Tag: Life

Fear of a King

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Proverbs 20:2  The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provokes him to anger sins against his own soul. 

‘The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion.’ The proverb uses vivid imagery: a lion’s roar signals danger, invoking fear and caution. Similarly, the anger or displeasure of a king is dangerous and must be respected. This does not merely refer to earthly kings, but also reflects the principle of authority in general.

Cross reference: “The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass” (19:12). Respect authority, whether governmental, familial, or spiritual. Anger provoked in those in power can lead to serious consequences.

‘Whoso provokes him to anger sins against his own soul.’ To provoke a king is self-destructive; it harms the one who acts foolishly. “Sin against his own soul” implies that imprudence in dealing with authority can lead to personal ruin, both spiritually and physically. Defiance or rashness toward rightful authority is not only unwise but sinful, because it disregards God’s ordinance of leadership (Rom. 13:1-4).

Choose to act with respect toward your government, even when it acts unjustly. God can then guard you and keep you safe from wrongdoing. Wisdom involves discretion: Speak and act with caution before those in authority, remembering that God holds all rulers accountable (Dan. 4:17; Rom. 13:1-7).

Wine – Part 2

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Proverbs 20:1  Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. 

Cross references for the use of alcohol: The woes of excessive drinking (23:29-35). Christians are warned against drunkenness (Eph. 5:18).

‘Whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.’ Being “deceived” means thinking one can handle alcohol without harm. Foolishness is revealed when one loses self-control or acts contrary to reason and God’s law. True wisdom requires temperance, self-discipline, and discernment, and at all times, be sober!! (1Thess. 5:6, 8; Tit. 2:2, 4, 6; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:8).

Eight Biblical examples of intoxication: Noah (Gen. 9:20-21) drank from the fruit of his vineyard and got drunk, lay uncovered in his tent, leading to family shame and generational curses. Lot (Gen. 19:30-38) – Intoxicated daughters led to incestuous acts. Nabal (1Sam. 25:36) – his drunkenness provoked foolish and violent behaviour. Elah, the king of Israel (1Kin. 16:8-10) – under the influence, made poor judgments, leading to assassination by Zimri. Benhadad (1Kin. 20:16-21) – relying on drink led to overconfidence and military miscalculations in battle; he lost the advantage in the conflict. Ephraim (Isa. 28:7) – Their soldiers were weakened by wine, failed in leadership and discernment because their judgment was impaired. Belshazzar (Dan. 5:1-31) – Drunken revelry led to profaning holy vessels; he ignored God’s warning; he fell that same night. Nineveh (Nahum 1:10) – alcohol contributed to social decay and vulnerability to judgment; the city was ultimately destroyed. These examples demonstrate that intoxication often leads to shame, moral lapse, and, in some cases, divine judgment.

Wine – Part 1

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Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. 

In the Bible, the English word “wine” does not always mean an alcoholic, fermented beverage, the way we use the word today. This is because the Hebrew and Greek words translated as “wine” were broader terms, often referring simply to the juice of the grape in any state, fresh, fermenting, or fermented. In both the Old and New Testaments, the phrase “fruit of the vine” (Hebrew: peri hagafen, Greek: genēma tēs ampelou) explicitly refers to grape juice, without specifying whether it was fermented. Jesus used this phrase when He instituted the Lord’s Supper: “I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine…” (Matt. 26:29). This was a common Jewish expression for grape juice in any form.

The Old Testament speaks of wine as a blessing, a symbol of joy and abundance. This did not require fermentation; fresh fruit, grape juice, and grapes themselves were all considered part of God’s “wine” harvest blessing.

‘Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging.’ Across history and Scripture, intoxication leads to impaired judgment, moral lapse, and often divine judgment. Proverbs 20:1 uses these examples to warn that the use of alcohol leads to serious consequences. Wine “mocks” its victims: it promises pleasure but leads to foolishness, loss of self-control, and vulnerability. Strong drink produces rage or wild behaviour, turning reason into chaos. Submitting to alcohol’s power is a mark of folly because it impairs judgment, decision-making, and moral restraint. To be continued…

Judgements – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:29  Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. 

‘Judgments are prepared for scorners.’ The word “judgments” here refers to divine or moral consequences. Scorners (mockers) delight in ridiculing truth and justice (19:28), and God has set judgment in readiness for them. Their punishment is not arbitrary, but the natural and just outcome of their choices (1:26; Ps. 1:4-6).

Mockery and contempt for truth carry inevitable consequences; one cannot escape God’s justice.

‘Stripes for the back of fools.’ Lashes, blows, or corrections are disciplinary measures for the foolish. Fools are those who refuse wisdom and reproof, acting against instruction (19:27). In biblical teaching, correction is meant to restore, not merely punish (10:13; 22:15).

Discipline, whether from God, parents, or life circumstances, is intended to redirect the foolish toward understanding.

Verse 28 describes the active sinfulness of the wicked, scorners who devour iniquity. Verse 29 shows the consequences of that sin: judgment and correction are prepared and unavoidable. Together, they illustrate the moral law of sowing and reaping: persistent mockery and folly lead to punishment, while heeding wisdom avoids disgrace.

Scorners and fools cannot escape justice. God’s judgment may be immediate or delayed, but it is certain. Correction (“stripes”) is a tool to teach, restrain, and restore, especially for the foolish who resist reproof.

Wisdom calls believers to: avoid mockery and contempt, receive instruction humbly and recognise that God’s justice is certain and just.

Mockery and folly carry consequences prepared by God. Judgment for the scorner and correction for the fool are both part of His wise governance, warning that sin and ignorance have inevitable outcomes.

Judgment -Part 1

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Proverbs 19:28 An ungodly witness scorns judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. 

‘An ungodly witness scornes judgment.’ An ungodly or false witness rejects truth and justice. Such a person mockingly despises legal and moral standards, refusing to respect or uphold righteousness. The term “witness” implies someone who gives testimony; a false witness perverts justice, often to harm the innocent or advance personal gain (Ex. 20:16; Pro. 6:19).

This warns against dishonesty in courts, public affairs, or even personal testimony. A scorner of judgment is an enemy of both human justice and God’s righteousness.

‘The mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.’ The imagery is vivid: the wicked swallow sin as if it were a delicacy, taking delight in wrongdoing. Their speech propagates iniquity: lies, slander, deceit, and corrupt counsel. Unlike someone who restrains harmful words, the wicked actively consume and spread sin through speech (10:20; Ps. 52:2-4). The wicked not only act sinfully but also promote it through words, undermining justice and leading others into evil.

This verse highlights two aspects of wickedness: the rejection of justice, where the false witness scorns moral and legal standards. Delight in sin, where the wicked speak and consume iniquity as if it were a pleasure.

God warns that corrupt testimony and malicious speech have serious consequences. Upholding truth and justice is foundational to righteous living.

Wickedness is active, not passive: it disrespects law and judgment and feeds on sin. Wisdom calls the righteous to honour justice and guard their speech against spreading iniquity.

To be continued…

Cease

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Proverbs 19:27  Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causes to err from the words of knowledge. 

‘Cease’ – The word implies active restraint, not merely stopping physically, but choosing to disengage mentally and morally. The instruction is not to listen to falsehoods or teachings that lead astray. Listening to what is untrue or corrupt warps the heart and understanding, leading to sinful decisions. Discernment is required; not everything presented as “knowledge” or “advice” is beneficial (4:14-15; Ps. 101:3).

‘My son’ – This is a personal address emphasising care and authority. In Proverbs, when God’s wisdom speaks to “my son,” it is God’s instruction conveyed through Solomon or a fatherly figure (19:20). It underscores a mentoring relationship: the speaker is guiding the listener to life, not merely giving abstract advice. The counsel is personal, practical, and divine in origin, not optional or theoretical.

The verse urges the son to stop listening to anything that distorts truth and to refuse influence from the wicked. It combines discernment (“cease”) with reverence and submission (“my son”), highlighting that true wisdom comes from heeding God’s guidance rather than human cunning or corrupt advice.

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.