Category: Proverbs

Contention

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. 

‘Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.’ By pride comes contention and strife between men and nations, but those who hear counsel will act wisely and suppress it.

It is as impossible for contention to start where there is no contentious person as it is for fire to start and continue without coals of fire and fuel (26:21).

‘Contention’ – Four examples of pride causing contention: Korah (Num. 16:1-50); the men of Ephraim (Jdg. 12:1-6); Rehoboam (1Kin. 12:1-33) and the apostles (Luke 22:24).

Contention (strife) is one of the cut-off sins from the fruit of the flesh of Galatians 5:19-21 It is the Greek word eritheia, “strife” (Gal. 5:20; 2Cor. 12:20; Php. 2:3; Jas. 3:14, 16); “contention” (Php. 1:16; Rom. 2:8) and can be anything from disputations; jangling; strife about words; angry contentions; contest for superiority or advantage; strenuous endeavour to equal or pay back in kind the wrongs done to one.

Shall Be Put Out

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous rejoices: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 

‘The light of the righteous rejoices: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.’ This is the 8th prophecy in Proverbs (13:9). All the wicked will be turned into hell (Matt. 16:18; Luke 16:19-31).

The English word “hell” is defined as “the abode of evil spirits; infernal regions; place of eternal punishment or extreme torment; in ancient times, the place of departed spirits.” The word infernal means “belonging to hell.” The word inferno is another word for “the infernal regions; hell.” Gehenna is defined as “the place of future torment; hell; hell-fire.” Tartarus is defined as “the place of punishment in the lower world.” Hell is the torment compartment of Sheol/Hades where wicked souls have always gone and will always go until the end of the Millennium. Then the wicked will be brought out of here to be reunited with their resurrected immortal bodies, and cast into the lake of fire for eternity (Rev. 20:11-15).

Rich vs. Poor

~ iolaHC ~ 2 Comments

Proverbs 13:7-8 There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing: there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor hears not rebuke. 

‘There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing: there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches.’ This proverb could have two meanings: The rich, poor man who hoards all riches for himself, not giving to others so he can receive true riches; and the poor rich man who gives his all for others and is rich in God (Luke 6:38; 12:21; 2Cor. 9:6). A poor man who pretends to be rich, and a rich man who pretends to be poor.

‘The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor hears not rebuke.’ A rich man may be able to ransom his life by giving him riches, but no amount of threats will force a poor man to pay anything.

Righteousness vs. Wickedness – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 13:5-6 A righteous man hates lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and comes to shame. Righteousness keeps him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

Reasons for God not to hold His peace with the wicked: The mouth of the wicked and deceitful man is opened against the righteous (Ps. 109:2). They have lied against the righteous. They surrounded him with words of hatred (Ps. 109:3). They fought against him without cause. They are his adversaries despite his love toward them (Ps. 109:4). They have rewarded him evil for good (Ps. 109:5). They have rewarded his love with hatred.

Characteristics of the wicked: They speak wicked and deceitful words (Ps. 109:2). They speak lying words and words of hatred and they hate without cause (Ps. 109:3). They despise the love of good men (Ps. 109:4) and return evil for good (Ps. 109:5). They return hatred for love and are agents of satan (Ps. 109:6). They pose as prayerful men (Ps. 109:7) but are unmerciful (Ps. 109:16). They are oppressors of the poor and needy and murderers of helpless and innocent men. They love cursing (Ps. 109:17-19). They lack appreciation of blessings (Ps. 109:17). They speak evil of others (Ps. 109:20) and reproach good men (Ps. 109:25). They lack pity and kindness and are adversaries of good men (Ps. 109:29). They condemn the poor and needy (Ps. 109:31).  

Righteousness vs. Wickedness – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 13:5-6 A righteous man hates lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and comes to shame. Righteousness keeps him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 

‘A righteous man hates lying.’ Five examples of hating lying: Joseph (Gen. 46:31-34); Samuel (1Sam. 3:18); Micaiah (1Kin. 22:13-14; Pro. 14:5); Jeremiah (Jer. 26:1-15) and John the Baptist (Matt. 14:4).

‘But a wicked man is loathsome, and comes to shame.’ Five examples of the wicked coming to shame: Jehoram (2Chr. 21:18-19); Gehazi (2Kin. 5:27); Jezebel (2Kin. 9:35); Manasseh (2Kin. 21:7-13) and Herod (Acts 12:21-23).

‘Righteousness keeps him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthrows the sinner.’ Righteousness protects the upright, but sin destroys the sinner.

To be continued…

The Sluggard

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 13:4  The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. 

‘The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.’ The sluggard’s desires are not satisfied, but those of the righteous are.

As vinegar sets the teeth on edge and as smoke irritates the eyes, so the sluggard hurts and grieves those who send him (10:26). The slothful man, under the excuse of unfavourable weather, neglects to cultivate his land till the proper time has passed, so he has to go begging in time of harvest (20:4). A lazy man is more self-conceited and wise in his own eyes than seven reputable wise men who can truly solve problems (26:16).

Eighteen facts about the sluggard or slothful: They are unteachable, careless, and indifferent (6:6-9). They love excessive sleep (9:9; 19:15; 24:33). They are irritating to others (10:26). They are servants to others (12:24). They are too lazy to cook food (12:27). They are wishful thinkers (13:4; 24:34). They have a life full of troubles (15:19). They are great wasters (18:9). They are lazy (19:24; 24:30-34; 26:14-15). They refuse to work (20:4; 21:25). They make the most senseless excuses for their laziness (22:13; 26:13). They are void of understanding (24:30). They permit property to ruin (24:31-34; Eccl. 10:18). They are too lazy to move themselves (26:14). They are conceited (26:16). They are unfaithful to trust (Matt. 25:26). They are unbelievers (Heb. 6:12). They lack business ability (Rom. 12:11).

Keeps His Life

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 13:2-3 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keeps his mouth keeps his life: but he that opens wide his lips shall have destruction. 

‘A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressor shall eat violence.’ The mouth of a righteous man produces blessing and life, but the mouth of sinners produces cursing and destruction (13:2-3; 1Pet. 3:10-11; Jas. 3:1-18). The control of the tongue is commanded by God (Jas. 1:26; 3:1-18). We have two eyes and two ears, suggesting we should see and hear more than speak with the one tongue fenced with teeth.

Eighteen secrets of a long life: Freedom from fear (Ps. 34:4). Quickening from God (Ps. 34:5). Boldness – freedom from shame. Freedom from troubles (Ps. 34:6). Divine deliverance (Ps. 34:7). Partaking of God’s life (Ps. 34:8). Absolute trust in God. Fear of God (Ps. 34:7-9). Freedom from want (Ps. 34:9-10). Seeking God first (Ps. 34:10, 15; Matt. 6:33). Godly teaching (Ps. 34:11; 2Tim. 3:15). Control of the tongue (Ps. 34:12-13). Godliness – departing from evil (Ps. 34:14-16). Consecration to doing good (Ps. 34:14). Seeking and pursuing peace. Brokenness and humility (Ps. 34:18). Salvation of the soul (Ps. 34:22). Prosperity – freedom from worry.

A Wise Son

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son hears his father’s instruction: but a scorner hears not rebuke. 

‘A wise son hears his father’s instruction: but a scorner hears not rebuke.’ His father’s rebuke will correct a wise son, but a scorner will not profit from it. A wise son honours his parents, but a foolish one despises them (15:20). A wise son is a pleasure to parents (23:15-16; 3:12; 10:1; 15:20; 23:24-25; 29:3). Proverbs 17:21, 25; 19:13, 26; 20:20; 28:7, 24; 30:11, 17, refers to fools making parents unhappy.

Twenty-three characteristics of a wise son: He hears and obeys parents (1:5; 23:24). He increases knowledge (1:5; 12:15). He profits by examples (6:6). He profits by rebukes (9:8; 15:31). He increases wisdom (9:9). He is diligent in business (10:5). He welcomes commandments (10:8). He lays up knowledge (10:14). He controls lips, tongue (10:10; 17:28). He rules well (11:29). He is a success in soul-winning (11:30). He loves company of wise men (13:20). He builds for the future (14:1). He departs from evil (14:16). He utters knowledge rightly (15:2, 7). He makes parents happy (23:15). He seeks knowledge (18:15). He lives in soberness (20:1). He solves problems of men (21:22). He increases strength (24:5). He keeps the law (28:7). He turns away from contention (29:8). He controls himself in strife (29:11).

The Way of Righteousness – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

The conditions of eternal life (continues): Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (1Tim. 6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it – eternal life (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12). Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 1Jn. 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John 3:1-36; 10:27-29).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

The Way of Righteousness – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death. 

‘In the way of righteousness is life.’ Two things in the path of the righteous: Eternal life (Matt. 7:14) and immortality (1Pet. 3:4).

This way is a narrow way that leads to life but it cannot be given as an unforfeitable right until the end of the narrow way (John. 6:27; 10:1-28; 15:1-8).

The conditions of eternal life: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood – partake in the Lord’s Supper (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58). Labour to live as Christ (John 6:27, 1Pet. 2:21-23). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Don’t cause any offence to others (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep His commandments – obey His Word (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14).

To be continued…