Tag: Proverbs

The Wicked vs. the Righteous

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Proverbs 10:25 As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. 

‘As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.’ As a tornado sweeps away everything in its path, so the wrath of God will destroy the wicked (Ps. 145:20). The righteous will never be moved by the wrath of God (Ps. 125:1).

Because the wicked refuse righteousness they will be destroyed by the methods they used to destroy others (21:7) and by the wrath of god. The wrath of God is revealed in the gospel as part of God’s righteousness The phrase ‘wrath of God’ is found ten times in Scripture (Rom. 1:18; Ps. 78:31; John 3:36; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6; Rev. 14:10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1).

God’s wrath is against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. In Romans 1:18-32 Paul proves the utter ungodliness of the Gentile world and its deserving God’s wrath. In Romans 2:1-3:8 he proves that the Jews are also ungodly and deserving of God’s wrath. In Romans 3:9-20 he sums up the case of both Jews and Gentiles, proving the whole world guilty.

‘The righteous is an everlasting foundation.’ Twelve characteristics of the righteous: They walk uprightly – without blame (Ps. 15:2). They work righteousness. They speak truth inwardly. They be 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 their own hurt. They take no advantage of one in need to increase riches (Ps. 15:5). They refuse bribes. They protect the innocent.

Fear

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Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 

‘The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him.’ The wicked will reap what he has feared (11:27; Isa. 66:4; Gal. 6:7-8). The warning of whatever we fear shall come over us is clear from Job 3:25: “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” Christians should never allow any form of fear to enter their thoughts as this will cause them to fall away from God’s grace (2Tim. 1:7; 1Jn. 4:18).

‘But the desire of the righteous shall be granted.’ Four examples of righteous desire granted: Hannah (1Sam. 1:20); Esther (Est. 4:16; 8:15-17); Daniel ( Dan. 2:18-23; 9:1-23; 10:1-21); Simeon (Luke 2:25-30).

To Do Mischief

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Proverbs 10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding has wisdom. 

‘It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding has wisdom.’ Iniquity is as sport to a fool, but a man of understanding hates sin. He that seeks the good of others gains their favour, but he that seeks their harm shall reap it himself (11:27; Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:7-8). The law of sowing and reaping is unfailing and unchangeable (Gen. 1:11-12, 21, 24-25, 29).

‘To do mischief’ – mischief is the Hebrew word zimmah, wicked thought or device (Ps. 26:10; 119:150; Pro. 10:23). The wicked man continually conceives deceit and mischief, which lead to nothing but vanity (Job 15:35). He that has a stubborn heart finds no good, and he that has a deceitful and unmanageable tongue falls into evil (17:20).

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 3

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Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 

These blessings are (continues): All good things (Matt. 7:11). Material blessings (Matt. 19:29; 21:21-22; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30). Great rewards (Matt. 5:12; 6:4, 6, 18; 10:42; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:23, 35; 14:14; John 4:36; 1Cor. 3:8-15; 15:58; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Heb. 10:35; Jas. 1:25). Blessing for persecution (Matt. 5:11). Exaltation through humility (Matt. 19:30; 20:16; 23:12; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30; 14:11; 18:14; Jas. 4:10; 1Pet. 5:6). The end of law in Christ (Rom. 10:4). Faith (Rom. 10:17; 1Cor. 12:9). Holiness (Rom. 11:16; Eph. 1:4; 5:27; Col. 1:22; cp. Heb. 12:14). Atonement (Matt. 26:28; Luke 22:19-20; John 1:29; Rom. 3:25; 5:11; Eph. 1:7). Victory (Rom. 5:17; 8:4, 13; 37; 2Cor. 2:14; 1Jn. 5:4). Abundant grace (Rom. 5:20-21). Divine help (Rom. 8:26-27, 31, 34; 14:4; 1Cor. 10:13). A short work of God (Romm. 9:28). Protection by angels (Matt. 4:6; Luke 4:10-11; Heb. 1:14). Sonship (Matt. 5:9, 45; Luke 6:35; John 1:12; Rom. 8:14, 16; Gal. 3:7-9, 26; Heb. 3:6; 1Jn. 3:2, 10). Power to bind and lose (Matt. 16:19; 18:18; John 14:12; 20:23). Divine presence now (Matt. 18:20; 20:23) and hereafter (Rev. 7:15; 21:3-7). Unlimited power (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 10:19; 17:6; 24:49; John 14:12; Acts 1:8). Love of God (John 14:21). Goodness of God (Rom. 2:4; 11:22). Blessing or cursing (Rom. 13:2-3).

To be continued…

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 2

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Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 

These blessings are (continues): Physical healing (Matt. 8:18; 9:29; 13:15; 17:20; 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 4:18; John 10:10; 14:12; Acts 28:27; Rom. 8:11; Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24). Justification (Acts 13:38-39; Rom. 2:13; 3:24-28; 4:25; 5:1-2; 8:33; Gal. 2:16; 3:24). Righteousness (Rom. 3:22; 4:5, 16, 24; _5:19; 1Cor. 1:30). Spirit baptism (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 1:33; 7:37-39; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:17-21, 38-39; 11:16; Gal. 3:14). Eternal life (Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:29-30; John 3:15-16, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:27, 47, 50, 58; 8:51; 10:27-29; 20:31; Rom. 2:7; 6:22-23; Tit. 1:2; 1Jn. 2:25; 5:11-12). Life by the Word (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4). Newness of life (Rom. 6:5, 8). A spiritual mind (Rom. 8:6). Impartiality of God (Rom. 2:11). Mercy (Matt. 5:7; Luke 1:50; Jas. 5:11). Comfort (Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21; 2Cor. 1:4, 1:7; 7:6). Greatness (Matt. 5:19; 18:4; Luke 9:48). Inspiration (Matt. 10:19; Luke 12:12). Wisdom (Luke 21:15; Jas. 1:5). Assurance (John 6:37; Php. 1:6; 2Tim. 1:12; 2:11-13; Heb. 6:1-20; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). Knowledge (John 7:17; 14:20, 26; 2Cor. 1:1-24; 2:12; 12:8-11). Freedom from condemnation (John 3:16-18; Rom. 8:1; Heb. 9:13-15). Freedom (John 8:32, 36). Word near all people (Rom. 10:8). Light of life (John 8:12). Honour (John 12:26; Rom. 2:8-10). Glory and honour (Rom. 2:10; 8:18). Necessities of life (Matt. 6:30, 33; Luke 11:9-13; 12:31). Providence of God (Matt. 10:29-31; Luke 12:6, 24, 28; Rom. 8:28-30; 1Pet. 5:7).

To be continued…

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 1

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Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 

‘Blessing of the LORD, it makes rich.’ Five examples of the Lord making rich: Abraham (Gen. 24:1); Isaac (Gen. 25:11; 26:12); Jacob (Gen. 28:4; 30:27); Solomon (1Kin. 3:13); Job (Job 42:10).

There are 750 promises in the New Testament, but only 250 separate benefits (blessings) because many of the promises are repeated in different books. These blessings are Forgiveness of sins (Matt. 6:14; 12:31; 18:35; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 5:24; Acts 10:43; 13:38-39; 26:18; Rom. 3:25; 4:7-8; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1Jn. 1:9; 2:12)Salvation from sin (Matt. 1:21). Salvation by grace through faith, not of works (Rom. 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9; 2Thess. 2:13; Tit. 2:11-12). The simplicity of salvation (Rom. 10:9-10; 1Cor. 15:2; 1Jn. 1:9; 2Thess. 2:13). Salvation of the lost (Matt. 18:11; Luke 5:32; John 5:25; 10:9; Rev. 22:17). Filling of righteousness (Matt. 5:6; Luke 6:21). Conversion upon obedience (Matt. 13:15; Acts 3:19; Jas. 5:19-20). Fruitfulness (John 15:5; 2Pet. 1:8). The Holy Spirit in a measure (John 16:7-13; Rom. 8:14-16) and in all fullness (Luke 11:13; 24:49; John 7:37-39; 14:12-18, 26; 15:26; Acts 1:8; 2:16-21, 38-39; 5:32). Guidance (John 16:13-15). Joy, righteousness, and peace in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).

To be continued…

Refrains His Lips

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Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wants not sin: but he that refrains his lips is wise.

‘In the multitude of words there wants not sin: but he that refrains his lips is wise.’ It is unusual for one to talk constantly without sinning and defaming someone’s character. The control of the tongue is a show of wisdom.

‘Wants not sin.’ Three examples of sinning by talking too much: Job (Job 32:2; 34:5, 12; 35:16; 42:3); Job’s comforters (Job 32:3; 42:7-8); Idle widows (1Tim. 5:13).

‘Refrains his lips is wise.’ Even a fool is considered a wise one if he knows when and where to speak, and a so-called wise man is considered a fool if he does not know when to hold his tongue (17:28).

Three things about speaking evil: Commands against it (Exo. 22:28; Eph. 4:25-31). Shortens life (Ps. 34:13; 1Pet. 3:9-10). Brings sure judgment (Ps. 12:3-4; Matt. 12:36-37; 1Cor. 6:10).

Three examples of wisdom in speaking: Eleazar (Gen. 24:21; cp. Pro. 15:28); Aaron (Lev. 10:3); Saul (1Sam. 10:27; cp. Pro. 11:12).

The Way of Life

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Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life that keeps instruction: but he that refuses reproof errs. 

‘He is in the way of life that keeps instruction: but he that refuses reproof errs.’ The righteous man accumulates knowledge to serve God better, but the wicked refuse correction and instruction. He who heeds advice shall be a companion of the wise (15:31). A rebuke does more good to a wise man than a hundred stripes to a dense or stupid man (17:10) because they hate instruction, and their hearts despise reproof (5:12). 

2Timothy 3:16-17 states that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Those who hate reproof or correction will never be instructed in righteousness, be perfect or thoroughly furnished unto all good works. The Word of God means nothing to them and thus has no purpose or place in their lives.

Three characteristics of the wicked (Isa. 26:10): He will not learn righteousness when favour is given to him. He will deal unjustly with neighbours. He will refuse to recognize God in all His merciful dealings with him.

Rich vs Poor

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Proverbs 10:15-16 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labour of the righteous tends to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. 

‘Wealth is his strong city.’ Literally, wealth is the city of his strength. Psalms 49:6-7 warns that those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches have no power to redeem someone. Trusting and boasting in riches is a fool’s confidence and it soon vanishes.

God gives power to get wealth, so it is not sinful in itself. It is the misuse of wealth – its use contrary to God’s will – that constitutes sin.

God sanctions wealth and riches for the righteous man (Ps. 112:3). 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).

‘Destruction of the poor is their poverty.’ A poor man lives in destruction. Poor is the Hebrew word dal and means weak. “Poverty” is the Hebrew word reysh meaning want or need. Poverty and shame come to him that rejects correction, but honour to him that profits by his mistakes (13:18). Poverty also comes to those who love sleep more than they should because it makes you lazy (20:13). Be alert and diligent in business and you will prosper.

Poverty shall come over those who: reject correction (13:18); to those who are lazy (20:13); to drunks and gluttons (23:21); those who follow after vain persons (28:19) and he that is in a hurry to be rich (28:22).  

The prayer of the wise (30:8-9): Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. 

‘The labour of the righteous tends to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.’ The righteous labour to support life, but the wicked live to produce sin. They live to satisfy their appetites.

Understanding

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Proverbs 10:13-14 In the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 

‘But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.’ The rod is an instrument of knowledge if properly applied. Any form of consequence (as a rod) can open the ears of understanding for the righteous but not for the wicked (Isa. 26:9-10).

‘Wise men lay up knowledge.’ Practical holiness is shown to spring from truth and faith in God. One cannot grow into Christ, but he may grow in knowledge, experience, and fullness of grace benefits by being in Christ and walking in the light (Col. 1:23; 2:6-7; 3:1-17). Knowledge is also a true understanding of the fear of the Lord, the beginning of wisdom (Ps. 111:10; Pro. 1:7; 9:10; 15:33; Isa. 11:2; 1Cor. 12:8) and wise men will always exercise this truth in all their ways. Proverbs 28:5 states that they who seek the LORD understand all things.

It is God’s will that everyone comes to the knowledge of the truth (1Tim. 2:4; 2Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12). He gives knowledge to all who obey His commandments (Ps. 111:10; 119:66). To know God and His Word is more profitable to an individual than multiplied wealth (Ps. 119:72, 75). Man, following the example of the Messiah (Christ), learns that the true source of wisdom and knowledge is God and His Word (Ps. 119:97-104). To get to know God we have to study His Word (His words given to us in written form) – because it is the foundation of good judgment and knowledge (Ps. 119:66, 130).

‘A fool will repeat them everywhere and cause strife.’ A fool tries to force his knowledge on others – no matter how good, correct or righteous the knowledge is, strife will follow when knowledge is forced on anyone.