Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 17

Posted on February 13, 2020 by dkoop

Good afternoon.   I am praying for you right now.  I pray God’s word changes your life as you read it each day.

(17:1) Better to have less with peace than more with constant strife.   Those with apparently less may be more blessed in the long run.  This is part of the message of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:3–12).

(17:2) Ability and character can overcome many disadvantages. At the same time, those born to advantage can forfeit their inheritance through immorality and incompetence.

(17:3) It takes intense heat to purify gold and silver. Similarly, it often takes the heat of trials for the believers to be purified. Through trials, God shows us what is in us and clears out anything that gets in the way of complete trust in him. Peter says, “These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7). So when tough times come your way, realize that God wants to use them to refine your faith and purify your heart.

(17:4) Taking gossip seriously is itself a form of spite practiced by those who have no respect for the truth.

(17:5) To make light of those who are suffering misfortune is to invite God’s punishment. * Few acts are as cruel as making fun of the less fortunate, but many people do this because it makes them feel good to be better off or more successful than someone else. Mocking the poor is mocking the God who made them. We also ridicule God when we mock the weak, those who are different, or anyone else. When you catch yourself putting down others just for fun, stop and think about who created them.

(17:6) Behind this proverb is a true statement about the interdependence of the generations. Elders derive a sense of pride from their descendants, and children get their self-worth from parents. On the other hand, one generation can cause shame and a sense of worthlessness in another.

(17:7) People of honor and responsibility should make no space for lying in their lives.

(17:8)  Solomon is not condoning bribery (see Prov 17:15,23), but he is making an observation about the way the world operates. Bribes may get people what they want, but the Bible clearly condemns using them (Exodus 23:8; Proverbs 17:23; Matthew 28:11-15).

‍(17:9, 13)  The ability to practice forgiveness is essential for the survival of an atmosphere of friendship. Probably a whole community and not just a single friendship is in view in v. 9. The covering of an offense would include forgiveness but would go beyond it. The “offense” may be against you or against a third party. Either way, if a tactful silence is not practiced where appropriate; the atmosphere of trust and mutual love quickly breaks down. The opposite extreme of a forgiving spirit is to take offense and retaliate against those who are trying to do good (v. 13). Such a person will not only be friendless but will bring many troubles on his or her head.

* This proverb is saying that we should be willing to forgive others’ sins against us. Covering over offenses is necessary to any relationship. It is tempting, especially in an argument, to bring up all the mistakes the other person has ever made. Love, however, keeps its mouth shut — difficult though that may be. Try never to bring anything into an argument that is unrelated to the topic being discussed. As we grow to be like Christ, we will acquire God’s ability to forget the confessed sins of the past.

(17:10, 12) These verses focus on the stubbornness of a fool who is willfully wrong-headed, no matter how much it hurts (v. 10). This stubborn spirit makes the fool dangerous to be near (v. 12). Foolishness does not make for socially acceptable behavior. A person who can accept criticism has an approachable personality and can function well in social interaction. People who cannot accept a rebuke, however, cause chaos in the public arena. It would be better to try to deal with an angry bear in search of her cubs!

(17:11)  This verse is about relations with the community at large. Those who cannot submit themselves to governmental authority will soon come to regret it. They are more than socially outcast by the community; they receive judicial punishment from the community.

(17:14, 19)  A small breach in a dam soon grows until the dam is destroyed and the area is flooded.  So, a conflict can take on a life of its own and devastate a long friendship and lead to litigation. Those who love to quarrel and bring suits, however, build a “high gate”; that is, they become isolated. Such persons are alone in the world and bring disaster upon themselves.

(17:15) To acquit the guilty and punish the innocent is the judicial equivalent of individuals retaliating against those who seek to do good to them. Such a society undermines its own structure and invites God’s judgement as well. The context (vv. 14, 19) implies that the injustice here may involve showing favor to those who are quick to bring lawsuits.

(17:16, 18) Verse 16 would seem to be out of place in this context, but its clarified by v. 18. A common source of conflict among friends is tension over money, as is brought about when one friend loans money to or cosigns for another (v. 18). A fool does not understand the use of money, including how to avoid complicating a relationship with financial entanglements.

(17:17) This verse is the other side of vv. 14, 19 and vv. 16, 18. Far from being quarrelsome, the true friend is supportive. Also, while the wise man knows that lending money can ruin friendships, he does not close his heart to his friend in time of crisis. Caution is balanced by a generous and caring spirit.

(17:20–22). Verses 20 and 22 describe various mental states (heart, spirit) and how they affect one’s life. These verses assert first that the twisted, scheming man will have a life of trouble (v. 20). Second, they teach that a bad son (perhaps one who embodies the description in v. 20) is an affliction for his parents (v. 21). Third, a happy heart is the key to a full, healthy life (v. 22). Following v. 21, the implication is that the greatest source of a crushed spirit is trouble in the family.

* To be cheerful is to be ready to greet others with a welcome, a word of encouragement, an enthusiasm for the task at hand, and a positive outlook on the future. Such people are as welcome as pain-relieving medicine.

 (17:23–26). Verses 23 and 26 describe the perversion of justice through bribery and its results, that the innocent are wrongly punished.   The interpretation of v. 24 may be provided by v. 23: the wise man heads straight on in the path of wisdom while the fool is attracted by temptations of every kind and wanders off the right path. The bribe of v. 23 would be such a temptation. The wandering eyes of the fool represent his greed, like Lot’s longing stare at the prosperity of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 13:10). Verse 25 would appear to have nothing to do with bribery and the miscarriage of justice, but with v. 21 it provides a link to the previous text. The “foolish son grieves his father” verses in the contexts of vv. 20–22 and vv. 23–26  serve an instructive purpose; they urge the reader (the implied “son”) not to become the evil man described in these verses and  not to grieve his father.

(17:27) & (17:28)   These Proverbs highlight several benefits of keeping quiet: (1) it is the best policy if you have nothing worthwhile to say; (2) it allows you the opportunity to listen and learn; (3) it gives you something in common with those who are wiser. Make sure to pause to think and to listen so that when you do speak, you will have something important to say.

Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

Sources:
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary
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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 16

Posted on February 12, 2020 by dkoop

Proverbs 16 – More Good Stuff!  

Thanks for reading along.

(16:1–5)   Verse 1 – “From the LORD comes the reply of the tongue” means that the final outcome of the plans we make is in God’s hands. If this is so, why make plans? In doing God’s will, there must be partnership between our efforts and God’s control. He wants us to use our minds, to seek the advice of others, and to plan. Nevertheless, the results are up to him. Planning, then, helps us act God’s way. As you live for him, ask for guidance as you plan, and then act on your plan as you trust in him.

Verse 2 – “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him.” People can rationalize anything if they have no standards for judging right and wrong. We can always prove that we are right. Before putting any plan into action, ask yourself these three questions: (1) Is this plan in harmony with God’s truth? (2) Will it work under real-life conditions? (3) Is my attitude pleasing to God?

Verse 3 – There are different ways to fail to commit whatever we do to the Lord. Some people commit their work only superficially. They say the project is being done for the Lord, but in reality they are doing it for themselves. Others give God temporary control of their interests, only to take control back the moment things stop going the way they expect. Still others commit a task fully to the Lord, but put forth no effort themselves, and then they wonder why they do not succeed. We must maintain a delicate balance: trusting God as if everything depended on him, while working as if everything depended on us. Think of a specific effort in which you are involved right now. Have you committed it to the Lord?

Verse 4 – This verse doesn’t mean that God created some people to be wicked, but rather that God uses even the activities of wicked people to fulfill his good purposes. God is infinite and we are finite. No matter how great our intellects, we will never be able to understand him completely. But we can accept by faith that he is all-powerful, all-loving, and perfectly good. We can believe that he is not the cause of evil (James 1:13,17); and we can trust that there are no loose ends in his system of judgment. Evil is a temporary condition in the universe. One day God will destroy it. In the meantime, he uses even the evil intentions of people for his good purposes (see Genesis 50:20).

Verse 5 – Pride is the inner voice that whispers, “My way is best.” It is resisting God’s leadership and believing that you are able to live without his help. Whenever you find yourself wanting to do it your way and looking down on other people, you are being pulled by pride. Only when you eliminate pride can God help you become all he meant you to be.

(16:6)   This verses points to work of Jesus Christ, “through His love and faithfulness” to die on the cross, our “sin is atoned for.”

(16:7)  We want other people to like us, and sometimes we will do almost anything to win their approval. But God tells us to put our energy into pleasing him instead. Our effort to be peacemakers will usually make us more attractive to those around us, even our enemies. But even if it doesn’t, we haven’t lost anything. We are still pleasing God, the only one who truly matters.

(16:8) It’s better to not have as much materially but be living right than to have a lot because you lied, stole or cheated to get it.

(16:9) The issue in this verse is wisdom in making decisions. Whether you make detailed plans or resort to palm reading, tarot cards or whatever events and circumstances are all in God’s control.  So the wise make plans but put their faith in God and not human plans for the ultimate outcome.
(16:10–15) These verses concern righteousness in government. Also the catchword “king” is found in every verse except 11, which still deals with justice in government. The government is described in favorable terms here; the king appears to be a flawless minister of justice in vv. 10 and 12. These pronouncements, however, should be understood as ideal rather than actual. They represent what a king should be. Dedication to justice and truth are preconditions for good government.

Verse 11 does not mention the king but is important because, using the image of scales and measures teaches us that justice is derived from God. Equity is not a human invention, and kings do not have the authority to suspend or violate the laws of fairness.

*Whether we buy or sell, make a product or offer a service, we know what is honest and what is dishonest. Sometimes we feel pressure to be dishonest in order to advance ourselves or gain more profit. But if we want to obey God, there is no middle ground: God demands honesty in every business transaction. No amount of rationalizing can cover for a dishonest business practice. Honesty and fairness are not always easy, but they are what God demands. Ask him for discernment and courage to be consistently honest and fair.

Verse 13  counsels the young court official to be honest in all dealings with the king, and vv. 14–15 speak of the need for respect for monarchs but also imply that they can be illogical if not irrational.

(16:16–17)  Wisdom is better than gold, understanding is better than silver.  The upright avoids the highway to hell.  Going the right way leads to life.

(16:18–19) Prideful people seldom realize that pride is their problem, although everyone around them is well aware of it. Ask someone you trust whether self-satisfaction has blinded you to warning signs. He or she may help you avoid a fall.

(16:20–24) Verse 20a  alerts the reader to the need to weigh words and matters accurately, and v. 20b draws attention to the fact that wise behavior is impossible without fear of God. Wise teachers choose their words carefully and in so doing enhance the learning experience for their students.

“Pleasant words.” We all like to hear something good, don’t we?   So much of the news we get from TV, internet or social media is bad news. It’s too bad more people don’t read the Bible. It is filled with good news. That is what the gospel is — good news.  Also, we should learn to say pleasant words now — instead of trying to say it with flowers when it is too late.

(16:25) You will recognize that we had this proverb before (Prov. 14:12). Then why is it repeated? It is because the Lord doesn’t want us to miss this one. Repetition reveals its importance.  The Fleetwood Mac song says, “you can go your own way” but the Bible teaches to make sure the way we go is the way God would have to go.

(16:26) This proverb speaks of the importance of incentive. It is a good example of a proverb that easily could be twisted for evil purposes; like to justify giving the lowest pay to workers. Contrast Jas 5:1–6.

(16:27–30) Verses 27–30 describe the man who has evil schemes and are another thematic unity. Verses 27–29 concern the evil machinations of the scoundrel, the perverse man, and the violent man, and v. 30 is a conclusion or commentary on those three descriptions. The winking eye and pursed lips of v. 30 may be taken either as signals among conspirators or as a general statement of shiftiness in the facial mannerisms of scheming people. The point may be that the reader should learn to read the faces of others in order to spot the three kinds of evil men described in vv. 27–29.

(16:31) The Hebrews believed that a long life was a sign of God’s blessing; therefore, gray hair and old age were good. While young people glory in their strength, old people can rejoice in their years of experience and practical wisdom. Gray hair is not a sign of disgrace to be covered over; it is a crown of splendor.  As you deal with older people, treat them with respect.

(16:32). Success in business, school, or home life can be ruined by a person who has lost control of his or her temper. So it is a great personal victory to control your temper. When you feel yourself ready to explode, remember that losing control may cause you to forfeit what you want the most.

(16:33) The lot was almost always used in ceremonial settings and was the common method for determining God’s will. Several important events occurred by lot, including the identification of Achan as the man who had sinned (Joshua 7:14), the division of the promised land among the tribes (Joshua 14:2), and the selection of the first king for the nation (1 Samuel 10:16-26).  The lot in their day would be like throwing dice today, not in a gambling sense but to pray first and then see if the lot landed yes or no.    But “every decision is from the Lord”
 Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

 

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

 
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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 15

Posted on February 11, 2020 by dkoop

As we read through Proverbs we are halfway today!

Proverbs 15 – This chapter compares good and evil and emphasizes the role of the tongue, then of the heart.

(15:1 ). Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.

(15:2–4). Verse 2 deals with the influence for good or evil that your words have on others, and v. 4 asserts that one can either sustain or break another’s spirit with words. In v. 4b the disappointment of being deceived is also clear.  Both verses stress the power of words for good or evil.

(3) At times it seems that God has let evil run rampant in the world, and we wonder if he even notices it. But God sees everything clearly — both the evil actions and the evil intentions lying behind them (Prov 15:11). He is not an indifferent observer. He cares and is active in our world. Right now, his work may be unseen and unfelt, but don’t give up. One day he will wipe out evil and punish the evildoers, just as he will establish the good and reward those who do his will.

(15:5)  Our attitude toward parental teaching (v. 5) will determine our lifelong attitude toward authority and instruction

(15:6). In Proverbs lasting prosperity is attained by high moral character and diligence. Using the “house” symbolically as the storehouse of one’s possessions (v. 6) and the “way” metaphorically for the success of one’s life

 (15:7).  Verse 7 establishes the simple fact that knowledge is found with the wise and not with fools.

 (15:8–9). These verses are prophetic in nature.  (Compare Amos 5:21–24; Mic. 6:6–8). Religious fanaticism is no substitute for integrity.

 (15:10–11). These verses, which are linked by their focus on how the Lord deals with people, describe the punishment of death that awaits the wicked.  Biblical righteousness is fundamentally an attitude of trust in God.  Wickedness, too, is more than simple disobedience to the commandments; it is above all manifest in an attitude of pride .

 (15:12–15 ). Verse 13, speaks of a happy heart producing a cheerful face ( for the one who has the happy heart) In the context of  13 and 15  a warning to heed correction (vv. 12, 14), the verses imply that mental and emotional wholeness come from listening to sound teaching.

*What we feed our minds is just as important as what we feed our bodies. The kinds of books we read, the people we talk with, the music we listen to, and the films we watch are all part of our mental diet. Be discerning because what you feed your mind influences your total health and well-being. A strong desire to discover knowledge is a mark of wisdom.

 (15:16–17;   Here true prosperity is described.  Unlike most would describe today, true wealth  is not to be found in money, possessions, and rich food. The greatest possessions are a moral life, a loving home, and personal integrity.

(15:18) Hot-tempered versus patient man; verse 18 is very similar to verse 15:1.

(15:19) The “path of the upright” doesn’t always seem easy, but look at the alternatives. There is hatred (Prov. 15:17), dissension (Prov. 15:18), and laziness (Prov. 15:19) that cause problems the upright person does not have to face.  By comparison, his or her life is a smooth, level road because it is built on a solid foundation of love for God.

(15:20–22)  To “keep a straight course” (v. 21) is to avoid the moral pitfalls of life; it does not refer to headstrong determination. Verse 22 does not describe making decisions by committee but promotes an internal attitude of willingness to hear and heed advice.

* People with tunnel vision, those who are locked into one way of thinking, are likely to miss the right road because they have closed their minds to any new options. We need the help of those who can enlarge our vision and broaden our perspective. Seek out the advice of those who know you and have a wealth of experience. Build a network of advisers. Then be open to new ideas and be willing to weigh their suggestions carefully. Your plans will be stronger and more likely to succeed.

(15:24–27 )  In v. 24 “upward” and “down” may refer to eternal life.  In v. 27, it is clearly speaking of this life and prosperity. The “widow” (v. 25) represents the weak and impoverished,  that God cares about but whose few possessions are the objects of wicked men’s greed (v. 27)

(15:28) The wise/righteous speak only after careful consideration, while the fools/wicked spew forth whatever mischief or perversity is on their minds.

(15:29) The Lord is near those who seek him. If you feel far from God, when did you leave and go your own way?

(15:30–32) This passage draws the reader to reflect on the importance of influencing others by an affirming attitude and positive reports rather than exclusively by the negative way of correcting faults. The text also teaches that circumstances can negatively or positively affect one’s mental health

 (15:33 ) Respecting God is the way to wisdom, Humility leads to honor.

Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

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

 

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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 14

Posted on February 10, 2020 by dkoop

Greetings.  I am praying for you and your time in God’s word.  Thanks for taking the time to let God speak to you, teach you and encourage you.   Here’s how chapter 14 breaks down:

Self-Protective and Self-Destructive Behavior (14:1–3)

Verse 1 speaks of how wise women build their homes and the foolish one destroys hers; v. 3 describes how the foolish man brings punishment on himself by his words and wise men by the same means increase their security. Between these two proverbs is an assertion that you can recognize genuine goodness in the behavior of those who possess it (v. 2). Good people benefit themselves and bad people bring trouble on their own heads, but you’re attitude toward God fundamentally determines whether you is good or bad.

A Worthwhile Investment (14:4)

If there are no oxen, you do  not need to refill the feed-trough so often (the smaller livestock do not eat as much), but it is the ox that enables the farmer to bring in a good harvest. The point is that one must make an investment (obtain and feed the oxen) to get a large return.

Look Who’s Talking (14:5–7)

We should evaluate what a person says on the basis of his or her overall credibility (v. 5). Similarly, we should not expect to get sound advice from a person who shows no respect for the precepts of wisdom (vv. 6–7 ). In short, the character of the speaker serves as a warning about whether his or her words are true or wise.

*Notice the mocker.  We all know mockers, people who scoff at every word of instruction or advice. They never find wisdom because they don’t seek it seriously. Wisdom comes easily to those who pay attention to experienced people and to God. If the wisdom we need does not come easily, perhaps our attitude is the barrier.

Appearance and Reality (14:8–15)

Life is often deceptive, and these verses show us that we should not be fooled by appearances. Don’t be too quick to ascribe happiness to others since you can’t be sure of the true condition of another’s heart, regardless of appearances. Above all, you should not be fooled by the apparent freedom from grief that you see in those who do not concern themselves with God or his ways. In the end the righteous will be vindicated. Fools, however, are quickly taken in by what they see and they think they can sin without penalty.

Verse 9 – “good will” (NIV)  How rarely we find goodwill around us today. Angry drivers scowl at each other in the streets. People fight to be first in line. Disgruntled employers and employees both demand their rights. But the common bond of God’s people should be goodwill. Those with goodwill think the best of others and assume that others have good motives and intend to do what is right. When someone crosses you, and you feel your blood pressure rising, ask yourself, “How can I show goodwill to this person?”

(v. 12)   The “way that seems right” may offer many options and require few sacrifices. Easy choices, however, should make us take a second look. Is this solution attractive because it allows me to be lazy? Because it doesn’t ask me to change my life-style?  Because it requires no moral restraints? The right choice often requires hard work and self-sacrifice. Don’t be enticed by apparent shortcuts that seem right but end in death.

A Patient Spirit (14:16–17)

Patient consideration before acting or speaking, even in the face of provocation, averts disaster.

A Crown of Wisdom, a Wreath of Folly (14:18–24)

Verse 18  – sin is the shame of the foolish, but wisdom is the honor of the wise.  Verse 19 – Even bad men acknowledge good qualities of God’s people.  Verse 20 – Friendship in the world is based on self-interest. It is good to have God our Friend; he will not desert us.

(v. 21) If we despise a person because of their economic status or appearance it’s not right in God’s eyes.  How do you feel toward those who can do nothing for you in return? Do you do something for them?  (v. 22) If you plan evil you will go astray, plan good and end up with love and faithfulness.   (v. 23)    Some people just talk; they don’t do. People can almost be classified as either talking people or doing people.  (v. 24) The wealth here is not just  financial riches, but spiritual, emotional and relational wealth too.

An Honest Witness (14:25)

This proverb also has legal proceedings in mind. Honesty in court is not just a point of law; people’s lives depend upon it.

The Fear of the Lord (14:26–27)

Those who fear the Lord so as to obey and serve him, have a strong foundation to stand on, a protective covering around and will be safer.   Let us seek to follow God’s ways and escape the traps of death.

National Security (14:28–35)

The health and well-being of a nation depends upon both the ruler and the governed. A ruler must be fair and above all must respect the rights of his people. The people, on the other hand, must have virtue in their lives or they will bring society into chaos. No government can succeed without the people, and no people can thrive if corruption and evil abound.

Verse 28 describes a king’s need for a sizable populace.  Verse 29 stresses the importance of patience. In this context an impatient king may lose his following but there are things we can learn too:

*A quick temper can be like a fire out of control. It can burn us and everyone else in its path. Anger divides people. It pushes us into hasty decisions that only cause bitterness and guilt. Yet anger, in itself, is not wrong. Anger can be a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin. When you feel yourself getting angry, look for the cause. Are you reacting to an evil situation that you are going to set right? Or are you responding selfishly to a personal insult? Pray that God will help you control your quick temper, channeling your feelings into effective action and conquering selfish anger through humility and repentance.

Verse 30 looks at patience from a different perspective: it is essential for a healthy life. Verse 31  is warning rulers not to trample upon the rights of the poor; the king who ignores this advice will soon find himself without a nation.

*God has a special concern for the poor. He insists that people who have material goods should be generous with those who are needy. Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion in the Bible; it is a command that may require a change of attitude (see Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 15:7,8; Psalms 113:5-9; 146:5-9; Isaiah 58:7; 2Corinthians 9:9; James 2:1-9).

Verse 32  describes the hope of eternal life for the righteous.  Verse 33 means that the ruler should choose counselors carefully.

Verse 34 is a general statement that a nation’s political health depends to a great degree on the moral integrity of its people.

*It would be better if this verse were inscribed over the United Nations instead of the verse about beating their swords into plowshares, which will not happen until Christ lives in people’s hearts.  Today the nations do not believe that righteousness exalts them, but history tells the real story.  The pathway of history is littered with the wrecks and the ruins of nations that didn’t follow this principle. “Sin is a disgrace to any people.” (NIV)  Verse 35 compares the inept and the capable public servants.

Until tomorrow, you’re almost halfway through Proverbs!   Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

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

 

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