Tag: Proverbs

As Deep Waters

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Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 

‘As deep waters.’ This phrase likely refers to the depth and mystery that can reside in human speech, especially in the speech of a thoughtful or wise person. “Deep waters” (Hebrew: mayim ʿamūqīm) suggests profound insight, layers of meaning, or even hidden motives that take discernment to understand.

‘The wellspring of wisdom…’ The second part of the verse shifts from depth to refreshment and clarity. A “wellspring” (or fountain) implies a constant source of wisdom, in this case, that flows like a “brook” (stream), bringing life, nourishment, and guidance. This wisdom is not stagnant or hidden but active, generous, and sustaining.

The speech of a wise man is both deep and nourishing. Some words require discernment to grasp their depth, while others are like a bubbling spring, clear, refreshing, and constantly flowing.

We should aim to cultivate speech that is wise, thoughtful, and beneficial, not shallow or reactionary. True wisdom isn’t just knowing what to say, but offering words that both edify and refresh those who hear. It’s also a reminder to listen carefully, some speech holds treasure beneath the surface.

When the Wicked Comes

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Proverbs 18:3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. 

‘When the wicked comes’ – The arrival of a wicked person (Hebrew: rashaʿ) signals the onset of corruption, not just morally, but socially. The wicked are those who act unjustly, defy God’s laws, and live without regard for righteousness.

‘Then comes also contempt.’ With the entrance of the wicked comes contempt, either their own contempt for what is good and just, or the contempt others feel toward them because of their corrupt behaviour. Contempt is an attitude of scorn, disrespect, and defiance. It erodes trust and tears down community values.

‘And with ignominy reproach.’ Ignominy refers to disgrace or public shame, and it is closely followed by reproach, harsh criticism or dishonour. In Hebrew poetic structure, these parallel ideas reinforce a progression: wickedness brings shame that brings condemnation. The wicked bring trouble not just upon themselves, but upon the communities they infect with their dishonour.

Wickedness is never neutral. It always brings contempt, shame, and reproach, disrupting peace, discrediting leadership, and inviting judgment. Even other wicked people may despise one another, as sin breeds distrust and hostility.

This is a warning against aligning with the wicked, as their presence leads to relational breakdown, moral decay, and disgrace. It’s also a call to guard communities and institutions from corruption by upholding righteousness and integrity.

No Delight in Understanding

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Proverbs 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. 

‘A fool’ – The word fool here comes from the Hebrew keciyl, which describes someone who is morally dull, thick-headed, and resistant to correction. Such a person has no interest in real understanding; he may hear truth but finds no joy in it, and certainly no desire to apply it.

‘That his heart may discover itself.’ Rather than listening to wisdom, the fool only wants to air his own opinions. The phrase could be rendered, “but only wants to express his own ideas.” His goal is not to learn, but to be heard. He talks not to understand, but to express his feelings, preferences, or prejudices.

This verse contrasts sharply with Proverbs 18:1, where the wise man isolates himself to pursue truth, and the fool rejects truth in favour of self-expression. His “learning” is self-centred; he is not seeking to grow, but to justify himself and impress others.

Wisdom requires humility, a teachable spirit, and a willingness to listen and learn. The fool, however, is self-satisfied, speaking much and learning little. This is a caution against prideful ignorance, valuing our own opinions over divine truth or wise counsel.

The wise man seeks, separates, listens, and immerses himself in wisdom. The fool rejects wisdom, is obsessed with himself, and refuses to listen or grow. True wisdom demands sacrifice, focus, humility, and a genuine love of truth. Fools resist correction and glorify their own thoughts.

Seeks and Intermeddles

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Proverbs 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom. 

‘Through desire’ This verse identifies desire as a deep yearning or longing, as the motivating force. This is not just any desire, but a focused, intentional drive toward something higher; here, wisdom.

‘A man, having separated himself.’ This suggests a man who chooses isolation, not necessarily in a physical or antisocial way, but a voluntary withdrawal from distractions, comforts, or superficial relationships to pursue something greater. In Hebrew, the word implies a person who goes his own way, sets himself apart, possibly even countercultural.

‘Seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom.’ The word “intermeddle” may sound negative in modern English, but in the original Hebrew (tuwshiyah), it implies a vigorous and active engagement, someone who plunges into wisdom, explores it in every dimension. He’s not dabbling; he’s fully immersed. When you are passionately committed to gaining wisdom, you will separate yourself from distractions. You become a seeker, earnestly exploring the full breadth and depth of wisdom. It’s a call to intentionality and discipline in the pursuit of truth.

To gain wisdom, one must be willing to pay the price, often sacrificing comfort, ease, or popularity. Serious study and personal transformation require focus, solitude, and diligence. This proverb honours those who prioritise learning and spiritual growth over worldly pursuits.

Counted Wise – Part 2

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Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. 

The second part affirms the virtue of deliberate silence. Here, the silence is not accidental or superficial; it is intentional. A person who “shuts his lips” does so with discipline and discernment. He knows the power of words and the danger of speaking hastily or unnecessarily. Because of this, he earns the esteem and respect of others as a man of understanding.

This isn’t about withholding speech out of fear or passivity, but rather practising wise restraint, knowing when to speak, and when to stay quiet. Such a person doesn’t speak to impress or fill silence, but to edify, instruct, or guide when needed.

This proverb offers wisdom for many areas of life: In conversation, avoid rushing to answer or always needing the last word. Thoughtful silence often speaks more powerfully than loud opinions. In leadership, true leaders don’t need to speak constantly. Their words are few, but meaningful, spoken with purpose, not pride. In conflict, silence can de-escalate tension. A calm response, or none at all, can defuse anger and preserve peace. In spiritual maturity: Self-control over the tongue is a mark of wisdom, humility, and godliness (10:19; cf. Jas. 1:19).

In summary: Silence has value, even when it comes from the unwise. A person is often judged not only by what they say, but by what they choose not to say. Measured speech reflects understanding. Impulsive words reveal folly. Cultivating the discipline of knowing when to speak and when to be silent is a cornerstone of true wisdom. This proverb invites us to consider: Do my words build up, or do they merely fill the air? Am I willing to be silent, even if it costs me attention or approval?

Counted Wise – Part 1

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Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. 

This proverb presents a paradox of appearance and perception: how silence, even from someone lacking wisdom, can give the impression of intelligence and self-control. It both warns and encourages: it warns against reckless speech and encourages the virtue of thoughtful restraint.

‘Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise.’ The first part delivers a surprising truth: a fool can appear wise simply by being silent. A person who lacks understanding, who might otherwise expose his folly by careless speech, can temporarily mask his ignorance by choosing not to speak.

This suggests that the act of silence itself carries a kind of dignity, even if the motive behind it isn’t rooted in true wisdom. People tend to associate measured speech and quiet presence with thoughtfulness, depth, and discernment. As long as the fool restrains his tongue, people may assume there is something thoughtful or contemplative about him, when in reality, his silence is his only wisdom.

It is also a caution: don’t be too quick to assume someone is wise just because they are quiet. Silence can be a cover for folly, but ironically, it still achieves a better result than talking foolishly. In short: better to be thought wise and remain silent, than to speak and remove all doubt (as a common paraphrase goes).

To be continued…

An Excellent Spirit – Part 2

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Proverbs 17:27 He that has knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 

‘A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.’ The second line describes the inner quality that accompanies wise speech: an excellent spirit, which can also be translated as calm, composed, or even-tempered. A man of understanding is not easily provoked. He maintains peace within himself and with others. He doesn’t fly into rage or speak rashly in the heat of the moment.

This excellent spirit is rooted in humility, patience, and spiritual maturity. It reflects a person who has control over his emotions, is slow to anger, and is guided by a steady heart. Such a spirit is rare, beautiful, and powerful; it allows a person to lead well, advise wisely, and endure difficulty with grace.

In summary, this proverb teaches that true wisdom reveals itself not in how much a person talks, but in how carefully he speaks, and how well he carries himself.  The wise are not empty talkers. They speak when it matters. They demonstrate inner excellence by maintaining calm, grace, and restraint. Their words are few, but full of meaning, and their spirits are strong because they are governed by understanding, not emotion. This is a call to watch our words, cultivate inner peace, and value wisdom over noise.

An Excellent Spirit – Part 1

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Proverbs 17:27 He that has knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 

This proverb highlights two essential qualities of true wisdom: measured speech and a calm, composed spirit. Unlike the fool who speaks quickly and often without thought, the wise person knows the value of silence, restraint, and inner peace.

‘He that has knowledge spares his words.’ A person who truly possesses knowledge doesn’t feel the need to constantly prove it through excessive talking. He understands that speech is powerful, and thus, he uses it carefully and deliberately. Such a person is thoughtful before speaking, knows when to hold back, and recognises that silence often communicates more than many words.

This is not to say the wise are silent in cowardice or indecision, but that they speak with purpose, clarity, and discernment. Their words are not wasted; they are chosen, meaningful, and often few.

Consider these biblical examples of those who “spared their words”: Aaron (Lev.  10:3): When God judged Aaron’s sons for offering strange fire, Aaron remained silent. His restraint showed reverence and deep understanding of God’s holiness and justice. Moses (Num. 16:4; 20:6): In the face of rebellion and complaint, Moses often fell on his face before God instead of responding with anger or argument. He understood the weight of leadership and the need to seek God’s wisdom before speaking. Samuel (1Sam. 8:6-8): When the people rejected him and asked for a king, Samuel took their words to God rather than lashing out. His reserved response reflected his submission to God’s will and his insight into the spiritual implications of their demand. Christ (1Pet. 2:23): In the New Testament, Christ is the supreme example. “When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not.” Jesus’ silence before His accusers revealed deep strength and divine control. He trusted the Father to judge righteously and saw no need to defend Himself with words. All these examples underscore the truth that those with true understanding do not rely on many words to assert themselves; they let their character, actions, and wisdom speak louder.

To be continued…

Not Good – Part 2

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Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

The second part – “nor to strike princes for equity” – speaks to a broader principle about leadership and order. The term “princes” refers to rulers, judges, or those in positions of authority. The word “strike” can be understood literally (physical harm or rebellion) or figuratively (slander, opposition, or unjust removal). The key phrase is “for equity” meaning, for doing what is right and fair.

In other words, when leaders or officials act with fairness and justice, it is evil to oppose or attack them for it. This can occur when a just judge is overthrown for making an unpopular but right decision. A godly leader is slandered because they uphold truth. A ruler is punished for defending the weak or confronting corruption. This is not just a personal attack; it is an assault on equity itself. When upright leaders are punished for doing right, society encourages cowardice, corruption, and mob rule.

In summary, this proverb teaches two key principles: Injustice against the innocent undermines all justice. Attacking righteous leadership for doing good leads to moral and civic disorder.

Together, they emphasise that a healthy society depends on protecting the righteous and honouring those who uphold equity. Injustice and anarchy may appear powerful in the short term, but they never produce peace, prosperity, or the common good.

Not Good – Part 1

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Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. 

This proverb offers a clear and powerful condemnation of injustice in both personal and public life. It affirms the principle that righteousness must be honoured and protected, whether in individuals or leaders. When society turns against the just and the upright, whether citizens or rulers, it strays into dangerous territory, where truth is undermined and chaos is given room to grow.

The first part – “to punish the just is not good” – is a moral absolute. It means that condemning, persecuting, or harming those who are innocent, honest, and law-abiding is not only wrong, but destructive to the very fabric of a just society. When the just are punished, it sends a message that integrity is worthless and evil is rewarded. Such injustice weakens trust in authority, erodes moral standards, and discourages righteousness in others. It’s a miscarriage of justice that invites long-term harm to individuals and the community alike.

This can happen in many forms: A truthful employee is penalised for honesty. A faithful believer is mocked or mistreated for their convictions. A fair citizen is wrongly accused, while the guilty go free. All these are forms of punishing the just, and Scripture calls it what it is: not good, a phrase which, though simple, expresses strong disapproval and moral judgment.

To be continued…