Tag: Proverbs

Lends unto the Lord – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:17 He that has pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again.

“Give, and it will be given to you… with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). Galatians 6:7-10: We reap what we sow; sowing generosity toward the needy brings God’s blessing, but each should also bear his own load (Gal. 6:5).

Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 2): Boaz showed thoughtful generosity, providing food for Ruth while also preserving her dignity and encouraging her work ethic. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35): He provided practical, needed help for the injured man, demonstrating true pity and mercy. The Jerusalem Congregation (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35): They generously supported believers in genuine need while maintaining accountability.

Discern between need and idleness: Ask: “Will my help meet a real need or enable harmful patterns?” Help in ways that restore dignity: Sometimes help is best given through opportunities, food, clothing, counsel, or job support, not money. Cultivate a merciful heart: Avoid hardness or indifference toward those who suffer. Even when you cannot give financially, you can offer encouragement, prayer, and practical care.

Helping the truly needy is lending to the Lord Himself, a privilege with eternal reward. But generosity must be paired with wisdom; unwise giving can short-circuit the very lessons God may use to bring repentance and growth.

Lends unto the Lord – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:17 He that has pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again. 

‘Lends unto the Lord.’ This proverb shows that when we show mercy to the truly needy, God views it as if we are lending directly to Him. It’s not simply charity; it’s worship. God identifies with the poor and promises to personally repay the giver. It’s a great privilege to “lend to the Lord” and an amazing thought, our Creator receives our acts of compassion as a personal gift. Very few recognise or act on this privilege. God as guarantor: Earthly debtors may default, but the Lord never fails to “repay.” This repayment may come as a spiritual blessing, peace of heart, or eternal reward (cf. Luke 6:38; Matt. 16:27).

Mercy is not enabling sin. The call to pity the poor should be exercised with discernment: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat” (2Thess. 3:10). Ephesians 4:28 exhorts people to work with their own hands so they may have something to share with those truly in need. True compassion considers long-term good: Giving financial aid without discernment can sometimes enable laziness, addiction, or rebellion rather than helping someone grow in responsibility and repentance. Let consequences do their work: Sometimes hardship leads to humility and change. When we remove all consequences, we may interfere with the process God uses to awaken someone to repentance (Gal. 6:7-8).

Thus, helping the poor is not a blind distribution of money to anyone asking; it is showing mercy in ways that encourage healing, responsibility, and restoration.

To be continued…

Keeps the Commandment – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:16 He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall die. 

‘He that despises his ways shall die.’ Death comes through rebellion. The one who disregards or rejects God’s way ultimately invites harm and death, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The phrase “despises his ways” suggests: he scorns God’s standards, follows his own desires, and mocks moral boundaries. Unrepentant rebellion leads to separation from God, the ultimate death (Rom. 6:23).

“He who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death” (8:36). “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6). James 1:14-15 states that sin, when full-grown, brings forth death.

God’s commands are not restrictive but protective: They are designed for human flourishing. Just as traffic laws protect drivers from accidents, God’s moral law protects us from ruin.

Obedience reveals faith: True faith is shown in a transformed life that delights in God’s will (1Jn. 2:3-5). Rebellion has built-in consequences: Ignoring God’s moral law eventually harms one’s body, relationships, and soul.

Adam and Eve (Gen. 2-3): Disobedience brought death, not just physically but spiritually, alienation from God. Israel in the wilderness (Num. 14): Disobedience kept them from entering the promised land. A person who follows God’s principles for honesty, purity, and forgiveness experiences peace and life; one who disregards them faces brokenness and loss.

Daily obedience safeguards your soul: Every choice aligned with God’s Word nourishes spiritual life and keeps you close to Him. Reverence for God’s commands brings true freedom: Obedience is not drudgery but the pathway to joy and security. Rejecting God’s way is self-destructive: God does not need to punish sin directly; sin itself carries its own consequences.

Keeps the Commandment – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:16 He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall die. 

This proverb underscores a timeless biblical principle: obedience to God’s ways leads to life, while rebellion leads to ruin. It’s not just about external rules but about aligning our hearts and conduct with God’s design.

‘He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul.’ There is life through obedience. To “keep” God’s commandments is to guard, observe, and live by them. Such obedience preserves a person’s life, health, and spiritual well-being. By following God’s moral order, one avoids destructive habits and the chaos of sin. Jesus echoed this principle: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience flows from love for God, and it safeguards our souls for eternity.

“Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded” (13:13). In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Moses calls Israel to “choose life” by loving and obeying God. “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life” (Ps. 119:93).

To be continued…

Slothfulness – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 

Biblical and practical illustrations:  The Sluggard in Proverbs: Over and over, Proverbs warns that laziness leads to ruin (24:30-34; 26:13-16). The Prodigal Son’s early wastefulness: While not exactly laziness, his reckless idleness led him to hunger and poverty (Luke 15:14-16). Modern life: Someone who continually procrastinates or refuses to work diligently eventually faces lack, financially, relationally, and spiritually.

Laziness can create spiritual apathy; if you neglect prayer, Scripture, and serving God, you may become spiritually numb (Eph. 5:14). Awakening from spiritual “sleep” requires intentional action and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Hard work brings stability; idleness breeds lack. Being proactive and alert is essential to flourishing in work, relationships, and faith. God’s design: diligence leads to provision (12:24). God’s grace: He enables believers to live productive, purposeful lives that serve others and honour Him.

Slothfulness doesn’t just produce external poverty; it dulls the inner life, leaving one insensitive to responsibility and opportunity. In contrast, diligence awakens the soul and leads to fruitfulness.

Slothfulness – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 

This proverb highlights the natural consequences of laziness. It uses vivid imagery to show how neglect of duty leads not only to mental and spiritual dullness but also to physical lack.

Two effects of laziness: [1] Deep sleep – laziness dulls a person’s mind and will. It creates apathy, where one becomes oblivious to responsibilities, opportunities, and even moral duties. Such a person drifts through life, inactive and indifferent, much like someone in a stupor. Slothfulness can lead to a hardened heart toward God’s callings (Rom. 13:11-12). [2] Hunger and want – the practical, inevitable outcome of persistent idleness is poverty. Without effort and diligence, one cannot sustain their needs. Proverbs repeatedly warns that laziness leads to hunger and want (6:9-11; 10:4; 20:4). God has designed the world so that labour brings provision; neglect brings lack (2Thess. 3:10).

‘Deep sleep’ [Hebrew: tardēmāh] A profound sleep or unconsciousness; the term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament for a God-induced deep sleep: Adam – God caused a tardēmāh to fall on him before forming Eve (Gen. 2:21). Abraham – A tardēmāh fell on him before God’s covenant vision (Gen. 15:12). Saul’s army – A tardēmāh from the Lord kept them from waking when David spared Saul’s life (1Sam. 26:12). Job’s visions – Came in deep sleep (Job 4:13; 33:15).

In Isaiah 29:10, it is used metaphorically for spiritual stupor: “The Lord has poured out upon you a spirit of deep sleep.” In Proverbs 19:15, this word is applied figuratively to laziness. It describes someone so dulled by sloth that they are insensible to life’s responsibilities, indifferent to opportunities, blind to danger, and unresponsive to the needs of others.

To be continued…

From the Lord – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 

Biblical examples: Abigail (1Sam. 25): A prime example of a prudent wife. Though married to the harsh and foolish Nabal, she acted wisely and respectfully, preventing David from sinning in wrath. Priscilla (Acts 18:2, 24-26): Alongside her husband Aquila, she demonstrated wisdom in ministry and teaching. Contrast with Michal (2Sam. 6:16, 20-23): Michal’s contentious spirit towards David brought conflict and barrenness in her home.

Material blessings are good, but spiritual blessings are greater. Houses and wealth can provide comfort, but a wise, peace-loving spouse is a source of lasting joy and stability. A prudent wife is cultivated through God’s grace. Pray for God’s guidance in marriage, whether seeking a spouse or nurturing an existing marriage.

Husbands: Recognise and thank God for a wise and gracious spouse. Wives: Cultivate prudence and grace through God’s Word and Spirit. Parents: Provide not only material inheritance but also teach children to seek godliness in their future spouses (Deut. 6:5-7).

Material inheritances can bless life externally, but a prudent and godly spouse enriches life at its core. The former comes from human effort; the latter is a gift only God can give.

From the Lord – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 

This verse highlights two of life’s great blessings, demonstrating that one can be attained through human effort while the other is a divine gift.

The inheritance of riches is a gift from earthly fathers; material possessions, houses, land, and wealth are often passed down from one generation to the next. Such inheritances can provide stability and opportunity in life, but they are ultimately temporal. They originate from human sources and can be lost (13:22; Eccl. 5:10). While financial blessings are beneficial, they do not guarantee genuine happiness or a harmonious home life.

A prudent wife is a gift from the LORD. In contrast to material inheritance, a wise, godly, discerning wife is not something that can be inherited or bought; she is a blessing given by God’s providence. Prudent means: “wise,” “discerning,” or “sensible.” A prudent wife knows how to act wisely in various situations, managing her household with grace and understanding. This is the opposite of the contentious wife in Proverbs 19:13. She may have many potential reasons for complaint, but chooses patience, peace, and wisdom instead.

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (18:22). Proverbs 31:10-12, 26-28 describes the virtuous woman whose wisdom blesses her family and Ecclesiastes 9:9 commends enjoying life with the wife whom God has given.

To be continued…

Two Unbearable Things

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Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 

This verse identifies two heavy, ongoing burdens that disrupt peace and happiness in a household.

‘ A foolish son is the calamity of his father.’ A son who is morally or spiritually foolish brings grief, shame, and hardship to his parents. He may squander opportunities, rebel against guidance, and engage in destructive behaviour. Why is it called “calamity”? His choices cause emotional pain, financial loss, and sometimes public disgrace for the family (10:1; 17:21, 25). Examples: The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-16) initially brought sorrow before his repentance; Absalom’s rebellion devastated David (2Sam. 15-18). The sorrow of Eli over his corrupt sons (1Sam. 2:22-36) shows how wayward children can ruin even the reputation of a godly parent.

‘A contentious wife are a continual dropping.’ A quarrelsome or argumentative spouse becomes a constant irritation, like the relentless drip of water. Image of “continual dropping”: Like water leaking on a roof, the persistent sound wears down patience; similarly, incessant nagging makes peace impossible (27:15-16). One cannot find rest, sitting, standing, working, or sleeping, because conflict pervades every moment. “Better to live in a corner of the housetop, than with a quarrelsome wife in a wide house” (21:9). “Better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman” (21:19). These verses emphasise how unbearable constant conflict is, regardless of wealth or comfort.

Wrath vs. Favour – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:12 The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. 

‘As dew upon the grass’ – Dew quietly descends overnight, bringing life and nourishment to plants; without it, vegetation withers. Likewise, a ruler’s favour refreshes and blesses those he governs. “In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain” (16:15). Psalm 72:6 describes a godly king: “He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.” The picture is of a gentle, life-giving influence, not harsh or overbearing rule.

Wise conduct under authority: Recognise the weight of leadership and the consequences of provoking those in authority unjustly. Practice humility and respect toward leaders, especially when they are in the wrong (Rom. 13:1-7; 1Pet. 2:13-17). This respect does not mean approving of evil or enabling abuse, but rather maintaining a godly attitude and response while trusting God’s timing and justice (Gal. 6:7).

Good leaders know both the power of discipline and the value of gracious favour. Leadership that is always harsh produces fear; leadership tempered with kindness refreshes and motivates. God’s wrath is fearful to the unrepentant (Heb. 10:31), yet His favour toward His people is life-giving (Ps. 30:5). Christ as King exercises both justice and mercy perfectly.