Tag: Gospel

Truth vs Lying

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Proverbs 12:17-20,22 He that speaks truth shows forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. 

‘Speaks truth’ – Four uses of the tongue: Speaking truth (John 14:6). Speaking lies (1Tim. 4:1-2). Speaking cutting things (12:18; Jas. 3:1-18). Speaking blessing (12:19; Matt. 8:8).

‘The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.’ The 7th prophecy in Proverbs (12:19) and it is unfulfilled. Two kinds of tongues and destinies (Jas. 3:1-18; 1Pet. 3:10-11).

‘But a lying tongue is but for a moment.’ Four examples of lying tongues judged: Ahab (1Kin. 22:30, 37); Hananiah (Jer. 28:2, 11); Gehazi (2Kin. 5:22-27) and Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10).

‘Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.’ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but joy is in the heart of those who give counsel of peace.

‘Delight’ – Seven things God delights in: People that deal truthfully (12:22). Just weights (11:1). People upright in their ways (11:20). Prayers of the upright (15:8). Lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth (Jer. 9:24). The Messiah (Isa. 42:1). Israel (Isa. 62:4).

A Fool vs a Prudent Man

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Proverbs 12:15-16 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covers shame. 

‘The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise.’ A fool will not listen to wise counsel as will the wise.

‘The way’ [Hebrew: derek] to proceed, walk with the feet (used 13 times in Psalms 119 (verses 1, 3, 5, 14, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 37, 59, 168) Here it refers to the way of God; how God instructs man to go to be saved, holy, and happy. It is the revelation of the way that God would act among men. When used for fools and sinners it shows their sinful ways that are right in their own eyes and heeds no warnings or rebukes.

‘A fool’s wrath.’ A fool will make his wrath known at once when he is offended, but a wise man will hold his peace.

‘Presently known’ – Four examples of a fool’s wrath: Jehoram (2Kin. 6:31); Jezebel (1Kin. 19:1-2); Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 3:19) and the Jews at Nazareth (Luke 4:28).

‘A prudent man’ – Four examples of prudence: Gideon (Jdg. 8:2-3); Saul (1Sam. 10:27); David (1Sam. 17:29-30) and Hezekiah (Isa. 36:21).

Satisfied with Good

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Proverbs 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him. 

‘A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth.’ A good man shall be satisfied with the fruit of his lips, and he will reap the good that he sows (Gal. 6:7-8).

Life and death are greatly determined by the power of the tongue, and he who uses this power rightly shall live because of it (18:21; 1Pet. 3:10-11).

Twelve uses of the tongue condemned: gossiping (Deut. 22:13-19); talebearing (11:13; Lev. 19:16); false witnessing (Ex. 20:16; 23:7); whisperings (Rom. 1:29); slandering (1Tim. 3:11); false accusations (Tit. 2:3); vain talking (Tit. 1:10); defaming (Jer. 20:10); tattling (1Tim. 5:13); lying (6:17; Rev. 21:8; 22:15); deceiving (Rev. 12:9) and backbiting (Ps. 15:3; Rom. 1:30).

Evil vs Just – Part 3

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Proverbs 12:12-13 The wicked desires the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yields fruit. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 

Thirty characteristics of wicked men (1Tim. 3:2-13) [continues]: Destitute of godliness, having no faith that one can be godly in this life. From such turn away. Use their show of piety to gain entrance into homes to deceive (2Tim. 3:6). Capture for their own pleasure silly (foolish) women whom they deceive. Ever learning fallacies but never the knowledge of the truth (2Tim. 3:7). Resist truth (2Tim. 3:8). Have corrupt minds. Reprobate concerning faith. They are evil (2Tim. 3:13). They seduce women – entice them to surrender chastity (2Tim. 3:6, 13). They increase in evil. They deceive and are themselves deceived.

‘The just shall come out of trouble.’ Three examples of deliverance: are Joshua and Caleb (Num. 14:10, 24, 30); Esther and her people (Esther 7:3-9:25) and Peter (Acts 11:2-18; 12:3-18).

Three blessings of trust in God: Help from God in time of need. Deliverance from enemies. Salvation for soul and body (Ps. 37:40).

Evil vs Just – Part 2

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Proverbs 12:12-13 The wicked desires the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yields fruit. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 

Thirty characteristics of wicked men (1Tim. 3:2-13) [continues]: Trucebreakers [Greek: asunthetos] are not morally bound to any agreement; not dependable; treacherous to covenants; faithless to promises; and false to trusts. False accusers [Greek: diabolos] slanderer; adversary. Incontinent [Greek: akrates] no control of appetites and passions. Fierce [Greek: anemeros] wild; savage; uncivilized. Despisers of good men [Greek: aphilagathos] unfriendly to good men. Traitors (2Tim. 3:4) [Greek: prodotes] betrayers (Luke 6:16; Acts 7:52). Heady [Greek: propetes] rash; hasty; reckless; headstrong. Highminded [Greek: tuphoo] senseless; conceited; silly. Lovers of pleasure. Sensual gratification is their god (2Tim. 3:4). Having a form of godliness (2Tim. 3:5) [Greek: morphosis] a semblance; sketch; form (Rom. 2:20). Their religion is only in their creed and formal confession of faith, not in their hearts. Denying the power of godliness (2Tim. 3:5).

To be continued…

Evil vs Just – Part 1

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Proverbs 12:12-13 The wicked desires the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yields fruit. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 

‘The wicked desires the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yielded fruit.’ The wicked desire the prey taken in the net of other evil men, but the root of the righteous is made sure.

‘The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips.’ Five examples of being snared by own lips: Korah (Num. 16:1-3, 31-35; Ps. 64:8); the Amalekite (2Sam. 1:2-16). Adonijah (1Kin. 2:23); Daniel’s accusers (Dan. 6:24) and the Jews (Matt. 27:25).

Thirty characteristics of wicked men (1Tim. 3:2-13): Lovers of themselves (2Tim. 3:2) [Greek: Philautos] fond of oneself; selfish. Covetous [Greek: philarguros] fond of money. Boasters [Greek: alazon] braggarts; self-exalted (Rom.1:30). Proud [Greek: huperephanos] self-important. Blasphemers [Greek: blasphemia from blasphemos] were it means to speak evil of (Jude 1:8; Eph. 4:31); rail (1Tim. 6:4; 2Pet. 2:11); revile (Matt. 27:39); defame (1Cor. 4:13); slander (Rom. 3:8); insult by blasphemy (Matt. 12:31). Disobedient to parents, head-strong children (Rom. 1:30). Unthankful [Greek: acharistos] ungrateful (Luke 6:35). Unholy [Greek: anosios] without piety; no reverence. Without natural affection (2Tim. 3:3). Living in unnatural affection sins; perverts; homosexuals; sodomites (Rom. 1:21-32). To be continued…

Be Satisfied

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Proverbs 12:11 He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows vain persons is void of understanding. 

‘He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread.’ Two examples of tilling: are Isaac (Gen. 26:12) and Jacob (Gen. 30:14; cp. Pro. 28:19).

Matthew 10:10, Lucas 10:7 and 1 Timothy 5:18 all clearly state that the workman is worthy of his meat or labour (12:14) and 2 Thessalonians 3:10 that if any would not work, neither should he eat. This principle is based upon the part of the curse to make a living by the sweat of the brow (Gen. 3:19). Idleness has always been a curse and always will be. It is wrong to support men who will not work and share their own responsibility. Ephesians 4:28 explains that we should not steal (even through begging) from others but rather labour and work with his hands that which is good. 

‘He that follows vain persons is void of understanding.’ Two examples of the following of vain persons: are Abimelech (Jdg. 9:1-57; cp. Pro. 24:21) and Theudas (Acts 5:36-37). Being void of understanding means one does not have the wisdom to discern evil (7:7) and most people are followers of such individuals which will most certainly lead to their own downfall. We are commanded to follow Christ and the example He set for us (1Pet. 2:21-23).

Mercies

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Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regards the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 

‘A righteous man regards the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.’ The righteous are merciful, but the wicked are not. The man who shows mercy edifies his soul, is compassionate, and has a merciful spirit (Matt. 5:7; 18:27; 1Pet. 3:8).

Twelve commands for Christians: Be one of mind (1Pet. 3:8; Eph. 4:1-3). Have compassion for one another. Love as brethren (1Cor. 13:1-13). Be pitful (tenderhearted). Be courteous (friendly). Not rendering evil for evil (1Pet. 3:9). Not railing for railing. Be a blessing to others. Control your tongue (1Pet. 3:10; Jas. 3:1-18). Do not be deceptive. Shun evil and do good (1Pet. 3:11). Seek peace and pursue it.

Despised

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Proverbs 12:8-9 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. He that is despised, and has a servant, is better than he that honours himself, and lacks bread. 

‘A man shall be commended according to his wisdom.’ Four examples of commending wisdom: Joseph (Gen. 41:39); David (2Sam. 14:17-20); Daniel (Dan. 5:16) and Paul (2Pet. 3:15-16).

‘Wisdom’ [Hebrew: sekel] insight. Translated as wisdom (12:8; 23:9); understanding (3:4; 13:15; 16:22); and discretion (19:11).

‘But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.’ Three examples of being despised: are Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 1:3-2:30). Nabal (1Sam. 25:2, 17) and the prodigal son (Luke 15:15-16).

‘He that is despised, and has a servant, is better than he that honours himself, and lacks bread.’ The poor man who provides for himself is better than the proud who lacks bread.

Righteous vs Wicked

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Proverbs 12:5-7 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. 

‘Thoughts’ [Hebrew: machshebowth] devices, plans (12:5; 15:26; 16:3; 21:5; Gen. 6:5; Ps. 33:11; 40:5; 56:5; 94:11; Isa. 55:7-8).

‘Counsels of the wicked.’ Six examples of wicked counsellors: Korah and company (Num. 16:1-50); Jeroboam (1Kin. 12:28); Sanballat (Neh. 6:2); Haman (Est. 3:5-8); Herod (Matt. 2:8, 16) and Judas (John 12:4-6).

‘Deceit’ [Hebrew: mirmah] cheating, deception (12:5, 17, 20; 14:8, 25; 26:24).

‘Words’ [Hebrew: dabar] speech. The speech or talk of the wicked concerns murder, but the words of the innocent deliver them from the plans of the wicked.

‘The wicked are overthrown.’ Three examples of the wicked being overthrown: Pre-Adamites (Gen. 1:2; Isa. 14:12-14; Jer. 4:23-26; 2Pet. 3:5-7); Antediluvians (Genesis 6-8); Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:1-38).

‘But the house of the righteous shall stand.’ Three examples of righteous houses standing: are Abraham (Gen. 17:19; Luke 1:70-73); David (2Sam. 7:1-29; Ps. 89:3-4) and Jacob (Luke 1:32-33).