Tag: Proverbs

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.

Wrath shall Suffer Punishment – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:19  A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. 

Wrath is habitual: Unlike occasional irritation, great wrath is a recurring pattern that demonstrates a lack of self-control. Consequences compound: The proverb implies that repeated anger leads to cumulative punishment, financial, relational, emotional, and spiritual.

Rescuing without change is futile: Helping a hot-tempered person once or twice may temporarily relieve immediate trouble, but the pattern continues unless they are willing to change.

Biblical and practical examples: King Saul (1Sam. 18-19): Saul’s quick anger repeatedly endangered David and himself; even when aided, he did not change. Haman (Esther 3-7): His pride and wrath led to repeated plots that ultimately resulted in his downfall.

Guard your own temper: Wrath brings inevitable punishment; controlling anger protects your relationships, reputation, and well-being (15:1). Do not enable repeated folly: Repeatedly bailing out a hot-tempered person may foster dependence and continued recklessness. Encourage self-awareness and correction: Wise intervention includes teaching restraint, accountability, and patience. Trust God’s justice: Repeated consequences can be a means by which God disciplines and teaches the wrathful person.

Anger that is habitual and uncontrolled brings repeated punishment. Even if others rescue a hot-tempered person once, the pattern will repeat unless he learns self-control. Wrath is costly, both for the person and for those around him.

Wrath shall Suffer Punishment – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:19  A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. 

This proverb warns about the consequences of a person who has an irritable, uncontrolled, or fiery disposition.

‘A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment.’ A person who is quick to anger repeatedly brings trouble upon himself. His impulsive, fiery reactions lead to disputes, fines, legal troubles, and relational strife. Wrath is self-destructive. It exposes the individual to repeated consequences and erodes relationships and peace (14:17; 29:22). Uncontrolled anger separates a person from wisdom, patience, and God’s favour. It is a form of self-punishment.

‘For if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.’ Even if someone intervenes on his behalf or helps him avoid consequences once, the hot-tempered person is likely to repeat the same behaviour. Like a debtor who never learns fiscal responsibility, the wrathful person repeatedly creates circumstances that require rescue. It is exhausting and costly to continually bail out someone who refuses to control anger. Others are not obligated to rescue someone who won’t learn from experience.

To be continued…

Chasten Thy Son – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. 

Immediate vs. long-term consequences: A child may resent or cry at discipline, but the long-term benefit is wisdom and self-control. Failing to correct a child now risks future grief, frustration, and even ruin for both child and parent (29:15).

Discipline as an act of love: Loving parents act in the child’s best interest, even when it is difficult. As Proverbs 13:24 says, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” God Himself disciplines His children out of love (Heb. 12:6).

Biblical and practical examples: King David and Solomon: David disciplined Solomon early, which contributed to Solomon’s wisdom (1Kings 3). Elijah and young prophets: Early correction in spiritual matters shaped the integrity of God’s servants (1Kings 19). Teaching a child honesty, responsibility, and respect early prevents rebellion and destructive habits later. Consistent consequences for misbehaviour (age-appropriate) form character more effectively than permissive indulgence.

Discipline early: Correct children before harmful habits become entrenched. Discipline wisely, not harshly: Use methods that teach, guide, and restore, not humiliate or crush. Endure temporary discomfort: A child’s tears at correction are far less costly than lifelong suffering caused by unrestrained folly.

Trust in God’s design: God created correction as a path to growth, wisdom, and life (3:11-12).

Chasten Thy Son – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. 

This proverb emphasises the importance of early, intentional, and loving discipline in shaping a child’s character.

‘Chasten thy son while there is hope.’ There is a critical window in a child’s life when guidance and correction are most effective. Habits, attitudes, and moral understanding are still pliable. Discipline during this period lays a foundation for wisdom, self-control, and moral integrity. Without timely correction, folly and rebellion may become permanent.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (22:6). In Hebrews 12:7-11, we see that God’s discipline is proof of His love, producing righteousness and peace.

‘Let not thy soul spare for his crying.’ Do not withhold necessary correction simply because it causes temporary pain or distress. The crying of a child is temporary; the consequences of uncorrected behaviour can be lifelong. This is not cruel punishment, but measured, loving correction aimed at the child’s good. It is a warning against “cruel kindness”, allowing a child to continue in harmful behaviour to avoid momentary discomfort.

A child should cry under loving correction now rather than for both parent and child to suffer the consequences of unrestrained folly later. Discipline is an act of love, shaping life and character for God’s glory and the child’s lasting good.

To be continued…