Tag: Proverbs

Upright vs Perverted

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Proverbs 10:9-10 He that walks uprightly walks surely: but he that perverted his ways shall be known. He that winks with the eye causes sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. 

‘Walks uprightly walks surely.’ He is never afraid of detection, because he never acts in deceit. Twelve characteristics of the righteous: They walk uprightly – without blame. They work righteousness. They speak truth inwardly. They are free from backbiting (Ps. 15:3). They do no evil to neighbours. They receive no reproach about neighbours. They hold vile people condemned (Ps. 15:4). They honour them that fear the Lord. They keep their word even to own hurt. They take no advantage of one in need to increase riches (Ps. 15:5). They refuse bribes. They protect the innocent.

‘But he that perverts his ways shall be known.’ Folly is a joy to fools, but wise men walk sensibly (15:21). Proverbs 28:18 states that he that walks uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. This is the secret of being saved or backsliding.

Two examples of being discovered: Korah and company (Num. 16:1-50). Diotrephes (3Jn. 1:9-10)

Korah the Levite, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath (Ex. 6:18, 21, 24), began a rebellion against Moses, with Dathan and Abiram cooperating, because they wanted more authority in the congregation and contended that Moses and Aaron had too much. They caused 250 of Israel’s chief princes to rebel (Num. 16:1-3). Ultimately, 14,700 died (Num. 16:49) besides the original rebels and their families (Num. 16:29-34), and the 250 princes (Num. 16:35). Perhaps Korah felt slighted because Elizaphan, who was of the younger branch of Kohathites, was made head of all Kohathites (Num. 3:27, 30). Korah camped among the Kohathites next to Reuben on the south of the tabernacle which made it convenient to talk over grievances. Reubenites were perhaps discontented because their birthright had been taken away from them and they had not been given what they considered their proper place among the tribes. Korah’s object was not to abolish the distinction between the Levites and the people, but to win the priesthood for himself and his kinsmen (Num. 16:10). This design was hidden under the pretext that all the people were holy and should be equal.

Who Diotrephes was is unknown. Regarding character, he is known as being proud, ambitious, exclusive, malicious, inhospitable, despotic, and rebellious against apostolic authority (3Jn. 1:9-10).

Blessed – Part 2

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Proverbs 10:7-8 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

The fear of God promotes righteousness and long life, but wickedness shortens life (Pro. 10:27; 11:19). The wicked shall not live out half their days (Ps. 55:23). Righteousness promotes health and long life (Ps. 91:1-16; 1Pet. 3:10-11), but wickedness shortens life.

Threefold curse on the wicked (Job 11:20): The eyes of the wicked will become blind. The wicked will not escape judgment. Their hope will be like giving up the ghost.

Fivefold envy of the wicked (Ps. 112:10): The wicked shall see the righteous exalted. He shall be jealous and grieved. He shall gnash with his teeth. He shall melt away. His desire shall perish.

‘Receive commandments.’ Four examples of receiving commandments: Abraham (Gen. 22:1-24; Heb. 11:8, 17); David (2Sam. 7:1-29); the widow (1Kin. 17:10-16); Rechabites (Jer. 35:6-10).

‘But a prating fool shall fall.’ This means to talk foolishly or at tedious length about something. This warning is repeated in Proverbs 10:10. Matthew 12:36 gives the same warning: “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Idle words mean those that are useless and of no profit to the hearer. We are warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33 to not be deceived because evil communications corrupt good manners. 

Blessed – Part 1

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Proverbs 10:7-8 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. 

‘Blessed’ – Twenty-three blessed classes: Those who live godly (Ps. 1:1; 106:3; Isa. 56:2). Put their trust in God (Ps. 2:12; 34:8; 40:4; 84:12). Have their sins forgiven (Ps. 32:1). Are free from imputed sin (Ps. 32:2). Respect not the proud (Ps. 40:4). Do not listen to lies (Ps. 40:4). Help the poor (Ps. 41:1). God fellowships with (Ps. 65:4). Live in God’s house (Ps. 84:4). Draw strength from God (Ps. 84:5). Know how to worship God (Ps. 89:15). Are chastened by God (Ps. 94:12). Fear God (Ps. 112:1; 128:1). Live undefiled lives (Ps. 119:1). Obey God’s Word (Ps. 119:2). Walk in wisdom (Pro. 8:32, 34). Hear wisdom (Pro. 8:34). The children of the just man who walks in his integrity (Pro. 20:7). The land under a godly king (Eccl. 10:17). The nation whose God is the Lord (Ps. 33:12). Those who wait upon God (Isa. 30:18). Those who work the land in the Millennium (Isa. 32:20). Those who live through the tribulation (Dan. 12:12).

Also translated “happy” in Deuteronomy 33:29; 1Kings 10:8; 2Chronicles 9:7; Job 5:17; Psalms 127:5; 128:2; 137:8-9; 144:15; 146:5 and Proverbs 3:13; 14:21; 16:20; 28:14; 29:18.

‘The name of the wicked shall rot.’ The name of the wicked is putrid. Four examples of bitter remembrance: Balaam (2Pet. 2:15; Jude 1:11; Rev. 2:14). Ahaz (2Chr. 28:22). Athaliah (2Chr. 24:7). Herod (Acts 12:22-23; cp. Ps. 9:16).

To be continued…

The Just vs The Wicked – Part 2

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Proverbs 10:6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 

The mouth of a righteous man produces blessing and life, but the mouth of sinners produces cursing and destruction (13:2-3; 1Pet. 3:10-11; Jas. 3:1-18). The control of the tongue is commanded by God (Jas. 1:26; 3:1-18). We have two eyes and two ears, suggesting we should see and hear more than we speak with the one tongue fenced with teeth.

Eighteenfold prosperity of the wicked: No bands (pangs) in death (Ps. 73:4). Their strength is firm. Not in trouble as other men (Ps. 73:5). Not plagued as other men. Pride compasses them about as a chain (or necklace, Ps. 73:6). Violence covers them as a garment.  Their eyes stand out with fatness (Ps. 73:7). They have more than their heart could wish. They are corrupt (Ps. 73:8). They speak wickedly about oppression. They speak loftily. Set their mouth against heaven – blaspheme God (Ps. 73:9). Their tongue walks through the earth – they find fault with everything. They cause men who have been converted from a life of covetousness to return to it, as in Psalms 73:2-3 (Ps. 73:10). Cause God’s people to covet the waters of a full cup (prosperity) to be wrung out to them. They say, How does God know (Ps. 73:11)? They say, Is there knowledge in the Most High to see these things? They increase in riches (Ps. 73:12).

‘Violence covers the mouth of the wicked.’ In Psalms 11:5 we read that the Lord’s soul hates the wicked and him that loves violence and in Psalms 140 we see David’s earnest prayer to be delivered and preserved from the evil violent man, thus giving us an example to believe that God will do the same for us if we adhere to the consecration laws as stated throughout Scripture (Ps. 1:1-6; 6:8; 26:4-5; Rom. 16:17; 1Cor. 5:9-13; 2Cor. 6:14 – 7:1; 2Tim. 3:2-5; 1Jn. 2Jn. 1:9-11 etc).

The Just vs The Wicked – Part 1

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Proverbs 10:6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 

‘Blessing are upon the head of the just.’ What is remembered about a righteous man is a blessing. Six examples of good remembrance: Elisha (2Kin. 13:21); Jehoiada (2Chr. 24:15-16); the woman who anointed Jesus (Mark 14:9); Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1:28, 48); Dorcas (Acts 9:36-39; cp. Pro. 22:1) and Antipas (Rev. 2:13).

Two blessings for godliness (Ps. 18:24): God has rewarded me for my righteousness. He has recompensed me for my clean living in His sight.

Two blessings for all believers (Matt. 13:15): Conversion, a change of direction, a new walk with God (Ps. 19:7; 51:13; Matt. 18:3; Luke 22:32; Acts 3:19; Jas. 5:19-20). Physical healing, a change of health, a new health in God (Ps. 91:1-16; 103:3; Matt. 8:17; Isa. 53:1-12; Rom. 8:11; 1Pet. 2:24; 3Jn. 1:2; Jas. 5:14-16; Mark 16:17-18; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16).

Seven equal blessings for Christians: All are children of God (Gal. 3:26). All are baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27). All have put on Christ. All are equal and one in Christ (Gal. 3:28). All belong to Christ (Gal. 3:29; 5:24). All are Abraham’s spiritual seed (Gal. 3:29). All are heirs by promise.

Three blessings for the righteous 1Pet. 3:12): God’s eyes are over them. God hears their prayers. God defeats their enemies.

To be continued…

A Slack Hand

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Proverbs 10:4-5 He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He that gathers in summer is a wise son: but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame. 

‘Poor’ [Hebrew: ruwsh] – eight Hebrew words translated as “poor” and “poverty” in Proverbs: [1] Reysh, lack, need, want. Translated as “poverty” (6:11; 10:15; 13:18; 24:34; 28:19; 30:8; 31:7). [2] Ruwsh, in want of necessities of life. Translated as “poor” (10:4; 13:7, 8, 23; 14:20; 17:5; 18:23; 19:1, 7, 22; 22:2, 7; 28:3, 6, 27; 29:13). [3] Dal, impoverished; reduced to poverty. Translated as “poor” (10:15; 14:31; 19:4, 17; 21:13; 22:9, 16, 22; 28:3, 8, 11, 15; 29:7, 14). [4] Machcowr, to be in want (6:11; 21:5; 22:16). Translated as “poor” (21:17); and “poverty” (11:24). [5] ‛Aniy, wretched. Translated as “poor” (14:21; 30:14; 31:9, 20). [6] ’Ebyown, destitute; helpless. Translated as “poor” (14:31). [7] Yarash, dispossessed. Translated as “poor” (30:9); and “poverty” (20:13; 23:21). [8] Checer, poverty or want. Translated as “poverty” (28:22).

‘Slack hand’ – Deceitful hand, as in Proverbs 12:24; Psalms 52:2; 120:2; Hosea 7:16 and Micah 6:12. All dishonesty, deceitfulness, and unrighteousness are abominable to God; all unrighteousness is sin (1Jn. 5:17; Jas. 4:17). The arms of the wicked refer to the instruments of his wickedness and the means of his power (Ps. 10:15; 37:17; 1Sam. 2:31).

‘Gathers in summer.’ Two examples of gathering in summer are Isaac (Gen. 26:12) and Joseph (Gen. 41:1-57).

‘But he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame.’ God has ordered in the course of providence that he who will not work shall not eat (2Thess. 3:10) and He always blesses the man who is not lazy. See Proverbs 6:6-11; 24:30-34; 30:25.

Will Not Suffer

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Proverbs 10:3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casts away the substance of the wicked. 

‘Will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish.’ Examples are Elijah (1Kin. 17:1-24) and David (2Sam. 17:1-29).

Elijah is considered one of the greatest of the prophets. He is not called a writing prophet because he didn’t leave a book like the ones from Isaiah to Malachi, but he did write four verses (2Chr. 21:12-15). No prophet has been more vividly described as he has been, nor have any been so counterfeited. Many throughout the ages have claimed to be Elijah since he is clearly predicted to return to the earth to help restore Israel just before the second coming of Christ (Mal. 4:5-6; Rev. 11:3-12). Elijah is also revealed as one of two anointed men who now stand before God, symbolized by two olive trees and two candlesticks (Zech. 14:11-14; Rev. 11:3-12). He is the only prophet whom people tried to identify with John the Baptist (Matt. 16:14; Mark 6:15; 8:28; John 1:21-25), and the only one whom John the Baptist imitated in spirit, power, and ministry (Matt. 11:14; 17:11-12; Mark 9:12-13; Luke 1:17).

Three times Elijah was miraculously fed: By ravens – many meals, twice daily for several days (1Kin. 17:4-7) – an amazing miracle for creatures of limited intelligence who are afraid of man and have no obvious means of providing food. By a widow (1Kin. 17:9-16). By an angel (1Kin. 19:5-6).

David was provided for – fourteen kinds of supplies – by others (2Sam. 17:28-29) through God’s provision when he hid from Absalom in Mahanaim.

‘Casts away the substance of the wicked.’ Four examples of destroying goods of the wicked: Israel (Jdg. 6:1-4); Samaria (1Kin. 18:2; 2Kin. 6:25); Jerusalem (Lam. 5:10; Zeph. 1:18); Chaldeans (Hab. 2:8).

Wickedness vs Righteousness – Part 2

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Proverbs 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivers from death. 

Three chief characteristics of the godly: They trust in God. They love God and His name. They are righteous (Ps. 5:12).

Twelve characteristics of the righteous: They walk uprightly – without blame. They work righteousness. They speak truth inwardly. They are free from backbiting (Ps. 15:3). They do no evil to neighbours. They receive no reproach about neighbours. They hold vile people condemned (Ps. 15:4). They honour them that fear the Lord. They keep their word even to own hurt. They take no advantage of one in need to increase riches (Ps. 15:5). They refuse bribes. They protect the innocent.

Five blessings of the righteous: They have a refuge (trust) in God. They are joyful in God. They have security in God. They are blessed by God. They have God’s favour or grace (Ps. 5:12).

Two comparisons between the righteous and the wicked: The righteous are like a tree planted, cultivated, and well-watered; not like one growing wild in the field (Ps. 1:3) and the wicked are like chaff that blows away and soon perishes (Ps. 1:4; cp. Ps. 35:5).

Wickedness vs Righteousness – Part 1

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Proverbs 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivers from death. 

‘Wickedness’ [Hebrew: resha‛] lawlessness. All classes of the wicked are like the troubled sea that cannot be still and constantly stirs up the mire and dirt of sin and corruption. They have no peace (Isa. 57:20-21), no calmness of soul or spirit; their passions and appetites keep them in continual turmoil seeking something satisfying; the wealth, business, pleasure, pride, pomp, flattery, and unrest of the world only keep them dissatisfied; and strong undercurrents of malice, jealousy, lust, revenge, strife, and ambitions to outdo others keep them at war with God and fellowmen. The guilt of a past life and the burning memories of wrongdoing agitate the sinner day and night to cover up his evil, but he cannot escape the fear of hell and future reaping.

‘Profit nothing’ – Three examples of no profit to such gain: Rehoboam (2Chr. 12:1-4, 9); Gehazi (2Kin. 5:20-27; Pro. 21:6) and the rich fool (Luke 12:20; Pro. 11:28).

‘Righteousness delivers from death.’ Three examples of righteousness delivering: Noah (Gen. 7:1; Heb. 11:7); Daniel (Dan. 6:1-28) and the three Hebrew children (Dan. 3:1-30)

To be continued…

A Wise Son… A Foolish Son

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Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

‘Proverbs of Solomon.’ This title also covers the first 9 chapters (1:1). Here there are 288 individually contrasted persons and things (10:1-19:19). These sayings were all composed by Solomon who spoke 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs (1Kin. 4:32). All the proverbs in this section are composed of 2 statements, except Proverbs 19:7. They are miscellaneous and generally not connected in thought. For some that are thought connected see Proverbs 10:2-7, 8-10, 11-14, 15-21, 22-25, 27-30; etc.

‘A wise son makes a glad father.’ A good example was Joseph (Gen. 47:12; cp. Gen. 48:2). What a joy to any parent – a wise child!

‘A foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.’ A good example was Esau (Gen. 26:34-35; 27:45-46). Any foolish child – no matter what age – causes his parents and family grief. A fool who has no sense of responsibility is a shame to his parents (17:25) because he brings troubles, calamities and ruin (19:13).