Category: Bible

Not Seemly

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 

This proverb warns against the reversal of proper order when those unfit for honour or power receive it. It encourages discernment in granting privilege and authority, underscoring that true honour belongs to the wise and responsible. It highlights two situations that violate the natural and moral order of things:

[1] A fool enjoying luxury and honour – it is unfitting for someone morally foolish and lacking wisdom to live in luxury, receive honour, or behave as if he were royalty. Such people are unprepared to handle privilege responsibly. When fools have wealth or status, it often leads to arrogance, indulgence, and moral decay (17:7; 26:1). Instead of using honour for good, they misuse it for self-glory or destructive behaviour. Wealth and position require wisdom, humility, and discipline. Without these, they become dangerous to the person and those around them.

[2] A servant ruling over princes – even more absurd and harmful is when an unfit servant or slave rises to rule over those who are themselves leaders (princes). Such a person often lacks the character, wisdom, or noble spirit required for fair and gracious leadership. He may become oppressive or tyrannical, abusing authority rather than serving the good of others. Authority should rest with those trained and equipped for it. When power is given to the unworthy, chaos and injustice often follow.

Keeps Understanding – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:8 He that gets wisdom loves his own soul: he that keeps understanding shall find good. 

‘He that keeps understanding shall find good.’ It is not enough to gain wisdom once; the second part of the verse emphasises the importance of retaining and applying what you learn. “Keeping understanding” implies guarding it, holding to it faithfully, and living it out daily.

Those who do so will “find good”, meaning they will encounter blessing, favour, success, and peace as a result of walking in God’s ways. This “good” is not merely material; it is spiritual richness, healthy relationships, sound decision-making, and ultimately, the approval of God.

To seek wisdom is to value your own soul. It is an act of love for yourself in the truest and holiest sense. To guard and apply understanding is the pathway to a life marked by true goodness and divine favour. Wisdom is not just for the mind – it is for the soul, shaping the entire direction and outcome of one’s life.

Keeps Understanding – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:8 He that gets wisdom loves his own soul: he that keeps understanding shall find good. 

This proverb affirms that seeking and living by godly wisdom is not only a spiritual pursuit but an act of self-care and preservation. The one who earnestly seeks wisdom demonstrates that he truly values his own life – both now and eternally.

‘He that gets wisdom loves his own soul…’ To pursue wisdom is to invest in your own well-being. You are not merely gathering knowledge, but aligning your heart with truth, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord, the foundation of all wisdom (9:10). In doing so, you show that you love your own soul enough to guide it in the path that leads to life, peace, and blessing. It is a recognition that living wisely is not restrictive; it’s protective. Wisdom guards your soul from sin, foolishness, destruction, and regret. In essence, seeking wisdom is a form of spiritual self-love, a wise and godly love for the eternal value of your own life.

Many chase after things they think will benefit their lives, money, fame, and status, but wisdom brings lasting reward. When you love wisdom, you are not only choosing to live rightly before God, but you are also safeguarding your soul for eternity. In contrast, rejecting wisdom leads to spiritual neglect, self-destruction, and eventual ruin – Proverbs 8:36 states “He that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul”. To be continued…

Intreat the Favour – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that gives gifts. 

Scripture repeatedly cautions against placing trust in man’s favour or worldly wealth, which can be fleeting and deceptive (Pro. 23:5; Jer. 17:5). True friendship is not measured by gifts received, but by love, faithfulness, and sacrifice. Jesus Himself modelled this perfectly. He gave without expecting repayment and befriended those who had nothing to offer Him.

Consider this contrast: Worldly friendships are often transactional: “What can I get from this person?” Godly friendships are covenantal: “How can I bless this person, even at a cost to myself?”

This verse also subtly points to the fickle nature of the crowd. Today, people may praise the rich or powerful, but that affection can quickly turn cold when the benefits stop. That is why Proverbs 18:24 reminds us: “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” – a reference that finds ultimate fulfilment in Christ, our faithful friend and unchanging companion.

People often seek the favour of rulers or the wealthy out of self-interest, not sincerity. Generosity may win many “friends,” but these relationships are frequently shallow or temporary. True friendship is tested by adversity, not abundance. Believers are called to pursue genuine, godly relationships rooted in love, not gain, reflecting the nature of Christ.

Intreat the Favour – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that gives gifts. 

This proverb offers a realistic observation of human behaviour, particularly concerning social dynamics and the allure of wealth or power. It reveals how people are often motivated by self-interest in their relationships and interactions.

The phrase “Many will intreat the favour of the prince” refers to how those in power or of high status frequently receive special attention. People flock to them, seeking their goodwill, influence, or blessing, hoping to gain something in return, an opportunity, a position, or a material advantage. These entreaties are rarely rooted in genuine friendship or loyalty, but are often motivated by what the person hopes to gain.

The second part, “Every man is a friend to him that gives gifts,” further illustrates the theme: generosity attracts attention and apparent friendship, but often from those whose hearts are not truly committed. Many are eager to befriend the generous man, but their friendship may be shallow, lasting only as long as the benefits continue.

This proverb doesn’t condemn generosity or honour, but it warns us to discern the motives of those around us. Not everyone who shows affection or interest is a true friend. Likewise, it reminds us not to base our relationships on what we can gain, but rather on sincerity, mutual respect, and godly character.

To be continued…

A False Witness – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:5, 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall perish.

Scripture does not leave this subject in the realm of earthly consequences alone. Revelations clearly speaks of the eternal judgment reserved for liars: “But the fearful, and unbelieving… and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:8) “For without [the heavenly city] are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” (Rev. 22:15)

These are not idle threats. They show the eternal seriousness of truth in God’s kingdom. The unrepentant liar, especially the one who lives by deceit, chooses a path that leads away from God and ultimately to destruction. The world may tolerate lies, excuse them, or even reward them in politics, business, or social relationships. But God’s standard is eternal and unchanging. He sees every false word, and He will judge righteously. At the same time, the gospel offers mercy and transformation. Through Christ, the liar can be forgiven, cleansed, and changed into one who loves truth:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1Jn. 1:9) Proverbs 19:5 and 9 firmly declare that false witnesses and habitual liars will not escape punishment, whether in this life or the next. God’s justice will prevail. All lies will be exposed, and all liars judged unless they repent. Revelation warns that liars have no place in the eternal kingdom, but rather face eternal separation in the lake of fire. Yet in Christ, there is hope, forgiveness, and the power to change and always live in truth.

A False Witness – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:5, 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall perish. 

These two verses, nearly identical in structure, emphasise the certainty and severity of judgment for those who lie, especially in matters of testimony and justice. The repetition serves as a double warning: lying may offer a temporary advantage, but it will ultimately lead to ruin.

A false witness is someone who intentionally distorts the truth, particularly in legal or serious matters, putting others at risk. The Hebrew concept includes not just lying in court, but any deliberate misrepresentation that harms others. God’s law was clear about this: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16).

Such a sin strikes at the heart of justice and truth, two things that are foundational to God’s character and kingdom. The Lord is a God of truth (Deut. 32:4), and He abhors deceit.

Both verses assure that a false witness will “not go unpunished.” The justice of God cannot be mocked or delayed forever. Even if the liar escapes human consequences, they will not escape divine judgment.

The phrase “he that speaks lies shall not escape” (v.5) and “shall perish” (v.9) further intensify the warning. Lying is not merely a moral weakness; it is a soul-destroying sin when practised deliberately and unrepentantly. It shows alignment not with God, but with the devil, who is called “the father of lies” (John 8:44).

To be continued…

The Poor – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:4-7 Wealth makes many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. 

Verse 7 continues the theme, painting an even more painful picture. Not only are strangers or neighbours distant from the poor man, but even his own brothers, his family, turn away from him. Their rejection is not just emotional but practical; they withdraw their support, their presence, and their affection. The word ‘hate’ here can be understood as a deep rejection or abandonment.

And if even his brothers despise him, how much more easily do his so-called friends disappear? When his poverty becomes evident, those who once enjoyed his company quickly distance themselves. He pursues them with words, perhaps pleading for help, or simply seeking companionship, but they do not answer. They are “wanting to him” – they are absent, unavailable, unwilling.

This verse shows the emotional and relational suffering of poverty. The poor are often not just financially disadvantaged; they are socially isolated, emotionally abandoned, and relationally ignored. The pain is compounded when it comes from those who should love and care for them the most.

These verses challenge us to consider our own hearts. Do we gravitate toward people based on what they can offer us? Do we show more honour to the rich than to the poor? Scripture commands us otherwise: “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons… Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom?” (James 2:1,5)

Jesus Himself came not with riches but in humility. He befriended the poor, the outcast, the sinner, those whom society often rejects. In doing so, He revealed the heart of God, who “raises the poor out of the dust” (Ps. 113:7) and judges not by wealth, but by righteousness.

The Poor – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:4-7 Wealth makes many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. 

This verse highlights a sobering truth about human nature and society: wealth attracts people, while poverty repels them. A rich man finds himself surrounded by many “friends” not necessarily because of genuine affection, but often because of the benefits his wealth brings. People may draw close to him for favours, influence, or shared prosperity.

In contrast, the poor man, lacking the resources to offer social or material advantages, is often abandoned, even by those closest to him. He becomes isolated, “separated from his neighbour,” not because of wrongdoing, but simply because he has nothing to give. This reflects the shallow, transactional tendencies of human relationships when not governed by godly love.

This verse doesn’t endorse such behaviour; it exposes it. It calls the reader to recognise the unfairness and superficiality of valuing people based on what they possess, rather than who they are. True friendship should not be based on gain, but on loyalty, love, and character.

To be continued…

Foolishness

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:3 The foolishness of man perverted his way: and his heart fretted against the LORD. 

Here, the proverb reveals a deep truth about human nature: people often ruin their own lives through foolish choices and then blame God for the consequences. The fool, through pride, rebellion, or ignorance, “perverts his way” – he twists the path that was meant to lead to righteousness.

Yet, when hardship comes, “his heart frets against the Lord” – he becomes angry with God, resentful, or questioning of His justice, as though divine fault is to blame for self-inflicted wounds.

Scripture provides us with five clear examples of people who fretted against God: Adam, who blamed Eve (and indirectly God) for his sin (Gen. 3:12); Cain, who became angry and despondent after his offering was rejected (Gen. 4:13-14); and Jehoram, who blamed God when he saw no hope (2Kin. 3:10-13; 6:33). Jonah, who grew angry when God showed mercy (Jonah 4:1-9). Israel, who repeatedly murmured against the Lord in the wilderness (Num. 14:2-3; 20:2-5; 21:4-6).

This verse warns us: Don’t blame God for the consequences of your own folly. Instead, examine your ways, seek wisdom, and humbly return to the path He has laid out for you.

Proverbs 19:1-3 presents a progression of spiritual wisdom: integrity is more valuable than riches (v. 1). Knowledge and patience prevent sin (v. 2). Fools distort their lives and blame God (v. 3).

These verses teach us to value character over wealth, to seek wisdom before acting, and to own our choices rather than blaming the Lord. Above all, they point us back to humility, discernment, and trust in God’s righteous ways.