• Home
  • About Us
  • Bible Study
  • Media
  • Giving
  • Knowing God
  • Are You Ready?

Proverbs

Proverbs 27-29

Wisdom for Leaders

Proverbs 27

(1); Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is in view but here and now is all we have to use right now.  How do we use it?  We are all so prone to 'putting off till tomorrow'.  We should be wise about how we spend our time; as if today were the last one, but cautious so as not to spoil tomorrow.  We don't know what tomorrow will bring in this great adventure of life.  Ironside notes:

  • The Spanish proverb says, "The road of by and by leads to the house of never"
  • We've probably heard, "The way to hell is paved with good intentions."
  • The English say, "Procrastination is the thief of time."        

See also Hebrews 3:7 & 8:2; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Isaiah 1:18.

 

(2); Praising your self is always distasteful to those around you.  It is pride and not humility and meekness.  If another praises you, be gracious and cautious in accepting it; thanking God and giving glory to him keeps humility and meekness healthy.

 

(3); A stone is dense and by its makeup expected to be heavy; sand likewise is weighty by its makeup.  But the fools wrath is heavy for no other reason than it is based in unsound judgments.  It's heavy because it is such a burden; that you can't reason away or discuss with the fool.  It can't be challenged with common sense or knowledge.  Anger rests in the bosom of fools (Ec 7:9).

 

(4); Wrath exists in a cruel flash and anger is an emotion that will pass.  But jealously lives on and exists when all external indication is gone.  It's rarely forgotten, only prioritized from our conscience for a time, or set aside for a day, month or season.  Then, at some future day, it flashes and flares and exists again with the same energy with which it was born. 

 

(5-6); At least with an open rebuke, one knows where they stand.  They might correct or change or remedy some situation.  Love concealed leaves others wondering whether it exists at all; or if it has been harmed or offended in some way.  The friend who lovingly rebukes with a heart of love is a faithful friend preserving the person at the risk of the relationship.  The kisses of the enemy appear to preserve the relationship at the expense of the person.  

 

(7); When we are spoiled with our own contentedness, we loath the things that made us content.  Without contentedness, we hunger for those things that might bring it.  Our attitude changes with out spoiled heart.  Do we act this way with God's word?  When our physical life is comfortable, do we despise and ignore God's word?  Yet, when our body is afflicted and our soul is starving, do we crave His word and find it sweet?

 

(8); In a world where so many kids grow up without one of their parents, this has become all to common.  Sin and failing to operate fully in the place and way God created us for breeds a discontent that leads to abandonment.  A person can find no greater joy in a sinfallen world than to do that for which we've been created.  It is the closest we'll get to walking with God in the garden in the cool of the day (Gen 3:8).

 

(9-10); We find the company of a friend a delight; refreshing and renewing to us.  Likewise, out bodies are refreshed and renewed with the ointment and perfume.  The brother far away is blood; but time and distance weaken those ties.  In that time of calamity, don't walk past a true friend and near neighbor to go to a distant family member.  The true friend will stand by you in the hard times as he did in the good.  Also, be there for that friend when his day comes.

 

(11); The rebellious and foolish son brings reproach on the father for not having raised his son better.  The wise son makes his father proud and turns away that reproach.

 

(12); Repeated from 22:3; that seems to make it an ever sterner warning.  The wise man has eyes to see by the Spirit of the Lord; he sees wickedness from afar and hides himself in the shadow of the almighty.  The fool continues on; entering into the wickedness and making punishment inevitable in their life.  Now we've been warned twice (Jeremiah 13:21).

 

(13);  This is another repeated proverb; see 20:16.  Again, we should probably see this repeat as a serious warning we need to hear twice to make sure it sticks.  The proverb seems to advise taking the garment; holding them accountable to their pledge, particularly when done for the seductress.  One has to step back from this and question what kind of people we are doing business with though.

 

The man who is surety for a stranger is unwise and willing to lose his freedom in doing so.  In this case it is ok to take his garment when he is surety for a seductress.  This is probably putting the man in the position to realize his folly. 

 

(14); Imagine your supposed friend outside your window and 4am loudly carrying on about how awesome a friend you are, how wise and amazing of a blessing you are in their life.  They are so very happy that you are there friend and they just wanted you to know this at 4am.  The blessing is no blessing at all, it is turned to a curse in the timing, method, place and maybe even obnoxious flattering content.

 

The Italians say, "He who praises you more than he is wont to do, either has deceived you, or is about to.  (Ironside)

 

(15-16); Drip, drip, drip, drip.....  It just goes on and on.  After some time it become the most annoying of sounds; seeming increasing in volume, driving one to anger and frustration.  This is very much like the contentious woman.   Imagine trying to restrain her as the volume increases and the becomes increasingly annoying.  This restraining is like capturing the wind or grasping oil in your hand.

 

(17); One instrument is refined and polished as it rubs up against another with the right inclination, pressure and time.  Sharpening is a repetitive motion.  So it is with men sharpening the countenance of friends.  This is the idea behind many bible study and prayer groups. 

 

(18);  The one who keeps the fig tree will finally be rewarded with fruit from the tree.  Working and waiting in anticipation makes the reward even sweeter.  It's the same for the one who waits on his master.  We are to serve our master faithfully, even in His physical absence.  The working and waiting and eternal longing will be the reward even sweeter in the end. (2 Timothy 2:6)

 

(19); Many think they can hide behind a mask or identity; but what's in the heart will always come to the surface.  Just like the surface reflects exactly what's above the water; likewise what's in the heart will be seen on the surface of the person.  Regardless of the physical appearance and the momentary hiding behind the things of the world, the sinful heart of man cannot be contained and hidden for long.  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

 

(20); Our eyes are never satisfied.  They draw us to lust and covet and prove out what was stated in verse 19.  Hell and destruction and the nature of man are never full, completed or content.  It's always seeking just a little more of something and delivering only emptiness, disappointment and a desire for another try.

 

(21); The refining pot and furnace are used to purify silver and gold; it is by this you find out what is truly in them.  All the impurities are separated out and come to the surface.  When those around us offer praise or adulation, complements, flattery or applause it is a rare person who can continue on in humbly and free from pride.  When praise is heaped on, the impurity of a man comes to the surface.

 

(22); Folly is bound up in the heart of the fool.  It becomes part of his being after being with him so long.  You can't beat it out of him or grind it from him.  Correction and training as a child might have changed things, when  the heart is established in foolishness, man can do little.  However, God is in the business of chaning lives and hearts.  We have to believe, what is impossible for us is absolutly possible for Him.

 

(23-27); We must be wise with any wealth we might possess.  We often think wealth is what other people have and what we hope to attain.  Yet, in our culture, we are all healthy in many ways.  We are to recognize this and be good stewards and not become sloppy or conplacent with that with which we've been entrusted.  Wealth and riches aren't forever; just because we had it yesterday, we shouldn't assume we'll have it today and next week and tomorrow.  We should remain a faithful shepherd in our place in this world.  Our faithfullness will be rewarded in the end.

 

Proberbs 28

(1); A life characterized by sin is one in pursuit and ever chasing after the things of life; happiness, contentment and meaning.  The righteous, empowered with eternal truths find all they need in God.  In Him, we find a joy beyond this life, a contentment in service when we've died to our self and meaning in loving Him and abiding in Him forever. 

 

(2); Left to our sinfulness, we would all want to rule our life and sit on the throne of our life.  But in our wisdom, born of the fear of the Lord, we recognize He is our supreme King and He appoints leaders over us. 

NIV: When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,

but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

 

(3); Rain is a blessing and brings forth the crops and produce that feed us.  But imagine being blessed with so much rain it washes away all the crops.  Imgaine the poor man, who has been oppressed in his poverty, now put in a place to change this treatment.  Yet, instead of chaning the course of things, takes part in oppressing the poor.  What should have been a blessing turned out to be a bust.

 

(4-5); The lawbreakers tend to be very understanding of the lawbreakers.  Those that respect and live by the laws contend with the lawbreakers. We can't have a society where justice is left to sinfallen men.  The moral ethic apart from God's standard would be ever spiraling downward.  The unbelievers have no capacity to understand godly morality was those who revere the Lord.

 

(6); The poor might look on the perverse man and feel as though God had blessed him with money even though he lacked integrity.  God places high value on integrity.  His money doesn't erase his perversity; in fact, it probably keeps him captive there. 

 

(7); The son who keeps the company of gluttons brings shame on himself and his father.  The son who keeps God's word shows his discernment.  He has heard the words of his father and heeded them. 

 

(8); Usary and extortion are to be understood the same.  This was to loan money to the desperate and charge extremely high interest rates.  This seemed like good business to them and a fine way to make money.  The proverb says this money won't profit the owners.  It will be taken away from them and given to those who are concerned about the poor.  See James 5:1-6.

 

(9); It is all too common that folks live their life their own way until they get into trouble, then they throw their prayer to the Lord asking Him to bail them out.  How many times can we expect God to do this?  If we live a life apart from Him, apart from righteousness, apart from the law, our life will be marked as an abomination.  Likewise, our prayer will be an abomination. 

18         If I regard iniquity in my heart,

The Lord will not hear. (Psalm 66:18)

 

(10); God has His eye on the upright.  When somone leads the upright into an evil trap, they themselves will fall into their own trap.  God will rescue the upright; as they are still called blameless and will have an inheritance. 

 

(11); We don't have to look very far to find exmaples of pride and conceit accompanying wealth.  The rich, the mighty, the noble, many of those elected as well as most of Hollywood are wise in their own eyes.  They see their words and knowledge as superior to the poor.  Once again, we see wealth has nothing to do with understanding and wisdom.  The poor who takes up understanding and sees these people for the fools that they are.

 

(12); The triumph of righeousness brings confidence and great glory to those who are concerned with such things.  When lawlessness rises, there is a sort of hiding that takes place.  Our culture, in these latter days, seem to challenge this proverb.  Yet, in reality, there are so few who are concerned about righteousness.  This shows us how bad things have become in our days.  When the righteous triumph today, there is an outcry against them; while lawlessness is celebrated. 

 

(13); It started in the garden, the man and woman covered themselves with figleaves and hid from God.  Hiding out sin from God and attempting to ignore it extends our shame weighs down our conscience.  It will prosper us to recognize our sin, confess and turn away from them.  In this way, we will receive the mercy of God.

 

(14); Our joy is found in the fear and reverence of the Lord.  It's maintaining our bigger view of life and beyond; rather than getting caught up in the here and now and hardening our heart against God.  The difference seems to be looking at our self and ruling our life that leads to calamity verseus looking to God and enthroning Him in our life for great joy and happiness that exists beyond the circumstances we find ourselve in.

 

(15-16); The lion, bear and wicked ruler will tear and consume the poor.  He cares only about himself and his desires.  The wisdom needed to rule is not available to his selfish heart; the success to his throne is found in caring for those he rules over.  He's too selfish to have the heart of a servant.  The man who isn't ruled by his evil passions and hates the sin that creeps into his life, is on the road to stability.  

 

(17); Judas exemplifies this proverb.  He was laden with guilt; the blood of an innocent man was on his hands.  There is no city of refuge for this kind; he will, therefore, seek refuge in the grave.

 

(18); This isn't speaking of salvation by an upright walk.  It speaks of a daily and practical salvation from the pitfalls of this life.  An upright walk is consistent with the man who abides in God and is in His grip.  God won't leave us or forsake us; He didn't save us to abandon us along the road, He will guard and guide our life.  We can rest assured where ever we find our self, whatever events in life, are either ordained or allowed by God for our Good (even when we don't understand it). 

 

(19); One commentator put it this way, "He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, he who doesn't will have to be satisfied with poverty."  One, in his diligence, will be filled for his need.  The other, in his neglect, is filled with grief and need.

 

(20); This proverb is another example of the contrast that exists between those who have their eyes and life inclined toward the Lord versus a life of the one who's life inward and focused on self gratification.  God loves to bless the faithful.  The one who chases money as his god will not only be punished, his very life is a punishment unto itself.

 

(21); The selfish man seeks an outcome that benefits him, regardless of what justice would call for.  He expects partiality for the respect his shown as well as other things, as little as a piece of bread. 

 

(22); The 'evil eye' is the covetous eye.  It speaks of the state of his heart.  As much as he might try, he can't escape the the sure calamites God has called for those on this path.  See also Proverbs 20:21 & 27: 20. 

 

(23); The rebuke of a friend or loved one is done from the heart for the good of the person.  While the rebuke may sting, and though it may cause a season or time of separation, it is done out of necessity and for edification.  The flatterer offers words that mean nothing because they are offered to all in the same way and don't come from the heart.  People know this; sense it and aren't fooled by them (or at least not for long).  See 19:25; 20:19; 26:28; 27:6.

 

(24); The destroyer (Satan means destroyer) wants to steal, kill and break us.  The son who robs his father and mother, taking from them and declaring it was owed to him or he had some right to take it, is a companion of the evil one.  His actions are stealing, killing and breaking the lives of his parents.  See Proverbs 18:13, 26.

 

(25-26); The person who trusts their own heart is a fool. 

9           "The heart is deceitful above all things,

And desperately wicked;

Who can know it? (Jerimiah 17:9)

This proud heart can't help but stir up strife because it is inclined to selfishness and sin.  The one who trust in the Lord and His ways will talk a different walk.  This will look to the ways of the Lord and they will be delivered from the inclination of their heart.

 

(27); Giving to the poor shows a healthy attitude toward finances; in this the money given won't be missed.  There is also, though, the sense that God will take care of those who take care of His people.  The one who hides his eyes to the need will be cursed.  His curse may well be the calamity that tkes his money anyway. 

 

(28); See verse 12, this chapter.  When the wicked men come to power, the righteous seem to be in hiding.  When the wicked fall and the righteous come to power, they will surfase once again. 

 

Proverbs 29

(1); To be corrected repeatedly, yet be stubborn and ignore the correction will take its toll on the life.  The hardned neck is the one who is stiff necked, refusing the yoke of guidance, stuffornly fighting against correction, even to their own destruction.  The Lord is patient with us and brings correction in our life.  It is imperative that we receive these corrections for what they are and allow those changes to have affect on our life.  We can't allow our sinful nature to make us stubborn and stiffnecked against the hand of our shepherd.

 

(2); See also Prov 28:12 and 28 for very similar thought.  The triumph of righeousness brings confidence and great glory to those who are concerned with such things.  When lawlessness rises, there is mourning.  Our culture, in these latter days, seem to challenge this proverb.  Yet, in reality, there are so few who are concerned about righteousness.  This shows us how bad things have become in our days.  When the righteous triumph today, there is an outcry against them; while lawlessness is celebrated. 

 

(3); What father wouldn't rejoice when his son loves wisdom and pursues knowledge and the application of that knowledge to life.  There are so m any opportunities in life, yes so many wast their lives in worthless endeavors.  Immorality is ruinous to a life and a trap for the young that is hard to escape. 

 

(4); A King sets the standard for the land; if he esablishes justice, then that justice will be upheld.  If 'he who receives bribes' is the king, then his deception will bring him down.  More likely, 'he who receives bribes' is rebellious and his actions are against the king.  Justice must eliminate this man or this man will eliminate justice.  It takes at least two for a bribe to work. 

 

(5); This is very similar to Prov 28;23.  Flattery is saying things that are not in your heart so as to bring about deception for a purpose.  It's taking advantage of someone; toying with their feelings and emotions.  The flattery spreads a net, ready to capture him.  We have to be wise; recognize flattery and run from it.

 

(6-7); The evil man will be trapped by and his sin, there is no escaping it.  Sometimes you can outrun it for a time, hide it for a season; but in the end, it will always catch up with you.  The evil man lives for himself, never considering others less fortunate or the considering the lives and feelings of others.  The righteous sings and rejoices, because of righteousness; its quite a contrast to the unrighteous sorrow of destruction.   The righteous life looks outside himself into the lives of others.

 

(8); We might see this scornful man on the news or social media.  He is the one who meets the charges or challenge with scorn.  He attacks and deflects and enflames the passions of others, making the situation worse.  While the wise man turns away wrath; he is calm, listens, gives answers and diffuses the passions and anger of a mob.

 

(9); The foolish man doesn't possess the ability or desire to receive correction or advice from the wise.  No matter the approach, the fool will keep the wise man scurrying to attempt a resolution.

 

(10); Holiness and godliness provoke the hatefullness of wicked men.  They live in the dark and their works are dark.  Because they are in the dark they don't even realize this fact.  The upright is again seen looking outside himself toward others.

 

(11); Very little good comes from venting; we feel better when we're done but we've often left a path of destruction through our life.  Often times, our passion and emotions bring to vent feelings that harm relationships and cause lasting hurt to feelings.  Wise men control the emotions and feelings because they lie to us, lead us astray and change direction quckly.

 

(12); The ruler that hears, believes and acts on every lie, invites everyone to lie to him.  All his servants become liars because he's created an atmosphere that fosters dishonesty.

 

(13-14); When God brings the needy and the oppressor both into his presence, they are enlightened.  The needy relaizes he is not at the mercy of the oppressor but only serves Almighty God; the oppressor relaizes he will answer for his works.  That king that can look beyond his life and beyond his palace to faithfully judge the poor has established himself as one who knows he serves the Almighty and will answer to Him.  Only one king will rule this perfectly, that is King Jesus, whose throne will be established forever.    

 

(15); see also Proverbs 19:18 and 23:13-14.  Just visit the grocery store or the toy isle at Walmart to get a sampling of the undisciplined child.  They rule the family, they run the show; controlling and manipulating.  The rod of reproof has not given them the wisdom they most desparately need.

 

(16); Cconnects with verse 2.  In the end, righteousness will prevail.  It seems as though the reign of the wicked is growing and multiplied.  It appears to be getting darker by the day.  But the darkening is a sign of the light to come.

 

(17); Ties to 15; correction is a must to create a healthy understanding of sin and righteousness; sin brings pain and suffering, righteousness joy and contentment. 

 

(18); Mankind needs boundaries, laws and fences.  It's our nature to constantly push the limits and test them.  With no boundaries, we will only think of evil continually, as in the days of Noah. 

 

(19); The servant is likely to be understood as the stubborn servant.  In his stubborness he won't be corrected by words.  He'll hear and understand, but won't be moves.  Strict discipline is required to break the stubbornness.

 

(20); It is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.  Our mouth can quickly outrun our brain; and wisdom doesn't move that fast.  Those quick to speak in every circumstance become the fool.

 

(21); The Lord pampers us as his servants and receives us as His adopted sons.

 

(22); See also Prov 28:25. Nothing good comes from this unrighteous anger.  This unbridled temper can only come from sin and a dark heart. 

 

(23); Pride brings destruction.  See also Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, 12:15, 13:18. 

 

(24); Partnering with a thief makes your just as guilty for the theft.  You can swear under oath that you didn't steal anything and be telling the truth, the reality is the guilt and conviciton comes with partnering with the evil, not getting caught.

 

(25-26); Fearing men more than God causes us to do strainge things.  We work and strive to be accepted or rewarded; all the while selling out our integrity.  We should fear the Lord and serve Him only. 

 

(27); The unjust and just will never come to agreement and abide together.  The unrighteous will never accept the righteous as anything other than an abomination.

 

©2017 Doug Ford