(245) September 2: Proverbs
1-2 & 1 Corinthians 12
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read note how we are
encouraged to seek wisdom.
To ponder:
The proverbs are
not all from Solomon (1v1), but included later additions (22v17-24v34, chs.
30-31). However, they reflect Solomonic wisdom. As such they also portray the
supreme wisdom that is to shape life in Christ who he foreshadowed - the
incarnate the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1v24).
By imparting wisdom, the proverbs
also impart discipline or self-control (1v2) – a life that is not therefore
lived following whatever whim or desire, but one that is prudent (sensible),
and that does what is right, just and fair. This idea of common sense means the
proverbs don’t always reflect the righteous aspects of the law, but often simple
observations about the way life works before God. They are therefore of
particular use for the young who haven’t had time to learn such things, but can
increase wisdom for the wise too. The discerning are therefore urged to gain
help in understanding them (1v2-6). And our starting point is made clear: We
must “fear the LORD” and so want to learn wisdom and discipline out of
reverence for him. Without this, at best we will pick and choose from what we
read according to our preferences. Yet to despise such things is to be a fool –
the opposite of the wise in the book.
What follows outlines why despising
such things is so foolish. Challenging our own parenting, we see such wisdom is
supposed to be passed from parent to child. And the child is urged to see it as
something that is precious and will beautify their life (1v8-9). Yet the
seriousness of gaining wisdom is seen in the fact that warning is the immediate
focus. The writer’s son is told not to go along with those who would entice him
to harm another for financial gain (1v10-15), and for two reasons: First,
because it is sin. And second, because it will end in the perpetrators losing
their lives (1v16-19) – perhaps through Israel’s justice system, but certainly
before the judgement of God. So these sinners are also fools who effectively
spread a net within their own view that will eventually entrap them (1v17). In
the end, crime (and sin) doesn’t pay.
1v20-33 personifies wisdom as a
woman crying out to simple people in the streets, where “simple” denotes those
who lack wisdom and so choose evil. This personification legitimizes our
imagining wisdom here as Christ calling us to abide by his teaching. So wisdom
asks how long such people will mock and hate knowledge, affirming that if they
had responded to her rebuke at their lives, she would have given them her
thoughts, ie. wisdom. But because they ignored her, she will end up mocking
when calamity eventually comes. This is the just principle of the wicked
receiving what they have done to others – or being “filled with the fruit of
their schemes.” And when they do, wisdom states it will be too late to call on
her because their waywardness and complacency will end in death as the law
prescribed (see 2v22), whilst those who have listened will live at ease and
without fear of such harm. More boadly, it is true that those who live sensibly
and scripturally before God are protected against all sorts of things going
wrong in life, not to mention being protected from crime with its various
penalties. So any readiness to veer away from wisdom or fail to be sufficiently
serious about it as we begin the book is soundly challenged.
2v1-22 moves from the stick to the
carrot by way of motivation. Seeking wisdom takes effort. It is to listen, but
also apply one’s heart, call out for it (no doubt to God and to teachers), and
search for it as one would treasure, because of its preciousness. Yet those who
seek in this way will find. They will understand what it is to fear God and
receive wisdom from him, because he gives victory over sin and protection from
its consequences to those described as upright, blameless, just and faithful.
Here we see wisdom is not just knowledge, but understanding – grasping the
difference that knowledge makes. And it comes from God’s mouth in the sense
that it is revealed from him, to the writer, in scripture, and supremely in
Christ, the Word. We also see that although those who receive wisdom are
already to some degree upright, they will then deepen in their understanding of
what is right, just, fair and good. The picture of wisdom entering the heart
looks to the work of the Holy Spirit in writing God’s law within us and moving
us to live according to it (Jer 31v33). And its description shows that although
wisdom includes common sense, it is primarily to do with applying God’s word to
life – and so to living righteously before him. And those who do this, will be
protected by their discretion from the paths of the wicked, and from the
seduction of the adulteress, whose path leads to death (the penalty for
adultery in Israel). Instead, they will walk in the paths of the righteous.
They will not therefore face the covenant penalty for serious sin, which is to
be cut off from the land in death or exile (see Deut 22, Lev 18-21, Deut 28).
Rather, they will remain within it. Likewise, James promises the Christian that
God will give them wisdom if they ask him for it with an undivided heart.
Moreover, he warns that without it, we will be destroyed at the judgement -
which is to be cut off from the land to come (Jam 1v4-8, 3v13-4v12).
Praying it
home:
Praise God for his
readiness to grant wisdom to those who seek it. Pray that he would give you
just this as you read the proverbs, together with a sufficient grasp of the
seriousness and preciousness of wisdom.
Thinking
further:
To read
the NIV Study Bible introduction to Proverbs, click
here.
If you receive
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and make a comment.
(246) September 3: Proverbs
3-4 & 1 Corinthians 13
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider why
wisdom matters so much.
To ponder:
Chapters 3 and 4
develop 1 and 2. The son is urged not only to receive instruction and commands,
but not forget them, as they will give prolonged life and prosperity (3v1-2).
This no doubt refers to the covenant blessings God promised the righteous (Deut
30). However, in a general sense it is true that those who live by his ways are
less likely to bring themselves to harm or destitution. What follows outlines
the teaching (or wisdom) to be held to, and the benefits that follow it: It is
to be adorned externally and internally with love and faithfulness, so gaining
favour with God and man. It is to trust God in all things, even when we don’t
understand, and so find him direct our paths in righteousness. It is not to
think ourselves clever enough to decide to do as we want, but instead repent of
sin and so gain good health. It is to give generously to the Lord’s work, and
find him supply us abundantly in return. It is to not resent God’s discipline,
probably referring to times of hardship, as these show God’s love and delight
in us, and like discipline, help us learn how to honour him (3v5-12, see also
Heb 12v4-11).
In the light of all these benefits,
the writer can declare how “blessed” the one who finds wisdom is, and how
incomparably precious we must therefore see wisdom to be, because it (she)
gives life, wealth, honour and peace (3v3-18). Likening her to the tree of life
suggests the benefits of wisdom are a taste of the blessings enjoyed in Eden
and the new creation. And the reason these blessings follow wisdom is because
wisdom is attuned to the right order of the universe, for God created by wisdom
(3v19-20). We cannot therefore underestimate how important Christian
discernment is. Sound judgement must always be before our eyes, as it brings
life and safety, keeping us from stumbling (perhaps into trouble, sin or
unbelief). It means we can sleep without fear of the disasters that overtake
the wicked, such as the justice they deserve from society, or that directly
administered as punishment from God. Instead, God will be our confidence,
keeping us from being entrapped by the world (3v21-26).
So, once again, wisdom is commended:
We are not to withhold or stall on doing good to our neighbours when able to. We
are not to plot against or falsely accuse them. We are not to envy or choose to
act as the violent do (3v27-32). No, the LORD hates, curses, mocks and shames
such people, who are described as perverse, wicked, proud and foolish. And he
befriends, blesses, and grants grace and honour to those who are upright,
righteous, humble and wise (3v32-35). We are therefore reminded again and again
why we should pay such attention to the proverbs to come.
4v1 speaks to a number of sons,
calling them also not to forsake their father’s teaching, but hold it in their
heart and keep it so that they will live, experiencing wisdom protecting,
loving, watching over, and even exalting them like kings (4v2-9). Here, of
course, wisdom is almost identical with the LORD, as his words are part of him.
And it is as we treasure and hold to them through faith, that we experience
these things, eventually being raised to rule forever with Christ. The logic is
striking: “Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” This is how important
receiving Christ and his teaching is. As Jesus put it, we are to be ready to
lose our lives for him, recognizing we then gain the life to come. We must be
prepared to sell everything so that we have the great pearl of the kingdom. Do
we see our passing on the word of God to our children as this important?
The father of the proverbs pleads
with his son to accept what he says so his years will be many and his paths
“straight” (4v10-12). This implies one’s path being righteous (rather than the
crooked path of the wicked, see 4v14), but also the best (because it keeps us
from stumbling as the wicked do, into sin and trouble, see 4v19). So we are
urged to not even set foot on the path of the wicked, challenging us to not
even toy with sin, otherwise we will end up with such longing for evil that we
are kept from sleep and feast on it like on bread and wine (4v13-17). The
contrast is stark: The path of the righteous brings warmth, hope and the joy of
a new day, that will culminate in the full light of the kingdom to come. But
the way of the wicked brings the confusion, loneliness and fear of deep
darkness, which culminates in the darkness of hell itself (4v18-19).
Chapter 4 therefore ends with
another plea to never lose focus on the father’s instructions, but keep them
within one’s heart – the place of desire and decision (4v20-22). And summing
all else up we are told: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the
wellspring of life” (4v23). If we keep our hearts fixed on wisdom in this way,
our lives will flourish. But if we let down our guard and allow our desires and
decisions to be drawn to wickedness, such life will be forfeited. So we should
put away all bad speech, keep our eyes fixed on the goal we are living for,
walk only in the good road, and never turn off it into evil (4v24-27).
Praying it
home:
Praise God for his
wisdom in scripture and supremely in Christ. Pray that you would give passing
it on to the next generation the importance that it warrants.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
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(247) September 4: Proverbs
5-6 & 1 Corinthians 14:1-20
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read note the key
lessons.
To ponder:
The space given in
these chapters to warning against adultery stresses its seriousness. Not only
is it profoundly destructive to marriage and family life, affecting generations
to come, but it also distorts the image of God’s faithful commitment to his
people that marriage is intended to picture. As a capital crime in Israel, when
the law was properly administered, it could also lead to death. Because the
writer is addressing his son, he talks of the adulteress. But the principles
apply to both genders.
The father begins chapter 5 urging
his son to listen to his wisdom attentively and have lips that preserve
knowledge, no doubt by repeating it and passing it on. He is also warned
against the apparent sweetness of the adulteress’s words, that flatter, but
that are actually bitter and as destructive as a sword, leading those enticed
to the grave (5v1-6). So the son is urged not to even go near her door, lest he
give the years of his life to one who is cruel, lose his wealth to strangers,
and end his life with a groan and in ruin, regretting how he hated discipline
and instruction (5v7-14). Even today, these things can result from falling into
adultery. So this is a salutary warning. And it continues with metaphors that
urge the hearer to delight in his own wife (cistern) and not share his
“streams” with strangers, as God sees and examines his ways, and evil people
will be ensnared by their sin when led astray by foolishness (5v15-23).
It is perhaps the note of folly that
leads into chapter 6. It is unclear whether the writer is urging his hearers
not to offer money in support of a neighbour. But what he does advise, is that
if your commitment ensnares you financially, then you must not sleep until you have
persuaded your neighbour to free you from your obligation (6v1-5). We are
therefore urged to caution with money we might lend rather than give, and with
financial commitments in general. To find yourself indebted and unable to pay
can be terrible.
Wisdom on averting poverty in other
ways follows. First, we are to consider and emulate the ant, who has no one
commanding them, but has the foresight to work hard in order to store its
provisions ready for the winter (6v6-8). So there is wisdom in saving in case
of future need. We are also not to be lazy by seeking excessive rest, as that
way poverty comes suddenly and destructively like a bandit or armed man
(6v9-11).
Perhaps anticipating that the lazy
man will seek money by dishonest means, the writer then speaks of how the
deceitful and dissenting scoundrel, who works evil with his secret signals and
ways, will face disaster and destruction in the end. And the reason is because
of the things God hates: pride, lying, violence, scheming, being quick to do evil,
bearing false witness against others, and stirring up dissent (6v16-19). This
section of the psalm does not undermine generosity or promote materialism. It
does however commend caution with money, hard work, and upright living as the
way to avert poverty and disaster (see Eph 4v28, 1 Thess 4v11-12).
In what follows the son is again
reminded to obey his parents’ teaching and keep it with him, because it will
guide him, watching over him at night and speaking to him by day (6v20-22).
Here we see the normal means by which God guides. It is by the teaching of
scripture that we seek out, digest and keep to mind. Even when we don’t have
our Bible’s open, as we face everyday decisions, God constantly speaks to us
through our knowledge of his word, so that we act in a way that is wise and
righteous. Although he could give us direct guidance on such things as the job
we take or where we live, he doesn’t promise to. But he does provide insight as
to the things to be considered, such as financial risk, and godly motivation.
God’s commands in scripture, and perhaps passed to us by godly parents, are
like light illuminating our path, and corrections that can lead us not just to
long life, but eternal life (6v23).
In the rest of the chapter the
writer turns again to warnings against adultery. His commands can keep us from
falling into all forms of sexual immorality, whether by tempting words or
simple lust, as well as from the adultery that we have already heard will only
burn us (6v23-29). And we should be in no doubt, sleeping with a prostitute
reduces one’s dignity to the material gain she seeks in order to buy a loaf of
bread; and the adulteress preys upon one’s very life. Moreover, whereas a thief
is punished even if his crime is understandable because he is starving, how
much more can the adulterer be sure of punishment and everlasting shame for his
lack of judgement. 6v34-35 probably refer to the offer of compensation to the
woman’s husband when found out, in order to escape the law’s penalty. The point
is that the angry husband will not show mercy. Tolerance of adultery in our
culture means it rarely results in any punishment or shame, showing just how
immoral our culture has become. Nevertheless, without repentance, adultery will
receive its due at the judgement, and this more than anything should warn us
against it.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for his
readiness to warn us against destructive behaviour. Pray that he would keep you
from sexual temptation and sin.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
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and make a comment.
(248) September 5: Proverbs
7-9 & 1 Corinthians 14:21-40
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read note what we
learn about wisdom.
To ponder:
Solomon continues
urging his son to keep his teaching (7v1-2). The “apple” of the eye is its
pupil. So he is urging him to guard it as carefully as we would our vision, no
doubt because God’s wisdom enables us to metaphorically see clearly. Again, we
have the dualism of outer adornment like jewellery and inner engraving,
foreshadowing the new covenant (7v3). Indeed, writing the father’s commands on
“the tablet” of the heart surely pictures the law written on the heart as it
was on the stone tablets (see Jer 31v33). This is to be as close to wisdom as
to a family member (7v4).
Yet again, we then see a focus on
how wisdom protects against adultery. Solomon uses the example of a simple
youth lacking judgement that he saw meeting an adulteress and being drawn in by
her enticing dress and speech (7v5-23). It is not just looks, but the feeling
of being desired that leads people into adultery, as well as the sense that
they can get away with it (7v19-20). Astonishingly, the woman could even
suggest she had fulfilled her duty to God (7v14), warning us that those
tempting us may see nothing wrong in their actions and even be found amongst
the church. Yet such temptation is deadly. The youth goes in, like an animal to
its slaughter, unaware it will cost him his life, no doubt because that was the
penalty for adultery (7v22-23). So we are warned once more not to turn to the
adulteress’ ways, but recognize how many have fallen by this means, and that
her house leads to death – for us, everlasting death if we don’t repent
(7v25-27).
Chapters 8 and 9 are an extended
portrayal of wisdom as a woman calling us to herself. This may explain why the
writer has focused on the adulteress to this point. It stresses that wisdom is
the woman we should truly love and embrace, because she brings life rather than
death. Here, wisdom foreshadows Christ beckoning us to himself as the
bridegroom to his bride. So whereas the adulteress lurks in the streets
(7v11-12), wisdom loudly calls out to the simple and foolish to gain prudence
(caution) and understanding (8v1-5). She affirms that she speaks only what the
discerning see is actually right, true and just, for she hates wickedness. She
therefore calls her hearers to choose her instruction as more precious than
treasure, and more desirable than anything else (8v6-12). And she demonstrates
her righteousness in declaring that just as the fear of the LORD hates evil, so
she does, whether pride, arrogance, or bad behaviour or speech. Moreover, she
grants sound judgement by which rulers reign and make just laws (8v13-16.
Obviously this isn’t suggesting tyrants reign by wisdom). Wisdom also declares
that she loves and so does good to those who love her, granting them wisdom,
wealth, and prosperity because she does what is just and right (8v17-21). We
therefore see that it is a matter of justice that those who commit to Christ
are granted these things in glory, if not in the present.
Wisdom goes on to describe how she
was “appointed” from eternity and before the creation. So she was not only
there when the sky, sea and earth were formed, but she was involved as a
craftsman, delighting in the presence of God at the world and mankind within it
(8v22-31). Of course wisdom here patterns the role of God the Son, who was with
the Father at creation, and through whom all things were made (Jn 1v1-3). But
the point seems to be that just as God did nothing without wisdom, nor should
we. Moreover, as wisdom was involved in creation, living in harmony with
creation requires that same wisdom, and results in joy. Those who listen to
wisdom and keep her ways are therefore blessed, finding life and favour from
God; whilst those who hate or fail to find her, harm themselves and love death
(8v32-36).
In chapter 9 wisdom contrasts the
adulteress who prepared her bed (7v16-18). Instead, wisdom has prepared her
house. It is complete (“seven” pillars) and ready to host. The table has been
set. All is ready so the maids have been sent away. And from the highest point
where all can hear, wisdom calls people to come and feast on her food and wine,
leaving their simple ways to walk in the way of understanding (9v1-7). 9v7-9
seem to then encourage the reader to do as wisdom does. The verses warn against
correcting and rebuking the mocking or wicked man because he will respond with
hatred and insults; yet commend rebuking and instructing the wise and righteous
man, as he will become wiser still. It’s the same sentiment as Jesus’ maxim not
to cast one’s pearls before swine, as they will just turn on you (Matt 7v6). In
our complacently tolerant age, we are reminded that we should seek to gently
turn a sinner from his sin (Gal 6v1), whilst being urged to assess their
receptiveness before doing so. 9v7-9 also indirectly ask the reader whether
they are one of the wicked or the wise, commending fear and knowledge of the
LORD as the essence of wisdom and understanding. True insight is not simply to
know facts, but to know what God is like and how he acts, living accordingly in
all reverence, recognising this will bring life and reward (9v10-12).
The chapter ends contrasting wisdom
with the woman Folly. She is loud, undisciplined and lacking knowledge, like
wisdom, seated at the highest point, and calling to those who lack judgement to
come into her house. Yet the feast she offers is of stolen water and food that
therefore has to be eaten in secret. The point may be that feasting with her
will get us into trouble. Indeed, her house is full of the dead, for
everlasting destruction is the destiny of the fool (9v13-18). In this chapter
we therefore see that we are constantly beckoned by both wisdom and folly, each
enticing us to good or evil. And Solomon asks which we will listen to.
Praying it
home:
Praise God that we
are not just left in sin, but wisdom does constantly beckon us to do what is
right. Pray that you would embrace and listen to her.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
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and make a comment.
(249) September 6: Proverbs
10-11 & 1 Corinthians 15:1-32
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read note how
righteousness and wisdom benefits life.
To ponder:
The difficulty in
finding any discernable structure to the proverbs from chapter 10 suggests
there probably is none, other than groupings according to author and occasional
clusters that may have been placed together because of common theme or written
one after the other. Yet this itself is instructive. It teaches that each
should be meditated on in its own right. However, this makes it particularly
hard to summarise a section, and commenting on each proverb would make the
posts too long. So we will attempt to briefly draw out some themes. This will
be short so you have proper time to actually read and chew over the sense of
each proverb. Throughout we must consider that Christ is the ultimate model of
the wise and righteous man, so the proverbs portray life in him.
Chapter 10 not only instructs in
wisdom, but by affirming the consequences of wisdom/righteousness versus
foolishness/wickedness it commends wisdom too. As before, the consequences are
long life, wealth (ie. absence of poverty), benefits to others and joy to one’s
parents for the righteous. By contrast, wickedness brings ruin, poverty, the
leading of others astray, and parental grief. In this one’s attitude to work is
key. The righteous benefit because they work hard but the wicked are lazy.
Speech is also important. The righteous know when to speak and remain silent,
and can benefit others with what they say. The wicked however miss what needs
to be done for chattering, and get into problems with others by what they say.
Chapter 11 develops the idea of
consequences. The righteous are able to navigate life well, appreciating
advice, not getting themselves into financial straits, knowing how to respond
when opposed, and usually receiving blessing and good from others in response
to the blessing and good they bring. By contrast, the wicked not only make
decisions that could lead to their ruin, but that bring hostility from others.
So righteousness leads to life not just directly under God’s hand, but through
the practical benefits of being wise. Nevertheless, whatever happens in this
life, it is certain that righteousness leads to the life to come, in trusting
God not wealth and fearing him rather than pursuing sin. However, the wicked on
that day will find their hopes and gains in this life crumble, facing only
wrath.
In these chapters we learn that
wisdom in the Bible is not just about knowing God and his will, it is about
understanding how it applies to the realities of life in a fallen world, with
its many temptations, pitfalls and difficulties.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for the
practical benefits of wisdom. Pray for wisdom as to how to navigate any
difficult situation you are facing.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
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and make a comment.
(250) September 7: Proverbs
12-13 & 1 Corinthians 15:33-58
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Numerous lessons
from Proverbs 12-13: Heed discipline, correction and advice, and you will be
rewarded and honoured for it. So the wise son is one who listens to his
father’s instructions. By contrast, it is stupid to hate or mock correction, as
this brings poverty and shame because of the foolish and sinful acts that will
result. Likewise, being righteous obtains God’s favour, stability of life and
therefore prosperity, but sin brings misfortune. A wife can be a crown or a
curse to her husband. The plans and advice of the righteous are trustworthy and
just. One’s words can do violence or provide rescue from it. Wisdom brings
praise from others. It is no good seeking to be important if it leaves you
lacking the basic necessities. Righteousness shows itself even in kindness to
animals, whereas the kindest acts of the wicked aren’t even kind. Hard work
rather than pipe dreams ensures income. The way we speak can too. The righteous
escape trouble because they don’t bring problems on themselves by sinful
speech. Those known for being truthful will give trustworthy testimony, their
words last, and God delights in them. Those who lie will bear false witness.
And God detests their speech. What we seek impacts our character. So those who
plot evil become deceitful, whereas those who seek peace become joyful,
probably because they know they are doing good and pleasing God. A cautious man
keeps quiet despite his knowledge, no doubt so that he isn’t seen as boastful,
and so that he doesn’t somehow get himself into trouble with what he says. But
a fool constantly blurts out his foolish ideas. Diligent work means we succeed
and end up in charge of others, whereas laziness can end up in slavery, perhaps
in Israel this was through being sold to pay debts. Worry weighs us down, but
kind words cheer the anxious up. Righteous people choose their friends
carefully so they are not led astray. Diligent people treat their possessions
with care. Righteousness leads to immortality. The unfaithful crave after
violence. Watching what we say keeps us from bringing ruin on ourselves. Lazy
people get nothing they desire, but diligent people do. Wickedness brings
shame, disgrace and downfall. Some pretend to be rich when they’re not and
vice-versa. Poverty means you won’t be kidnapped, or today, sought after with
respect to financial crime in general. The life of the righteous shines
brightly, no doubt in its prospects and integrity, whereas that of the wicked
is snuffed out - probably a reference to ruin. The former therefore eat well
and whilst the latter go hungry. Pride breeds quarrels because you think you
know best, so be wise enough to humble seek advice. Money grows by saving bit
by bit not by dishonesty. It can revive your spirits to do something you have
longed to do, whilst constantly putting it off can get you low. The teaching of
the wise can save people from death, no doubt by turning them from what might
get them into trouble, but ultimately turning them back to God. Good
understanding brings favour from others, but faithlessness makes life harder.
Cautious people act from knowledge not ignorance. And foolishness is seen by
foolish actions. Wicked messengers get people into trouble, no doubt because
they distort or lie in what they say. However, trustworthy messengers benefit
us. Because fulfilling longings is so sweet, fools hate turning from evil
because they actually long for it. It’s good to spend time with the wise as you
will become wise, but if you befriend fools you will end up being harmed by it,
no doubt as they get you into trouble or lead you astray. Good men leave an
inheritance to their grandchildren, probably because they have worked hard,
know the favour of others, and so prospered. But sinners’ wealth is stored up
for the righteous, perhaps because it came dishonestly and so won’t be kept, or
because their children are more likely to waste it. Because injustice is so
often done against the poor, even what they gain may be lost. Those who fail to
discipline their children show no love for them, because this will not be to
their good.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live
according to that wisdom.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
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(251) September 8: Proverbs
14-15 & 1 Corinthians 16
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Some lessons from
chapter 14: Foolishness is seen in tearing down the good or secure things we
have. Those who are devious despise God. What we say can bring punishment or
protect us against it. We provide for ourselves by investing, whether in oxen
or technology today. If you are a mocker rather than someone of discernment,
you will never gain wisdom. Stay away from foolish people as they lack knowledge.
Cautious (prudent) people show wisdom in thinking through what they do, but the
foolish believe anything people say, and show stupidity in deceiving others, no
doubt because it will bring them harm in the end. The upright person is
distinguished from the fool in being ready to make amends for their sin. Our
own bitterness or joys is really only understood and shared in by us, as no-one
else properly understand us. The house, or security, of the wicked will be
destroyed, whereas that of the righteous will flourish. Sin can sometimes seem
right, although it leads to death. Joy may often be tempered with grief.
Whether faithless or good, we will be repaid accordingly, both with the results
in this life and the next. Fools are hot-headed rather than fearing God, and
quick-tempered people do foolish things, whilst crafty people are hated.
Cautious (prudent) people gain knowledge, whilst the simply just gain
foolishness. Ultimately evil people will serve the good. Whether someone is
accepted or befriended often depends on whether they are wealthy. It is a sin
to despise someone, but being kind to the needy brings blessing. Those plotting
evil end up misguided, but those who plan what is good find people loving and
being faithful to them. Talk rather than work brings poverty rather than
profit. The wealth that is a consequence of being wise is like a crown marking
the wise person’s achievement. The fool just receives folly. A truthful witness
saves lives. Fearing the Lord brings security to oneself and one’s children, no
doubt in God’s protection but also because things are less likely to be lost
because they were gained dishonestly or because of gaining enemies. Such fear
also brings life. A king’s glory is seen in how many he rules. Patience leads
to understanding, perhaps because the patient person studies and thinks.
Peacefulness benefits our health, whilst envy is detrimental. Oppressing the
poor shows contempt for God as he made them and they are therefore precious to
him. So being kind to the needy honours him. Even in death, the righteous have
security in God whilst the wicked are brought down. Wisdom resided in the heart
of discerning people. A nation’s greatness is seen in its righteousness. Rulers
(or employers) delight in wise servants (or employees), whilst shameful one’s
incur their wrath.
Some lessons from chapter 15: Gentle
speech can quell anger whilst harsh speech can provoke it. The wise commend
knowledge. God watches over everyone. Our speech can bring healing or crush
people with deceit. Fools ignore their parents’ discipline. The income of the
wicked brings trouble, no doubt as it was received dishonestly. God hates the
worship of the wicked, but is pleased by that of the upright. Likewise, he
hates the way of the wicked and loves those seeking to be righteous. If you
wander from what’s right you will receive stern discipline and if you ignore
that, death. God sees the hearts of men. Mockers resent correction and won’t
seek to learn from the wise. Happiness affects the countenance and heartache
crushes us. The oppressed are always wretched, but the cheerful always have
feast in the sense of knowing joy. Better not to have wealth yet fear God, than
much with turmoil. Better also, to be poor and loved than wealthy and hated. A
hot temper leads to arguments, but patience ends them. Life is easier for the
upright, but not those who are lazy. A wise son makes his father joyful. A
foolish man despises his mother, probably because he has ignore what she’s
said. Those without judgement find delight in being foolish. Success comes when
we seek advice. Joy is found in giving a good reply, which can only come from
wisdom. The Lord acts to destroy the house of the proud but protects the
boundaries of those in need like the widow. These refer to him acting justly
according to his covenant with Israel (Deut 28-30), but reflect his wider
justice in exalting the humble and humbling the exalted. God hates even the
thoughts of the wicked, but is pleased with those of the pure. A greedy man
brings trouble to his family in taking bribes and so binding himself to others.
This is another statement about how dishonesty brings trouble not just to
oneself, but one’s family. The righteous way what they say before answering,
but the wicked just gush out evil. God is far from the wicked in terms of
acting for them, but hears the prayers of the righteous. A cheerful look can
bring joy to others and good news aid health. Those who listen to rebukes on
matters of life and death are wise, Those who ignore discipline despise themselves
because this is to their detriment. But those who heed correction gain
understanding and so wisdom. Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom because it makes
the upright so that they will do all the above, seeking knowledge, heeding
correction, weighting their answers etc. In this sense humility is a
prerequisite to honour, as it moves us to act in an upright and wise way.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live
according to that wisdom.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
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this post by email, visit bible2014.blogspot.co.uk
and make a comment.
(252) September 9: Proverbs
16-17 & 2 Corinthians 1
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Some lessons from
Proverbs 16: We may plan things, but it is God who determines if people agree
to them. We may think we are acting in innocence, but it is God who judges
whether we are. If we commit our plans to the LORD, then he will grant them
success. This probably refers to both asking him to give us success and
deciding what we do according to his will. And it is qualified by his own plans
(16v1-2, 4,9). Everything that happens is being used by God for his purposes.
This includes the existence of the wicked, because his justice will be seen in
their destruction. This doesn’t mean God is pleased with wickedness. He hates
the proud and will punish them. Human love and faithfulness atones for sin in
the sense of proving genuine repentance, or “fear of the LORD,” by which people
also avoid evil. God causes enemies to be at peace with the one who pleases
him. Better to have little and be righteous, than a lot but have acted
unjustly. We make plans, but ultimately it is God who determines what we
actually do. Kings speak authoritatively and so should not command what is
unjust. Honesty in business (or indeed in anything) is from God. Rulers (good ones)
hate wrongdoing as their authority is established through doing right. They
therefore delight in those who speak truth. Their anger can bring death,
although the wise can find ways to appease it. Likewise, a ruler’s pleasure can
bring life. It is better to get wisdom than money. The upright avoid evil.
Pride goes before destruction, perhaps because it leads to foolish action, or
simply because God chooses to humble the proud. And it is better to be
oppressed and humble than be wealthy or do well with the proud. No doubt this
is because pride and the influence of the proud puts one under God’s judgement.
Those who listen to instruction and trust God experience prosperity and joy.
The wise will be known for their discernment and instruction. Understanding brings
life but foolishness punishment. Our hearts (inner desires and attitudes)
determine what we say. Pleasant words can be good for people’s souls and
bodies. Hunger (and so need) is what drives people on in their work. A
scoundrel’s speech is like fire in causing damage. Gossip separates friends, no
doubt as it causes them to think ill of each other. A perverse man causes
argument, and a violent man leads others into what’s bad. Evil can be spotted
by mere body language. Long life signified by grey hair is a crown of reward
for righteousness. As the perspective of wisdom affirms righteousness is
supreme to all else, it is better to be patient and control one’s temper, than
be a great warrior who takes a city. Even random decisions like the lot are
determined by God.
Some lessons from Proverbs 17:
Better to be poor than have much, if having much means strife. Parents will
favour wise servants (today, close acquaintances or employees) more than
disgraceful children, placing godliness above privilege. God tests our hearts
with trials to rid them of impurities and increase their preciousness. The
wicked and deceptive listen to evil and malicious speech. To mock the poor is
to show contempt for God who made them. Those who gloat over disaster will
therefore be punished. Grandchildren are a reward to the elderly, and children
take pride in their parents. Arrogance doesn’t suit the fool, no doubt because
he has nothing to boast in. Likewise, lying lips don’t suit the ruler, as they
don’t fit his station. Although not commended, bribes do work. Bringing up
wrongdoing separates friends in bringing tension, but covering over offences as
if never done promotes love between the two. A rebuke to the discerning teaches
them more than severe punishment teaches the fool. Evil men will receive no
mercy at the hands of the state. It is better to face an angry bear than a fool
carrying out his foolishness, no doubt because it can be so harmful. Trouble
will come on those who respond to good with evil. Starting a quarrel can cause
a much more intense argument to break out. God hates injustice in the court.
Money is useless to the fool, presumably because he will waste it. So managing
money requires wisdom. Friends always love, but siblings argue. It lacks good
judgement to provide financial security for another, probably because it makes
you dependent on them, and they may be encouraged to foolish action by it. Just
as a secure home invites robbers, so quarrelling invites destruction because it
is to love sin. The perverse and deceitful face trouble, no doubt because they
bring it on themselves. A foolish son brings grief. The wicked accept bribes to
pervert justice. A discerning man keeps focused on wisdom, but the fool will
consider anything and everything as a possibility. The wise restrain their
speech and temper, and even the fool is thought wise and discerning if silent.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live
according to that wisdom.
Thinking
further: Do the righteous really prosper?
This is a
subject we thought a little about in the psalms, and it cries out for an answer
throughout the proverbs. The righteous are said to prosper, succeed, and enjoy
wealth, peace and long life, whilst the wicked face disaster. How are we to
understand this, when we see the wicked prospering, and godly Christians often
struggling, failing, impoverished, oppressed, and dying just as others do? A
number of things need to be said. First, even the proverbs recognise the righteous
don’t always prosper. Repeatedly they affirm it is “better” to be righteous
without such things than have them but sin. They are therefore intended only as
generalizations. Indeed, Job, Joseph, David and Daniel, are all examples of
righteous people who suffered nevertheless. Second, in being written to Israel
the proverbs reflect on life under God’s covenant with the nation, in which he
promised such prosperity to the righteous in the context of the people in
general obeying his law (Deut 28-30). In these circumstances, the wicked would
be brought to account for their deeds, sometimes with capital punishment. And
the righteous would not only live, but be favoured by those around them. For
the Christian, this covenant points to the more perfect working out of these
principles in the new creation, when the wicked will be punished and the
righteous live forever. Moreover, as Christians now live amongst those who
generally don’t believe, they are subject to hostility and injustice in a way
Israelites wouldn’t have been amongst their peers during the days of Solomon.
Third, we need to understand this different experience in Christians is
purposeful. Just as Christ’s obedience was proved and drawn out through
suffering, so is ours (Heb 2v10). So for those who live by the Spirit not the
law, God actually intends suffering as one of his means of sanctifying us, and
enabling us to identify with Christ, who had to suffer before entering into
glory.
Fourth, having said all this,
because God’s wisdom was involved in creation, its principles do also apply to
humanity in general. So given the exceptions, the proverbs still stand. Paul
can therefore say that those who obey their parents will enjoy “long life on
the earth” (Eph 6v3). The point is that by receiving godly training,
instruction and therefore wisdom from our parents, we are better equipped to
navigate life in our fallen world. The writers of the New Testament assume as a
general truth, that the Christian will, by obeying God, be free from
prosecution by the law (Rom 13v3), protected against oppression (Rom 13v4), and
enjoy favour with others (1 Thess 4v11-12), no doubt leading to success and so
increased wealth through being known to work hard and be trustworthy. One can
even conclude that in respecting their bodies and not being given to
drunkenness, the Christian will live a healthier life too (Eph 5v18). So God’s
wisdom really does make a difference. However the critical thing is not to seek
these benefits in themselves, but seek to fear and so obey God, knowing these
will usually follow, but submitting to whatever plans he has for us (Prov
16v9).
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(253) September 10:
Proverbs 18-19 & 2 Corinthians 2
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Some lessons from
Proverbs 18: Unfriendly people go after selfish things for themselves, so
friendship is seen in selflessness. Fools don’t want to understand, but just
air their own opinions. The wicked are held in contempt. Words can drown people
or give them life. It is bad to be biased towards the wicked. The speech of
fools brings him strife, and snares his soul before God, no doubt because he
sins by it. Gossip is digested by those who hear it, which is why it is
detrimental. Those who lazily leave work unfinished and those who destroy have
the same descent, probably because these traits derive from the same negligence
etc. The righteous find safety in God. The rich however rely on their wealth,
wrongly assuming it is impenetrable. Humility comes before honour, no doubt
because it leads to fearing God and therefore uprightness. It is stupid and
shameful to speak before listening. It is the condition of the spirit that
sustains people in their suffering, and none can bear it if theirs is crushed.
The wise desire and seek out knowledge. Giving gifts can give opportunities to
gain a hearing from others, even the great. The first person to make an
argument seems right until someone else challenges him and so another
perspective is heard. So hearing alternative views is sensible. Casting lots
can help settle disputes. Such disputes can be impenetrable, especially those
with a family member. How we speak affects our success and so wealth, and even
has the power over life and death in what it might lead to. Those who love
talking will therefore eat its fruit, ie. experience any detrimental consequences
to their speech. To be married is good and to receive favour from God. The poor
seek mercy from the rich, but the rich answer harshly, no doubt as they don’t
know what it is to be in need and are used to doing as they see fit. More
important than having many companions is to have one friend who is closer and
more of a support than a sibling.
Some lessons from Proverbs 19: It is
better to be poor and blameless, than not poor yet perverse. Zeal without
knowledge is bad, not least because you can act too hastily and miss doing
what’s right. The fool ruins his own life, yet rages against God for the
trouble he brings on himself. Sadly wealth brings friends, whilst both friends
and relatives desert the poor, even if they plead for their relatives to stand
by them. A false witness will be punished. Many seek to gain the favour of
rulers (or the famous), and everyone is the friend of those who give gifts.
These proverbs warn against superficial friendship. To get wisdom is to love
one’s own soul as it benefits and the wise person prospers. It is unfitting for
a fool to live in luxury, no doubt because this is unjust as they don’t deserve
it. The following point about it being worse for slaves to rule princes
probably has the similar sense of it being wrong for the undeserving or
unqualified to have a high position in life. The wise are patient, and this is
their glory - the display of their excellence as human beings. A king’s rage is
terrifying like a roar, but his favour life-giving. A foolish son can ruin his
father, no doubt in bringing his name into disrepute or requiring his father to
bail him out of difficulty. A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping and
so annoyance. Although wealth can come by inheritance, it can also come from a
prudent (cautious) wife, who is a gift from God. Laziness leads to sleep and
ultimately to hunger in not earning one’s keep. To obey instructions guards
one’s life. To be kind to the poor is to lend to God, and so will be rewarded
by him. The idea of lending suggests that God chooses in some sense to rely on
us as a means by which he provides for the poor. There is hope for reformation
of children if we discipline them. Indeed, not to is actually to contribute to
their death, whether through immoral living or at the final judgement! Allow
those who are angry or violent to pay the penalty for their actions. If you
keep them from that, you will have to again as they won’t learn. Listen to and
accept advice and you will be wise. Whatever our plans, nothing will hinder what
God has chosen to do. A man desires loyal-love from others. Here it being
better to be poor than a liar may stress that it is better to be poor and
faithful. Fear of God leads to life, ultimately, but also to contentment, being
untouched by trouble. This may refer not to the absence of trouble, but not
letting it get to you in the knowledge that God is in control and everlasting
life awaits. Those who are lazy have no energy for anything, even for eating
properly. Punish the mocker or fool and they will learn prudence (caution). But
just rebuke a discerning man and he will gain knowledge because he will listen.
The sense is that the fool needs more forceful correction, and that is why the
penalties of a criminal justice system are necessary. To rob or drive out one’s
parents is shameful. You need not just to hear wisdom once, but constantly
listen to instruction to remain wise and not stray. Corrupt witnesses mock
justice. The wicked don’t just taste a little evil, but gulp down much.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live
according to that wisdom.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
If you receive
this post by email, visit bible2014.blogspot.co.uk
and make a comment.
(254) September 11:
Proverbs 20-21 & 2 Corinthians 3
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Some lessons from
Proverbs 20: Alcohol leads people astray into mocking and fighting, which is
not wise. As a ruler’s anger is like a lion’s roar, it is dangerous to anger
him. It is honourable to avoid trouble, but fools are quick to get into
arguments. Because the lazy don’t work when needed, they find themselves
lacking when in need. People’s intentions are hard to fathom, but those with
insight can drawn them out. Many people claim unfailing love, but it is hard to
find truly faithful people. Because the righteous are blameless, their children
are blessed, no doubt because they have been given wisdom, a godly example, and
a well planned inheritance etc. In judgement rulers distinguish the evil from
the good. No-one can say they are sinless. God hates the dishonesty that alters
the price according to the buyer. Even small children are not pure as their
actions show. God has given the means for us to listen to instruction and
observe the ways of the world (the ear and eye), so wisdom is possible. If you
love sleep you will be poor through laziness. In bartering, buyers lie that
they don’t think the product good to knock down the price, and then boast of
their buy. Those who speak wisdom are rarer than gold and rubies, and so more
precious too. If a stranger you don’t know is honest owes you money and another
puts up security for them, get something from the person putting up security as
collateral, otherwise you may be left at a loss. Gain by deception can taste
sweet to start with, but taste like gravel eventually because of the problems
that can ensue. Seek guidance before entering on a risky venture. Avoid those
who talk too much as they may gossip and tells others what you say. It is so
serious to curse one’s parents, that such people face death in pitch darkness,
perhaps looking to final judgement because they show no fear of God. To claim
an inheritance too soon, presumably by dishonesty, will mean it will not bring
joy in the end, perhaps because it will eventually be lost. Don’t pay back evil
but wait for the LORD to avenge, even if on the last day. As God directs our
steps, how can anyone understand how their life turns out? It’s a trap to
rashly commit to something before God, as you will then have to keep that
commitment. A wise king gets rid of the wicked like chaff from the harvest. The
human spirit is like a lamp from God because it displays our true inner nature,
no doubt by whether it desires and decides on good or evil. Love and
faithfulness to one’s rulers keep their position secure, commending loyalty
more broadly. Strength is the glory of the young, showing the physical wonder
of how God has made them - perhaps also in Israel a sign of blessing for
fearing God too. Grey hair is the splendour of the old, most probably because
the long life suggests faithfulness to God. Physical discipline purges evil
from the inner person. So mere instruction, exhortation and rebuke is not
always enough.
Some lessons from Proverbs 21: God
is even able to channel the king’s heart as he wishes, and so to favour his
people. We may think what we are doing is right, but God weighs our motives.
Doing what’s right and just is more acceptable to God than going through the
motions of worship. Arrogance, by which the wicked see everything, produces
sin. Those who work hard and plan receive profit as certainly as those who act
in haste end up in poverty. A fortune made through deception is fleeting and
ensnaring, no doubt because of the trouble it can bring. The wicked will be
dragged away by their violence, probably also because of the retaliation it
brings. The guilty are devious and so not to be trusted; but the innocent are
upright. Better to live on your own and in miniscule accommodation, or even in
a desert, than with a quarrelsome wife! Because they crave evil, the wicked
show no mercy. The simple gain knowledge by seeing that mockers are punished
and watching what the wise do and how they fare. As the righteous one, God
brings ruin on the wicked. So he will not answer the cries of people who have
closed their own ears to the poor. Secret gifts and bribes can pacify anger.
Justice brings joy to the righteous but terror to the wicked. Straying from
prudence (caution) leads to death. Hedonism leads to poverty as money is wasted
on drink, beauty and the like. The wicked prove a ransom for the righteous,
probably because their punishment brings a greater freedom for the righteous to
thrive. The wise store quality food and products, no doubt keeping them for the
opportune time to enjoy them, and saving money by doing so. But fools consumer
theirs. Those who seek to be righteous and display faithful love to others find
life, prosperity and honour (or acknowledgement) by others, no doubt by God’s
blessing, but in gaining the favour of others too. The wise can defeat the
mighty. Guarding your speech keeps you from trouble. In his pride, the mocker
behaves angrily. Laziness leads to death because it leads to poverty. Yet the
righteous will give to such people without sparing. Here charity is not
dependent on the recipient trying hard. The wicked at worship is detestable,
particularly when they feign honouring God with their money. It is those who
listen carefully to whatever events who will then be trustworthy in their
testimony about them. The wicked portray a bold or blasé front, but the upright
carefully think about what they are doing. No wisdom, insight or plan can
succeed against the LORD. What he will do he will do. So although preparations
are made for a venture, whether it succeeds rests with God.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live
according to that wisdom.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
If you receive
this post by email, visit bible2014.blogspot.co.uk
and make a comment.
(255) September 12:
Proverbs 22-23 & 2 Corinthians 4
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Some lessons from
Proverbs 22v1-16: It is better to be esteemed as upright than be rich. Rich and
poor are made equal in the fact that God made both. The prudent (sensible)
rather than the fool, take refuge when danger comes. To fear God means being
humble, no doubt as it is to accept his plan and will not our own. Such fear is
repaid with riches, honour and flourishing life. Moreover, there are all sorts
of potential pitfalls in the path of the wicked, such as the trouble wickedness
can bring. Those who would preserve their life stay far from these pitfalls,
and by consequence from wickedness. If you teach children the right way from
the start, they will remain on it as adults. The wealthy rule, and often
because the poor are reliant on them. Calamity will come on rulers who act
unjustly, and their power to punish (and so rule) will be broken. But those who
generously share with the poor will be blessed, no doubt in the joy of giving
and the provision of God. If you drive the mocker away, strife, quarrels and
insults will disappear with him. Rulers will befriend the pure of heart and
speech. God watches over knowledge, and because he also hinders the words of
the unfaithful, this probably means that he ensures truth and wisdom prosper.
The sluggard is so lazy he will do nothing even when danger lurks. The speech
of the adulterous woman can trap you, and falling into that trap demonstrates
you are under God’s anger, no doubt in being handed over to your desires. A
child is by default foolish in their heart, and it is discipline that will
drive it away. Those who seek wealth by oppressing the poor or wooing the rich
will come to poverty, no doubt because of the sin involved and its comeback.
“The sayings of the wise” follow.
These have been gleaned from elsewhere and, perhaps, adapted to some extent by
Solomon so they are also what he teaches. They have a particular intent of
enabling his son to be wise in what he says to those he serves. This is
presumably the sense of Solomon wanting them to be in the hearer’s heart and on
his lips. They are to shape both what he wants to say, and the things he
actually does say (22v17-21). The nature of the “sayings” suggests Solomon may
be wanting to equip his son to act as an adviser, or perhaps just give reasons
why he is not acting as others might at court. Both have relevance for the
Christian in helping others or explaining their own lifestyle to those who
might mock it or pressurize them to act otherwise.
Some lessons from the sayings of the
wise in Proverbs 22v17-23v35: Do not exploit the poor and needy in court
because you look down on them in their state. If you do, God will judge for
them, taking life for life. Don’t befriend those with a temper as you may act
as they do and be ensnared by the consequences. Do not commit yourself
financially if you have no means to pay, as you will loose everything. Do not
deceptively take to yourself what has been assigned to another, like a portion
of the land. It is those who are skilled who will get on to a point of serving
the greatest rulers. But don’t crave the food and drink of such rulers, as it
is deceptive, presumably because it looks good, but leads people into
drunkenness, sin, and even coveting such wealth. Indeed, don’t wear yourself
out by exercising all your cleverness to get rich like these rulers, as wealth
can disappear in a moment. And if your host is stingy, don’t crave what he has,
as he lacks generosity and is reluctant, and so shouldn’t be complimented in
that way. Don’t talk with fools as they will mock your words. Don’t steal
people’s property and especially that of the fatherless, as God will defend
them against you. Seek to listen to and accept wisdom. If you punish a child
they won’t die, and if you don’t, they may. The wise-hearted and truth-speaking
son, gives inner joy to his father, as does (mentioned later) the righteous
son. Don’t envy sinners, but wholeheartedly seek to fear God. It is in this
that one’s hope is secure, presumably one’s future in this life and the next.
Do not get drunk or be a glutton as this leads to inattentiveness to life, and
so into poverty. Be ready to pay (make sacrifices) to gain wisdom, and don’t
sell it – perhaps hinting that one might discard wisdom in order to gain wealth
or enjoy pleasure. Instead, Solomon calls his son to delight in his ways which
is to give him his heart. This is a challenge as to how the parent should
exemplify the wisdom they pass on so they can actually urge their children to
rejoice in their righteousness as their parent, and so want to emulate it. Here
that is particularly with respect to marital fidelity. The chapter ends with a
discourse against drunkenness. Drink causes grief and strife, bringing the
drinker to complain at its detrimental impact. In this sense, although it looks
enticing and is easy to drink, it bites. Moreover, it confuses the drinker so
that they are susceptible to all sorts of trouble, it makes them feel
physically terrible, and it leads to addiction, so all they want is another
drink in order to cope.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live
according to that wisdom.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
If you receive
this post by email, visit bible2014.blogspot.co.uk
and make a comment.
(256) September 13:
Proverbs 24-25 & 2 Corinthians 5
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Some lessons from
Proverbs 24: Do not want to be among the wicked as they plan violence and
trouble. It is through wisdom that a house is built (or project completed) and
filled with treasures. The wise succeed both through gaining power and seeking
advice. Fools should remain silent when wisdom is sought. Those who plot evil
and mock others become known as schemers and are detested. If you give up when
things get hard, you are small of strength. Rescue those being wrongly led away
to death, or perhaps those who through foolishness and sin are bringing it on
themselves; you may say you knew nothing about it, but God weighs our motives,
and will repay everyone according to what they do (or don’t do). Enjoy honey,
but know that wisdom is sweet too, and so to be desired: It gives hope, no
doubt for a flourishing life and for life everlasting. Don’t seek to steal from
the righteous. Here there is acknowledgement that the righteous may “fall” into
trouble numerous times (“seven” suggests this). The point is that they will
always recover, ultimately rising to life; but the wicked will not when their
calamity strikes, no doubt because it will result from judgement. The
righteous, however, are those who don’t gloat when their enemy falls. Indeed,
if they do, in disapproval God will stop displaying his anger to their enemy.
Do not worry or envy the wicked, as they have no real hope. Likewise, do not
join officials who rebel against God or the king (rulers), as God and the state
will destroy (or punish) such people. Those who show partiality in courts will
be cursed by all peoples, but those who show justice will receive blessing.
Like a kiss, honest speech is an act of love. Sort out work that will bring an
income, before focusing on building your home. Don’t testify in court against
your neighbour unless justified; and don’t desire to pay them back if they’ve
done something bad to you. Observing the unkempt results of laziness teaches us
that without diligent hard work poverty will come suddenly and destructively
like a robber.
Lessons from Proverbs 25. We return
now to Solomon’s proverbs, and read they were compiled under Hezekiah, two
hundred years later - around 700BC: God’s excellence is seen in often
concealing things, as he knows what we need to know, and much we will never
fathom. However, the excellence of kings is seen in seeking to understand things,
and especially the cases brought before them. Nevertheless, the disposition or
attitude of their heart can no more be fathomed that the extremity of the
heavens and sea. If the wicked are removed from government (or any
organisation) it can be shaped upon righteousness and so be precious. Don’t
claim a place amongst the great or famous with a king or ruler, as you may be
humbled by not being given that place. Better for them to exalt you if they so
choose. Don’t be hasty in reporting what you’ve heard in court as you will be
shamed if your neighbour shows you were wrong. Also, don’t betray someone
else’s confidence in charging your neighbour with wrongdoing, as you will then
be disgraced for being unfaithful. The rulings or rebukes of a wise judge are
precious, pleasing and beautiful. A trustworthy messenger refreshes his master
with the reliability of his message, as the master knows he can rely on it.
Those who boast of giving gifts they don’t give bring disappointment like
clouds without rain in a dry land like Israel. With patience one can persuade a
ruler, and gentle speech can wield much power to defeat others. So you can
achieve much with righteousness. Just as eating too much of a good thing can
make someone sick, don’t visit your neighbour so often for them to end up
hating you because you annoy them. To give false testimony against a neighbour
is like physically attacking them. Relying on unfaithful people is like trying
to use a broken limb: They will give way and never achieve what you hope of
them. To be joyful around those who are low is like taking their coat on a cold
day making them shiver, or pouring vinegar into a wound, making it sting: It
makes a bad situation worse. If your enemy is in need, help him as this will
bring him to a wholehearted repentance and God will reward you. Just as
unexpected rain is unwelcome, so is sly or mischievous speech, bringing horror
or anger from those who hear it. Good news from another land refreshes one’s
soul, especially when one is faced with bad news at home. Righteous people
(especially rulers in context) who allow the wicked to dominate are like a
polluted well: You think they will bring what is good and beneficial, but in
reality their actions taste bad and are even poisonous. Just as too much honey
can give you indigestion and make you feel unwell, so it is not honourable to
seek out things too deep to understand: This is no doubt because that is
detrimental, perhaps causing you to struggle in faith. Those who lack
self-control are like a breached city in the sense that all manner of
temptation and sin can flood into their life to their destruction.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live
according to that wisdom.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
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this post by email, visit bible2014.blogspot.co.uk
and make a comment.
(257) September 14:
Proverbs 26-27 & 2 Corinthians 6
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Some lessons from
Proverbs 26: Like unseasonable weather, honour isn’t fitting for fools.
Undeserved curses (ie. prayers that God would act against an individual) never
come to rest. Fools need punishment to spur and guide them like a horse or
donkey. Do not respond to foolish talk with the same sort of foolish talk or
you will be a fool; but do respond in that way if to show the fool how foolish
his speech sounds, and so keep him from thinking himself wise. Sending a
message by a fool is like harming oneself, no doubt because he will get it
wrong and bring a problematic response. A proverb spoken by a fool is useless,
probably because none will listen to it. It is also liable to bring harm by
being mishandled, like the thornbush in the drunk’s hand. Honouring a fool is
as nonsensical as trying a stone in a sling – it is the exact opposite of what
should be done. A fool can harm any around them, and repeats the same mistakes
and mess. Yet there is more hope for the fool to do well than those who assume
they are wise, as at least the fool sees his lack.
Like the door on hinges, all the
lazy person does is turn forever on his bed. And he considers himself wiser
than seven (many) people who can give careful answers to those who question
them. Rushing into another’s quarrel can lead to harm against oneself. And
deceiving others as a joke can lead them to death. Quarrels die down without
gossip which can only fuel them. But quarrelling people ignite strife. Fervent
speech with an evil heart gives a fake appearance of uprightness, like silver
coating on earthenware pottery. Likewise, enemies despise themselves by their
speech, which may be charming but is not to be believed, as evil and deceit
fills their hearts. They may conceal their evil intent, but it will be exposed
amongst God’s people – perhaps by formal testimony or at final judgement. If
you seek to trap or harm others it will return on you. Lying and flattery
displays hatred towards others and ends in their ruin.
Some lessons from Proverbs 27: Don’t
boast about what you’ll do tomorrow, as you don’t know what will happen. Don’t
praise yourself; let others do it. When a fool provokes someone it is heavy in
that it is hard to shake off the feeling it brings. Jealousy can be more
destructive than anger, no doubt, because it perseveres in its intent rather
than sometimes being momentary. It is better for a friend to rebuke us and so
turn us from wrong, than for them to care but not show it. And such wounds from
a friend can be trusted; but an enemy forever flatters and displays love,
whilst of course being against us in their heart. Those who are full (or have
much) hate even good food (or things), but those who have little will find even
bitter food (or things) sweet. To glibly run from one’s home is to forfeit
one’s place of safety and rest like the bird that flees its nest. Sincere
advice from friends is pleasant like a sweet smell. When disaster strikes it is
better to rely on a friend that lives close than a relative far away, no doubt
because the friend is more tested, and so may care more. The father who has joy
because his son is wise can answer the contempt of others, presumably because
his uprightness has been proved by how his son has turned out. The sensible
take refuge from danger, whilst the simple ignore it and suffer the
consequences. We need to speak in the appropriate manner, as a loud blessing to
a friend early in the morning is taken as a curse, no doubt because it annoys
them by waking them up. A quarrelsome wife can’t be stopped or restrained. Our
interactions with others sharpen us in our understanding. Those who protect
their master will benefit like the one who protects a fruit tree and can eat
its fruit. This applies to any who serve their employer well. A person’s life
(ie. what they do) reflects their heart. Human beings are never satisfied,
always seeing and desiring more. Just as silver and gold is proved genuine by
fire, so character is revealed by whether someone responds to praise with
arrogance or humility. And no matter how much hardship the fool faces, their
foolishness will never be removed. Pay careful attention to your business, as
wealth doesn’t endure, but needs to be renewed as time passes.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live
according to that wisdom.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
If you receive
this post by email, visit bible2014.blogspot.co.uk
and make a comment.
(258) September 15:
Proverbs 28-29 & 2 Corinthians 7
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Some lessons from
Proverbs 28: The wicked look over their shoulder assuming they are being
pursued, but the righteous are confident they are not. Rebelliousness in a
nation leads to many rulers are each is deposed and replaced. But order is
maintained by a ruler with understanding. A ruler who oppresses the poor
destroys their ability to flourish like driving rain on crops. One’s attitude
to the law is reflected in one’s attitude to the wicked. Those who seek God, not
evil men, understand justice. It is better to be poor and blameless than rich
and perverse. A father is honoured by a son who keeps the law, but disgraced by
one who is friends with greedy people. Those who get rich by unjust means will
pass their wealth to those who will actually be kind to the poor. Here, the
suggestion is that the righteous inherit what the wicked gain, pointing
ultimately to their inheriting the earth. God hates the prayers of those who
ignore the law. Those leading the upright astray will fall into their own trap,
but the blameless receive a good inheritance – presumably the eternal one. The
discerning poor man sees through the rich man who considers himself wise.
People are delighted when the righteous gain power, but hide when the wicked
do, because of what it will mean. Those who hides their sins, presumably from
God, doesn’t prosper, whilst those who confess receive his mercy, and with it
blessing. Likewise, those who continue t fear the LORD are blessed, but those
who start well but harden their hearts fall into trouble. A wicked man ruling
helpless people is like a raging predator in the harm he will do. Tyrants lack
judgement. Those who hate dishonest gain enjoy long life under God’s blessing.
The murderer will be a fugitive until he dies, and should not be supported. If
you work hard you will have abundant food, but if you chase dreams you will be
poor. The faithful will be blessed, but those who are materialistic in desiring
wealth will be punished, presumably because this will show itself in sin. It is
not good to show partiality in court, but it can be acknowledged that the
hungry will do wrong to provide for themselves. The stingy are eager to be
rich, but unaware that they will be poor, presumably in punishment for their lack
of generosity. In the end, those who rebuke others will receive more favour
from others than flatterers, as people will see their integrity. Those who
think it acceptable to steal from their parents partner those who destroy
others, because this is to do evil. Greedy people stir up arguments, presumably
over what they should have. Those who trust God for provision prosper. It is
foolish to trust in oneself, and the wise will be kept safe, no doubt by God’s
direct care but also as a consequence of their wisdom. Those who give to the
poor will have all they need, but those who ignore them be cursed. The
righteous thrive when the wicked perish.
Some lessons from Proverbs 29: Those
who remain stubborn after many rebukes will be suddenly destroyed. Again, this
may be directly by God, or by consequence of their foolishness. People groan
when the wicked rule. A friend of prostitutes squanders his wealth, presumably
on them. A just ruler means a stable country, but one greedy for bribes to buy
his will destroys it. Flattery spreads a net for one’s neighbour, perhaps by
tempting him to pride or not confronting his sin. Evil men are caught by their
own sin, but the righteous can rejoice in knowing that will not happen to them.
The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked don’t. Mocking
people stir people up to rebellion, presumably by mocking the rulers. By
contrast, the wise quell people’s anger and so bring peace. When a wise man
goes to court against a fool, he can expect them to rage and scoff at the
charges, with no peace. Bloodthirsty people hate and seek to kill the upright.
Fools vent anger but the wise control theirs. If a ruler listens to lies, his
officials become wicked, probably because they are tempted to lie to further
their own ends. In grace God gives sight to both the poor and the oppressor.
Fair rulers will be secure in their office. Disciplining a child brings wisdom,
delighting and granting peace to his parents. But those not disciplined end up
disgracing their parents. Sin thrives when the wicked do, but the righteous
will see them fall, if not now, in the judgement. Without the revelations of
the Old Testament prophets (today, God’s word in scripture taught) people cast
off al restraint on their sin. But those who keep the law (God’s will) will be
blessed. A servant needs more than words to be corrected – presumably
discipline. There is more hope for fools than those who speak too quickly,
probably because of the trouble they can get themselves into. If a man pampers
his servant (employee?) he will bring him grief, presumably by taking
advantage. The angry man causes arguments and commits many sins. Pride brings a
man low, no doubt because he will make mistakes and sin against God. By
contrast, the humble man is honoured, presumably because of his righteousness.
The accomplice to a crime is his own worst enemy, because he will end up
perjuring himself by refusing to testify. Fear of man in general is a snare as
it causes people to sin. It is those who trust God who are kept safe. Many seek
justice from rulers, but it is only from the LORD that justice is certain. The
righteous hate the dishonest an dthe wicked hate the upright.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live according
to that wisdom.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
If you receive
this post by email, visit bible2014.blogspot.co.uk
and make a comment.
(259) September 16:
Proverbs 30-31 & 2 Corinthians 8
Ask God to open
your mind, heart and will to understand, delight in and obey what you read.
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Chapter 30 is an
oracle rather than collections of proverbs, and so possibly received by direct
revelation from God rather than inspired reflection (30v1). Agur begins
affirming that he hasn’t gained wisdom or knowledge of God. Moreover, by asking
who has gone to and from heaven, gathered the wind and waters, or established
the earth, he highlights that no-one has but God, stressing how man’s knowledge
must therefore be limited by comparison (30v2-4). In the light of this, he
stresses how flawless “every” word of God is, and so to add to his words is to
deceive – a lesson applicable to scripture. Here, the note that God is a shield
is probably intended to reflect on the flawlessness of his promises (30v5-6).
Agur goes on to pray that God would keep him honest and supply his needs until
he dies. This concern with moderation is because he sees the danger of
self-reliance that comes with wealth and the temptation to steal that comes
with poverty. He wants neither as both would make him more likely to sin and
dishonour God (30v7-9). There’s challenge here about desiring less if it would
aid our godliness.
30v10 begins a section outlining
forms of ungodliness: those who slander a servant, which may lead to being
cursed, bringing down God’s anger if justified; those who curse or don’t bless
and so pray for their parents; hypocrites who consider themselves pure when
filthy; the arrogant who look down on others; those who seek to harm the poor
and needy, perhaps with words (the stress on teeth and jaws); and the greedy
who seek to suck things from others like leeches (30v10-15a). The reader is
warned against each. And by describing the insatiable desire of death,
barrenness, land in need of water, and fire, 30v15b-16 is perhaps portrays such
greed in starkly negative and lifeless terms: It just consumes others. The
section concludes stating how mocking or disobeying one’s parents is results in
gruesome punishment (30v17). This suggests such attitudes to one’s parents are
amongst the most serious sins. Our proverbs have shown us why: To reject one’s
parents is to reject their wisdom and so the fear of the LORD.
Agur continues noting how the ways
of love are impossible to predict or understand, and the way of the adulterous
is one of denying she does wrong (30v18-20). He then notes how out of kilter
with the created order, inappropriate circumstances are: the servant or maid
who rises to high position although unfit, the fool who is wealthy enough to be
well fed, and the unloved woman who is married (30v21-23). We then hear of how
wisdom enables small and weak creatures to thrive (30v24-28). So the ant plans
ahead, storing up for winter; rock badgers take refuge in crags; locusts
achieve much through sheer numbers without a leader; and lizards find
themselves spoilt in palaces despite being so slow that they can be caught.
Examples of what are stately and strong immediately follow (30v29-31). The
point seems to be that God has assigned order to his creation in which some are
weak and some strong. But, he has also given wisdom to enable the weak to
flourish and thrive. Agur’s words then end with a call for restraint in the
fool who has considered himself too highly, or the one planning evil, so they
don’t forcefully stir up anger and strife (30v32-33).
Lemuel’s oracle (30v1-9) was taught
him by his mother (31v1 - an affirmation of the role of the godly mother before
the famous description of the godly wife). It begins with a declaration of her
care for him in the repeated “my son.” The reference to “vows” may be to her
having giving him to God’s service, or received him in response to prayer that
included vows if God would answer. She urges him not to give his strength to
running after women who ruin kings, nor to wine, which causes kings to forget
their laws and rule unjustly. Instead, she says, if there is any dulling of
one’s senses, it should be for those who are needy or poor, so they might
forget their misery. Lemuel, however, is to speak up and defend such people,
judging justly. The point is that government is a noble and important task,
which the ruler must focus on. There is no record of a King Lemuel in Israel.
He may have been a king elsewhere, whose wisdom was included.
The conclusion to the book
(31v10-31) gives huge dignity to women and wives. Throughout wisdom has been
spoken of as a woman to be embraced, which is no doubt why wisdom is here
personified as the ideal wife. It is a symptom of our cynical culture that this
portrayal is scoffed at rather than admired. Like wisdom, such a wife has a
“noble character” and is as precious as fine jewels (31v10). She is reliable in
bringing her husband good, not harm, so her husband is fully confident in her
(31v12). She is not lazy like the sluggard, but works hard and into the night
in order to fulfil the responsibilities a wife in the ancient world might have
had: creating and maintaining quality clothes and other linen, providing food
for her family and servants, managing land as a profitable business, making and
selling clothes, giving generously to the needy, instructing all in wisdom, and
managing the affairs of her household, which would have included directing the
servants. Because of all this she can laugh at the future knowing her
industriousness has guaranteed financial security for her household (31v13-27).
Clearly this picture commends
broader activity than is sometimes assumed for the “Christian” wife. Indeed,
the husband is freed by his confidence in his wife’s capability to give his
time to local government (31v23). The elders at the city gate would have been
involved in decisions affecting the city and the resolving of disputes (Ruth
3v11, 4v1-10 portrays Ruth and Boaz as just this sort of couple). And so this
woman is praised by her children and husband, and displays in her fear of God
something superior to charm and beauty, which are deceptive and fleeting. She
is worthy of her reward and of acknowledgement from man and God (31v29-31).
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live
according to that wisdom.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
If you receive
this post by email, visit bible2014.blogspot.co.uk
and make a comment.