Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 25

Posted on February 21, 2020 by dkoop

Greetings!  I am praying for you today and the next week as we finish Proverbs.  This is the last 7 days!  I am so proud of each of you for taking time to read, reflect and be challenged by God’s word.

Proverbs 25 begins the third major section of the book.  This major section is referred to as “Wisdom for Leaders” These proverbs are very helpful for those who are leaders or those who aspire to become leaders. The introduction, 25:1, indicates that the following proverbs were compiled and edited by the scribes of Hezekiah, under his direction.

Hezekiah’s story is told in 2 Kings 18 — 20; 2 Chronicles 29 — 32; and Isaiah 36 — 39. He was one of the few kings of Judah who honored the Lord. By contrast, his father Ahaz actually nailed the temple door shut. Hezekiah restored the temple, destroyed idol worship centers, and earned the respect of surrounding nations, many of whom brought gifts to God because of him. It is not surprising that Hezekiah had these proverbs copied and read, for “in everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21).

For Leaders (24:2–7).

The proverbs of vv. 2–7 all deal with the subject of royalty. They may have been placed at the beginning of this collection by Hezekiah as a gesture of respect for the two great patrons of Proverbs, Solomon and Hezekiah. The tone reveals a high respect to godly royalty.

25:2 This proverb comes from a time when academic study and governmental power were closely connected.  But, still people do honor those who uncover scientific or theological truth.  I have heard many leaders say, “Leaders are learners.”  If you are a leader, never stop learning.

25:3  Verse 3  shows very high praise of the king’s wisdom.  We can still learn a lesson from this today: to be intelligent and informed is how a leader must appear. Predictability and lack of imagination are fatal for a leader because they will not be taken seriously for long.

25:4–5 As the silversmith must remove impurities from silver in order to create a thing of beauty, so the king must remove evil from his kingdom and especially his court if the kingdom is to be secure.  Leaders today must not allow evil people to influence them, their decision or others under their care.

25:6–7  Jesus made this proverb into a parable (see Luke 14:7-11). We should not seek honor for ourselves. It is better to quietly and faithfully accomplish the work God has given us to do. As others notice the quality of our lives, then they will draw attention to us.

Settle Disputes without Going to Court (25:8–10).

Jesus gave a similar teaching in Luke 12:57–59.

Great Counsel is Like Gold (25:11–12).

Great advice, helpful information, counseling, coaching, seminars, books and training; all these things may be costly like gold, but are worth the investment.

Reliable and Unreliable People (25:13–14)

Verse 13 : It is often difficult to find people you can really trust. A faithful employee (“messenger”) is punctual, responsible, honest, and hardworking. This person is invaluable as he or she helps take some of the pressure off his or her employer. Find out what your employer needs from you to make his or her job easier, and do it.

Verse 14:  Churches, mission organizations, and Christian groups depend on the gifts of people to keep their ministries going. But many who promise to give fail to follow through. The Bible is very clear about the effect this has on those involved in the ministry. If you make a pledge, keep your promise.

The Power of Patience (25:15)

This proverb describes the importance of patience in dealing with an authority.  “Breaking the bones” refers to breaking down the deepest, most hardened resistance to an idea a person may possess with patient and gentle words.

Too Much of a Good Thing (25:16–17)

Moderation is good thing.  Eating too much honey causes sickness and dropping in on your neighbors too many times will cause them to dislike you.

Beware of These People (25:18–20)

The liar, slanderer or gossip is a dangerous weapon, to rely on unreliable people on a day of trouble is excruciatingly painful, and trying to force happiness on a depressed person makes matters worse. *Verse 18 – Lying and gossip is vicious. Its effects can be as permanent as those of a stab wound. The next time you are tempted to pass on a bit of gossip, imagine yourself stabbing the victim of your remarks with a knife. This image may shock you into silence.

How to Treat Your Enemy (25:21–22)

These proverbs state the paradoxical truth that you can get back at your enemy with kindness.  Don’t seek vengeance use kindness.   Paul quoted this proverb in his discussion of “love” in Rom 12:9–21.  Jesus’ instruction on loving enemies (Matt 5:43–47) is similar.   Remember that the concept of love for an enemy is God’s way, it didn’t just show up in the New Testament.  It started in the Old Testament; but was also demonstrated and taught by Jesus.

Gossip (25:23)

Just as the north wind is cold, biting and wet, so is the gossip.

A Quarrelsome Wife (25:24)

This proverb is almost a verbatim repetition of 21:9.  Since this proverb has been repeated in different ways already it is an important point to us all.  If it’s repeated, God wants us to get it.  Being quarrelsome is a horrible thing.  If this is you, pray for strength to change.

Good and Bad Water (25:25–26)

Both proverbs use water to make a point.  Good news is refreshing as a good drink of water.  For a thirsty traveler expecting relief, but coming to a polluted well would be very disappointing.  The same disappointment occurs when good people let the wicked have their way. To “give way to the wicked” means setting aside your standards of right and wrong. No one is helped by someone who compromises with the wicked.

Don’t Seek Your Own Honor (25:27)

Constantly dwelling on the honors you think deserve is harmful. It can make you bitter, discouraged, or angry, and it will not bring you the rewards that you think should be yours. Obsessing for what you should have received is like eating too much honey; it is sickening.

Lack of Self-Control Makes you Vulnerable (25:28)

An out-of-control life is open to all sorts of enemy attack. Think of self-control as a wall for defense and protection.  Even though city walls restricted the inhabitants’ movements, people were happy to have them. Without walls, they would have been vulnerable to attack by any passing group of marauders. Self-control limits us, to be sure, but it is necessary.

Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

Sources:
J Vernon McGee’s Through the Bible
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary

 

Posted in Proverbs Reading Challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 24

Posted on February 20, 2020 by dkoop

Happy Thursday, I hope that your day is going well.  Thanks for joining me on this journey with only one week left!

This is the last chapter of the proverbs of Solomon which he wrote and arranged. After this we come to proverbs of Solomon that were arranged by the aids of Hezekiah. Evidently Solomon wrote a great many proverbs. We have only a very small percentage of the total number. These are tremendous truths that have been given to us which can challenge and direct our lives.

24:1–2 In these proverbs we are again challenged to not be enticed by wrong doers or their ways.  It will only end up in violence and trouble.

24:3–4. The rare and beautiful treasures that fill the house are a harmonious, loving family and a sense of security and stability.

24:5–6.  The athlete who thinks — who assesses the situation and plans strategies — has an advantage over a physically stronger but unthinking opponent. And wisdom, not muscle, is certainly why God has put people in charge of the animal kingdom. We exercise regularly and eat well to build our strength, but do we take equal pains to develop wisdom? Because wisdom is a vital part of strength, it pays to attain it.

24:7.  Matters discussed at the gate (this is where city politics took place) are too important to waste time listening to the arguments of the fool .

24:8–9. Those who connive soon have a reputation for being connivers. The loss of your reputation is no small penalty, since it is not easily regained.

24:10 Times of trouble can be useful. They can show you who you really are, what kind of character you have developed. In addition, they can help you grow stronger. When Jeremiah questioned God because of the trouble he faced, God asked how he ever expected to face big challenges if the little ones tired him out (Jeremiah 12:5). Don’t complain about your problems. The trouble you face today is training you to be strong for the more difficult situations you will face in the future.

24:11–12. Here is more injustice that God does not like: prisoners who have been wrongfully condemned to die.   God knows, and he expects those who know to do something.  Wow, this is convicting to me.  We are to make right what is wrong.  We can’t say about injustice, “God why?”And do nothing.

24:13–14. This associates wisdom with sweetness. In other words, right behavior is not recommended only because of morality but also because it is the best route to happiness and the fulfillment of dreams.

24:15–16. This proverb is a warning addressed to the wrongdoer to leave the righteous alone.  The resilience of the good man (expressed in his getting back up seven times) means that evil will not ultimately win

24:17–18.  To gloat over others’ misfortune is to make yourself the avenger and to put yourself in the place of God, who alone is the real judge of all the earth (see Deuteronomy 32:35).

24:19–20  “Don’t fret or worry about evil doers.” Anyone who has ever watched the evening news broadcasts has experienced this worry.  Faith in a just God is the only remedy. The phrase “no future hope” refers to judgment and eternal life.

24:21–22 God and the king are the sustainers of justice. In this the king is God’s earthly representative (Rom 13:1–7). Submission to governing authorities is the best way to live a life of peace and security.

24:23–26. These verses introduce the principle of jurisprudence that there should be no prejudice or favoritism. All attempts to deceive the court and pervert justice fail when the upright man stands and gives a straight analysis of the case before the other elders.

24:27 We should carry out our work in its proper order. If a farmer builds his house in the spring, he will miss the planting season and go a year without food. If a businessman invests his money in a house while his business is struggling to grow, he may lose both. It is possible to work hard and still lose everything if the timing is wrong or the resources to carry it out are not in place.

24:28–29 These verses, returning to the courts, move from the role of the judge to the role of the witness. The witness is urged not to commit perjury or use the courts as a tool for settling a personal score against another person. Verse 29 is a reverse version of the Golden Rule (see Luke 6:31). Revenge is the way the world operates, but it is not God’s way.

24:30–34 In these proverbs, Solomon tells how he sees a lazy guy and his home or business that is overrun with problems that are a direct result of his laziness.  He reflects on what he sees and remembers another proverb (vv. 33–34).    He reminds us to remember the cost of being lazy.

Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

Sources:
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary
J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1983), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “Chapter 24”.
Posted in Proverbs Reading Challenge | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 23

Posted on February 19, 2020 by dkoop

Proverbs 23 – Gluttony, Parenting and Alcohol Abuse  

Gluttony 23:1–3.  To put a knife to the throat is to take extraordinary measures to avoid overindulging.  Also, the rich do not give away their favors for free, they want something in return.

Wealth Disappears 23:4–5 We have all heard of people who have won millions of dollars and then lost it all. Even the average person can spend an inheritance — or a paycheck — with lightning speed and have little to show for it. Don’t spend your time chasing fleeting earthly treasures. Instead store up treasures in heaven, for such treasures will never be lost. (See Luke 12:33,34 for Jesus’ teaching.)

The Right Friends 23:6–8 This proverb warns us not to envy the life-styles of those who have become rich by being stingy and miserly, and not to gain their favor by fawning over them. Their “friendship” is phony — they will just use you for their own gain.

Words to a Fool 23:9.  As in Jesus’ warning not to throw pearls before pigs (Matt 7:6), the point here is that you should not waste much time trying to teach the stubbornly unresponsive.

Justice 23:10–11. The setting of this proverb is a court battle in which one party has wrongfully seized the property of another party, and God himself takes on the role of attorney for the wronged, weaker party.  The term Defender or redeemer refers to someone who bought back a family member who had fallen into slavery or who accepted the obligation to marry the widow of a family member (Ruth 4:3-10). God is also called a Redeemer (Exodus 6:6; Job 19:25).

Education 23:12. The acquisition of instruction is not to be taken lightly. The verse is in the imperative and suggests that education is vital to one’s whole life.

 PARENTING:

 Discipline 23:13–14.  The stern tone of discipline here is offset by the affection expressed in verse 15. However, many parents are reluctant to discipline their children at all. Some fear they will forfeit their relationship, that their children will resent them, or that they will stifle their children’s development. But correction won’t kill children, and it may prevent them from foolish moves that will.  However, parents who find it only too easy to apply the rod, and especially those who lose their tempers when doing so, should consider Eph 6:4.

A Parent’s Desire 23:15–16. The joy of giving one’s parents or teachers a sense of pride and satisfaction should serve as a motivation to pursue the right path.

Bad Role Models 23:17–18. What parents fear most is that their teaching will be undermined by the child’s peers or by adults who are bad role models.  How easy it is to envy those who get ahead unhampered by Christian responsibility or God’s laws. For a time they do seem to get ahead without paying any attention to what God wants. But to those who follow him, God promises a hope and a wonderful future even if we don’t realize it in this life.

More Bad Role Models 23:19–21.  Here we have more warnings about hanging out with people who will destroy us or our children: drunks and gluttons.

Children Should Listen 23:22–25 The child is encouraged to make his parents proud. Since both father and mother are mentioned, it is clear that these are actual parents and not the teacher in place of parents. Verse 22 does not mean that the parents are old but that the son perceives them in that way.

Illicit Sex 23:26–28 Access to prostitutes destroys families.

ABUSING ALCOHOL

23:29–35. These verses are very insightful!  They describe with incredible accuracy the physical and emotional decline of those addicted to alcohol. Wine (and in modern society, illicit drugs) brings physical pain and debilitation, exhausts one’s resources, takes away mental acuity, and yet leaves one craving for more of the same. “Lingering over” alcohol (vv. 30–31) describes those who derive comfort and security in knowing that a glass of wine is at hand, ready to deaden the senses. In the end, however, it only leaves people more confused and in deeper pain than ever before (vv. 32–35a).

*Alcohol in itself is not bad, it’s the abuse of it that is. Israel was a wine-producing country. In the Old Testament, wine presses bursting with new wine were considered a sign of blessing (Prov 3:10). Wisdom is even said to have set her table with wine (Prov 9:2,5). But the Proverbs also alerts to the dangers of drinking wine to excess. It dulls the senses; it limits clear judgment (Prov 31:1-9); it lowers the capacity for control (Prov 4:17); it destroys a person’s efficiency (Prov 21:17). To make wine an end in itself, a means of self-indulgence or as an escape from life is to misuse it and invite the consequences of the drunkard.

Good stuff today, as always I am blown away by the Bible’s accuracy into life, living and the human heart.  See you tomorrow!

Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

 

Sources:
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary

 

Posted in Proverbs Reading Challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 22

Posted on February 18, 2020 by dkoop

Parenting, Debt, Character and Friends

 Good afternoon!  Happy Tuesday, we have more great stuff today:  Parenting, Debt and more.

 Your Reputation 22:1  Your character is more important than your cash flow. A person who has wealth at the cost of a bad reputation has paid too high a price.

Rich and Poor 22:2–5  Rich and poor have equal standing before the Lord.  The central idea is that those who are well off must never forget that they, just like the poor are totally dependent on God for life and livelihood.  So live with humility before God. This naturally flows into v. 4, which says that all the good things of life come from humility before God.

On the surface vv. 3, 5 both state that the wise see and avoid trouble but the ignorant or headstrong plunge into it. In the context of vv. 2, 4, the verses explain that the failure to see danger happens because of arrogance and refusing to follow God.  In v. 3 such people are described as “simple” (or “stupid”) in v. 5 they are described as “wicked.” Also “thorns” and “snares” are not just economic or personal dangers but moral dangers as well. To be humble in the sight of God is to be aware of your limitations.  The humble are more secure, more aware of dangers, and more financially stable than the proud.

Parenting:  ‍22:6, 15. There is a lot of misunderstanding about verse v. 6.

“In the way he should go” is literally, “according to his the child’s way.” It is natural to want to bring up all our children alike or train them the same way. This verse implies that parents should discern the individuality and special strengths that God has given each one. While we should not condone or excuse self-will, each child has natural inclinations that parents can develop. By talking to teachers, other parents, and grandparents, we can better discern and develop the individual capabilities of each child.  Many parents want to make all the choices for their child, but this hurts him or her in the long run. When parents teach a child how to make decisions, they don’t have to watch every step he or she takes. They know their children will remain on the right path because they have made the choice themselves. Train your children to choose the right way.

Verse 15  Young children often do foolish and dangerous things simply because they don’t understand the consequences. Wisdom and common sense are not transferred by just being a good example. The wisdom a child learns must be taught consciously. “The rod of discipline” stands for all forms of discipline or training. Just as God trains and corrects us to make us better, so parents must discipline their children to make them learn the difference between right and wrong. To see how God corrects us, read Prov 3:11,12.

Debt 22:7.  Does this mean we should never borrow? No, but it warns us never to take on a loan without carefully examining our ability to repay it. A loan we can handle is enabling; a loan we can’t handle is enslaving. The borrower must realize that until the loan is repaid, he or she is a servant to the individual or institution that made it.  The point is to get out of debt as rapidly as possible. Debt is debilitating and demoralizing. No one can live the happy, prosperous life Proverbs recommends in that condition.

Reaping What You Sow 22:8–9.  The concept of reaping what your sow (harvesting what you planted) is familiar in the Bible.   Trouble comes from wickedness, blessing comes from generosity.

Words and Character 22:10–14. Proverbs warns us about the significance of our words.  We will see that our words reveal our character. Five character types represent five ways words can be used. The mocker causes quarrels (v. 10), the pure impresses even a king (v. 11), the liar is undone by God (v. 12), the lazy make excuses (v. 13), and the prostitute seduces  and traps (v. 14).

22:10–11 In v. 10 the mocker is an obnoxious troublemaker. Harmony is restored by removing such people. By contrast, those whose minds and words are peaceable find themselves welcomed on the highest level (v. 11) rather than being driven away.

22:12 In v. 12 God’s eyes see everything.  He causes those who distort the truth to be exposed.

22:13 In v. 13 the sluggard (lazy) makes excuses. This proverb refers to the excuses a lazy person might use to avoid going to work. The excuses sound silly to us, but that’s often how our excuses sound to others. Don’t rationalize laziness. Take your responsibilities seriously and get to work.

22:14 In v. 14 the adulteress’s enticing words draw victims into a trap.  At the same time, the trap is also the way God exposes or punishes those who fall for this seduction.

 Poverty v. 16  reveals poverty will occur by taking advantage of the poor, as well as extortion, bribery or any other method than doing honest work.

 Listen 22:17–21  Is a reminder to listen to wise counsel (God’s Word).  (v. 17) is followed by two reasons (vv. 18–19) and a description of what follows (vv. 20–21).   This passage reminds us of what was taught earlier in the book, especially Prov 1–9. Verse 19, stresses the result of wisdom’s work: we are drawn closer to the Lord.  And v. 21, says they are meant to instruct the us in the truth and mold us into a reliable person.

 Don’t Exploit the Poor 22:22–23  The Lord is viewed as protector of the poor. Here the verses warn the powerful not to use legal devices to exploit the poor, or they find themselves facing a much higher judge. The warning is depicted with an image of God doing to the rich exactly what they do to the poor (v. 23).

You Become Who You Hang Out With 22:24–25 This could be taken to mean simply that if you hang out with quarrelsome people, you will become like them and get into trouble.  People tend to become like those with whom they spend a lot of time. Even the negative characteristics sometimes rub off. The Bible teaches us to be cautious in our choice of friends. Choose people with characteristics you would like to develop in your own life.

Debt 22:26–27  verse 26 is saying that it is wise to be slow to countersign a note or to be liable for another person’s debt.  As in 6:1–5, these verses warn us about bad debt. The bed, (a place of rest) is symbolic of all that is house and home.

Boundaries 22:28  In Joshua 13  the land was divided and the boundaries marked out for each tribe. Moses had already warned the people that when they reached the promised land they shouldn’t cheat their neighbors by moving one of the landmarks to give themselves more land and their neighbors less (Deuteronomy 19:14; 27:17). “Gerrymandering” — changing political boundaries so that one group of voters benefits and another loses — is a modern form of moving boundary markers.

 Quality Work = Recognition 22:29. This is a verse for those unwilling to stop at what seems good enough in job performance and push on to doing the best job possible.

Thanks for reading God’s word!  Like we read, you will grow in wisdom and character and God will bless you as you follow Him.  The sections about your friends 22:24–25 and character 22:10–14 are a great opportunity to remind us to participate in a Connect Group which will help you meet the right types of friends as well as get you into God’s word and His ways (to improve your character).  Just go to www.Upwards.Church and hit “Get Connected”

 Also about the poor, our church has a ministry to the homeless in Austin called Blessing Bags.  We pack over 200 sack lunches, toiletries, towels, clothes on and go downtown to deliver them once a month.  This Friday we are packing the bags, this Saturday we go down to deliver them.  If you would like to join us we would love that!    You can go here for more information:  Upwards Church Blessing Bags 

Until tomorrow, Darrell

 

Sources:
Classic Bible Commentary
J  Vernon McGee’s Through the Bible
Life Application Bible Notes
Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary
New American Commentary

 

Posted in Proverbs Reading Challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment