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

 

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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

 

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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 21

Posted on February 17, 2020 by dkoop

I hope that your Monday is going well.  Thanks for reading along together through the book of Proverbs!

Proverbs often compares the lifestyles of the wicked and the righteous, and makes a strong case for living by God’s pattern. The advantages of righteous living and the disadvantages of wicked living are pointed out. The kind of person we decide to be will affect every area of our lives.

21:1 While The Lord and the king are the two administrators of justice, there can be no doubt about who is the dominant power. The Lord is over every king. This verse does not teach that everything the king does is wise or good, and still less does it teach that the king has no need of counselors. Rather, it asserts that the king is simply another of The Lord’s tools for dispensing justice as he sees fit.

21:2 Most people feel that their actions and patterns of life are perfectly acceptable. God, however, looks into the heart and judges thoughts and motives. The Lord’s power of discernment goes beyond unmasking those who fool others; he even knows who has fooled themselves.

21:3  “Sacrifice” is referring to religious activity at the Temple.  Some people think they can fool others through their religion or balance out their wrong doing.

*Sacrifices and offerings are not bribes to make God overlook our character faults. If our personal and business dealings are not characterized by justice, no amount of generosity when the offering plate is passed will make up for it

21:4. In describing the “haughty eyes” and “proud heart” as the “lamp of the wicked” this verse is saying that the devious are sure of themselves and think that their ways can guide them through life.

21:5–7 The “haste” of v. 5 is the desire to gain wealth without the sacrifice of honest labor. Two specific means to easy money, fraud and violence, are mentioned in v. 6 and v. 7.

21:8 Verse 8 aptly summarizes all that has been said on recognizing honest and dishonest people. It is the simple difference between those who are open and honest and those who try to hide what they are really up to.

21:9 & 19 These verses say that any living conditions like the corner of a roof 21:9, or in the desert, 19, are preferable to living with a quarrelsome woman

21:10 Evil people even hurt their neighbors.

21:11–12 It is usually better to learn from the mistakes of others than from our own. We can do this by listening to their advice. Take counsel from others instead of plunging ahead and learning the hard way.

13 We should work to meet the needs of the poor and protect their rights — we may be in need of such services ourselves someday.

21:14–15 Verse 14 is an observational proverb; that is, it does not necessarily approve of every case of giving a gift or bribe.   Even today the terms of out-of-court settlements are often kept secret, and the reference to secrecy need not imply bribery. At the same time, the practice of giving bribes to prevent justice cannot be excluded from this verse. Verse 14 should be read in context with v. 15, which asserts that justice is essential if society is to function and evildoers are to be held in check. Taken together the verses state that a person should avoid litigation if possible and that a gift may be the means of doing so; on the other hand, a person should beware of bribery or criminals will be free to pervert the justice system.

21:16  Someone who has gone off the right path comes to an untimely death.

21:17–18  In v. 17 those who show restraint in the amount of time and money they invest in pleasure will have the means to attain them. In v. 18 the point is that the wicked or unfaithful are always going to be punished for what they have done.

21:20 This proverb is about saving for the future. Easy credit has many people living on the edge of bankruptcy. The desire to keep up and to accumulate more pushes them to spend every penny they earn, and they stretch their credit to the limit. But anyone who spends all he has is spending more than he can afford. A wise person puts money aside for when he or she may have less. God approves of foresight and restraint. God’s people need to examine their life-styles to see whether their spending is God-pleasing or merely self-pleasing.

21:21  The point is that those who seek to do what is right not only find that but also find life (be it long life, eternal life, or the inner life of emotional heath) and honor in the community as well.

21:22 This verse is often taken to mean that “brains is better than brawn,” The wise man is secure and prosperous without an army to surround him, but against him even the greatest human opposition is insecure. The fruit of wisdom is a life of victory.

21:23–24  Each is clear enough on its own, but side by side they throw light on each other. The “mocker” is recognized precisely for his obnoxious mouth, and the refusal to control his tongue (v. 23) comes directly from arrogance (v. 24). On the other hand, just as those who show humility in their language avoid trouble, but not the mocker they will get into trouble.

21:25–26 These verses revisit the theme of the prosperity of the wise/righteous over against the poverty of the lazy/wicked. A person might think that those who work hard would want to hoard what they struggled to obtain, but in God’s economy the two virtues of self-reliance and compassion for others must be linked. Also looking back to 21:17, the lazy man’s life is portrayed as one of constantly wanting.

21:27 The kind of worship (“sacrifice”) described in this proverb is no better than a bribe. How do people try to bribe God? They may go to church, tithe, or volunteer, not because of their love and devotion to God, but because they hope God will bless them in return. But God has made it very clear that he desires obedience and love more than religious ritual (see Prov 21:3; 1 Samuel 15:22). God does not want our sacrifices of time, energy, and money alone; he wants our hearts — our complete love and devotion. We may be able to bribe people (Prov 21:14), but we cannot bribe God.

21:28–29 Verse 28 promises destruction for false witnesses and social disgrace (or exile) for those who side with them. The setting is the law court and the warning to jurors is that they will be held accountable if they allow false testimony to stand. Verse 29 then says that the wicked can lie with a brazen face, much as English says that one can be a “bald-faced” liar. The just man, however, can see through the charade. The teaching of both verses is to be perceptive and diligent about disallowing perjury in court.

21:30–31 Just as a trained, prepared army can be defeated if God wills it, so also all efforts at success in life (the goal of wisdom) without God are vain. All knowledge is hollow without God.  All our preparation for any task is useless without God. But even with God’s help we still must do our part and prepare. His control of the outcome does not negate our responsibilities. God may want you to produce a great book, but you must learn to write. God may want to use you in foreign missions, but you must learn the language. God will accomplish his purposes, and he will be able to use you if you have done your part by being well prepared.

Have a great day!  Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

 

Sources:
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary

 

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Proverbs Reading Challenge – Chapter 20

Posted on February 16, 2020 by dkoop

Good evening, we are 2/3rds through the book of Proverbs.  More great insights are ahead!

20:1 This is referring to wine or beer in excess.  In excess it leads to fights and disrespectful actions.

20:2–3 These verses are much like (19:11–12) The point again is that the wise person knows how to avoid quarrels, especially with the a king or government leader. *A person who is truly confident of his or her strength does not need to parade it. A truly brave person does not look for chances to prove it. A resourceful woman can find a way out of a fight. A man of wisdom will avoid retaliating. Foolish people find it impossible to avoid strife. Men and women of character can. What kind of person are you?

20:4 You’ve heard similar warnings: if you don’t study, you’ll fail the test; if you don’t save, you won’t have money when you need it. God wants us to anticipate future needs and prepare for them. We can’t expect him to come to our rescue when we cause our own problems through lack of planning and action. He provides for us, but he also expects us to be responsible.

20:5 To say that a person’s purposes are “deep” does not mean that they are necessarily profound, but like a well whose waters are far beneath the surface of the ground so that a bucket with a long rope is needed to draw water to the surface.  In other words a person’s real motives are “deep” in that they are difficult to extract; so a person one must be wary of the pretenses of others.

20:6–7, and 9   These verses make the point that true loyalty and character are rare commodities.  Verse 9 reminds us of the truth that we are all sinful.  Verse 7, is optimistic: some people do conduct themselves with integrity and leave behind a solid family heritage.

20:8 Verse 8 calls attention to the importance of moral insight in government. It represents the standard to which a king or government leader should aspire.

20:10  A crafty merchant could use weights that were lighter or heavier than their stated amounts as it worked to their advantage. Verse 10, a fairly common proverb on God’s hatred of corrupt practices, takes on new meaning in this context. False weights and measures are not what they seem. So this proverb goes beyond an isolated type of fraud and speaks of God’s ability to recognize and his hatred of all fraud.

20:11  Conduct is the best proof of character in a child. Certainly no child who says, “I am well behaved” will find his or her words taken at face value. People will evaluate the child by how he or she behaves. The implication is that appearances and words can be deceiving; behavior is a better criterion of judgment.

20:12   People ought to use the senses God gave them. They should look deeply and listen closely rather than make superficial evaluations. Since God made the eyes and ears, he is the judge of what they do.

20:13 The number of hours one sleeps per day is not the point here. Love of sleep refers to laziness, but one can be lazy and still sleep very little.

20:14 People will say what is to their advantage at the moment. Their words should not always be taken at face value. Here again the text draws on the distinction between appearances and reality.

20:15 The rarest and finest treasure is a person who has sound judgment and can give good advice.

20:16 The Israelites were not to hold the cloak of a debtor as collateral on a loan (Exod 22:26–27). In an ironic tone this verse says one should go ahead and take the garment of someone who has fallen into financial trouble by putting up security for a stranger—especially if he did it for an alluring woman. The message is that one should be wary of dealing with people who lack good judgment.

20:17  The verse compares the initial sweetness of the con artist’s gain and his final mouth full of gravel.  Thieves may not always be caught immediately but they ultimately come to ruin.

20:18 The importance of seeking sound advice is repeated (v. 15). To enter into something as serious as a war without carefully considering the matter is the ultimate in bad judgment.

20:19 This verse advises the reader not to share plans and ideas with those who talk too much.  A person must discern whether another is worthy of trust.

20:20 The law provides for the execution of those who curse parents (Exod 21:17; Lev 20:9), although some doubt how frequently this was carried out. This verse  is not legal but is a curse, and it expresses complete disdain for those curse parents.

20:21 Easy money does not encourage financial responsibility. The quickly gained money  here is not necessarily dishonestly gained, but the point is that those who have aquired wealth slowly know better how to keep it.

 20:22 The first principle of justice is not to seek vengeance for yourself but to commit the grievance to God.

20:23 Compare 20:10. This is meant to assure the reader that God does see those occasions when someone has cheated another person.  *”Differing weights” refers to the loaded scales a merchant might use in order to cheat the customers. Dishonesty is a difficult sin to avoid. It is easy to cheat if we think no one else is looking. But dishonesty affects the very core of a person. It makes him untrustworthy and untrusting. It eventually makes him unable to know himself or relate to others. Don’t take dishonesty lightly. Even the smallest portion of dishonesty contains enough of the poison of deceit to kill your spiritual life. If there is any dishonesty in your life, tell God about it now.

20:24 Human discernment is severely limited. In the final analysis we do not understand all that is going on around us or happening to us, and we are guided through life in ways we do not recognize. Trusting in God is best.

20:25 Compare Eccl 5:4–6. To make a vow and then seek to retract it is to invite God’s judgment.  A vow is called a trap because many would use it to make themselves look good publicly. This is a sham that does not deceive God (Matt 6:16–18).

20:26 Compare 20:8. It is not in the king’s interest of his country to treat criminals gently.

20:27   The point is that the life that men and women have from God shines within them like a burning lamp before his eyes. People are, as it were, illuminated from within before his eyes. That being the case, they cannot hide their plans, attitudes, and thoughts from God.

20:28. The king (or government) is urged to promote a positive atmosphere of mutual loyalty and respect in order to insure the stability of a nation.

20:29  Young men tend to rely upon their strength. Older men have learned the importance of wisdom and restraint, as depicted by their gray hair.

20:30  The New Living Translations says it best:  30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.  This points me to Jesus Christ; He took our punishment on the cross.  THANK YOU JESUS!!

Giving praise to Jesus, Darrell

http://www.Upwards.Church

Sources:
Life Application Bible Notes
New American Commentary

 

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