Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 13

Posted on February 9, 2020 by dkoop

PROVERBS 13 – Mouth, Money, Friends and Family

Here are the major sections, The Use of the Mouth (13:1–4), Action and Reaction (13:5–6), The Uncertainty of Riches (13:7–11), A Hope Fulfilled (13:12–19), The Right Friends (13:20–21) and Providing for the Family (13:22–25)

The Use of the Mouth (13:1–4)

Those who listen to their parents instructions (v. 1a ) and know when to be silent (v. 3a) will enjoy many benefits (vv. 2a, 4b), but those who shut their ears and open their mouths (vv. 1b, 3b) become violent and lazy (vv. 2b, 4a ). A number of words and concepts bring these verses together. The “mocker” corresponds to the one who “speaks thoughtlessly,” while shutting one’s mouth corresponds to receiving instruction (vv. 1, 3).

The idea of “eating” verses 2a and 4b are at the same time literal and metaphoric. By the fruit of his mouth a man “eats well” (v. 2a), that is, his appropriate words benefit him in every way; moreover, the “life” of the diligent “grows fat” (v. 4b), that is, his life is full and his physical needs are met. The treacherous man, however, has an appetite for violence (v. 2b), but the sluggard remains unsatisfied (v. 4a), that is, he has nothing to eat.

Verse 1, at the head of this collection, describes respect for fatherly advice as the key to attaining the satisfaction in life described in vv. 2–4. Those who reject wisdom, on the other hand, are apt to become violent (due to their lack of self-control) and finally achieve only an empty life.

Action and Reaction (13:5–6)

These two proverbs contrast the “righteous” and “wicked” in v. 5 and “righteousness” and “wickedness” in v. 6.  The righteous are concerned for the truth (instead of gossip), the wicked promote scandal.  Verse six implies that disregard for truth and the spreading of scandal is ultimately self-destructive. Those who care about the truth, however, are preserved by their integrity.

Money & Wealth (13:7–11)

The acquisition, possession, and use of money dominate vv. 7–8, 11. Verses 9–10 do not refer to money, but the overall context throws new meaning on these proverbs as well.

There is more to v. 7 than that some people deceitfully pretend to be rich or poor. More profoundly, things are not always what they seem. One person may appear rich (and may or may not have money) and basically have nothing and the reverse is true as well. This is illustrated in v. 8, in which the point is made that although the rich have some protection from their money, the poor have little need for such protection since they have nothing worth stealing. Wealth is therefore a prison, and the one who appears rich has nothing enviable. Similarly, if one has acquired wealth dishonestly, that wealth will soon disappear (v. 11). The apparent wealth of those who acquired money without learning the lessons of financial ma is short-lived.

13:9–11 Verse 9, means that the life and joy of the righteous flourishes while the hope of the evil fades.  Verse 10, (“pride only breeds quarrels”)

Pride is an ingredient in every quarrel. It stirs up conflict and divides people. Humility, by contrast, heals. Guard against pride. If you find yourself constantly arguing, examine your life for pride. Be open to the advice of others, ask for help when you need it, and be willing to admit your mistakes.    Although verse 10 has nothing to do with money, it draws the reader to reflect that true wealth includes of humility.  The arrogant rich only appear to be wealthy but their lives are filled with strife

 A Hope Fulfilled (13:12–19)

Every person desires to see his or her longings fulfilled.  Verse 12  presents this truth. This sentiment is restated in the companion verse, v. 19a; but the second colon, v. 19b, asserts that fools will not turn from evil. The implication is that fools will not see their desires fulfilled. The intervening verses show that life and happiness can only be obtained by wisdom.

Verses 13 and 18 both teach that listening to instruction is essential for success in life. Verses 14–15 closely parallel each other and both teach that good sense saves one from death and destruction. Verses 16–17  parallel each other also.   The messenger is an example of a person charged with a serious responsibility. Those who are reliable are appropriately rewarded, but those who are not soon find themselves in serious trouble. These Proverbs teach that by learning from the wise, one can enjoy a life of fulfilled aspirations.

The Right Friends (13:20–21)

Verse 20 speaks of choosing human companions wisely, and v. 21 reveals that “misfortune” will follow the sinners and “prosperity” will follow the righteous and in that sense be their “companions.”

The old saying “A rotten apple spoils the barrel” is true of human connections. Our friends and associates affect us, sometimes profoundly. Be careful whom you choose as your closest friends. Spend time with people you want to be like — because you and your friends will surely grow to resemble each other.

When most people need advice, they go to their friends first because friends accept them and usually agree with them. But that is why they may not be able to help them with difficult problems. Our friends are so much like us that they may not have any answers we haven’t already heard. Instead, we should seek out older and wiser people to advise us. Wise people have experienced a lot of life — and have succeeded. They are not afraid to tell the truth. Who are the wise, godly people who can warn you of the pitfalls ahead?

Providing for the Family (13:22–25)

All people desire to leave a good heritage for their children.  Verses 22 and 24 speak, of providing for the material and moral needs of their children.  Proverbs regularly keeps these two in balance. It emphasizes the need for moral training without deprecating the physical needs of family life.

It is not easy for a loving parent to discipline a child, but it is necessary. The greatest responsibility that God gives parents is the nurture and guidance of their children. Lack of discipline puts parents’ love in question because it shows a lack of concern for the character development of their children. Disciplining children averts long-range disaster. Without correction, children grow up with no clear understanding of right and wrong and with little direction to their lives. Don’t be afraid to discipline your children. It is an act of love. Remember, however, that your efforts cannot make your children wise; they can only encourage your children to seek God’s wisdom above all else!

Verse 23 and v. 25 describe two reasons a family may be impoverished and hungry. On the one hand, it may be injustice in society (i.e., it is not the family’s fault, and their hunger points to a need for changes in the system). On the other hand, poverty may be a result of sin in the family. Addiction to alcohol, indolence, and financial irresponsibility are all potential causes of poverty, although the terms “righteous” and “wicked” imply divine favor or disfavor as well. Proverbs takes a balanced position; it neither dehumanizes the poor on the grounds that they are to blame for all their troubles nor absolves the individual of personal responsibility.

Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

 

Sources:
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary

 

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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Proverbs 12

Posted on February 8, 2020 by dkoop

PROVERBS 12 – Words to the Wise

 Good afternoon.   I am praying for you. Thanks taking time in God’s word. Proverbs 12 has a lot to say about the words we speak.

12:1–2— These verses deal with behavior ( 12:1) and its reward or punishment (12:2).

If you don’t want to learn, years of schooling will teach you very little. But if you want to be taught, there is no end to what you can learn. This includes being willing to accept discipline and correction and to learn from the wisdom of others. A person who refuses constructive criticism has a problem with pride. Such a person is unlikely to learn very much.

(12:3) To be established means to be successful. Real success comes only to those who do what is right. Their efforts stand the test of time. Then, what kind of success does wickedness bring? We all know people who cheated to pass the course or to get a larger tax refund — is this not success? And what about the person who ignores his family commitments and mistreats his workers but gets ahead in business? These apparent successes are only temporary. They are bought at the expense of character. Cheaters grow more and more dishonest, and those who hurt others become callous and cruel. In the long run, evil behavior does not lead to success; it leads only to more evil. Real success maintains personal integrity. If you are not a success by God’s standards, you have not achieved true success.

(12:4). Someone has said, “In life you can have a nest egg ($) or a goose egg (0) it all depends on the chick you marry” That definitely speaks of a wife’s spending habits but it is true of her behavior as well.  A man can hold his head up high because of his wife or be reduced to sickness and strife by the way she acts.

(12:5–7). These three proverbs follow a logical progression: the righteous make plans that are just, but the wicked scheme with deceitful counsel (v. 5); the wicked attempt to ambush the righteous with their lies, but the righteous are delivered by their integrity (v. 6); the wicked are totally destroyed, but the righteous stand secure (v. 7).

(12:8). Respect is gained by wisdom. The term here implies integrity and capacity to deal with problems in life.

(12:9–11). Verse 9, better to be nobody with something that to pretend you’re somebody and have nothing. Today we would say, “Don’t go bankrupt trying to keep up with the Jones, be thankful for what you have.”   Verse 10 teaches that a good man cares for those who provide for him, even if they are only animals. The wicked only exploit. Verse 11 teaches that prosperity comes by hard work rather than by chasing fantasies and schemes.

(12:12–14). These verses use two descriptions of gathering food: hunting with snares (symbolizing the wicked) and laboring to raise crops (symbolizing the righteous). The wicked are always looking for ways to defraud people (v. 12a) but are trapped by their own schemes (v. 13a). The righteous, however, allow their prosperity to grow gradually from deep, strong roots (v. 12b), escape the traps set for them (v. 13b), and see their way of life (“fruit of his lips”) yield a bountiful harvest (v. 14).

(12:15). Fools are so sure of themselves that they never seek advice, but the wise readily seek it out. Those who think they know it all are foolish, but those who look for guidance and knowledge are wise

(12:16–22).  The Use and Abuse of Words  

Here’s an outline:

  • Thoughtless reactions (v. 16)
  • Honesty and lying (v. 17)
  • Reckless words (v. 18)
  • Honesty and lying (v. 19)
  • Plotting evil and promoting peace (v. 20)
  • Trouble to the wicked, not the righteous (v. 21)
  • Honesty and lying (v. 22)

The characteristics of fools described these verses are that (a) they react thoughtlessly to real or imagined insults and hurt others with careless words (vv. 16–18), (b) they are liars but will found out and punished by God (vv. 17, 19, 22), and (c) they scheme and deceive but only bring trouble on their own heads (vv. 20 -21). The wise, however, (a) react with patience in the face of insults and heal others with their words (vv. 16, 18), (b) are honest and gain long life and divine favor (vv. 17, 19, 22), and (c) seek the well-being of others and obtain the same for themselves (vv. 20–21). The text stresses the importance of the right use of the power of words (i.e., the benefit of all concerned).

(12:23–28)  A Wholesome Life

The six proverbs of this section do not have a single theme but de-scribe types of activity that may promote or undermine a wholesome life. One should be cautious in both speech and the choosing of friends (vv. 23, 26), hard-working (vv. 24, 27 ), and able to control stress (v. 25 ). The result of such behavior is joy in life. (v. 28)

Careful people show their caution both in the words they speak and the friends they choose (vv. 23, 26). Someone who is careful in what he says will be equally careful about whom he confides in. In vv. 24 and 27 the very serious matter of one’s diligence determining whether one will be a master or a slave is linked to a humorous proverb that shows a lazy man to be foolish enough to go to the trouble of hunting game but then be too lazy lack to get around to roasting it (and lets it go to waste). Verses 25 and 28 exploit the richness of the biblical usage of the word “life,” which includes joy and fulfillment as well as eternal life.

Let’s not forget the power of our words, either to hurt or bring life.  Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

Sources:
Life Application Bible Notes
Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary
New American Commentary
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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 11

Posted on February 7, 2020 by dkoop

Welcome, let’s dive in to Proverbs 11.   It can be broken in to 4 Major Sections:  What God Likes and Dislikes (11:1-21) Beauty & Discretion (11:22), Generosity and Selfishness (11: 23-27) and Life and Wealth (11:28-31).

What God Like and Dislikes

In 11:1–21 a group of proverb collections are connected by “the Lord abhors or detest” and “he delights.” Two major themes of this section are dishonest gain and the sin of slander.

  (11:1–4). Verse 1 describes God’s abhorrence of fraud, and v. 4 answers it with the promise that the wrongfully gained wealth will do them no good in the Day of Judgment. Between these verses vv. 2–3 assert that humility and integrity, rather than their opposites, are the best guides in life.

God delights in “accurate weights” (weights that are as heavy as they should be and not lightened for purposes of fraud); the arrogant, however, have no dignity at all but only disgrace (literally “lightness”). Both false weights and arrogant people claim to be “heavier” than they really are. This series of proverbs links arrogance to fraud and deceit while linking humility to moral integrity. Sins do not come in isolation but in clusters. Someone who thinks only of self and has no regard for others can easily resort to cheating in business affairs.

  (11:5–6)  In both verses the punishment fits the crime. God’s justice is not only appropriate but is also ironic.

  (11:7–8). These verses assert that God brings destruction to the wicked and promise of eternal life to the righteous.

 (11:9–13)  In v. 9 the righteous escape verbal attacks unharmed by following the teachings of wisdom, and according to v. 12, without having to resort to a counterattack. But the wicked can only spread vicious gossip. In this context the joy of the city at the death of the wicked has the meaning that its people will finally be free of their their destructive words. .

11:13 The wicked are not only spiteful with their words, but they also are careless and cannot be trusted. The wise not only refrain from lies and slander, but they also know how to keep a matter private.

(11:14–15)  The first involves national matters where the second concerns personal business. Seeking advice from many counselors can avert disaster. A ruler or governor can squander the resources of a nation or city as easily as an individual can waste personal assets.

*One person’s perspective and understanding is severely limited; he or she may not have all the facts or may be blinded by bias, emotions, or wrong impressions. To be a wise leader at home, at church, or at work, seek the counsel of others and be open to their advice. Then, after considering all the facts, make your decision.

 (11:16–17  A “kindhearted woman” against a “ruthless man” is significant. Many men seek to establish themselves and earn respect through their accomplishments; the kindhearted woman personifies the somewhat more feminine trait of placing relationships above career and achievements.

 (11:18–19). The wages of sin are deceptive in that they are short-lived and misleading, but the wages of righteousness are permanent. “Life” in v. 19 therefore implies eternal life. Both patterns of behavior have their own outcome and reward. Righteousness leads to life (which would include long life, emotional health, and posterity) while evil leads to death (the demise of one’s estate, family, and self). Both “life” and “death” have everlasting implications as well.

  (11:20–21).  God’s attitude toward individuals (disgust/pleasure) in v. 20 corresponds to the outcome of their lives (inescapable trouble/deliverance) in v. 21. The language in v. 21 is judicial language in that the evil are convicted (“not go unpunished”) but the righteous acquitted (“go free”).

Beauty & Discretion

(11:22) The point of the comparison is that in both cases beauty is in an inappropriate place.   Physical attractiveness without discretion soon wears thin. We are to seek those character strengths that help us make wise decisions, not just those that make us look good. Not everyone who looks good is pleasant to live or work with. While taking good care of our body and appearance is not wrong, we also need to develop our ability to think.

 Generosity and Selfishness

(11:23–27). It is obvious that greedy and selfish people, (like Mr. Scrooge) are disliked by most people while generous people gain love and respect. What the hoarder fails to realize, however, is that in the economy of God the greedy ultimately lose even the material things they try so hard to keep while the generous only prosper more and more.  God deals with us the way we deal with others.

*These two verses present a paradox: that we become richer by being generous. The world says to hold on to as much as possible, but God blesses those who give freely of their possessions, time, and energy. When we give, God supplies us with more so that we can give more. In addition, giving helps us gain a right perspective on our possessions. We realize they were never really ours to begin with, but they were given to us by God to be used to help others. What then do we gain by giving? Freedom from enslavement to our possessions, the joy of helping others, and God’s approval

Life and Wealth

(11:28 –11:31). These verses teach that life and health for both individual and family is obtained by virtue and submission to God. Violent or selfish activity is sure to be punished, however, and even wealth affords no security. These verses also indicate that a man cannot provide for the security of his family through any means that violate basic principles of right and wrong. Rather than focus his attention on making as much money as possible, he must conduct his life with integrity.  Because God is directly involved in the matter of punishing the evil and rewarding the good.

Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

Sources:
Classic Bible Commentary
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary
 
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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 10

Posted on February 6, 2020 by dkoop

PROVERBS 10 

 Congratulations, you’re 1/3rd the way through Proverbs!

Proverbs 10 begins the “Second Major Section” with short couplets (two statements that are connected often with but, and or so… ex: “hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins” that cover a wide range of topics.

This is good opportunity to remind us again about the nature of Proverbs.   They best treated as general truths not specific guarantees for every situation mentioned.  They are intended to communicate the general truth that the life of the person who seeks God is better in the long run than the life of the wicked person — a life that leads to ruin.

10:1  “Father” and “mother” are of course the parents of the household, and the proverb points out how much their happiness as a family depends on the child’s behavior. The collection emphasizes the economic aspect since sons were responsible for the care of parents in old age. They could either squander the family estate or build it up. This section forces the young man to face the economic responsibility he bears for the family.

10:2  This verse implies that God will not bless the family if the son tries to enrich it by crime or corruption.

10:3  The security of the wise is not strictly based on their work habits. Even the hardest working are subject to powers beyond their control. It is the Lord who protects them from starvation. Nothing else the son might ever do can have as positive an impact on his family as a life of faithfulness to God

10: 4  The point is that diligence leads to wealth as laziness to poverty.

10:5 Verse 5 is obviously drawn from agricultural life, but it has implications in other areas as well. Any son who helps his father when he needs him most is wise and a son that lets his father down when his father most needs him greatly disrespects his father.

10:6–11  Deceitfulness is the mark of the wicked, but the godly are known by the evidence of God’s favor upon them and their correct use of words (vv. 6, 11). The righteous secure their place in the world, whereas a life of deception will eventually be exposed and face disgrace (vv. 7, 9).  It’s wise to listen with discernment and “consider the source” when weighing someone’s words (vv. 8, 10).

10:12 This verse, which teaches the power of love and forgiving spirit, is quoted  in 1 Pet 4:8 and Jas 5:20.

10:13–14  The wise use their words carefully, but fools bring suffering on themselves by their words. The two proverbs together reinforce this idea.  The wise avoid trouble by not engaging in verbal retaliation and slander against others.

10:15–16 By itself v. 15 states the obvious if not somewhat cynical truth that it is better to be rich than poor. But this verse is brought into perspective by v. 16. While money may provide a measure of protection, money wrongfully gained carries the sentence of death with it.

10:17  Do you listen to correction?  It leads to life, to refuse correction is to go astray.

10:18 By hating another person you may become a liar or a fool. If you try to conceal your hatred, you end up lying. If you slander the other person and are proven wrong, you are a fool. The only way out is to admit your hateful feelings to God. Ask him to change your heart, to help you love instead of hate.

10:19–21 The use of the tongue is the theme of these three verses. The message here is that you should be careful about who you listen to and that when a person talks too much, that is a good sign that his words are not worth hearing.  Words from a good person are valuable (“choice silver”). A lot of poor advice is worth less than a little good advice. It is easy to get opinions from people who will tell us only what they think will please us, but such advice is not helpful. Instead we should look for those who will speak the truth, even when it hurts. Think about the people to whom you go for advice. What do you expect to hear from them?

10:22–25 Only through righteousness and wisdom can one attain real security in life. The righteous can have wealth without the trouble that often goes with it but the wicked will ultimately be brought down by the disaster they fear (vv. 22, 24). And while the wicked find great amusement in their crimes, they will not survive a real calamity when it comes (vv. 23, 25). Verse 25 may be behind Matt 7:24–27. That some of the sayings in Proverbs would be the source for Jesus’ teaching is no surprise.

10:26  Just like smoke and vinegar are irritable to the physical senses, the lazy person is irritable in an emotional sense and to the fabric of society.

10:27 Verse 27 makes the general statement that those who fear God will live longer than the wicked. This is not a fixed law with no exception but a general truth the wise will pay attention to.

10:28  The point is that the righteous will not see life as a bitter disappointment but will have their fondest hopes fulfilled.

10:29  God gives strength to the righteous and destruction for the unrighteous.

10:30 To have a place in the land is to have security and refuge, in contrast to the wicked who will have neither long term.

10:31–32 The theme of these two versed is the use of the tongue. The morally upright speak what is wise and pleasing. But, perverse words only invite punishment.

Until tomorrow, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

Sources:
J. Vernon McGee’s Thru The Bible
Life Application Bible Notes
 New American Commentary

 

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