Tag: Proverbs

Riches and Honour – Part 3

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Proverbs 8:18-21 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

‘My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.’ Man sold himself a slave to sin and satan. God paid the price of His redemption. Man is now obligated to meet God’s terms of faith, repentance, and service if He wants to be redeemed. The word is not used here of man actually paying a price in money or goods – exchanging material things for the gold, raiment, and ointment of Revelations 3:18 – but rather of his paying the price of renouncing satan, repenting of sins, and consecrating to God in face of suffering persecution such as Christians must suffer for Christ (Rev. 3:19; 2Tim. 3:12).

‘Gold tried in the fire’ represents true faith (1Pet1:7).

When the atonement of Christ is fully embraced, the sick, sinful, helpless, and needy are restored health, holiness, power, and prosperity, and full dominion over satan and membership and communion in God’s family. The Lord will prosper your work, bless your family, increase your prosperity, and rejoice over you for good (Deut. 30:8-10). Material prosperity is a blessing that is God’s will (Job 36:11; Ps. 1:1-3; Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 15:7, 16; 2Cor. 9:6-8; Php. 4:19; 3Jn. 1:2) . Universal prosperity will be a reality (Isa. 2:2-4; 35:1-8; 65:20-25; Mic. 4:4-5).

Riches and Honour – Part 2

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Proverbs 8:18-21 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

Riches in Scripture are considered the cause of much sin and rebellion against God; and, for this cause, there are many warnings to men, especially converted men, to shun all covetousness of such (Deut. 6:10-17; Ps. 52:1-7; 73:1-22; Pro. 23:4-5; 28:20-22; 30:8-9; Jer. 9:23; Ezek. 28:5; Matt. 6:19; Luke 6:24; 12:15-20; 16:13-31; 1Tim. 6:4-19; Jas. 1:9-11; 5:1-3).

Covetousness [the intense lust for gain] is forbidden (Ex. 20:17; Matt. 6:19-21; Rom. 13:9; Eph. 5:3; Heb. 13:5; 1Jn. 2:15-17). Hatred of it was one qualification of leaders, civil and religious (Ex. 18:21; 1Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 5:2). It will damn the soul (1Cor. 5:11; Eph. 5:3-5; 1Tim. 6:9-11; 2Pet. 2:3, 14). It must be killed out entirely (Col. 3:2-6).

Covetousness breeds: Greed and murder (1:19; Isa. 56:11; Jer. 22:17). Poverty and rebellion (11:24). Oppression and violence (22:16; Jer. 22:17; Mic. 2:2). Denial of God (30:8-9). Injustice (Isa. 1:23; Mic. 7:3). Backsliding (Mic. 3:11). Deceptions (Matt. 13:22). Defilement (Mark 7:21-23). Temptations and lusts (1Tim. 6:9-11; 1Jn. 2:15-17). A short life and a fool’s end (Jer. 17:11; Luke 12:16-21).

Seven sins of wicked rich men: Heaping together treasures on earth (Jas. 5:3; Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:15-21). Defrauding labourers (Jas. 5:4; Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:14-15; Jer. 22:13; Mal. 3:5). Living in pleasure at the expense of those defrauded (Jas. 5:5; Matt. 23:14). Living in wantonness or sensual appetites to the uttermost (Jas. 5:5; Rom. 13:13; 1Tim. 5:11; 2Pet. 2:18). Nourishing the heart, or living in luxury and pride (Jas. 5:5). Condemning the just, or perverting the judgment of the poor (Jas. 2:1-10; 5:6). Killing the just to multiply their own riches (Jas. 5:6; 1Kin. 21:1-29).

To be continued…

Riches and Honour – Part 1

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Proverbs 8:18-21 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. 

‘Riches and honour’ – Riches, honour, and life depend upon humility and fear of the Lord (22:4). The Word states clearly that both riches and honour come from the Lord (3:16; 1Chr. 29:12), but never if it will lead us away from Him (Matt. 13:22; Luke 12:15-21; 1Tim. 6:17-18).

In Psalms 112:3 we see that God sanctions wealth and riches for the righteous man. How foolish to condemn riches and class rich men as wicked just because of their prosperity. Wealth is a blessing if used as God intended. It was God’s original plan that all men be prosperous and use all things in creation for their own good and God’s glory. It is still God’s purpose, and when the Messiah reigns every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree, which indicates there will be universal peace and prosperity (Isa. 2:2-4; 65:20-25; Mic. 4:1-8).

The ungodly rich, however, permit the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things to choke the Word of God (Mark 4:18-19) thus they cannot keep or understand the Word they receive. The warning against covetousness is clear throughout Scripture and we need to be thankful for a little with righteousness is better than the riches of many wicked (Ps. 37:16). Riches profit not in the day of wrath (11:4).

Ten dangers of coveting riches: Many temptations of the devil (1Tim. 6:9). Many snares of the devil. Many foolish lusts. Many hurtful lusts. Destruction and perdition. The root of evil to grow (1Tim. 6:10). One to err from the faith. Many sorrows. High mindedness (1Tim. 6:17). Wrong trust. 

To be continued…

The Fear of the LORD

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Proverbs 8:12-14 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 

‘Prudence’ is defined here as practical wisdom, or wisdom in action, choosing the best means to an end. Hence, witty (shrewd, practical) inventions.

‘The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.’ To depart from evil through the fear of God is to obtain eternal life (14:27). Four things the fear of God is the hatred of- Evil, the evil way, arrogance and pride.

There are four blessings of the fear of God: Strong confidence (14:26). A place of refuge – security. Eternal life (14:27). Holiness of life and conduct.

Fourteen blessings of the fear of the Lord: Is the beginning of wisdom (1:7; 9:10). Determines destiny (1:29). Helps to depart from evil (3:7; 16:6). Is to hate evil (8:13). Prolongs days (10:27). Gives strong confidence (14:26). Is a fountain of life (14:27). Produces satisfaction (15:16). Is the instruction of wisdom (15:33). Tends to life (19:23). Gives riches, honour, and life (22:4). Brings freedom from envy (23:17). Brings blessing and prosperity (Eccl. 8:12; Isa. 33:6). Involves humility (Isa. 2:10-21).

‘Fear’ [Hebrew: yir’ah] religious reverence. By the mercy and truth of God, atonement for sin is made and iniquity is purged; through fear of Him, men depart from sin (John 16:6; Tit. 3:5).

‘Hate evil’ – A man may outwardly depart from evil yet love it in his heart, but to hate it he must have divine wisdom. By nature men love evil (Jer. 17:9; Matt. 7:17; 15:19; John 3:19; Rom. 3:10-18; 8:7-8; 2Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:2-12; 4:17-22).

‘Froward mouth’ – A perverse mouth is referred to in a threefold way: Froward speaking (2:12). Froward mouth (4:24; 6:12). Perverse lips (4:24).

‘Sound wisdom’ [Hebrew: tuwshiyah] stability; essence; substance; reality. From it come all inventions and knowledge of all sciences known to man. Translated as “wisdom” (Job 6:13; 12:16; Pro. 2:7; 3:21; 8:14; 18:1; Mic. 6:9); “enterprise” (Job 5:12); “that which is” (Job 11:6); “the thing as it is” (Job 26:3); “substance” (Job 30:22); and “working” (Isa. 28:29).

The Words of My Mouth

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Proverbs 8:8-11 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 

‘Righteousness’ – All my sayings are righteous, declaring what man owes to God, his neighbour, and to himself, so that each can receive his due.

‘Froward or perverse’ – Crooked or crafty, perverse, unrighteous, or difficult.

‘They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge.’ My words are plain to him that understands, and righteous to those who have the knowledge. This is in contrast to the crooked, crafty, and unrighteous ones of Proverbs 8:8. The man of understanding and wisdom does not despise truth.

‘Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.’ Choose instruction over silver, and knowledge over gold. Wisdom is even better than rubies and all other things one can desire (8:11; cp. 3:15).

‘Better than rubies’ – Seventeen “better” things in Proverbs: Wisdom is better than gold (3:14; 8:19). Wisdom is better than silver. Wisdom is better than rubies (3:15; 8:11). A despised man is better than one who honors himself (12:9). A little with the fear of God is better than treasures with trouble (15:16). A dinner of herbs with love is better than a feast where hatred is (15:17). A man slow to anger is better than a hot tempered mighty man (16:32). A man who rules his spirit is better than an intemperate hero (16:32). A morsel of bread with quietness is better than a feast with strife (17:1). An honest poor man is better than a fool with perverse lips (19:1). A poor man is better than a liar (19:22). It is better to dwell alone in a small place than in a large one with a brawling woman (21:9; 25:24). It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with an angry and contentious woman (21:19). It is better to be exalted than to be abased before men (25:7). An open rebuke is better than secret love (27:5). A near neighbour is better than a far-off brother (27:10). A righteous poor man is better than a wicked rich man (28:6).

Speak Truth

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Proverbs 8:6-7 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 

‘My mouth shall speak truth.’ This is the third great personification of wisdom (8:1-9:18; cp. 1:20-32; 3:13-18). She lifts up her voice in the most public places and warns the young to avoid the ways of seduction and sin (8:1-14). She promises riches, honour, wisdom, knowledge, and success in every field of endeavour to those who love her (8:15-21). She speaks of her eternity with God and advises men to obey her because of her ancient experiences (8:22-9:18).

‘Truth’ – this word is used by Jesus in John 22 times and only 4 times by Him in the other gospels. He is the truth of God that sets free (John 8:32-36; 14:6). He is the teacher and source of truth (Matt. 22:16; Mark 12:14; John 1:14, 17).

Many claim today to speak God’s truth, but they speak lies in hypocrisy (1Tim. 4:2) [Greek: pseudologos] speakers of lies in pretended revelations; putting on an act of self-denial and mortification of the flesh to prove their false doctrines to be truth. All liars and slanderers shall have their part in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8; 22:15).

Twenty personal acts of wisdom: She cries (8:1-3). She stands (8:2). She calls (8:4). She speaks (8:4 – 9:18). She reproves (8:5). She abhors sin (8:7). She admonishes (8:10). She searches (8:12). She hates (8:13). She counsels (8:14). She advises (8:15). She loves (8:17). She leads (8:20). She blesses (8:21). She rejoices (8:30). She delights (8:31). She builds (9:1). She cooks (9:2). She plans (9:3). She invites (9:5).

‘Wickedness’ [Hebrew: resha‛] lawlessness (Isa. 57:20-21).

You Simple… You Fools

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Proverbs 8:4-5 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O you simple, understand wisdom: and, you fools, be you of an understanding heart. 

‘Sons of man’ – The call is to all the sons of Adam – to the simple, to the fools (8:4-5).

‘Simple’ [Hebrew: pethiy] inconsiderate; unwary; artless, guileless, and unsuspecting; those who, through lack of knowledge and experience, act rashly and unwisely (1:22, 32; 7:7; 8:5; 9:4, 16; 14:15, 18; 19:25; 21:11; 22:3; 27:12). Referring to those who are unsaved.

‘Wisdom’ [Hebrew: ‛ormah] shrewdness. Translated as wisdom (8:5); subtilty (1:4); and prudence (8:12).

‘Heart’ – Eighteen commands concerning the heart: Apply the heart to understanding (2:2; 22:17; 23:12). Open the heart to wisdom (2:10). Keep the commandments (3:1; 4:4, 21). Write commandments on it (3:3; 7:3). Trust in the Lord with it (3:5). Keep it with all diligence (4:23). Bind commandments upon it (6:21). Do not lust in it (6:25). Do not be inclined to sin (7:25). Have an understanding heart (8:5). Be wise in it (11:29; 12:23; 16:21). Retain wisdom in it (14:33). Be merry in heart (15:13, 15). Study answers with it (15:28). Increase its knowledge (18:15). Apply it to instruction (23:12). Do not use it to envy sinners (23:17). Give heart to wisdom (23:26).

Wisdom and Understanding

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Proverbs 8:1-3 Does not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She stands in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. 

‘Does not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?’ Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8:8-9. Just as the gospel [God’s Wisdom] is made known to man and is free and easy to find for those who seek it, we can find godly wisdom and understanding if only we ask and believe.

From James 1:5-7 we have the command to ask God (anything) if we lack wisdom, and He will, without scolding, give to all men liberally, BUT it must be asked in faith, without wavering because then you will not receive anything from the Lord.

Fifteen ways “wisdom” is used: Human education (Acts 7:22). Man’s wisdom (1Cor. 1:19-22; 2:1-13). Human philosophy and religion (Col. 2:23; 1Cor. 3:19; 2Cor. 1:12; Gal. 1:14). Earthly, sensual, devilish wisdom (Jas. 3:14-16). Prophetic anointing (Luke 11:49). Godly training (Luke 2:40, 52). Anointing to speak (Luke 21:15; Acts 6:1-15; 1Cor. 2:7). Ministerial ability for the apostles (Eph. 1:8, 17; 3:10; Col. 1:19, 28). Christ the wisdom of God (1Cor. 1:24, 30; Col. 2:3; 3:16). Divine gift of wisdom (1Cor. 12:8). Divine attribute of God (Rom. 11:33). Heavenly wisdom (Jas. 3:17-18). Spirit of revelation (2Pet. 3:15). Ability of Christ (Matt. 12:42; 13:54). Native insight (Rev. 13:18; 17:9).

‘Wisdom’ [Hebrew: Chokmah] wisdom, prudence, shrewdness, skill. Translated as “wisdom” 145 times (1:2, 7; 2:2, 6, 10; 3:13, 19; 4:5, 7, 11; 5:1; 7:4; 8:1, 11-12; 9:10; 10:13, 23, 31; 11:2; 13:10; 14:6, 8, 33; 15:33; 16:16; 17:16; 24; 18:4; 21:30; 23:23; 24:3, 24:14; 28:26; 29:3, 15; 30:3; 31:26; Ex. 28:3; 31:3, 6; 35:26; 31, 35; 36:1-2; Ps. 37:30; 51:6; 90:12; 104:24; 111:10; Eccl. 1:13-18; 2:3-26; 7:11-25; 8:1, 16;). It is the predominant word for wisdom in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

‘Top of high places’ – Wisdom cries in five places: high places, crossroads, gates, broad roads, and at the doors. Wherever men are, there she cries and warns of wrong ways (8:2-5).

The Chambers of Death

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Proverbs 7:18-27 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goes after her straightway, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hastes to the snare, and knows not that it is for his life. Hearken unto me now therefore, O you children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she has cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. 

‘Take our fill’ [Hebrew: ravah] to make drunk; to drink one’s fill; satiate.

‘Goodman is not at home’ – She tried to make him think she was married and only fulfilling religious vows and worship.

‘With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.’ She overcame his scruples with lascivious talk.

‘As an ox goes to the slaughter.’ Three comparisons of the stupidity of his folly: As an ox going to slaughter. As a fool to the stocks. As a bird to the snare (7:23).

‘Hearken unto me now therefore, O you children, and attend to the words of my mouth.’ Again the repetitive warning (4:1, 20; 5:1; 7:24) to obey godly instruction and reproof, no one will have an excuse one day to say they didn’t know (Hos. 4:6) – knowledge and wisdom have always been available to those who ask and seek it truly (Matt. 7:7-8; 21:22; John 15:7; Jas. 1:5-8; 1Jn. 3:22; 5:14-16). Solomon appeals again to the simple and inexperienced to follow his advice; again he warns against the harlot and the end of those who sin with her (7:24-27).

‘Many strong men have been slain by her.’ Four great men fell by women: Samson (Jdg. 16:4-21); David (2 Samuel 11-12); Solomon (1Kin. 11:1-43; Neh. 13:26); Herod (Matt. 14:1-36).

‘Hell’ [Hebrew: She’owl]) the unseen world of departed spirits. The unsaved go to hell when they leave their bodies (Ps. 9:17; 55:15; Isa. 14:9; Luke 16:23; Jas. 2:26; Rev. 20:7-15) and the lost are in conscious torment in hell (Deut. 32:22; 2Sam. 22:6; Ps. 18:5; 116:3; 139:8; Isa. 14:9-11; Ezek. 32:21; Son. 8:6; Hab. 2:5; Luke 16:23-28).

Peace Offerings

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Proverbs 7:14-17 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 

‘I have peace offerings with me.’ After the blood of the offering was shed and the fat burned, all but the breast and shoulder (the priest’s portion) belonged to the sacrificer, who could take it home and make a feast for friends (Lev. 3:1-17; 7:31-34). This shows how much worship was carried on in connection with idolatry and harlotry. The gods of many pagan nations were worshipped in the brothels, and fragments of the offerings were divided among the temple prostitutes. Every heathen temple, high place of sacrifice, and place of worship had its consecrated prostitutes to attract men to such worship.

Today we need to be aware of the same fact – not every word that originates from the Word of God that is used by the world is used to honour God, but people act sanctimoniously.

‘I paid my vows.’ She insinuated that she had made a vow for the health and safety of the young man; that she had made her peace with God; that she had come forth especially to meet him; and that by partaking with her in her worship no sin would be committed; and that she was forced to avail herself of the nighttime and the absence of her husband to complete her vows and worship.

‘To meet thee.’ She implied that she came to meet him and no one else, but if this young man had not come along, another would have been the same to her.

‘Bed’ [Hebrew: ‛eres] couch or sofa on which to recline at meals; not mishkab, a bed to sleep on, as in Proverbs 7:17. She used every means to incite the passions and appetites of the young man – worship, food, and the prospect of sexual satisfaction (7:14-21).