Tag: Truth

The Liberal Soul

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Proverbs 11:25-27 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that waters shall be watered also himself. He that withholds corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that sells it. He that diligently seeks good procures favour: but he that seeks mischief, it shall come unto him. 

‘The liberal soul’ – God blesses the bountiful soul and repays what is cheerfully given.

‘Shall be made fat.’ Three examples of liberality blessed: The widow (1Kin. 17:10); the Shunammite (2Kin. 4:8, 37) and Publius (Acts 28:7-8).

‘He that withholds corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that sells it.’ The man who takes advantage of scarcity to make himself rich will be cursed, but blessing will be upon the one who helps men in adversity.

‘He that diligently seeks good procures favour: but he that seeks mischief, it shall come unto him.’ He that seeks the good of others gains their favour, but he that seeks their harm shall reap it himself.

Scatters vs Withholds

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Proverbs 11:24 There is that scatters, and yet increases; and there is that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty. 

‘There is that scatters, and yet increases; and there is that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty.’ What you give you gain; what you keep you lose. Luke 6:38 teaches that with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again and 2 Corinthians 9:6 we read again of this unfailing law taught by Jesus that he which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

As it is written (Ex. 16:18), He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack (2Cor. 8:15).

Just as surely as everything in nature reproduces after its kind, harvests being as sure as the sowings, so every man will reap what he sows and be responsible for his own destiny (Gal. 6:7-8). It is folly to talk about reaping eternal life when one sow to the flesh (Gal. 6:8; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Rom. 1:29-32). It is equal folly to talk about being lost if one sows to the Spirit.

Good vs Wrath

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Proverbs 11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 

‘The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.’ The righteous are consecrated to goodness, but the wicked are consecrated to things that will produce the wrath of God.

One who is consecrated to obey the Bible and refuses to sin, cannot break the commandments of God. Therefore, he cannot sin, for sin is the transgression of the law (1Jn. 3:4). The reason given here for not being able to sin is that “His” (God’s) seed (the Word of God) remains (abides) in him. That is, the one born again refuses to transgress the commandment of God and commit sin. As long as this consecration remains he will be unable to sin. If he grows cold in his love for God, ceasing to pray and maintain his spiritual life, he then may be overcome again and sin by transgressing the Word of God (1Jn. 2:1; 2Pet. 1:5-10).

Children of disobedience is a Hebraism for people consecrated to satan and disobedience. The wicked one is their father (Matt. 13:38; John 8:44; 1Jn. 3:8-10; 5:18).

Without Discretion

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Proverbs 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. 

‘As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout.’ Nose jewels are common in the East (Gen. 24:47; Isa. 3:21). A jewel in the swine’s snout is as becoming as a beautiful woman who lacks moral discretion. No amount of jewellery, clothing and outward adoration can hide someone’s true nature.

‘Swine’ – Used figuratively of sinners in three classes: Indiscreet women (11:22); Deceived people (Matt. 7:6); Backsliders (2Pet. 2:20-22).

‘Discretion’ [Hebrew: mezimmah] is used in a good sense of judgment and discretion (1:4; 2:11; 3:21; 5:2). Translated as “intents” (Jer. 30:24) “thought” (Job 42:2; Ps. 10:4; Jer. 23:20) and “devices” in a wicked sense (12:2; 14:17; Job 21:27; Ps. 10:2; 21:11; 37:7; Jer. 51:11). Someone without discretion is described in Scripture as one with evil intents, thoughts and devices.

Unpunished

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Proverbs 11:21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. 

‘Though hand join in hand.’ Verbal contracts were closed with a handshake. Here, though the wicked pledge such support to each other in sin, they will not go unpunished. Only the righteous will be delivered.

‘Unpunished’ – That is, shall not be guiltless. Five examples of judging wicked rebels: The Babel builders (Gen. 11:1-9); Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:1-38); Korah and company (Num. 16:1-50); the Canaanite kings (Jos. 9-10) and the ten kings (Rev. 17-19).

‘The seed of the righteous shall be delivered.’ Four examples of righteous descendants being delivered: Noah and his family (Genesis 6-8); Lot and his family (Gen. 19:17-29); the Jews (Est. 7-9) and the Hebrew children (Dan. 3:1-30).

A Froward Heart

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Proverbs 11:20 They that are of a froward heart are an abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. 

‘Abomination to the LORD.’ Twenty things that are an abomination to God: The froward man [Hebrew: luwz] perverse; one who turns aside (3:32; 11:20). A proud look (6:16-17). A lying tongue (6:17; 12:22). Hands that shed innocent blood. A wicked scheming heart (6:18). Feet quick to sin. A false witness that speaks lies (6:19). A sower of discord. Wickedness (8:7). A false balance (scale, 11:1). Sacrifice of the wicked (15:8; 21:27). The way of the wicked (15:9). The thoughts of the wicked (15:26). The proud of the heart (16:5). Justifying the wicked (17:15). Condemning the just. Diverse weights (20:10, 23). Diverse measures. Refusing to hear the law (28:9). Prayer of the rebel.

‘His delight’ – God delights in the saints (holy ones) and excellent ones on the earth (Ps. 16:3). Six things that God also delights in:  Just weights (11:1); the upright (11:20); they that deal honestly (12:22); the prayer of the upright (15:8); the way of good men (Ps. 37:23) and mercy (Mic. 7:18).

Six examples of being God’s delight: Enoch (Heb. 11:5); Noah (Gen. 6:8); Israel (Deut. 10:15); The upright (11:20); Saints and the excellent (Ps. 16:3) and Jesus Christ (Isa. 42:1).

Deceitful vs Righteous

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Proverbs 11:18-19 The wicked works a deceitful work: but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward. As righteousness tends to life: so he that pursues evil pursues it to his own death. 

‘Deceitful work’ [Hebrew: sheqer] falsehood; lie (11:18; 20:17; 31:30). Employment, pleasure, and possessions acquired by deceit may be sweet at the time, but afterwards they become bitter disappointments (20:17).

God tries the hearts that are so deceitful and desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9-10) and the reins, the innermost mind and feelings (Job 16:13; 19:27; Ps. 16:7; 26:2; 73:21; 139:13; Prov. 23:16; Isa. 11:5; Jer. 11:20; 12:2; 17:10; 20:12; Rev. 2:23).

Four examples of deceitful workers: Pharaoh (Exo. 1:20); The Gibeonites (Jos. 9:4-21); Absalom (2Sam. 15:1-37); Caiaphas (Joh. 11:49-50).

‘Sows righteousness shall be a sure reward.’ Five examples of reward by right sowing: Noah (Gen. 6:22; 7:1; Heb. 11:7); Abraham (Heb. 6:15); Joseph (Genesis 37-41); Simeon (Luke 2:25-32) and Paul (1Cor. 9:1; 2Tim. 4:7-8).

‘As righteousness tends to life: so he that pursues evil pursues it to his own death.’ Righteousness promotes health and long life (Ps. 91:1-16; 1Pet. 3:10-11), but wickedness shortens life.

Gracious and Merciful

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Proverbs 11:16-17 A gracious woman retains honour: and strong men retain riches. The merciful man does good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh. 

‘Gracious’ [Hebrew: chen] grace; favour (11:16; Eccl. 10:12). Translated “grace” 38 times (Gen. 6:8; 19:19; 32:5; Ps. 84:11; etc.). She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future. Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful. She takes good care of her family and is never lazy.

Scripture here points to a woman who exhibits grace, and the respect she gains from others, as opposed to the money earned by those who are graceless. The implication is that a gracious person can earn both respect and income, whereas a callous person can only gain money.

Grace of manner is deceitful and beauty of form and features will fade, but the woman who fears the Lord shall be praised (31:30).

‘Strong men’ – the diligent, as in the Septuagint and Syriac.

‘The merciful man.’ The man who shows mercy edifies his own soul, but the unmerciful, fretful, and vengeful destroys his own flesh and is sickly in his body.

‘Does good to his own soul.’ Six examples of blessing by kindness: The Kenites (1Sam. 15:6); David (1Sam. 30:11-20); Jonathan (2Sam. 9:7; 21:7); Job (Job 42:10); Cornelius (Acts 10:4); The Maltese (Acts 28:1-10).

‘Troubles this own flesh.’ Six examples of troubling self: Cain (Gen. 4:10-12); Joseph’s brethren (Gen. 37:1-36; 42:21); Adonibezek (Jdg. 1:6-7); Agag (1Sam. 15:33); Haman (Est. 9:25); Jonah (Jon. 4:1-3).

Surety

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Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hates suretiship is sure. 

‘Surety’ – Pledging to stand good for anyone tends to relieve the borrower of the responsibility he should feel, and often lowers the respect of a co-signer in the sight of the one he helps.

Five facts about surety: The command against surety (22:26). The command to get out of surety as quickly as possible (6:1-5). Surety is a sign of a lack of understanding (17:18). Suffering and disappointment are what is promised in surety (11:15). To refrain from surety is the only safe way (11:15).

A man who quickly concludes a contract and becomes surety in the presence of a friend proves he is void of understanding (17:18). Do not be quick to shake hands (make contracts and give promises) or co-sign for the debts of others. If you have nothing to pay, why lose the necessities of life by pledging them as security (22:26-27)?

Safety

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Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors, there is safety. 

‘Counsel’ [Hebrew: tachbulah] helmsman; guide; counsel. Translated as counsel (11:14; 1:5; 12:5; 24:6; Job 37:12); and advice (20:18).

‘But in the multitude of counsellors, there is safety.’ Safety, providing they are real counsellors (cp. Pro. 15:22; 24:6) and in Christ (Ps. 1:1-6). Many today only focus on one’s rights instead of doing what is right. Our main focus must always be to seek God.

Three things to do in seeking God (Hosea 10:12): [1]“Sow to yourselves in righteousness.” This means to stop sinning and start doing what is right in all things – to consecrate to do that which is good and right. Sowing and reaping always stand out against each other, as labour and reward (2Cor. 9:6; Gal. 6:7-9). [2] “Reap in mercy.” This means to accept and appropriate the mercy of God extended to us. If we do not accept mercy from God it will not be ours, for both sowing in righteousness and reaping in mercy are our responsibility. Righteousness is here to do, and mercy is here to receive, but neither will be a man’s experience until he does what is right and accepts the mercy provided (Matt. 5:7; Mark 11:25-26). [3] “Break up your fallow ground.” This also is the work of man. Each must break up the ground of his own life. Fallow ground is that which has been ploughed but not sown; ground not in use; idle ground crusted over and hardened until it needs to be broken up again to receive the seed. Our hearts and wills must be broken and yielded to God. We must make ourselves willing to receive the Word of God and to obey it or seeking Him will not avail us anything (Matt. 13:3-12, 18-23; Jas. 1:18, 21; 1Pet. 1:23).