Tag: Christianity

Out in Obscure Darkness

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Proverbs 20:20  Whoso curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. 

This verse emphasises the seriousness of honouring parents and the spiritual consequences of rebellion.

Cursing one’s parents is a serious violation of God’s law and natural order. It includes: Verbal abuse or disrespect toward father and mother, and contempt, rebellion, or failure to honour them.

“And he that curses his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death” (Exo. 21:17). “For every one that curses his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him” (Lev. 20:9).

‘His lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.’ Symbolises utter ruin, loss of blessing, and premature death or judgment. God sees such behaviour as utterly destructive to one’s life and legacy.

Three unfailing laws are illustrated in connection with this verse: Death and no posterity for cursing parents. The Old Testament law prescribed capital punishment for cursing father or mother, demonstrating the severity of this sin. The consequence shall be loss of life and blessing, leaving no descendants.  Inheritances or gains without diligence often produce pride, laziness, and moral corruption.

Honour and integrity must accompany all blessings. Do not repay evil with evil (20:22). Trust God for justice; retaliation brings no blessing. Patience, obedience, and reliance on God’s judgment lead to life and salvation.

Respect, honour, and obeying parents [in God] – this is foundational to a godly life. Understand that disobedience and cursing bring serious consequences spiritually, socially, and morally. Trust God to deal with injustice; do not repay evil with evil. Recognise that blessings, inheritance, and family legacy are tied to obedience, honour, and integrity. Cursing or dishonouring parents cuts one off from blessings and divine protection. Honour and obedience preserve life, legacy, and spiritual favour.

A Talebearer

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Proverbs 20:19  He that goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flatters with his lips. 

This verse warns against gossip, betrayal, and flattery with hidden motives. A talebearer spreads gossip, discloses confidential information, and stirs strife. Such a person betrays trust by repeating what is told in confidence; causes quarrels, misunderstandings, and division and damages relationships, reputations, and communities.

“A froward man sows strife: and a whisperer separates chief friends” (16:28).  “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly” (18:8).

‘Therefore meddle not with him that flatters with his lips.’ Flattering words may mask malicious intent. Talebearers often use flattery to gain trust, then betray it by spreading secrets.

Avoid close association or partnership with those who: Speak deceitfully; manipulate others with smooth or pleasing words, and stir division or create hidden conflict.

“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin” (26:28).

Guard against talebearers in personal, family, and workplace relationships. Do not trust flattery; it may conceal harmful intent. Foster relationships with honest, trustworthy, and sincere individuals. Avoid participating in gossip, and do not spread secrets or slander.

Talebearers betray trust and sow discord. Stay away from flattery that hides betrayal, but value honesty, discretion, and integrity in speech.

Counsel

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Proverbs 20:18  Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. 

This verse emphasises the critical role of counsel in planning and action. Sound planning requires guidance, advice, and deliberation. No plan, project, or initiative should rely solely on personal judgment; wisdom comes from consulting those who are knowledgeable, experienced, and godly.

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established” (15:22). “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (11:14). Consultation and wise counsel ensure stability, success, and avoidance of error.

‘With good advice make war.’ Even in conflict or serious ventures, strategy must be guided by counsel. Most wars in history were caused by malice, greed, pride, or impatience, rather than careful, righteous planning.

“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety” (24:6). Sound advice prevents unnecessary loss, preserves life, and aligns action with justice and God’s purpose.

Seek wise, godly advice before making important decisions, whether in business, leadership, or personal life. Avoid impulsive action; failure to plan carefully often leads to disaster. Recognise that even necessary actions, like war or major undertakings, should be guided by strategy, wisdom, and godly counsel. Success and righteousness are more likely when plans are established on sound counsel rather than pride or haste.

Wisdom is foundational to success. Every purpose and action, even in conflict, should be guided by careful counsel to align with God’s plan and avoid unnecessary ruin.

Filled with Gravel

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Proverbs 20:17  Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. 

This verse warns that short-term pleasure from dishonesty and deceitful gain leads to long-term suffering. Deceitful gain, dishonest profit, or unearned pleasure may seem appealing and enjoyable initially.

Examples include: Cheating to gain wealth, using lies or manipulation to achieve personal advantage and enjoying forbidden pleasures (sins).

“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death” (21:6). “They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity” (Hosea 7:2). Sinful or dishonest gain may be temporarily satisfying, but it is deceptive and unstable.

‘But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.’ The sweetness is temporary; the ultimate result is bitterness, pain, and destruction. ‘Gravel’ symbolises hardship, punishment, or regret, replacing the initial pleasure. Consequences of deceitful gain: Loss of reputation and trust. Financial or social ruin. Spiritual guilt and moral corruption. The main principle is that actions motivated by deceit ultimately turn joy into suffering.

Avoid deceitful means of acquiring wealth or pleasure. Seek honesty, integrity, and God-honouring labour, even if the reward seems slower. Recognise that instant gratification from wrongdoing is temporary, but consequences are enduring.

What seems sweet and easy through deceit will turn bitter and painful. True satisfaction comes from honest, God-honouring effort and integrity.

That Is Surety

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Proverbs 20:16  Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. 

This Scripture teaches prudence, caution, and risk management in both financial and personal dealings (27:13). It refers to the requirement of security or collateral when someone guarantees a debt for another, especially a stranger. In ancient Israel, the garment was often pledged as security, as it was essential personal property.

Do not rely solely on verbal assurances; ensure that obligations are secured to prevent potential loss. Exercise prudence and wisdom in financial dealings, especially with unfamiliar parties.

‘And take a pledge of him for a strange woman.’ Hebrew: nokriy – a foreign or unfamiliar woman. This emphasises caution in relationships or commitments involving outsiders, who may have unknown motives or customs.

Scripture warns against the seductive influence of a strange woman (2:16) and highlights the danger of her smooth words and deceit (5:3). Prudence and caution are required when dealing with unfamiliar or potentially untrustworthy persons.

Secure obligations when acting as surety or when trusting others with your resources. Be cautious in dealings with strangers or unfamiliar persons to avoid being ensnared. Recognise that wisdom involves foresight and preventive measures, not just good intentions. Prudence protects against loss: require security and exercise discernment when dealing with strangers or potentially untrustworthy individuals, whether in finances or personal relationships.

The Lips of Knowledge

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Proverbs 20:15  There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 

This parable contrasts material wealth with the priceless value of knowledge. Gold and rubies represent wealth, material abundance, and earthly treasures. Even great riches cannot compare to the true value of wisdom and knowledge.

“For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies” (3:14-15). “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it” (8:11).

‘But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.’ Knowledge expressed through speech, teaching, or counsel is invaluable. The “lips of knowledge” convey wisdom, instruction, and understanding, which bring guidance, correction, and insight.

Unlike material wealth, knowledge guides moral and spiritual life. Brings lasting benefit to others. Cannot be stolen or lost like earthly treasures. Cherish those who speak truth, teach wisdom, and share understanding; their counsel is more precious than gold.

Wisdom and knowledge are eternal treasures, surpassing all earthly riches. Value those who speak truth and teach understanding, for their influence is enduring. Invest in learning, discernment, and instruction; these enrich the soul far beyond gold or jewels. Material wealth is temporary, but the lips of knowledge – wisdom spoken and applied – are priceless, guiding life and blessing generations.

It Is Naught

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Proverbs 20:14  It is naught, it is naught, said the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasted. 

This verse illustrates deceptive human behaviour in commerce, but its principle applies broadly to honesty and integrity in all dealings. It describes a common tactic in bargaining: the buyer pretends the item has little value to secure a lower price. The repetition of “it is naught” emphasises insincerity and deceit in negotiation.

“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight” (11:1). God requires honesty in trade and valuation (16:11). Human behaviour often includes exaggeration, deception, or manipulation to gain advantage.

‘But when he is gone his way, then he boasted.’ Once the deal is done, the buyer boasts of his cleverness or savings. This shows a dual nature of human character: pretending humility or disdain while secretly rejoicing in gain.

We must recognise that human pride and deceit often mask others’ true motives. Lesson for believers: Avoid dishonesty, manipulation, or prideful boasting; integrity honours God and builds trust.

Be wary of dishonesty in negotiations; people may misrepresent intentions or value. Cultivate honesty and integrity, both in private and public transactions. Avoid prideful boasting over cleverness or gain; true success honours God. Understand that God values fairness and truthfulness, not cunning or deceit.

Be Satisfied

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Proverbs 20:13  Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shall be satisfied with bread. 

This verse contrasts laziness versus diligence, warning that overindulgence in sleep brings poverty while attentiveness brings provision.

Excessive sleep is a symbol of laziness and neglect of duty. Those who prioritise comfort over work risk falling into idleness, poverty, and unfulfilled responsibilities.

Scripture references: The sluggard will be impoverished due to delay in labour (6:9-11). “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand” (10:4). Laziness makes one heavy with sleep and leads to want (19:15). Avoid overindulgence in rest when work and responsibilities call.

‘Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.’ Diligence and alertness lead to provision and satisfaction. ‘Open thine eyes’ emphasises awareness, attentiveness, and readiness to work. Hard work and responsibility ensure sustenance, stability, and blessing. God rewards diligence; those who are awake and industrious will be provided for.

Practice self-discipline; avoid indulgent or excessive rest. Be alert and active in work, trusting that God honours diligence. Cultivate a balance of rest and labour, ensuring rest does not become idleness. Love of sleep and laziness lead to want, but alertness, diligence, and industriousness bring satisfaction and provision. Work faithfully, and God will supply your needs.

Both of Them

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Proverbs 20:12  The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD had made even both of them. 

God has given humans the senses of hearing and seeing to perceive, learn, and discern the truth. These senses allow us to: Hear instruction and correction (1:5; 19:20) and to see evidence and understand situations (3:21; 4:7). They are tools for learning, understanding, and righteous living when used according to God’s design.

‘The LORD hath made even both of them.’ God is the Creator of all faculties, and their intended purpose is for His glory and wisdom. Nothing, including our senses, is neutral – they are to be used in obedience and service to God.

Cross references in Scripture: Christ is the Creator and sustainer of all things; all faculties exist in Him (Col. 1:15-18). All creation exists because God made all things for His pleasure and glory (Rev. 4:11).

Use hearing and sight wisely – seek truth, instruction, and understanding. Honour God in all perception – what we hear and see should be processed in light of His Word. Recognise God’s sovereignty – even the faculties of our bodies are gifts to be used responsibly.

God has made both our ears and eyes with purpose. The proper use of our senses brings understanding, wisdom, and glory to God, while misuse leads to folly and sin.

By His Doings

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Proverbs 20:11  Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. 

Actions reveal character and moral tendencies, even from a young age.  Children express their innate tendencies, values, and learned behaviours through their deeds. Early behaviour is often a predictor of future habits and ethical patterns if left uncorrected.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (22:6). “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45).

‘Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.’ “Pure” refers to honesty, sincerity, and moral integrity. “Right” refers to justice, fairness, and obedience to God’s law. Even a child can demonstrate goodness or folly, honesty or deceit, diligence or laziness through small actions. For example, helping others, obeying instructions, being truthful, or respecting property all indicate moral development.

Children’s behaviour matters; it reflects their understanding of right and wrong. Early training and discipline are essential for guiding children toward integrity and righteousness. Parents and mentors must rely on God’s transforming power to shape a child’s heart, not just external correction. Observation of deeds allows guidance, encouragement, and correction before sinful patterns are established.

Actions reveal character, and even a child’s deeds predict moral and spiritual development. Godly guidance and training can shape those early tendencies into a life of integrity and righteousness.