Tag: Christianity

Brings Reproach

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Proverbs 19:26 He that wastes his father, and chases away his mother, is a son that causes shame, and brings reproach. 

‘He that wastes his father.’ To “waste” a father refers to squandering his resources, wealth, property, or inheritance. The image is of a son who consumes what his father worked hard to build, showing neither gratitude nor restraint.

This is often connected with riotous or prodigal living (cf. Luke 15:13 – the prodigal son wasted his inheritance with reckless living). Such waste reveals selfishness: rather than honouring his father, the son dishonours him by destroying his legacy.

‘Chases away his mother.’ This phrase portrays a son who mistreats or drives out his mother, leaving her abandoned in old age. In Hebrew culture, mothers were especially honoured as nurturers and caretakers (Ex. 20:12; Deut 5:16). To “chase away” a mother implies harshness, neglect, or cruelty. Older women didn’t retire and receive a pension, and were dependent on their husbands and later on their sons, when their husbands fell away. It is the very opposite of the command to “not despise your mother when she is old” (23:22).

‘Is a son that causes shame, and brings reproach.’ Such a son becomes a public disgrace. His actions stain not only his own name, but also that of his family. In Israelite society, where family honour was highly valued, this was a deep reproach. God’s law strictly commanded children to honour parents (Ex. 20:12). To dishonour them could bring covenant curses (Deut. 27:16) and today cause a child to die at a young age (Eph. 6:1-3).

A foolish son squanders blessings and forsakes family, but a wise son honours and cares for his parents, preserving both dignity and blessing.

Smite vs Reprove – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that has understanding, and he will understand knowledge. 

‘Reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.’ In contrast to the scorner, the wise welcome correction. Reproof is not resented but received, producing growth in knowledge and character. This is a central contrast in Proverbs: scorners reject correction, but the wise are made wiser by it (9:8-9).

Four examples of reproof bringing wisdom: [1] Israel (Ex. 14:31). After God’s mighty deliverance at the Red Sea, Israel was rebuked for fear and unbelief. The reproof increased their faith in the LORD and in His servant Moses. [2] The stubborn son (Deut. 21:21). Though tragic, the law of stoning a rebellious son was intended as an ultimate reproof, warning others to hear correction and avoid such destruction. [3] The Gibeonites (Jos. 9:3-27). Their deceptive scheme to make peace with Israel was uncovered. Yet their reproof led them to a place of service under Israel, preserving their lives. [4] Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:6-12). When Elymas the sorcerer was rebuked by Paul, Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, recognised the truth of God’s word and believed.

The scorner mocks, resists, and perishes under judgment. The wise receive reproof and are enriched in knowledge. The difference lies in humility: scorners exalt themselves, but the wise submit to God’s correction.

Smite vs Reprove – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that has understanding, and he will understand knowledge. 

The Hebrew word for “scorner” refers to one who mocks, derides, or treats truth with contempt. The scorner is not merely ignorant, but arrogant; he ridicules instruction, despises correction, and often sets himself against God’s ways.

Ten facts about scorners: They delight in mocking (1:22). Scoffing is their pleasure. They take joy in ridiculing what is holy or wise. They hate reproof (9:7-8; 13:1; 15:12). Correction only provokes anger. They resent anyone who attempts to guide them. They reject knowledge and wisdom (14:6). They seek wisdom superficially but never truly grasp it, because pride blinds them. They set wrong examples (19:25; 21:11). Their influence misleads others, reinforcing foolishness. They have judgment prepared for them (19:29). Scorners cannot escape punishment; divine justice awaits them. They are proud and haughty (21:24). Mockery flows from arrogance. Their scoffing spirit comes from inflated pride. They cause contention and strife (22:10). When a scorner is removed, peace follows. They stir division wherever they go. They are an abomination to God (24:9). Their mocking heart is hateful to the LORD; it shows deep rebellion. They seek to intimidate others (2Kin. 19:21; Neh. 2:19; Job 12:4; Matt. 9:24). Scorners mock the faithful to weaken courage and discredit righteousness. Some will deny Christ’s coming (2Pet. 3:3). In the last days, scoffers will mock the promise of Christ’s return, living in unbelief.

To be continued…

A Slothful Man

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Proverbs 19:24 A slothful man hides his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 

There are eighteen traits for the slothful man noted in Scripture: Unteachable and careless – They resist instruction, show indifference, and refuse diligence (6:6-9). Love of sleep – They give themselves to excessive rest and idleness (9:9; 19:15; 24:33). An irritation to others – Their laziness becomes a burden and vexation (10:26). Subject to others – Instead of ruling, they end up as servants (12:24). Too lazy to finish tasks – Even neglecting to cook what they catch (12:27). Driven by wishful thinking – They crave but refuse to labour, living in fantasy rather than effort (13:4; 24:34). A troubled life – Their path is full of obstacles and hardship (15:19). Wasteful – They squander resources and opportunities (18:9). Habitually lazy -A defining trait in every area of life (19:24; 24:30-34; 26:14-15). Refuse to work – They avoid labour altogether, or do as little as possible (20:4; 21:25). Invent senseless excuses – Claiming danger where none exists (22:13; 26:13). Void of understanding – Their laziness reveals a lack of wisdom (24:30). Neglect property and responsibilities – Allowing decay and ruin (24:31-34; Eccl 10:18). Too sluggish to act – Even small efforts seem beyond them (26:14). Conceited – They consider themselves wiser than diligent workers (26:16). Unfaithful in stewardship – Cannot be trusted with responsibility (Matt. 25:26). Spiritually negligent – Marked by unbelief and lack of perseverance (Heb. 6:12). Ineffective in business – They lack zeal and ability in work (Rom. 12:11).

The “slothful man” is pictured as unteachable, self-deceiving, wasteful, and unreliable, a danger to himself and a burden to others. His laziness affects not just work but wisdom, stewardship, and even faith.

The Fear of the Lord

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Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD tends to life: and he that has it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. 

‘The fear of the LORD.’  The phrase means reverence, awe, and submission to God, a recognition of His holiness, authority, and majesty. It is not mere dread but a loving respect that produces obedience. This “fear” is the foundation of wisdom (1:7; 9:10).

The fear of the LORD is not a burden but a blessing. It leads to [1] Life – eternal and abundant (14:27; John 17:3) – it directs a person away from sin and toward God’s way of salvation. Reverence for God opens the heart to faith, repentance, and ultimately life everlasting. [2] Peace – inner contentment (Ps. 34:9-10; Php. 4:11-13) – Fear of the LORD brings contentment and peace of soul. Godly fear anchors the heart in God’s sufficiency, freeing one from restless craving. [3] Safety – freedom from destructive evil (16:6; Ps. 91:9-10). The sense is protection from ultimate harm, not necessarily freedom from trials, but from destructive consequences and divine judgment. Godly fear restrains sin, shields from satan’s snares, and keeps one safe in God’s will.

Kindness

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Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. 

‘The desire of a man is his kindness.’ What truly measures a person’s worth is not riches, power, or outward show, but the heart’s disposition toward kindness, mercy, and goodwill (Mic. 6:8; 1Cor. 13:3).

The word “desire” here can mean longing, delight, or goodwill. A man’s character is revealed by his willingness to show kindness, not merely by what he possesses. True kindness flows from inner desire rather than external compulsion. Kindness is the currency of true character.

‘Is better…’  Proverbs often uses comparative sayings (“better than”) to show priorities of wisdom. There are seventeen “better” things stated in Proverbs and include contrasts such as: Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble therewith (15:16). Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith (15:17). Better is a poor man that walketh in his integrity, than a perverse rich man (19:1). Here (19:22), a poor man with kindness is better than a liar. This theme stresses the quality of character over the quantity of possessions.

‘A poor man is better than a liar.’  Poverty, though despised by men, is morally superior to lying and deceit. Better to be poor and truthful than rich and dishonest (12:22; 19:1).

Poverty is a circumstance, but lying is a sin; therefore, the poor man is better off before God.

The Counsel of the Lord – Part 3

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Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 

God also counsels through prayer; the direct communication with God allows us to ask for guidance and discernment. God promises to give wisdom to those who ask in faith (Jas. 1:5). Prayer is relational; it invites God’s counsel into your decision-making, not just theoretical knowledge.

The Holy Spirit guides believers, He convicts, and teaches (John 14:26; Rom. 8:14). Through inner prompting, peace, or conviction, God directs believers in daily decisions.

Then there is the wise counsel from godly people, who are mature in faith, through which God often speaks. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in abundance of counsellors there is safety” (11:14). Mentors, parents, or godly friends can provide insight aligned with God’s Word.

Circumstances and providence are also methods that God can use where He guides us through circumstances, for example: Joseph’s life – what seemed like setbacks (sold by brothers, imprisoned) became God’s way of placing him in a position to save many (Gen. 50:20).

Our conscience and moral reasoning can be implemented as a source through which God’s counsel often comes. Romans 2:15 states that God’s law is written on the hearts of men; a sensitive conscience can guide moral decisions.

God’s counsel is found primarily in Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, and is often confirmed through wise counsel, life circumstances, and a sensitive conscience. The key is to seek Him deliberately, align with His Word, and remain open to His guidance while living in constant obedience.

The Counsel of the Lord – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 

Examples of human plans that failed against God’s counsel (continues): [3] Joseph’s brethren (Gen. 37:19-28; 50:20) – Schemed to destroy their brother’s dreams by selling him into slavery. God overruled, raising Joseph to save many lives. [4] Pharaoh (Exo. 1:10; 14:5-31) – Planned to enslave and weaken Israel. Ended in ruin at the Red Sea. [5] Rulers of Israel (Matt. 27:63-66) – Plotted to seal the tomb of Jesus. God raised Him from the dead, the very event they sought to prevent. [6] Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-9) – Determined to destroy Christians. God turned him into Paul the apostle, one of His greatest apostles with regard to spreading the gospel. [7] Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1-3, 20-23) – Intended to persecute and kill more Christians. Struck down by the angel of the Lord for his pride. [8] The forty Jews (Acts 23:12-15) – Conspired to assassinate Paul. Their plot was discovered and thwarted.

Human ambition may be clever, forceful, or even appear successful for a time, but God’s counsel is the unshakable reality. Plans contrary to His will ultimately collapse, while His purposes move forward unhindered.

God’s primary way of giving counsel is through His Word. Passages like Proverbs, Psalms, and the New Testament teach wisdom, moral guidance, and decision-making principles. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (3:5-6). Reading, meditating, and studying Scripture helps align our hearts and decisions with God’s will. To be continued…

The Counsel of the Lord – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 

‘There are many devices in a man’s heart.’ The word “devices” refers to plans, schemes, intentions, or purposes. Human beings, in their natural condition, are full of ambitions and ideas, some selfish, some short-sighted, some even rebellious against God. The contrast is between human scheming and divine sovereignty. Man prepares the heart, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD (16:1-2). “It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).

‘Nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.’ God’s will and purpose are unchangeable. Human plots may rise and fall, but only His counsel is permanent. God declares “the end from the beginning” and His counsel shall stand (Isa. 46:10). The LORD brings the counsel of nations to nothing, but His counsel endures forever (Ps. 33:10-11).

Examples of human plans that failed against God’s counsel: [1] Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:17) – Sought to exalt himself above God. Cast down, destined for judgment. [2] Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:3-8) – Planned to gain wisdom and be “like gods.” Result: shame, curse, and expulsion from Eden. To be continued…

Hear… and Receive

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Proverbs 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou may be wise in thy latter end. 

This section of Proverbs (19:20-24:34) is framed as a father speaking directly to his son. The personal address is clear through repeated use of “my son” (e.g., 19:20; 27; 23:15, 19, 26; 24:13, 21) and through second-person language such as: “thou” [you] (19:20; 22:24-27; 23:1, 5-6, 13-14, 19, 31, 34; 24:1, 10-12); “thee” (22:19-21, 27; 23:7); “thy” [your] (22:18; 23:16, 22, 25; 24:10, 27, 34); “thine” (23:12, 15, 17-19, 33); and “thyself” (24:27). This style emphasises a personal, mentoring relationship: wisdom is handed down from father to son, teacher to student, elder to youth.

The verse gives two complementary paths to wisdom: Hear counsel – Listen to advice from others and let it shape you, and choose righteousness over folly. Receive instruction (discipline) – Accept correction, training, and reproof, then live by it. Together, they stress not just acquiring knowledge, but being teachable and living out what is learned.

This whole section reads like a father carefully shaping his son’s life: Listen to counsel, accept discipline, avoid destructive companions, and live diligently before God.