Tag: Advice

He Will Despise the Wisdom – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 23:9,12 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. 

Many hear the truth outwardly yet remain unchanged inwardly because they do not truly receive it with humility and obedience. God desires truth “in the inward parts” (Psa. 51:6). Applying the heart to wisdom means loving correction more than comfort, valuing truth above personal opinion, and seeking God’s ways above human reasoning. It requires meekness, prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a willingness to obey even when obedience is costly. True wisdom is not merely intellectual attainment but the formation of a godly life.

Listening is one of the clearest marks of humility. A wise person understands that growth begins by hearing. Scripture repeatedly says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mat. 11:15). To “give ear” means more than simply hearing sounds; it means attentive, eager, and receptive listening. Pride interrupts, assumes, and resists instruction, but humility listens carefully and weighs counsel rightly. The fool believes he already knows enough, while the wise person remains teachable throughout life (1:5). Even Jesus, in His earthly walk, listened and learned within the order appointed by the Father (Luke 2:46-47, 52). Knowledge received with humility becomes wisdom in practice. Listening guards against error, deepens understanding, and opens the way for correction and maturity. Many problems arise not because the truth was unavailable, but because people refused to listen. Therefore, the wise cultivate a quiet and attentive spirit before God, His Word, and godly counsel.

He Will Despise the Wisdom – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 23:9,12 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. 

Wisdom recognises that not every heart is ready to receive truth. A fool is not merely someone lacking knowledge, but one who despises correction and resists instruction. Even wise counsel, spoken graciously and clearly, may be mocked by a hardened heart. Jesus Himself instructed His disciples not to cast pearls before swine (Matt. 7:6), teaching that sacred truth should not be continually poured into those who trample it underfoot. There is a difference between patient teaching and fruitless striving. Wisdom discerns the condition of the listener and understands that some conversations require silence, prayer, or waiting for God to bring conviction. Rehoboam rejected the counsel of wise elders and listened instead to foolish advice, bringing division upon the kingdom (1Kin. 12:6-16). A teachable spirit welcomes correction, but pride despises it (Pro. 15:12). Therefore, wisdom not only knows what to say, but also when to speak, when to refrain, and where spiritual investment will bear fruit.

Wisdom is not gained casually or accidentally. Scripture calls for deliberate pursuit: “apply your heart.” This speaks of intentional devotion, inward surrender, and a willingness to be shaped by truth. Knowledge that remains only in the mind cannot transform character; wisdom must penetrate the heart. Solomon repeatedly urged his sons to incline their hearts to understanding (2:2), because the heart directs the course of life (4:23).

To be continued…

As He Thinketh, So Is He – Part 3

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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. 

‘And lose thy sweet words.’ The gracious words, appreciation, and fellowship extended toward such a host are ultimately wasted because they were not genuinely received or valued. The guest may have responded with warmth, gratitude, and honour, yet the host’s insincere heart corrupts the relationship. True fellowship requires honesty, goodwill, and mutual affection. Where selfishness rules the heart, even outward acts of generosity become hollow. This proverb, therefore, teaches discernment in relationships and warns against pretending kindness while inwardly cherishing resentment. God desires truth in the inward parts (Psa. 51:6), for sincere love and openhearted generosity reflect His own character.

Discernment in relationships is the God-given ability to rightly perceive the character, motives, influence, and spiritual condition of people. It is not suspicion, harsh judgment, or cynicism, but wisdom guided by truth and the fear of the Lord. Discernment helps a person distinguish between sincere love and hidden selfishness, between wise counsel and flattering speech, and between relationships that strengthen spiritual life and those that slowly corrupt it. Scripture repeatedly teaches that not every smile is trustworthy and not every pleasant word comes from a pure heart.

A discerning person learns to look beyond outward appearances. Many people speak graciously in public, yet harbour envy, manipulation, pride, or bitterness within. Eventually, the true condition of the heart reveals itself through patterns of behaviour, reactions under pressure, treatment of others, and consistency over time. Discernment, therefore, requires patience and observation. Wisdom does not rush to place confidence in people merely because they are charming, generous, emotional, or persuasive. Even satan can appear “as an angel of light” (2Cor. 11:14). For this reason, believers are commanded to “prove all things” and “try the spirits” (1Thess. 5:21; 1Jn. 4:1).

As He Thinketh, So Is He – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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. 

A man may speak kindly while harbouring selfishness, envy, or resentment. Outward friendliness is not always evidence of inward sincerity. Some give gifts, offer hospitality, or speak pleasant words while inwardly calculating cost, seeking advantage, or begrudging what they give. God, however, is never deceived by appearances, for “man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1Sam. 16:7). The Lord weighs motives as well as actions. A generous act without a generous heart loses its true value before God. Scripture repeatedly warns against hypocrisy – lips that honour while the heart remains far away (Isa. 29:13). True kindness flows from love, not obligation, pride, or self-interest.

‘The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up.’ When the hidden spirit behind the stingy man’s hospitality becomes evident, the enjoyment of the meal disappears. What once seemed pleasant becomes deeply uncomfortable because it was not offered freely or lovingly. The vivid picture of vomiting expresses revulsion, regret, and emotional distress. One feels troubled knowing that the kindness shown outwardly was inwardly resented. The conscience becomes uneasy, and the sweetness of the experience is turned bitter. This reveals how greatly sincerity matters in human relationships. Love and generosity cannot be measured merely by what is placed on the table, but by the spirit in which it is given. A small gift given with love brings joy, but an abundance offered grudgingly leaves sorrow behind.

To be continued…

As He Thinketh, So Is He – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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…