and spiritual blindness.

True wisdom teaches to balance work faithfully and provide honestly, but to trust God rather than riches. “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” 1 Timothy 6:10.

Biblical labour has dignity and purpose. God ordained work before the Fall, making labour part of man’s calling and stewardship. The issue is not whether one works hard, but why one works.

Labour becomes sinful when riches become the highest goal, greed governs decisions, or earthly success replaces eternal priorities.

To be continued…

Cease from Thine own Wisdom – Part 1

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Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

Five instructions from a father to his son (continues): [4] Labour not to be rich – do not make wealth your chief pursuit (23:4-5). This passage does not condemn honest labour, diligence, or prosperity, for Scripture often praises faithful work. The warning is against making riches the supreme goal of life. Earthly wealth is uncertain and temporary, for riches “certainly make themselves wings; they fly away.” Money can disappear through economic troubles, sickness, theft, death, poor decisions, or changing circumstances. Therefore, eternal things must come first: wisdom, righteousness, godly character, and one’s relationship with God.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

Human wisdom often teaches success at any cost, wealth as identity, and possessions as security. Biblical wisdom teaches dependence upon God rather than trust in material abundance. A person consumed with gaining wealth may gain money while losing peace, integrity, family, health, or spiritual life. Solomon, instructed by David and writing personally to his sons, teaches throughout this chapter that true wisdom values eternal treasure above earthly gain and remains spiritually discerning in every circumstance.

To be continued…

Consider Diligently – Part 3

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Proverbs 23:1-3 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. 

Five instructions from a father to his son (23:1-5): [1] Consider carefully who is before you and act wisely accordingly (23:1). A ruler’s table was not the place for careless words or uncontrolled behaviour. Wisdom discerns the importance of the moment, the character of the ruler, and the need for restraint and understanding. Wise men understand that character, humility, and wisdom open doors more than appetite does. A person in authority may be observing your self-control, manners, conversation, greed, humility, and whether you can be trusted with responsibility. [2] Put a knife to your throat – exercise strict self-control (23:2). This vivid figure of speech does not advocate literal harm, but strong self-discipline and restraint. The warning is against gluttony, greed, and uncontrolled appetites. A glutton gives the impression of being immature, lacking self-control, and untrustworthy. Temperance and moderation leave a favourable impression, especially among leaders and people of influence. Scripture consistently presents self-control as evidence of wisdom, maturity, and spiritual strength (16:32). [3] Do not lust after delicacies or become impressed by luxury (23:3). The ruler’s luxurious food is called “deceitful meat” because outward luxury can hide hidden motives, obligations, temptations, or pride. The warning is against covetousness, craving luxury, pretending sophistication, or acting as though wealth and status are the highest good. A wise man remains composed whether among kings or common men and is not spiritually weakened by material attraction. Sometimes favours and gifts from powerful people come with expectations attached, and therefore, discernment is necessary. To be continued…

Consider Diligently – Part 2

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Proverbs 23:1-3 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. 

Five examples of men given to appetite: [1] Esau traded his birthright for one meal (Gen. 25:30-34). Temporary craving caused him to despise long-term spiritual blessing. His appetite ruled his judgment. [2] Isaac’s love for savoury food influenced his decisions concerning Esau and caused hatred between his sons (Gen. 25:28; 27:4). Personal appetite weakened spiritual discernment. [3] Nabal feasted excessively and became drunk during a time requiring wisdom and humility (1Sam. 25:36). His indulgence reflected pride and foolishness. [4] Belshazzar held a great feast while judgment approached his kingdom (Daniel 5). In the midst of pleasure and pride, the handwriting appeared on the wall announcing his downfall. His appetite blinded him to spiritual danger. [5] False teachers (Php. 3:18-19). Paul said of some: “whose god is their belly.” Their lives were governed by earthly desires instead of truth and righteousness.

Proverbs 23 teaches that appetite is a good servant but a terrible master. Whether the appetite is for food, wealth, pleasure, honour, or luxury, wisdom requires self-government. A disciplined person can stand before rulers with dignity, but a person ruled by appetite eventually loses honour, discernment, and stability.

To be continued…

Consider Diligently – Part 1

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Proverbs 23:1-3 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. 

Solomon, taught by his father, King David, writes this passage with the understanding found throughout Scripture that believers are not to form close fellowship with worldly and corrupt influences (cf. 1Cor. 5:9-13; 10:20-22; 2Cor. 6:14-18). Therefore, these verses should not be taken out of context. They teach wisdom, self-control, and discernment when in the presence of people of power, influence, wealth, or high status. In ancient times, eating at a ruler’s table was far more than a social occasion; it was often connected to politics, loyalty, honour, and the testing of character. A man’s conduct at such a table revealed his discipline, humility, wisdom, and whether he could be trusted with responsibility.

The phrase “consider diligently” carries the idea of carefully observing, thinking wisely, and conducting oneself with understanding. The emphasis is not merely on the food, but on the situation, the person before you, and the significance of the invitation. One may be observing your manners, self-control, greed, humility, and wisdom in conversation. This passage also warns against becoming overly impressed or excited by luxury, riches, or social standing. A truly wise man remains composed, discerning, and self-controlled, whether seated among kings or among ordinary men. Much of Proverbs 23 is written personally and directly in the second person (“thou”), giving the chapter the tone of a father carefully instructing his son in practical wisdom for everyday life.

To be continued…

A Man Diligent – Part 3

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Proverbs 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. 

In modern life, this proverb applies to every area: work, studies, business, ministry, relationships, and personal growth. A diligent person continues to learn, improve, prepare, and give their best even when no one is watching. Over time, this builds trust, credibility, and opportunity. Excellence often creates openings that talent alone cannot sustain.

Spiritually, believers are also called to diligence in their walk with God. Prayer, studying Scripture, serving others, developing character, and living faithfully all require perseverance and discipline. God honours those who remain steadfast and committed in what He has entrusted to them.

Ultimately, this verse teaches that diligence leads to honour. Faithful, skilful, and disciplined people rise above obscurity because their lives demonstrate reliability and excellence. While promotion may not come immediately, consistent diligence eventually brings respect, influence, and opportunities that careless living never can.