Category: Bible

Reproof – Part 2

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Proverbs 17:10 A reproof enters more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

Biblical correction: A sign of love and the path of wisdom (continues): [2] Correction is the mark of the wise – The wise are distinguished by their openness to correction. They see rebuke not as an insult but as an opportunity to grow (9:8-9; 15:31-32). Wisdom is not shown by how much we know, but by how humbly we respond to being corrected. [3] Fools and the proud reject correction – Fools and the hard-hearted hate being corrected. Their pride blinds them to the truth, and they react with anger, denial, or mockery (12:1; 17:10). A foolish person often requires harsher consequences to learn, but even then may not change (27:22). [4] Correction is essential in discipleship and Christian living. Correction plays a vital role in the life of true followers and disciples of Christ. Jesus, Paul, and the early saints often corrected false beliefs, sinful behaviour, and spiritual laziness (2Tim. 3:16-17; Tit. 1:13; Gal. 6:1). Correction should be truthful, firm, and gentle, always aimed at restoration, never destruction. [5] God’s correction brings life, not condemnation – The purpose of divine correction is to make us holy, fruitful, and fit for His kingdom (Heb. 12:10-11). God corrects not to punish, but to purify. Every act of discipline has our eternal good in view.

Correction, whether from Scripture, the Spirit, or others, is a vital tool for spiritual maturity. To reject correction is to reject wisdom and life; to receive it is to walk the path of righteousness (10:17).

Reproof – Part 1

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Proverbs 17:10 A reproof enters more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. 

A single word of correction penetrates deeply into the heart of a wise man, for he welcomes instruction and learns from rebuke. But even a hundred lashes cannot change the heart of a fool, who remains hardened and unteachable. Wisdom listens and grows; folly resists and suffers.

The word “fool” here is from the Hebrew kĕciyl, referring to one who is dull of understanding and morally stubborn.

This contrast highlights the difference between teachable humility and prideful foolishness.

Biblical correction: A sign of love and the path of wisdom: [1] Correction is an expression of love – Biblical correction is not harshness but an act of compassion. To lovingly correct someone is to desire their growth and restoration, not their shame or condemnation. God’s correction is not rejection; it is a mark of His love. Just as a good father disciplines his child to guide him toward wisdom and maturity, so God shapes His children through discipline, because He delights in their growth (3:11-12). Christ’s rebuke is never cold or cruel; it flows from His deep love for His people. His call to repentance is a call to restoration. To be corrected by Him is to be loved by Him (Rev. 3:19). True love doesn’t allow someone to continue in destructive ways. Correction is care in action. To be continued…

Covers A Transgression

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Proverbs 17:9 He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates very friends. 

The one who forgives and discreetly covers over the faults of another demonstrates a heart that desires peace and love. He values the relationship more than the offence. But the one who keeps bringing up past wrongs or spreads them to others destroys even the closest friendships. True love is proven not by exposing weaknesses, but by choosing mercy over gossip and reconciliation over division.

“Love covers all sins” (10:12; 1Pet. 4:8). Repeating a matter can cause long-lasting damage to trust and unity.

A Gift

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Proverbs 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it: whithersoever it turns, it prospers. 

A gift, to the one who possesses it, is like a sparkling jewel; it captures attention and holds great value in their eyes. Wherever it is used, it brings favour and success. The giver may use it to influence outcomes, and the receiver may treasure it for the delight and advantage it brings. Just as a gem reflects light from every angle, so a well-timed gift can open doors and win favour wherever it goes.

‘It prospers’ can mean it finds success or favour in whatever situation it is presented.

This verse may reflect both the positive use of gifts (such as generosity and diplomacy) and the potential misuse (such as bribery or manipulation), depending on the context (cf. Proverbs 18:16; 21:14).

Excellent Speech vs. Lying Lips

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Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. 

Refined and noble speech is out of place on the lips of a fool, just as deceit is a disgrace to a ruler. A fool may mimic the language of wisdom, but it does not suit him; it rings hollow and false, like fine garments worn by a beggar with no understanding of their worth. Even more inappropriate is falsehood in the mouth of a prince, for a ruler is called to lead with truth, justice, and integrity. When he lies, he corrupts the very office he holds.

The Hebrew word for “fool” here is nabal, which denotes someone who is morally senseless, irreverent, or corrupt, a person who despises wisdom and the fear of the Lord (Ps. 14:1). Such a man may attempt to speak with elegance, but wisdom does not dwell within him. His words lack the weight of truth and are often used to manipulate, impress, or deceive rather than to edify or enlighten.

Fools may wear the mask of eloquence, but their hearts remain unchanged. Their speech is out of harmony with their nature.

If foolishness and falsehood are shameful in any man, they are doubly so in a leader, a prince or a ruler. A prince, entrusted with authority and the well-being of others, must walk in truth and righteousness (2Sam. 23:3). When he lies, he not only sins personally but betrays the trust of the people he governs (14:5; 25:5).

A ruler who lies dishonours both his people and his Maker. Truth is the foundation of justice, and without it, leadership collapses into tyranny or chaos.

Noble words belong to those of a noble heart. To see a fool speak with elegance is as unsettling as seeing a prince speak lies; it violates the order of wisdom and undermines integrity. Let us seek not only refined speech, but hearts refined by truth and righteousness, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34).

The Crown of Old Men

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Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. 

‘Children’s children are the crown of old men…’ Grandchildren are a source of deep joy and honour to the aged. They are not merely a sign of family continuation but a living testimony to a life well-lived, a legacy extended, and a heritage passed down through generations. Just as a crown adorns the head of a king, so do grandchildren adorn the hearts of grandparents with pride, affection, and fulfilment.

In turn, children look to their parents as a source of identity and honour. A righteous and faithful father becomes a model for his children, a standard they admire, a legacy they inherit, and a name they bear with pride. The integrity, wisdom, and love of a parent become the “glory” of the child, shaping their self-worth and values.

A child must have the correct guidance to ensure that he will choose the path of righteousness (22:6). Guide him with firm instruction from the very start when he first begins to walk life’s path. Teach him not only what is right, but show him how to do it: how to carry out responsibilities, avoid the traps of danger, and embrace the blessings found in a godly life. Impress these truths deeply into his heart through consistent teaching, example, and practice, until they become second nature. Cover him in prayer, and plant within him a reverent awe for God. Then, even when he is grown and makes his own choices, he will remain on that path.

His Maker – Part 2

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Proverbs 17:5 Whoso mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 

Those who find joy in the suffering or downfall of others are not guiltless. To be glad at another’s calamity is to harden one’s heart against compassion and mercy, virtues central to God’s own nature. Such joy in destruction is a sin that God promises to punish.

Two biblical examples of being punished for rejoicing at calamity: [1] The Tyrians – “Son of man, because that Tyrus had said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken… I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee…” (Ezek. 26:2-6). Tyre rejoiced at Jerusalem’s fall, expecting to profit from her ruin. But God judged Tyre severely. [2] The Edomites – “In the day that thou stood on the other side… even thou was as one of them… neither should thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah…” (Obad. 1:10-15). Edom stood by and gloated over Judah’s destruction. For this, God declared judgment.

The phrase “shall not be unpunished” means that such a person will not go guiltless before God. He who mocks the poor or rejoices in calamity places himself under divine judgment. God is a just Judge and will not overlook cruelty or pride disguised as pleasure.

Let us walk in humility and compassion, knowing that every soul, rich or poor, is made in the image of God. To mock the weak or celebrate another’s fall is to stand in opposition to the heart of God. “He that has mercy on the poor, lends unto the Lord” (19:17), and “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7).

His Maker – Part 1

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Proverbs 17:5 Whoso mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 

This verse is a solemn warning against two grievous sins: mocking the poor and rejoicing over the misfortunes of others. Both are offences not only against humanity but against God Himself, who is the Creator and Judge of all. To scorn or belittle the poor is to show contempt for the One who made them. God is the Maker of both rich and poor (14:31), and He sees every soul as valuable. When someone mocks the poor, they mock the God who fashioned them with care and purpose.

Two biblical examples of mocking the poor: [1] The Princes of Judah – “The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients of His people, and the princes thereof: for you have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.” (Isa. 3:14-15). “To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor…” (Isa. 10:2). These leaders oppressed the poor for personal gain, revealing their contempt for God’s justice. [2] The rich in James’ Epistle – “Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields… cries: and the cries… are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.” (Jas. 5:4). The wealthy withheld wages and exploited workers, showing heartless disregard for the needy. To be continued…

Wickedness Part 2

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Proverbs 17:4 A wicked doer gives heed to false lips; and a liar gives ear to a naughty tongue.

Four great sins (continues): [3] Mockery – Whoso mocks the poor reproaches his Maker (17:5). Mockery reveals a heart filled with pride and void of compassion. It scorns those whom God loves, the weak, the suffering, and the lowly. Proverbs 3:34 declares, “Surely He scorns the scorners: but He gives grace unto the lowly.” To mock others is to exalt oneself above them in arrogance, forgetting that all men stand equal before a holy God. The wicked do not correct with love; they tear down with ridicule. [4] Gloating – Rejoice not when thine enemy falls (24:17). Gloating is the joy of the wicked when others stumble. It is a cruel delight in another’s downfall. But Scripture warns that the Lord sees it and it displeases Him (24:18). The godly mourn over sin and destruction, even of their enemies, while the wicked celebrate it. Gloating reveals a heart hardened to mercy and blind to its own need for grace.

A wicked person not only sins but celebrates it in others. He listens to lies, lives by deceit, laughs at the broken, and delights in ruin. But the Lord sees the heart and tries the reins. “He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy” (28:13). Let the wise fear the Lord, turn from evil and walk in truth, humility, and compassion, for these are the marks of the righteous.

Wickedness Part 1

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Proverbs 17:4 A wicked doer gives heed to false lips; and a liar gives ear to a naughty tongue. 

The path of the wicked is not only shaped by evil deeds but also by the company and counsel he keeps. He lends his ear to lies, welcomes corruption into his heart, and walks in agreement with the crooked. Wickedness is rarely solitary; it grows in the soil of falsehood and is fed by voices that oppose truth.

Four great sins: [1] Lying – a lying tongue is but for a moment (12:19). Lying is the foundation of many evils. A wicked man not only lies but loves it. He prefers the comfort of a flattering falsehood over the sting of saving truth. The Scripture warns that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but they that deal truly are His delight (12:22). To lie is to speak in the native tongue of satan, the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Every false word spoken is a wound against trust, truth and the image of God in man. [2] Deceit – the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jer. 17:9). Deceit is more subtle than lying; it is the art of leading others astray with half-truths, silence, or misdirection. It wears the mask of innocence while plotting harm. The wicked do not only fall into deceit, they use it as a tool. Psalm 5:6 says, “The Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.” Deceit destroys relationships, erodes justice, and cloaks evil under the pretence of good. To be continued…