Tag: Inspiration

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.

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.

Alike Abomination

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Proverbs 20:10, 23 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

‘Divers weights, and divers measures.’ Literally: a heavier or standard stone/ephah for buying, and a lighter stone/ephah for selling. Weights and measures were tools for trade: The first was the standard, correct and honest. The second was less, used deceitfully to cheat others. Unscrupulous merchants would buy with the heavy weight and sell with the light weight, thus profiting by dishonesty.

“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight” (11:1). “A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work” (16:11). God commanded honest weights and measures, forbidding deception (Deut. 25:13-15). God demands integrity in all transactions, not just in private morality.

‘Abomination to the LORD.’ Using deceitful weights is more than unethical; it is detestable to God. God’s concern is justice, honesty, and fairness in human interactions.

‘To the LORD’ What men may value or overlook – profit, advantage, or clever manipulation – can still be hateful to God. “That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). God evaluates motives, methods, and heart integrity, not just outward success or appearance.

Integrity matters in all dealings – weights, measures, and moral choices. Deception is an abomination to God, regardless of man’s approval or profit. True righteousness is consistent in private and public life, honouring God in all actions.

God demands fairness and honesty. What seems small or advantageous to humans – like cheating in trade – is detestable in God’s sight. Integrity in everyday actions reflects reverence for Him.

Who Can Say…

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Proverbs 20:9  Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? 

This is a rhetorical question, emphasising that no human can cleanse their own heart by their own effort or morality. Human hearts are naturally prone to sin and deceit (Jer. 17:9). True purity is not achieved by works, willpower, or self-effort, but only through God’s intervention and forgiveness.

Scripture states: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10). “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isa. 1:18).

‘I am pure from my sin.’ No one can claim absolute moral perfection or self-purification. Purity and forgiveness are gifts from God, received by faith in His provision for redemption.

New Testament fulfilment: Cleansing is available through the blood of Christ (1Jn 1:7, 9; Heb. 9:14-28; Rev. 1:5). Faith in Christ allows a believer to declare their heart clean and forgiven, not by works, but by God’s grace (Rom. 6:1-23; 2Cor. 5:17-18).

Old Testament saints were also purified by faith. Even before Christ’s earthly ministry, saints were cleansed through faith in the coming Redeemer: Abraham was counted righteous by faith (Rom. 4:1-25). David repented and received forgiveness (Ps. 32:1-5; 51:1-12). Isaiah foresaw cleansing and redemption (Isa. 6:7; 1:18).

Salvation and cleansing are always God’s work, not human achievement. No one can claim self-purity; all humans need God’s cleansing. True heart purification comes only through God, in the Old Testament by faith in the promised Messiah, and in the New Testament through Christ’s sacrifice. Human effort alone cannot make the heart clean. Only God, through faith in His provision, can purify and redeem the soul, making a person righteous before Him.

Scatters Away All Evil

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Proverbs 20:8  A king that sits in the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes. 

This refers to a ruler or judge who exercises authority righteously, administering justice according to God’s law. The “throne of judgment” symbolises authority, discernment, and responsibility to uphold justice. Such a king represents God’s authority on earth, ensuring that law and morality are enforced (cf. Rom. 13:1-4).

Leaders are called to act justly and fear God in decision-making, not merely to maintain power or personal gain.

‘Scatters away all evil with his eyes.’ The mere presence, vigilance, and discernment of a righteous judge act as a deterrent to wrongdoing. Evil men are intimidated by justice, knowing their actions are observed and will be punished.

Cross references in Scripture: “It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness, for the throne is established by righteousness” (16:12). In 2 Chronicles 19:6-7, we see that the Judges [leaders] are commanded to judge in the fear of the Lord and to hate unjust gain.

Authority used with integrity maintains order and discourages evil, even without immediate action. A king (or leader) who rules justly reflects God’s authority and strikes fear in the hearts of evildoers.

True leadership combines: Righteousness – acting according to God’s principles. Vigilance – observing behaviour and motives. Deterrence – ensuring that evil is discouraged by the certainty of justice.

Leaders should cultivate justice, discernment, and moral authority. Citizens and subordinates are called to respect and obey Godly authority, recognising its role in maintaining order. Even moral vigilance in one’s personal life can “scatter away evil” in a family, workplace, or community. Righteous authority is powerful without force: the knowledge that justice is upheld discourages evil and preserves order. Godly leadership protects society and glorifies God.

In His Integrity

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Proverbs 20:7  The just man walks in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. 

A “just man” lives in obedience to God, practices righteousness, and acts fairly toward others. Integrity involves: Consistency, aligning actions with principles, even when no one is watching. Honesty, speaking truthfully and avoiding deceit. Faithfulness, honouring commitments and moral obligations.

“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known” (10:9). “The integrity of the upright shall guide them” (11:3). True righteousness is demonstrated in everyday conduct, not just ceremonial or public displays.

‘His children are blessed after him.’ A person’s faithful, righteous life leaves a lasting legacy, often benefiting their descendants. Blessings may include spiritual inheritance, where children learn godly principles, a moral example. Where integrity teaches respect for truth and justice, or social and material advantages, because honesty and diligence often lead to prosperity, which can extend to the family.

 “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children” (13:22). “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance; his seed shall be blessed.” (Ps. 112:1-2).

Integrity and righteousness in a man’s life have far-reaching effects. His conduct not only honours God but also shapes and blesses his family even after he is gone. Strive to walk in integrity consistently, in both public and private life. Recognise the long-term impact of your moral and spiritual example on children and the community. Invest in character development; it is a blessing that outlives you.