Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 29

Posted on February 25, 2020 by dkoop

Happy Tuesday!  Today’s Proverb has more helpful and convicting material.  Thanks for reading along.

Avoid Being Hard Headed

(29:1 and 2) Making the same mistake over and over is an invitation to disaster. Eventually people have to face the consequences of refusing to learn. If their mistake is refusing God’s invitations or rejecting his commands, the consequences will be especially serious. In the end, God may have to turn them away.  Verse 2 reminds us that when a society is good, society is happy; when evil rules, society is miserable.

Losing Wealth and Nation

29:3–4 This pair of proverbs creates a parallel between the son who squanders his family’s money and a ruler who squanders the wealth of his nation through corruption. In both cases lust or greed destroys a good thing.

Beware of the Traps

29:5–6  The idea of the trap or snare links these proverbs together. Flattery is a trap, but it is one the righteous can see and avoid.

Concern for the Poor

29:7 The righteous recognize the rights of the poor.

Order in the Court and in Society

29:8–11  Verses 8, 10 describe how mockers and the bloodthirsty try to destroy communities. They inflame others (v. 8a) and use violence (v. 10a). The wise, however, restore order to the streets and the justice system (vv. 8b, 10b). The point here, as in v. 8b, is that the just set things right.  The setting of v. 9 is the court, in which the recklessness of the fool is given full vent. In v. 11 the wise man controls himself in any confrontation with a fool.

Leading with Righteousness

29:12–14  A king, a president, or any chief executive officer must set a high standard and rigorously maintain it or face the consequences of corruption running rampant in his administration (v. 12).  The proverb should be read with an emphasis on the duty of the powerful to respect and protect the rights of the weak. “The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both” means that everyone depends on God for sight. Both the oppressor and the poor have the gift of sight from the same God. God sees and judges both, and his judgment falls on those whose greed or power drives them to oppress the poor

Discipline at Home and in the Nation

29:15–18  Discipline must be maintained at home and in society at large. Verses 15, 17 set up a simple contrast: those who do not discipline their children suffer embarrassment; those who do will be at ease (able to trust their children) and delighted with the children’s growth and accomplishments.

Verse 16a, repeats the idea that as ruthless people come to the forefront, society begins to experience widespread moral decay. Verse 16b, however, gives the assurance that those who stay in the right way will see the fall of evildoers. A contrast between immoral society and the moral individual is more pronounced in v. 18, which establishes the need for people to submit to the word of God. Verse 18 pronounces a blessing on whoever keeps God’s word.

Words and Self Control

 29:19–22  Verses 19, 21, reveal that words aren’t enough in correcting some situations in dealing with servants or employees.  Workers can become undisciplined and unreliable if some kind of authority and discipline procedure is not established.

People who are quick to speak and lose their tempers are all but hopeless cases. They also cause problems wherever they go (vv. 20, 22).

The First Shall Be Last

29:23 The arrogant will be brought down, and the humble will be lifted up. This recalls Jesus’ saying that the first shall be last and the last first (Matt 19:30; and see Prov 30:21–23 ).

 We Can’t Keep Crime a Secret

 29:24 According Leviticus 5:1, if someone has direct knowledge of the circumstances of a crime, and is called give testimony about that crime, but fails to do so, then the silent witness will be guilty. This proverb is saying that a thief’s accomplice won’t tell the truth when under oath. So, by his perjury, he will hurt himself.

Fear God and Seek Justice

29:25–26. Someone might be afraid to oppose the unethical actions of a superior out of fear of losing a job. This verse tells the reader to do what is right and trust the outcome to God. Verse 26 does not forbid seeking relief from injustice through the legal system, but it does state that one should place more faith in God than in human institutions.

The Righteous and the Wicked

29:27 This proverb sums up the whole chapter.  One must follow one way or the other (Jeremiah 6:16).

Until tomorrow, Darrell

www.Upwards.Church

Sources:
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary
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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 28

Posted on February 24, 2020 by dkoop

Only 4 chapters left in Proverbs!   Here are more helpful life tips from God’s word:

A Life of Fear  

28:1 A guilty conscience and awareness that they have many enemies made leaves the wicked person continuously anxious and paranoid.

Selfishness Ruins Even Nations

 28:2 “It has many rulers” may mean each person’s selfishness quickly affects others. A selfish employee who steals from his company ruins its productivity. A selfish driver who drinks before taking the wheel makes the highways unsafe. A selfish spouse who has an adulterous affair often breaks up several families. When enough people live for themselves with little concern for how their actions affect others, the resulting moral rot contaminates the entire nation. Are you part of the problem . . . or the solution?  For a government or a society to endure, it needs wise, informed leaders and it needs people who have hearts that care about God and others more than just their own selfish desires.   This is why I love being part of this church where God changes hearts!  With Christ, we change lives which changes communities which changes our nation.

 Do What is Right and Go the Right Way

 ‍28:3, 8 Verse 3  a ruler ought to care for the rights of the poor as rain should help a garden, but instead he only beats them down. Verse 8 give examples of how the poor can be oppressed by the wealthy—making loans and then charging high interest rates. It adds that those guilty of such abuses will lose all their money to generous people.

28:4, 7, 9 Verses 4, 7, 9 are somewhat unusual in Proverbs in that they directly speak of the Old Testament Law (Torah). In v. 4 a person’s attitude toward God’s laws will determine their evaluation of people and their choice of friends. This naturally leads to the sentiment of v. 7, keeping the law keeps a person from the companion of gluttons and disgracing their father.   Verse 9 adds that those who reject God’s laws will lose the companionship of Him, as indicated by His rejection of their prayers. Taken together these verses teach that God’s law is a guide to choosing friends and maintaining good relations with family and God.

28:5, 10 Verse 5 deals with understanding or not understanding justice while v. 10 describes people who lead others into error. Verse 5b is in agreement with the central teaching of Proverbs that the fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge (1:7).

28:6, 11 Verse 6 -Don’t be jealous of the rich; money may be all they will ever have.

Through dependence on God in their struggles, the poor may develop a richness of spirit that no amount of wealth can provide. The rich man can lose all his material wealth, while no one can take away the poor man’s character.  Verse 11 shows that rich people often think they are wonderful; depending on no one; they take credit for all they do.   The wealthy think that their money proves they are smarter and morally superior, but the poor see that they are actually morally bankrupt.

Happiness or Hiding

 28:12  and 28:28a teach that when righteous people are in charge it brings happiness and hope to all people.  But when the wicked are in charge, people go into hiding.  The wicked dehumanize, bring despair and fear.    Lets pray, support and elect the righteous in every level of leadership.

Acknowledge Your Sin

28:13–14.  This verse (28:13) almost reads like 1 John 1:9.  Something in each of us strongly resists admitting we are wrong. That is why we admire people who openly and graciously admit their mistakes and sins. These people have a strong self-image. They do not always have to be right to feel good about themselves. Be willing to reconsider — to admit you are wrong and to change your plans when necessary. And remember, the first step toward forgiveness is confession. Verse 14 to “fear the Lord” means to respect and honor him

The Tyrant

28:15–16 The tyrant is compared to the lion and the bear as being both vicious and subhuman (v. 15). This idea is reinforced in v. 16, in which he is said to “lack judgment,” Understanding is a fundamental human trait; the ruler who embraces understanding and righteousness will enjoy a long life.

Guilt and Innocence

28:17–18  Guilt will drive a person to repentance or to death itself because of a refusal to repent.  It is no act of kindness to try to make the wrong doer feel better; the more guilt he feels, the more likely he is to turn to God and repent. If we interfere with the natural consequences of his act, we may make it easier for him to continue in sin.  Courts will punish murderers (v. 17), but the innocent do not have fear of punishment.   Whether by the hand of God or of men, the wicked will fall (v. 18b).

Prosperity the Right Way (28:19–27)

Proverbs doesn’t condemn prosperity, but always rejects greed.  These verses compare diligence and hard work with the desire for quick and easy money. Greed can be manifested in unrealistic business enterprises (v. 19), accepting bribes (v. 21), using flattery (v. 23), taking from one’s parents (v. 24), and general greediness (vv. 22, 25).

28:19  “Fantasies” or get rich quick schemes are way to go broke.  The point of the verse is that hard work is the only way to prosperity; anything else is a waste of time.

28:20. Verse 20 is like v. 19, but compares “faithful” (devotion to what is right) and being eager for wealth. Any person who thinks they can find a quick route to riches by taking shortcuts is in trouble.

28:21–22.  One quick route to easy money is by accepting a bribe (v. 21) and people can be bought off very cheaply.  Those who will sell their integrity in any way for money (v. 22) end up in poverty.

28:23 This verse speaks of another way of gaining position and wealth—by flattery.  Eventually people see through it, flattery or the money from flattery won’t last either.

28:24  Stealing from parents for the sake of money is the most appalling.  The language is strong.   I like the way the New Living Translation says it, 24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer. 

28:25–26   A greedy person causes strife everywhere.  But those who trust in The Lord do not cause quarrels and really will be satisfied. Verse 26 to trust yourself is foolish, but to trust God is wise.   It’s like the wise and foolish builders of Matt 7:24–27.

Those Who Give More Have More

28:27  Those who give will lack nothing.  God wants us to identify with the needy, not ignore them. The second part of this proverb could be restated positively: “those who open their eyes to poor people will be blessed.” (see Prov 11:24,25).  Never forget who meets our needs, God’s Word promises that He will supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19).

Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

Sources:
J Vernon McGee’s Through the Bible
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary
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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 27

Posted on February 23, 2020 by dkoop

Good afternoon!  Thanks for reading through the book of Proverbs.  Today we will read more about relationships, friends, family, fools, marriage and more!

Bragging

27:1–2. These two proverbs are about bragging.  Don’t brag about tomorrow, you don’t know what will happen.  Don’t brag on yourself, leave that to someone else.  This is about being humble before God and others.

Unbearable Behavior

27:3–4. Both of these proverbs deal with behaviors that are hard to endure: resentment jealousy, anger and rage.   If you have a fool that resents you, you are in a bad situation, because a fool will say and do anything.  The same is true of someone who is really angry or jealous, their behavior is dangerous.

Honest Friendship

27:5–6  Honesty between friends:  verse 5 shows that few things are worse than being ignored, even by those who say they love but their actions are hidden.  Which is better, a friend’s wounds or an enemy’s kisses? A friend who has your best interests at heart may have to give you unpleasant advice at times, but you know it is for your own good. An enemy, by contrast, may whisper sweet words and happily send you on your way to ruin. We tend to hear what we want to hear, even if an enemy is the only one who will say it. A friend’s advice, no matter how painful, is much better.

Benefits of Friendship

27:7–10. These four verses are connected and continue the theme of friendship; the benefits of significant friendships. Verses 7 and 9 both deal with pleasant substances (honey, incense, oil) and the paradox that what may seem bitter (bitter food or direct advice) can actually be sweet.  Verse 9 reminds us that everyone needs the heartfelt counsel of a sincere friend.    Verse 8 and verse 10:  Normally the close family identity of the Israelites would mean that they go to a relative for help, and this verse is surprising for appearing to go against that custom.  This is good advice for us today:   a brother may be too distant (either geographically or emotionally) to be of help. The four verses together teach that you should seek solid, meaningful relationships among your neighbors and family.  Don’t just have relationships with people who you think are fun, but lack substance and do not turn exclusively to relatives, however distant they may be, depend on your friends as well.

Fatherly Advice

27:11  Be wise and it makes your father’s heart glad.  I read this as both our earthly father and our Heavenly Father.  There are critics everywhere, but it’s better to be criticized for doing what is right than be legitimately criticized for being foolish.

Business and Money

27:12–13  Verse 12 : the wise avoid impulsive and unsafe business ventures.  To “foresee danger and take precautions” would also advise that we have insurance and save money for a rainy day.   Verse 13:  do not risk wealth with irresponsible people and their shady deals, and mismanagement.  If it seems uncertain and unwise, it probably is.

Don’t be Obnoxious

27:14  You can mean well, but be considered obnoxious if you are not socially sensitivity to others.

 The Pain of a Quarrelsome Wife

 27:15–16 Verse 15, compares a contentious woman to a form of torture. We saw in 19:13 that this type of wife not just a nagging woman but a woman who quarrels with people generally.  She destroys the social, emotional, relational, spiritual and financial well-being of the home.  The same interpretation applies here as well.  *Quarrelsome nagging, a steady stream of unwanted advice, is an unbearable pain for anyone anywhere.  People nag because they think they’re not getting through, but nagging hinders communication more than it helps. When tempted to engage in this destructive habit, stop and examine your motives. Are you more concerned about yourself — getting your way, being right — than about the person you are pretending to help? If you are truly concerned about other people, think of a more effective way to get through to them. Surprise them with words of patience and love, and see what happens.  Verse v. 16 seems to state that her husband cannot “restrain” her from her nagging.  Only she or God could ever change this destructive behavior.  It can also mean that the husband tries to treasure or “hold” someone who can do him no good.  Simply put, she the antithesis of the productive wife of Prov 31.

Sharpening from Others

27:17 Verse 17 explains the benefit we get from interacting with others.  We should not shy away from social interaction because of all its educational opportunities.  The “sharpening” can occur in any area in which people are around one another:  business, school, recreation, church, community.  We can learn from others and they can learn from us.

Faithful Employees

 27:18  With all the problems and concerns a leader has, it can be easy to overlook the very people who most deserve attention — faithful employees or volunteers (those who tend the fig trees). The people who stand behind you, who work hard and help you get the job done, deserve to share in your success. Be sure that in all your worrying, planning, and organizing, you don’t forget the people who are helping you the most.

Who We Really Are

 27:19  Our hearts (mind, inner self, character) reflect who we are.  In other words, people have a basic consistency to them. Those who have integrity will maintain it in their inner and outer lives, and those who are perverse will be thoroughly perverted. We should learn how people read, or see their true reflection.  If you don’t like what you see inside yourself, ask Jesus to change your heart.  This is not a onetime prayer.

Greed is Never Satisfied

 27:20  Eyes that are not satisfied are eyes that are covetous, and the implied warning is to beware of such greed in self and others.

Praise is the Real Test

 27:21 Praise tests a person, just as high temperatures test metal. How does praise affect you? Do you work to get it? Do you work harder after you’ve gotten it? Your attitude toward praise tells a lot about your character. People of high integrity are not swayed by praise. They are driven by their inner convictions, and they do what they should whether or not they are praised for it.

Foolish is as Foolish Does

27:22  So this is where Forest Gump got this!

 Taking Care of Business

27:23–27 Verses 23–27 give the most basic of economic lessons: take care of your business, and it will take care of you.  Because life is short and our fortunes uncertain, we should be all the more diligent in what we do with our lives. We should act with foresight, giving responsible attention to our homes, our families, and our careers. We should be responsible stewards, like a farmer with his lands and herds. Thinking ahead is a duty, not an option, for God’s people.

Today we read a lot about friends, and their importance.  The best way to meet new friends and develop good friendships in our church is by being a part of a Connect Group or Ministry Team.  If you are not a part of one,  it’s easy:  just go to www.Upward.Church  and hit “Get Connected.”

Until tomorrow, Darrell

 

Sources:
J Vernon McGee’s Through the Bible
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary
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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 26

Posted on February 22, 2020 by dkoop

For fools, the lazy, gossipers and liars.

Good afternoon.  Let me issue a warning, if you don’t want to be convicted today, then don’t read today’s proverbs.  We all know someone that fits these descriptions or we have been this way ourselves.  These proverbs speak directly to the worst of human nature and what we should and shouldn’t do in dealing with difficult people.

Dealing with Fools

26:1 Giving honor to a fool is not only inappropriate (snow in summer) but destructive (rain in harvest).   Don’t try to promote or reward a fool hoping he or she will change.

26:2 Curses from a fool are ineffective since people are aware of the source.  A curse “that does not come to rest” means that it will not have any effect.

26:3–5 These verses tell how to speak to a fool. Verse 3 implies that words are often ineffective; fools do not listen.  Like animals, pain is the language they understand best. Verses 4–5 belong together.   To “answer a fool according to his folly” is to be caught into their prideful quarrelsome trap which is what they want.   On the other hand, you must sometimes answer fools in the words they understand in order to reprimand them effectively.

26:6–10  To cut off one’s legs (v. 6) is to make it impossible to move; in the same way, to send a message by a fool is to insure that it will not get through.  Verses 7 In the mouth of a fool, a proverb becomes as useless as a paralyzed leg. Some people are so blind that they won’t get much wisdom from reading these proverbs. Only those who want to be wise have the receptive attitude needed to make the most of them. If we want to learn from God, he will respond and pour out his heart to us (Prov 1:23).  Verse 8, sometimes when someone in a group causes discord or dissension, the leader tries to make him loyal and productive by giving him a place of privilege or responsibility. This usually doesn’t work. In fact, it is like tying the stone to the sling — it won’t go anywhere and will swing back and hurt you. The dissenter’s new power may be just what he needs to manipulate the group.  Verse 9 normally the first prick of a thorn alerts us, so we remove the thorn before it damages us. A drunk person, however, may not feel the thorn, and so it will work its way into his flesh. Similarly, a fool may not feel the sting of a proverb because he does not see where it touches his life. Instead of taking its point to heart, a fool will apply it to his church, his employer, his spouse, or whomever he is rebelling against. The next time you find yourself saying, “So-and-so should really pay attention to that,” stop and ask yourself, “Is there a message in it for me?”  Verse 10 reaffirms that you should not give important jobs to fools (as in v. 6).

26:11–12 Verse 11: fools do not learn from their mistakes, they keep repeating them.  Verse 12 is a good closure to these verses.  The worst type of fool is the one who is so sure he or she has all the facts of life straight that they refuse to listen to God’s wisdom.  They think what they know is more important than what God or anyone else says.

The Lazy

26:13–16.  If a person is not willing to work, he or she can find endless excuses to avoid it. But laziness is more dangerous than a prowling lion. The less you do, the less you want to do, and the more useless you become. To overcome laziness, take a few small steps toward change. Set a concrete, realistic goal. Figure out the steps needed to reach it, and follow those steps. Pray for strength and persistence. To keep your excuses from making you useless, stop making useless excuses.

Those Who Cause Problems

26:17    Seizing the ears of a stray dog is a good way to get bitten and interfering in arguments is a good way to get hurt. Many times both arguers will turn on the person who interferes.  It is best simply to keep out of arguments that are none of your business.

26:18–19 Verses 18–19 could be taken to condemn any kind of practical jokes.  The larger context here implies that some people want to hurt, embarrass, and be destructive. When called to account, he or she will treat the whole thing as a game and try to act oblivious to all the hurt such actions created.

26:20–22 Verses 20–21 describe the gossiper as the fuel that keeps quarrels burning.  When this person is removed, old hurts can be set aside, and discord can die a natural death. Even so, we often find a juicy tidbit of gossip irresistible. Verse 22 is a direct warning to the danger of ingesting it. Gossip makes its way to the innermost being and corrupts the soul.

 The Liar

26:23.  Here we are introduced to the liar. The point is that the congenial lips of the liar have a pretty coating on a cheap interior. The smoothness of the liar’s lips corresponds to the smoothness of a glaze on pottery.

26:24–26. Their words are phony, so do not believe them, no matter how pleasant they sound. The “assembly” in v. 26  refers to society at large. Sooner or later everyone will know the liar is full of lies and cannot be believed.

26:27 Verse 27 is a common Old Testament proverb that those who lay traps for others will themselves be caught in their snares (see Pss 7:15; 9:15; Eccl 10:8). Here, however, it has special application to the liar whose ways and character are laid bare before the whole community.

26:28 Verse 28 develops an idea already begun in v. 26, that lying is an act of hatred. In one way or another, lies destroy those whom they deceive. Therefore the liar despises not only the truth but his victims as well.

Wow, more good stuff today, a seat burner for sure!  “Thank you Lord for your truth that convicts, reminds and teaches us how to live and not to live.  I pray we live in your ways.”

Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

Sources:
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary
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