Category: Doctrine

A Scorner

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Proverbs 14:6 A scorner seeks wisdom, and finds it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understands. 

‘A scorner seeks wisdom.’ Rebels seek wisdom but don’t find it because they reject God, the source of wisdom (1:7; 9:10).

‘Finds it not’ – Three examples of not finding truth: the Jews in Christ’s ministry (Matt. 13:15); the Jews in Paul’s ministry (Acts 13:41) and the Athenians (2Cor. 1:23; 2:8).

‘But knowledge is easy unto him that understands.’ Knowledge is hard for the one who rebels and won’t believe the truth when he hears it, but it is easy for him to understand who is open to truth and will believe what he hears (Matt. 13:10-17).

A Witness

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Proverbs 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. 

‘Faithful witness’ – Five examples of faithful witnesses: Joseph (Gen. 37:2); John the Baptist (Matt. 3:1-17; John 1:7-28); Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:5); the apostles (Acts 5:32) and Paul (Acts 20:21-27; 22:15).

Joseph reported on his brother’s evil doings because of his dreams which made a deep impression on them. Envy, selfishness and pride were the roots of the crimes that they committed against him.

John the Baptist was sent by God to testify of Christ’s first ascension (John 1:6-8).

Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness as noted in Revelation 1:5. It is the Greek word martus, meaning witness and martyr. Jesus was both a witness and a martyr (Rev. 3:4; 1Pet. 2:24; Heb. 3:2).

The apostles were the witnesses of Christ whom God had exalted to His right hand to be the Prince and Saviour of the world. 

‘False witness’ – Four examples of false witnesses: Ten spies (Num. 13:32); False prophets (1Kin. 22:6-27); Jewish men (Matt. 26:60-61) and Tertullus (Acts 24:1-9).

Oxen

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Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. 

‘Oxen’ – The ox was the most profitable farm animal. It excels the horse in every respect except speed.

Twelve ways an ox is better than a horse: It lives longer. It is not as likely to be diseased. It is a more steady worker. It fattens and maintains its strength on what a horse will not eat. It costs less to feed. Its manure is more profitable. When worn out, its flesh is still good for food. Its horns are useful. Its hide is more valuable. It doesn’t need shoes. Its harness is cheaper and simpler. It is more patient and docile, and less dangerous.

‘Increase is by the strength of the ox.’ An increase in material prosperity comes by utilizing the oxen for labour.

A Rod of Pride

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Proverbs 14:3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 

‘In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.’ The words of the foolish man are a source of pride causing his fall, but those of the wise man keep him from falling.

The pride of life are mainly caused by: (1) Self-righteousness (Job 32:1). (2) Positions (Gen. 3:5; Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6; 3Jn. 1:9). (3) Power (Lev. 26:19). (4) Riches (Ps. 39:6; Ezek. 28:5). (5) Beauty (Ezek. 28:11, 17). (6) War strength (2Chr. 26:16). (7) Constant boasting of one’s self; glorying in sexual activity; pleasures; and all the vanity of life (1Jn. 2:15; Ps. 24:4; 36:2; Isa. 3:16).

Walks in His Uprightness

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Proverbs 14:2 He that walks in his uprightness fears the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despises him. 

‘He that walks in his uprightness fears the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despises him.’ The upright fear the Lord, but the perverse man despises Him.

To fear God doesn’t mean the dread of a vengeful Being ready to punish man for the least infraction of His law. Rather, it has to do with respect and reverence for God as Father and Benefactor. Men must learn to respect God as the Lawgiver and Judge, keeping in mind the justice of God as well as His mercy and longsuffering. No man can walk with Him safely who has lost the fear of God.

Fourteen kinds of fear God delivers us from: [1] Fear of man (Gen. 15:1; Luke 12:5; Heb. 13:6). Referred to 35 times in Scripture. Fear of God is referred to 160 times. We are to respect, reverence, and honour God and have no fear of man. Man is told 80 times not to fear, referring to fears that should not distress anyone who trusts in God. [2] Fear of death (Gen. 21:17; 35:17; Heb. 2:15)[3] Fear of the future (Gen. 46:3; 50:19-21). [4] Fear of danger (Ex. 14:13). [5] Fear of idol gods (Jdg. 6:10; 2Kin. 17:35-38). [6] Fear of dreams (Job 4:14-16). [7] Fear of evil (Ps. 23:4; Pro. 1:33). [8] Fear of war (Ps. 27:3). [9] Fear of nothing – imaginative fear (Ps. 53:5). [10] Fear of enemies (Ps. 118:6). [11] Fear of punishment (Pro. 1:26-27). [12] Fear of darkness (Son. 3:8). [13] Fear of ghosts (Matt. 14:26). [14] Spirit of fear (2Tim. 1:6-7).

A Wise Woman

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Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands. 

‘Every wise woman … foolish.’ Six contrasted classes: The wise woman (14:1) and the foolish woman. The righteous (14:2). The wicked and perverse. The foolish man (14:3). The wise man.

‘Wise woman builds her house: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.’ The wise woman through proper management increases the property, furniture, food and clothing of the household, but the thriftless woman causes these blessings to depart.

Thirty-one characteristics of a virtuous woman from Proverbs 31:10-31: Morally perfect (complete) and invaluable. Trustworthy. Inherently good and true. Ingenious – proficient. Thrifty – laborious. Dutiful – considerate. Versatile – judicious. Tireless – healthy. Joyful – efficient. Watchful – cautious. Thrifty – skilful. Charitable – benevolent. Generous – merciful. Fearless – provident. Clever at decorating – furnishing. Refined in taste. Respected – popular. Industrious – prosperous. Dependable – honest. Confident – hopeful. Wise – discreet. Kind – understanding. Prudent – practical. Energetic – ever active. An ideal wife and mother. Honoured by her family. Excels in virtue. God-fearing – humble. Deserving – successful. Honoured by the public.

The Belly of the Wicked

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Proverbs 13:25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want. 

‘The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.’ The righteous are content with moderate desires and pleased with their lot in life, but the wicked are never satisfied.

All classes of the wicked are like the troubled sea that cannot be still and constantly stirs up the mire and dirt of sin and corruption. They have no peace (Isa. 57:20-21), no calmness of soul or spirit; their passions and appetites keep them in continual turmoil seeking something satisfying; the wealth, business, pleasure, pride, pomp, flattery, and unrest of the world only keep them dissatisfied; and strong undercurrents of malice, jealousy, lust, revenge, strife, and ambitions to outdo others keep them at war with God and fellowmen. The guilt of a past life and the burning memories of wrongdoing agitate the sinner day and night to cover up his evil, but he cannot escape the fear of hell and future reaping.

Hates His Son

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Proverbs 13:24 He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him betimes. 

‘He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him betimes.’ He who withholds chastening from his son hates him, but he who corrects and trains his child has his future at heart. Four examples of failure to correct sons: Jacob (Gen. 37:1-36); Eli (1Sam. 3:13; 4:11); David (2Sam. 13:39; 14:25) and Samuel (1Sam. 8:1-9).

Silliness and perverseness are born in every child, but the rod of correction is the remedy. It is necessary to drive such things from a child; hence, he that spares the rod hates his son (13:24; 19:18; 23:13-14).

Whoever fears God will endeavour also to bring his children up to fear Him and live holy in both word and deed (2Cor. 7:1; Eph. 6:4; Php. 2:12; Heb. 12:28).

Judgment

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Proverbs 13:23  Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. 

‘Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.’ The poor may sow enough to have plenty of food, but lack of management often keeps them in poverty. They have very little foresight. When they get something they quickly spend it or have a big feast and then go without for a long time.

Sinners prosper through sin and cheating and many saints live in poverty partly because they do not seek unjust gain as sinners do. The ungodly steal, cheat, gain by every conceivable means and live off the labour and ignorance of the poor. The brewer lives off the society which he damns by his product. Thousands of the poor are robbed and forced to support him. The arrogant mistress lives in pleasure and sin while the virtuous girl toils in the sweatshop denying herself pleasure of sin because she has a hope of the future. Life is so inequitable and changeable. The wicked take advantage of the righteous and thousands cry for help, refusing to break God’s laws to get revenge. Justice demands that all men live again eternally that they might receive of the things done in the body whether they be good or bad (Matt. 10:41-42; 16:27; 19:28-30; Rom. 14:10; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:9-10; Heb. 9:27; Rev. 20:11-15).

An Inheritance

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Proverbs 13:22  A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 

‘A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.’ A good man leaves an inheritance of prayers, a godly life, a good name, a wonderful example, and many cherished memories, and in some cases, houses, lands, and wealth for his children. In contrast, the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Neither Jewish nor Roman law permitted the father to make arbitrary disposal of all his estate. Only sons received the inheritance; daughters shared if there were no sons (Gen. 31:14; Num. 27:8). Job seems to be a special case (Job 42:15). The first son always received a double portion (Deut. 21:17).