PROVERBS…. of Wisdom
IN THE FIRST NUMBER OF CHAPTERS IT IS PRETTY WELL EASY TO UNDERSTAND, NOTHING TOO HARD OR COMPLICATED - Keith Hunt
The Book of
PROVERBS #1
From the New King James Study Bible
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of short, pithy instructions on how to live in God's world. It is, in fact, a collection of collections of proverbs and wisdom literature. The outline divides the book into eight sections, each containing proverbs from various authors and dates.
Author.
The first verse ties the entire book to Solomon, the most famous wise man in ancient Israel. Also, the first section (1:8—9:18) is closely connected with Solomon, although he is generally understood as the one who inspired the proverbs or the one to whom they were ascribed, rather than the author of them. The sections in 10:1—22:16
and 25:1—29:27 are titled "proverbs of Solomon." These titles are likely conventional names for pithy wisdom traditions preserved in Israel, although Solomon was probably the author of much of the material.
First Kings 1—11 narrates the renowned wisdom traditions about Solomon, and 1 Kings 4:30 records that "Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt." He delivered 3,000 proverbs, 1,005 songs, and spoke over a broad range of topics. People from many nations came to listen and to learn of his wisdom (1 Kin. 4:33, 34). Proverbs 25:1 indicates that some of Solomon's sayings were preserved for future generations by writing. They were later copied by others.
Wise men in addition to Solomon have contributed material in Proverbs. The section 22:17—24:34 identifies a block titled "words of the wise." The similarity of the proverbs in this section to those found in the Egyptian "Wisdom of Amen-em-ope" has long been noted. Wise sayings from other non-Israelites are clearly identified in the book, such as those attributed to Agur son of Jakeh (30:1) and to King Lemuel (31:1-9).
Solomon is probably the original composer of much of the material in Proverbs, although there were also contributions by other wise men who spoke in the wisdom tradition that Solomon had consolidated and crystalized.
Date.
Some material in Proverbs is very early, having been partly recorded in Solomon's reign (10:1; 25:1). Other material cannot be dated with any certainty (such as chs. 1—9; 22:17—24:34; 30—31).
The date of the completion of the book is unknown. Proverbs 25:1 indicates that the material in 25:1—29:27 was put in place after Hezekiah's reign (715-686 B.C.). Thus, the final form of the book was not complete until at least two hundred years after Solomon.
A reasonable date is sometime in the fifth century B.C.
Background.
The backdrop of Israel's wisdom literature (Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes) was international, encompassing the entire ancient Near East. Each nation claimed its own group of wise men and wise women (see 1 Kin. 4:29-34), and each tended to reflect its particular nationalistic wisdom.
Religion permeated the social life and structure of Israel. Thus wisdom was directly tied to monotheism and other emphases of her unique faith in God. The fear of the Lord (1:7) and a vision of justice making everyone responsible to Him motivated His people to live lives of righteousness.
In Israel the most important socializing group was the family. The father was charged with inculcating and demonstrating wisdom (4:3-6). The wife/mother also played a vital part (31:10-31).
Purpose.
The purpose of Proverbs is stated in the introduction to the book (1:2-7). The goal is to emphasize acceptable moral and religious behavior based on Israel's religious faith. Wisdom is described as the most desirable possession of humankind. He who gets wisdom pleases both God and people, lives successfully in this life, and "obtains favor from the Lord" (8:35, 36). Ultimately the NT equates "the wisdom which comes down from above" with holiness (James.3:13-18). To learn the ways of the Creator and follow them by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit is to fulfill the commandments.
The nature of Israelite wisdom in Proverbs lies in both its form and content. The basic form is the sentence or saying. A proverb is a short statement based on experience gathered over a significant period of time.
The subject matter of Proverbs is broad, dealing with all of life under the sun. It is concerned that God's people should know "how to live life before God and man in a way that results in success before both God and man."
The proverbs are written in condensed language; therefore, special attention is sometimes needed to gain their full impact. This may be done by reading them aloud, reading them often, and meditating on them.
Outline of Proverbs
I. Introduction 1:1-7
A. Solomon's relationship to
Proverbs 1:1
B. Purposes: to teach wisdom 1:2-6
C. The fear of the Lord and the
disposition of fools 1:7
II. The value and appeal of
wisdom 1:8—9:18
A. Parental instructions: a
path to moral success 1:8-19
B. Wisdom's plea and
promise of life 1:20—4:27
C. Shun immoral women; be
faithful in marriage 5:1-23
D. Flee faults; pursue
wisdom 6:1-35
E. Pursue wisdom; shun
adultery 7:1-27
F. Wisdom personified; the
way to life 8:1-36
G. Wisdom's invitation 9:1-18
III. The value and practice
of wisdom 10:1—22:16
A. The righteous and
the wicked 10:1—15:33
B. The life and conduct
of the wise 16:1—22:16
IV. The words of the wise 22:17—24:34
A. Wise men's instruction
for their pupils 22:17—24:22
B. Instructions for moral
living 24:23-34
V. The wise words copied
by Hezekiah's men 25:1—29:27
VI. The wise words of Agur 30:1-33
VII. The wise words of Lemuel 31:1-9
VIII. The wise ways of a virtuous wife 31:10-31
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CHAPTER 1
The Beginning of Wisdom
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
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WE ARE GIVEN THE KEY IMMEDIATELY….. TO FEAR GOD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION. TRUE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE AND INSTRUCTION ON HOW TO USE THAT WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE, DOES NOT COME FROM THE UNIVERSITIES OF THIS WORLD. THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN NOT SEEK A SKILL AND BE EXCEEDINGLY GOOD WITH IT, FROM UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES. THE WORLD NEEDS ALL KINDS OF SKILLS, EVEN THOSE WITH PhD. GOD IS HEAR TALKING ABOUT THE TRUE KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, THAT MAKES FOR THE RIGHT WAY TO LIVE TOWARDS GOD AND YOUR FELLOW MAN. IT IS THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING THAT WILL LEAD TO LIFE ETERNAL. NOTICE THE LORD SAYS IT IS FOOLS THAT DESPISE WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION. SO THE CHILD OF GOD WILL ALWAYS BE READY TO BE INSTRUCTED - THEY WILL ALWAYS BE HUNGERING AND THIRSTING AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS [PS. 119:172 - DEFINITION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS]. THE CHILD OF GOD WILL WANT TO BE GUIDED AND INSTRUCTED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. IT WILL TRULY ONLY FOOLS THAT WILL NOT BE INSTRUCTED IN SALVATION AND THE WAY TO LIFE ETERNAL. THESE VERSES HERE ARE ALSO SAYING WHAT THE NEW TESTAMENT SAYS; WE ARE TO GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. WE ARE EVER TO BE LEARNING; WILLING TO BE TAUGHT AND CORRECTED. IT ALSO TEACHES HERE THAT OTHERS CAN HAVE WISE COUNSEL TO GIVE, THEY CAN BE EXPERTS IN A CERTAIN FIELD THAT YOU ARE NOT; YOU TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE EXPERT MECHANIC TO FIX A PROBLEM; YOU SEEK COUNSEL FOR THE INVESTMENT MONIES; YOU SEEK COUNSEL WHEN BUYING A NEW HOME AND ETC. SOME THINGS YOU ARE “SIMPLE” IN - YOU DO NOT HAVE THE EXPERTISE SO PRUDENCE YOU MUST ATTAIN FROM OUTSIDE YOURSELF. THE YOUNG ARE STILL YOUNG IN LIFE AND SO MUST STILL OBTAIN KNOWLEDGE AND DISCRETION. THE BEST WAY TO ATTAIN ALL THIS IS TO FIRST FEAR [DEEPLY RESPECT] THE LORD.
Keith Hunt
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A Path to Success
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you, "Do not consent.
11 If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the
12 innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit;
13 We shall find all kinds of possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil;
14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse"—
15 My son, do not walk in the way | with them, keep your foot from their path;
16 For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood
17 Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird;
18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners.
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The following is from the commentary in this New King James Study Bible:
1:1-7.These verses form an introduction to the entire Book of Proverbs. The rest of the book is designed to fulfill the purposes set but here. It is offered to provide its readers with wisdom and instruction (v. 2). Similar words emphasize this purpose: judgment and equity (v. 3), prudence, knowledge, and discretion (v. 4), learning and wise counsel (v. 5). All these are related to knowing how to live well and deciding to live that way. proverbs of Solomon: See Introduction: Author. The great wisdom of this king made a deep impression on the visiting queen of Sheba (see 2 Chr. 9:1-12).
1:6 The proverb was a short statement of truth concerning some aspect of human life. The enigma, as well as riddles, presented a principle of truth through a puzzle or problem to be solved.
1:7 Fear of the Lord is reverence and obedience to Him (see Ps. 111:10; see also "The Fear of the Lord" at Gen. 20:11). Knowledge in the moral and religious sense of Proverbs is possible only if one has a proper regard for God (see Job 28:28 and note). Fools are contrasted to the wise man throughout the book.
1:8—9:18 A picture of the value of wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a woman pleading with men and women to pursue her. A strong contrast is developed between the fruits of pursuing wisdom and the corruption of following folly.
1:8-19 These verses encourage the son to obey his parents' instructions, and warn of the dangers of rejecting their guidance.
1:9 chains: Probably golden, a sign of honor and splendor (see Dan. 5:7).
1:12 In the OT Sheol is the realm of the dead. Pit indicates the same idea. See "Sheol" at 2 Sam. 22:6.
1:14 Fallen human nature makes it impractical and unwise for all humans to share one purse.
1:17 Even a bird is smart enough to avoid an obvious snare. Sinners are not as smart in the face of temptation.
1:18,19 The wicked actually destroy themselves because of their greed. They do not realize that the trap they set for others is a trap that will actually ensnare them. See 28:10 1:20—4:19 Wisdom's plea is important. The one who rejects that call perishes (1:32), but he who responds finds life and security (1:33).
1:20, 21 Wisdom is pictured as a woman who calls to everyone passing by the gates—major public gathering spots in ancient Near Eastern cities. This is in contrast to the prostitutes who frequented those spots, luring people to destruction. Wisdom is further personified in 3:16-18; 4:5-9; 8:1-21, 32-36; 9:1-6.
1:22 The simple ones lack discernment and are easily led astray. Moreover, they are often obstinate in their lack of discernment (v. 25). Fools are those who consciously desert God's way (Ps. 14:1).
1:23 my spirit: The spirit of wisdom given to impart understanding (see Ex. 31:2, 3 and note).
1:24-27 you refused: Evil consequences (vv. 26, 27) follow wrong decisions of those who reject wisdom's invitation (w. 24;25).
1:24-26 stretched out my hand: As the Lord reaches out to a rebellious people, so wisdom does to these fools (see Is. 65:2 and note). Similarly, both the Lord and wisdom laugh at the foolishness of those who imagine that their way is better than the divine option offered to them (see note on Ps.2:4-6).
1:28 God's call must be heeded when given, not merely at one's convenience (see Heb. 3:12-15).
1:30-32 See vv. 24-28 and note. The complacency (v. 32) of the fools blinds them to the reality that they will eventually face the consequences of their own way and fancies (v. 31). See vv. 18, 19 and note.
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HERE WE START TO SEE THE MANY “GENERAL STATEMENTS” IN THIS BOOK OF PROVERBS. IN FACT GENERAL STATEMENTS ARE USED THROUGHOUT MANY PARTS OF THE BIBLE. IT IS ONE OF THE KEYS TO CORRECT BIBLE READING. WE SEE A GENERAL STATEMENT AS USED IN VERSES 8 AND 9. IT HAS TO BE UNDERSTOOD IN THE CONTEXT OF A FATHER AND MOTHER FOLLOWING THE LORD - IT IS SILLY TO THINK EVERY FATHER AND MOTHER MUST BE OBEYED, THAT THEY ALL HAVE GOOD INSTRUCTION AND THE RIGHT LAW. LIFE FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS HAS SHOWN US THAT IS NOT TRUE OF EVERY FATHER AND MOTHER. THIS IS A GENERAL STATEMENT - THOSE PARENTS WHO HAVE TRUE INSTRUCTIONS AND LAWS, SHOULD BE LISTENED TO - BE WISE AND TAKE THE GOOD THEY HAVE, IT WILL BE LIKE A FINE PIECE OF JEWELRY FOR YOU
Keith Hunt
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Wisdom's Call
20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares.
21 She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city.
22 She speaks her words; How long, you simple ones, will you love Simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge.
23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
25 Because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes,
27 When your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.
31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies.
32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.
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CHAPTER 2
The Value of Wisdom
My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;
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Notes from the New KJV Study Bible
2:1-9 To one who earnestly seeks the truth (vv. 1-5) God holds out the promise of a fruitful search (vv. 5-9).
2:3 Discernment is a mark of wisdom. The simple lack this virtue of insight into what is right.
2:4, 5- Diligence is needed to receive the gift of wisdom (see Deut. 4:29, 30 and note). Wisdom is far more valuable than silver (see 3:14; Job 28:12,15).
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THE WORD “SIMPLE” CAN BE USED IN DIFFERENT WAYS, SO THE CONTEXT MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. PAUL WROTE, “THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS.” USED AS REFERRING TO THE GOSPEL AND JESUS IN HIS MINISTRY DID NOT MAKE IT COMPLICATED. THE FOUR GOSPELS ARE RELATIVELY EASY TO UNDERSTAND. HERE IT IS USED AS BEING “SIMPLE MINDED” - SILLY, STUPID, A MIND THAT DOES NOT HAVE COMMON SENSE EVEN. NOTICE WISDOM IS PERSONIFIED, MADE INTO A WOMAN WHO CRIES OUT FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE WHAT SHE CAN OFFER. THE WISDOM THAT COMES FROM GOD IS HERE PERSONIFIED. SOMETIMES IN THIS LIFE, AS DAVID SAID IN THE PSALMS, THE FOOLISH AND SIMPLE MINDED WHO DO NOT TAKE WHAT GOD CAN OFFER, ARE NOT ALWAYS PUNISHED WITH DISASTERS IN THIS LIFE - SOMETIMES THEY PROSPER IN THIS PHYSICAL WORLD. BUT EVENTUALLY IF THEY NEVER TURN TO THE WAYS OF THE LORD, THEY WILL FACE DESTRUCTION IN THE SECOND DEATH [REVELATION 20]. THEN IT TROUBLES AND RIUN AND DESTRUCTION CAN COME ON THEM IN THIS LIFE. THIS CAN BE APPLIED TO INDIVIDUALS AND/OR NATIONS. THE LORD WILL USUALLY SEND A PERSON OR PEOPLE TO WARN NATIONS OF THEIR EVIL AND UNWISE WAYS; AND IF THEY DO NOT LISTEN AND SEEK TO HAVE GOD’S WISDOM IN THEIR WAYS, HE WILL LAUGH AT THEM WHEN THEY FINALLY REAP WHAT THEY HAVE SOWN. THEN FOR WHATEVER TIME SPAN, GOD WILL TURN HIS BACK ON THEM; THEY WILL SEEK HIM BUT WILL NOT FIND HIM.
WE SEE HERE, SHALL WE SAY, THE HUMANIST OF GOD. HE CAN AND WILL AT TIMES LAUGH AT PEOPLE AND NATIONS WHEN THEY REAP WHAT THEY HAVE SOWN, BY NOT LISTENING TO THE WAYS OF THE LORD AS CRIED OUT BY RIGHTEOUS WISDOM. AND GOD CAN BE LIKE A PHYSICAL FATHER WHO AFTER TRYING TO GUIDE A SON OR DAUGHTER IN THE RIGHT PATH, AND THEY REFUSE, THE FATHER MAY THROW HIS HANDS UP AND SAY, “OKAY I TRIED TO HELP YOU, SO NOW I WILL WALK AWAY AND LET THE TROUBLES COME UPON YOU. I HAVE TO GIVE YOU SPACE AND TIME AND NOT HELP EVEN WHEN YOU CRY OUT TO ME. YOU NOW HAVE TO LEARN THE HARD WAY BY THE CHOICES YOU HAVE MADE.”
THE LORD FINISHES CHAPTER ONE WITH THE ADMONITION TO LISTEN TO HIM, SO YOU CAN DWELL SAFELY AND BE SECURE IN NOT FEARING EVIL. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THERE WILL BE NO TRIALS, AND TROUBLES TO FACE IN LIFE. MOST OF US HAVE UPS AND DOWNS DURING A FULL LIFE. BUT GENERALLY [THERE IS THAT WORD AGAIN] MOST CHRISTIANS WILL NOT FEAR THAT EVIL IS AROUND THE CORNER, THEY WILL FOR THE MOST PART HAVE A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP. FOR THOSE WHO DO GET PERSECUTION AND MAY HAVE TO GIVE UP THEIR LIFE FOR GOD AND CHRIST, THEY UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CAN BE SO, AND THEY COUNT IT A BLESSING TO JOIN THE SAINTS OF HEBREWS 11.
MANY OF THE PROVERBS AND WORDS IN THESE CHAPTERS MUST BE TAKEN IN THE SETTING OF THE ENTIRE BIBLE.
Keith Hunt
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5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path:
10 When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you,
12 To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things,
13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness;
14 Who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15 Whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths;
16 To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words,
17 Who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God.
18 For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead;
19 None who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life—
20 So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness.
21 For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
22 But the wicked will be cut off, from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.
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From the New KJV Study Bible
2:6-9 The Lord is the source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. However, His resources are for His saints, those who seek to please Him by living uprightly (see Ps. 18:20-24 and note).
2:10-22 When wisdom enters: All of the benefits described in these verses come from wisdom's presence in the hearer's life.
2:16-19 As wisdom is symbolized by a woman (1:20, 21), so is folly. But these are not merely symbols. A woman who embodies wisdom can make a man (31:10-31), while one who embodies folly will destroy him (7:6-23).
2:17 companion of her youth: Her husband (see 5:18). The covenant probably refers to the marital promises made before God in a marriage ceremony (see Mai. 2:13-16 and note).
2:21,22 Obedience to God was always the determining factor as to whether Israel would dwell in the land God had given them, or be cut off (see note on Deut. 28:15-68).
Ultimately those who follow God will inherit the earth with His promised blessings (see Matt. 5:5 and note);
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CHAPTER 3
Trust God for Direction
My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
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From The New KJV Study Bible
3:1-12 My son: The form of address regularly used in Proverbs to designate instructions for the young.
3:1, 2 The connection between keeping God's commands and enjoying long life is supported by the fifth
commandment (see Ex. 20:12).
3:3 tablet of your heart: Make God's ways internal, not merely external (see Deut. 6:4-9; Ezek. 36:26, 27);
3:5, 6 Verses, worthy of being memorized, which sum up the biblical approach to life. Wisdom is not the result of mere human insight, but of learning God's unchanging ways.
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6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.
19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety's sake.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
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Notes from the New KJV Study Bible
NN3:7 Fear the Lord ... depart from evil: See Job 1.1 and note.
3:9 Honoring the Lord meant giving Him the portion of material goods that He required (Deut. 26:1, 2, 9-13).
Firstfruits were the first items harvested, and often the best.
3:11,12 If God did not love us, He would not bother to correct us. See Heb. 12:5-11 and note.
3:13 Happy also means blessed. In Proverbs such a person is satisfied and content; v. 17 explains why.
3:16 Wisdom, gives long life because in Proverbs wisdom means living as God commands us (see vv. 1,2).
3:19, 20 Wisdom was the "master craftsman" (see 8:30) through whom God did His creative work (see 8:22-31 and notes).
3:24-26 Serving God saves us from many fears.
3:27-30 The wise person promotes good relations.
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VARIOUS POINTS OF GENERALLY LIVING A GOOD AND PLEASING LIFE TO GOD AND TO MANKIND.
SOME OF THIS MUST BE PUT IN THE ORDER OF “GENERAL STATEMENTS.” CERTAINLY WISDOM CAN KEEP YOU AWAY FROM PHYSICAL HARM AND DANGER, AND SO GRANT YOU MORE DAYS OF LIFE, BUT THIS DOES NOT TEACH HAVING GOD’S WISDOM WILL GUARANTEE YOU WILL LIVE TO BE 90 OR 100. OVERALL SERVING THE LORD WILL GIVE YOU A WHOLESOME, PLEASANT, AND SAFE LIFE. BEING A GOOD STEWARD OF YOUR PHYSICAL THINGS WILL BE PLEASING TO GOD, AND HE WILL NOT FORGET TO REWARD YOU ACCORDINGLY AS YOU USE THOSE PHYSICAL THINGS TOWARD GOD AND YOUR FELLOW HUMAN. IF YOU HIRE SOMEONE TO DO A DAYS WORK, OR A WEEKS WORK, PAY THEM RIGHT AWAY AFTER THE WORK IS FINISHED AND INSPECTED. DO NOT BE A PERSON WHO LIKES TO GET ONE OVER ON HIS NEIGHBOUR. YOU ARE ONLY TO STIVE WITH OTHERS IF YOU HAVE A GENUINE CAUSE, AND IMPORTANT ENOUGH; OFTEN WE SHOULD JUST LET IT GO BY. IN OTHER WORDS DON’T NIT-PICK WITH OTHERS. A LOT OF THINGS IN LIFE ARE NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO MAKE A BIG DEAL ABOUT IT. YET A CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT BE A MAT FOR PEOPLE TO WALK ALL OTHER…… WISDOM IS NEEDED TO DECIDE WHEN A THING IS LARGE ENOUGH TO HAVE CAUSE TO STRIVE OVER.
WISDOM FROM GOD IS IMPORTANT IN HAVING A GENERALLY CALM, PEACEFUL, SMOOTH, LIFE IN ALL YOUR UNDERTAKINGS AND WORKINGS WITH OTHER PEOPLE. LACKING WISDOM CAN AND DOES GET US INTO A WRONG MIND-SET, AND MANY TROUBLES OF THE FLESH AS WE WALK OUR PHYSICAL LIFE. IT SEEMS TO ME TODAY EVEN “COMMON LOGIC” AS WE CALL IT, IS LACKING IN SO MANY. WISDOM FROM GOD ALSO MEANS WE SEEK OUT OTHERS WHO HAVE WALKED THE SAME PATH WE ARE FIGURING TO TAKE, AND FIND OUT WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY NOW THAT THEY CAN LOOK BACK ON IT ALL.
Keith Hunt
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31 Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways;
32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright.
33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.
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Notes from the New KJV Study Bible
3:31-33 The oppressor has God's curse upon him. His material success becomes ultimate moral and religious failure.
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IT MAY NOT ALL HAPPEN IN THIS LIFE TIME, GENERAL STATEMENTS AGAIN. BUT THE END RESULT WILL BE GOOD FOR THE GODLY AND BAD FOR THE UNGODLY. IN THIS LIFETIME SOME OF THE UNGODLY PROSPER AND SEEM TO HAVE LITTLE TROUBLES; SOMETIMES IN THIS LIFE THE GODLY DO NOT ALL HAVE IT AS A BED OF ROSES…… SO THE GODLY HAVE TO LOOK AT THE END OF IT, AT THE INHERITANCE.
Keith Hunt
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CHAPTER 4
Wisdom Brings a Satisfying Life
Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding;
2 For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father's son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live.
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.
10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.
11 I have Taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run; you will not stumble.
13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep, is taken away unless they make someone fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
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From the New KJV Study Bible
4:1-13 Wisdom is the principal thing (v. 7) because it is not merely an intellectual activity; wisdom leads to a full life (v. 13; see Deut. 32:46, 47).
4:5-7 Learning without the gain of wisdom is a waste.
4:10,13 your life: See 3:1,2 and note.
4:14-17 The path of the wicked is lined with evil deeds (w. 16, 17).
4:18 Walking with God becomes better as we travel farther on. The thought is well worth remembering as we encounter the circumstances of life, the perfect day: Noon. The time when the light of day is at its fullest.
4:19 like darkness: Evil blinds and frustrates all who indulge in it. They do not know what makes them stumble.
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THIS IS GOD SPEAKING AND ONCE MORE WISDOM IS PERSONIFIED. COULD BE ALSO INSTRUCTION FROM A RIGHTEOUS FATHER AND MOTHER. EITHER WAY MANY TRUTHS OF LIFE ARE GIVEN. GOING THE WRONG WAY WILL BRING WRONG FRUITS. THE RIGHT WAY IS LIKE THE SUN SHINING IN FULL STRENGTH.
Keith Hunt
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Be Faithful in Marriage
20 My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.
Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
26 Do not turn to the right or the left, remove your foot from evil.
OBVIOUSLY THE FATHER HERE IS THE LORD OR THE PHYSICAL FATHER WALKING DOWN THE CORRECT PATHWAY WITH GOD.
Keith Hunt
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CHAPTER 5
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding,
2 That you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge.
3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil;
4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell.
6 Lest you ponder her path of life— her ways are unstable; You do not know them.
7 Therefore hear me now, my children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
8 Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,
9 Lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;
10 Lest aliens be filled with your wealth, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner;
11 And you mourn at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed,
12 And say: "How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised correction!
13 I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me!
14 I was on the verge of total ruin, in the midst of the assembly and congregation.
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
4:20—9:18 Wisdom ancffolly are described in terms of a good woman, who can be a constructive factor in a man's life (5:15-20; 8:1—9:6) or an adventuress who will destroy him (5:1-14; 6:20—7:27). The book ends (31:10-31) with the figure of the good woman, thus tying the whole picture together.
4:20-22 my words... my sayings: The commands of the Lord. They lead to life and fulfillment (see John 10:10). 4:23 For all its concerns with conduct, Proverbs is sensitive to the heart as the motive-spring of life. From the heart one loves or hates the Lord and others (see Gen. 6:5; Deut; 6:4,5).
4:24 Perverse lips utter cursing instead of blessing, disdain instead of praise to God. 4:25-27 The way of the righteous is pictured as a straight path. We stay on it by keeping our eyes on the goal, and by refusing to turn to any evil.
5:1-23 A comparison of wisdom (v. 1) to a good wife and folly to an adventuress.
5:1-14 An immoral woman (v. 3) promises much but delivers little. Evil is never as satisfying as it appears.
5:4 Wormwood, a shrub that has a bitter taste, is a symbol for sorrow and pain.
5:5-10 Associating with an immoral woman brings loss of honor (v. 9) and often loss of wealth (v. 10; see 6:26).
5:12,13 Obeying instruction from wise teachers will keep us from sexual folly.
5:14 In ... the assembly: He was about to make a public fool of himself.
……
15 Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well.
16 Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets?
17 Let them be only your own, and not for strangers with you.
18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.
19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love.
YES THE FEMALE BREASTS ARE PART OF SEXUALITY; THE PRUDENT GODLY WOMAN KNOWS THIS AND WILL NEVER EXPOSE THEM IN PUBLIC. A MAN IS SEXUALLY ATTRACTED TO FEMALE BREASTS. A WOMAN ENJOYS HER MAN’S FOREPLAY WITH HER BREASTS; THEY ARE SEXUAL FOR THEM BOTH. GOD HAS DESIGNED SEX TO HAVE MUCH FOREPLAY BEFORE THE PENIS ENTERS THE VAGINA. A MAN SHOULD LEARN NOT TO HURRY SEX…..LONG FOREPLAY IS USUALLY DESIRED BY THE WOMAN; IT IS WONDERFUL FOR BOTH THE MALE AND FEMALE. GOD DESIGNED SEX TO BE ONE OF THE GREATEST PHYSICAL PLEASURES BETWEEN A MAN AND WOMAN. HIS WORD DOES TEACH SEX IS FOR MARRIAGE AND IN MARRIAGE; ADULTERY AND FORNICATION [sex before marriage] ARE DECLARED SINS BY THE HOLY BIBLE.
Keith Hunt
......
20 For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress?
21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.
22 His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin.
23 He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
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From the New KJV Study Bible
5:15-23 The blessings of true love with one's wife (v. 18).
5:15 your own cistern: Your own wife.
5:19 A wife's love will fully satisfy you. Goodness is always more satisfying than it appears it will be.
5:21 "You . . .. are acquainted with all my ways" (Ps. 139:3).
5:22, 23 His own iniquities entrap: Sin is self-destructive. See 1:18, 19 and note.
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CHAPTER 6
Pursue Wisdom
My son, if you become surety for your friend, you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
2 You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth.
3 So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend.
4 Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids.
5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,
7 Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler,
8 Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—
11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
12 A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth;
13 He winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers;
14 Perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord.
15 Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
6:1-5 Do not hastily commit yourself to another's debt for fear of appearing unkind. Appearances count for little when the creditors of your friend come to the door.
6:9-5 Do not worry about saving face, but make every effort to get out of the arrangement.
6:6-11 The dangers of laziness.
6:6-8 The ant, a diligent worker and provider, is a model for the sluggard to observe.
6:9-11 Poverty is not avoided by chance. It must be diligently guarded against, as against a prowler or an armed man.
6:12-15 worthless person: A troublemaker who uses all kinds of subtle, deceitful methods to sow discord. In God's providence such a person is certain to face calamity, winks:
See note on 10:10.
……
SURETY….SIGNING FOR A PERSON’S DEBT IS NOT RECOMMENDED BY GOD’S WORD. THERE MAYBE SITUATIONS WHERE IT MAY WORK IF DRAWN UP IN SPECIFIC WAYS, WHERE YOU WILL NOT BE TIED TO THE DOCK IF THE TIDE COMES TO COVER YOU OVER….. WHAT WAY THAT WOULD BE IN BLACK AND WHITE I HAVE NO IDEA. LAZINESS IS NOT THE WAY TO LIVE IF YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD. THOUGH I AM 75 COME SEPTEMBER 11 - 2017, I STILL HAVE 2 PART TIME JOBS, AND CONTINUE TO BE BUSY DOING THE LORD’S WORK ON THIS WEBSITE AND MY BLOG, AND IN EMAILS. THE SUBTLE DECEITFUL PERSON WHO SOWS DISCORD, WILL REAP WHAT THEY SOW, AS WE ALL SHALL IN THE END.
Keith Hunt
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16 These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look, and a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
......
THERE ARE OTHER THINGS ALSO THAT ARE AN ABOMINATION TO GOD, NOT JUST 7; HERE WE HAVE SEVEN, BUT IT DOES NOT SAY "THESE ONLY ARE AN ABOMINATION TO GOD." USING SAY STRONG'S CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, YOU CAN SOON FIND WHAT OTHER EVILS GOD HATES.
Keith Hunt
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From the New KJV Study Bible
6:16-19 These seven ... abominations expand upon the description of the troublemaker of vv. 12-15. They are sins of both action and attitude (v. 12); they involve private life and public evil (v. 18).
6:16 six ... seven: See Job 5:19 and note.
6:19 A second warning against one who sows discord (see v. 14).
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INDEED SERMONS COULD BE BROUGHT ON ALL 7 OF THESE ABOMINATIONS THAT GOD HATES.
PROUDNESS HAVE BROUGHT MANY TO THEIR DEMISE AND IN THE CONTEXT OF CHRISTIANITY, IT HAS AT TIMES PERVERTED THE MIND OF MANY CHRISTIAN LEADERS, INTO FANATICISM, WRONG TEACHINGS, AND OFTEN TURNING THEIR CHURCH INTO A CULT. THE OTHER 6, IF MEDITATING UPON THEM, YOU WILL SEE THE CONSEQUENCES THEY WOULD BRING TO A NATION. THE 7TH, SOWING DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN; MANY MAY BE SURPRISED GOD THINKS THIS AN ABOMINATION, BUT BEING A "BUSY-BODY" - "TALE-BEARER" AND ONE THAT CAUSES CONTINUAL STRIFE AMONG BRETHREN DISTURBS WITH FRICTION, MANY PEOPLE WITH NO GOOD REASON; SOMETIMES BRETHREN HAVE TO BE DISTURB BUT ONLY FOR A VERY GOOD REASON, IF IT IS NOT, GOD HATES PEOPLE WHO BRING DISCORD -
Keith Hunt
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20 My son, keep your father's command, and do not forsake the law of your mother.
21 Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck.
22 When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light;
......
WE ARE NATURALLY DEDUCING HERE THAT BOTH PARENTS ARE FOLLOWING THE RIGHT GODLY PATH; HENCE CHILDREN SHOULD LISTEN TO THEM. FOR IT WILL BE YOUR SAFE-GUARD IN YOUR LIFE, A LIGHT TO LIVING GOOD AND SAFE FROM SINS THAT CAN DESTROY A PERSON. I WAS BLESSED INDEED THAT MY PARENTS SENT ME TO A CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL, THE THE BIBLE WAS THE FIRST 1/2 HOUR CLASS OF EACH SCHOOL DAY; THE WAY OF THE LORD KEPT ME FROM MANY EVILS AS A TEENAGER - Keith Hunt
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reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
24 To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress.
25 Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.
26 For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey
upon his precious life.
27 Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?
29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.
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HERE WE GO BACK TO THE END RESULT THAT ADULTERY AND SLEEPING AROUND WITH PROSTITUTES, AND/OR LOOSE SEXUALITY CAN BRING. FEW THAT LIVE THAT WAY ARE FREE FROM THE SCARS IT CAN BRING.
Keith Hunt
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30 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving.
31 Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house.
......
FOR WHATEVER REASON WE ARE GIVEN A FEW VERSES IN THE MIDDLE OF VERSES TO DO WITH SEXUALITY. I LEAVE THE READER TO PONDER IF THERE IS A LESSON.
STARVATION AND TAKING THINGS TO EAT IS ACCEPTED BY MOST COUNTRIES AND PEOPLE; BUT STEALING FOR ANY OTHER REASON IS NOT TOLERATED BY MOST NATIONS, AND THERE IS A PENALTY TO PAY...... SO STEALING, EMBEZZLEMENT, FRAUD, GOD DECLARES A STRONG PENALTY.....EVEN A REPAYMENT OF 7 FOLD, WHICH COULD COST THE PERPETRATOR ALL THAT HE HAS.
Keith Hunt
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32 Whoever commits adultery with woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul.
33 Wounds and dishonor he will get, And his reproach will not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy is a husband's fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35 He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.
......
A YOUNG WORLD ACE GOLF PLAYER, FAMOUS, TOP OF THE PACK IN HIS YOUTHFUL DAY, WENT SECRETLY TO LOS VAGUS, TO GAMBLE AND HAVE SEX WITH LOOSE WOMEN AND PROSTITUTES. HIS SECRET FINALLY CAME OUT; HE HAD TO ADMIT TO HIS WIFE, HIS PARENTS, AND THE WORLD, HIS SEXUAL SINS. HIS WIFE DIVORCED HIM, HIS PARENTS WERE ASHAMED OF HIM, THE WORLD WAS STUNNED BY HIS DECEPTION [THE WORLD THOUGHT HE WAS A ROLE MODEL FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS]. HE LOST HIS SKILL AS THE NUMBER ONE PRO GOLF PLAYER, AND WENT DOWN HILL IN THE SPORT.
COMMITTING ADULTERY CAN ALSO HAVE AT TIMES DIRE CONSEQUENCES..... SOME WILL NEVER FORGET; SOME HUSBANDS WILL KILL THE OFFENDER - CALLED "CRIMES OF PASSION." THERE WAS A TIME WHEN BEING A HORSE STEALER GOT YOU HUNG. I'M NOT SAYING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SO, BUT IT WAS OFTEN SO WHEN STEALING A MAN'S HORSE WAS LIKE TAKING AWAY HIS LEGS OR ARMS.
THIS IS A SECTION OF PROVERBS ABOUT SEXUALITY, AND THE TROUBLES IT CAN BRING YOU.
TO THE MODERN WORLD OF "THROW GOD AND THE BIBLE OUT THE WINDOW" THIS SECTION ON SEXUALITY WILL SEEM LIKE A LOST BY-GONE AGE, AND NOT MUCH RELEVANT TO A 21ST CENTURY SOCIETY. BUT AS THAT YOUNG FAMOUS PRO GOLFER FOUND OUT, IT DID COST HIM A GREAT DEAL.
Keith Hunt
From the New KJV Study Bible
6:20-23 Observing both a good father's command and the law of a loving mother will keep us from many an evil. Proverbs recognizes a parent's command and law as the command and law of God.
6:24-29 The inescapable results of adultery.
6:25 eyelids: Seductive glances.
6:26 The contrast emphasizes the utter devastation an adulteress brings into a man's life. Compared to the
confusion a harlot creates, an adulteress consumes the very life of her victim.
6:30-35 A thief will have to pay dearly to assuage the anger of the householder he has robbed. But who can satisfy the one; who has been robbed of a spouse through adultery?
6:32 A person who commits adultery lacks understanding about the inevitable personal, spiritual, psychological, social, and physical results.
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TO BE CONTINUED
PROVERBS #2
CHAPTER 7
Shun Adultery
My son, keep my words, and a treasure my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your nearest kin,
5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who
flatters with her words.
6 For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice,
7 And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of
understanding,
8 Passing along the street near her corner; and he took the path to her house.
9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night.
10 And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.
11 She was loud and rebellious, her feet would not stay at home.
12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square, lurking at every corner.
13 So she caught him and kissed him, with an impudent face she said to him
14 I have peace offerings with me, today I have paid my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you.
16 I have spread my bed with tapestry, coloured coverings of Egyptian linen.
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
7:1-27 A continuation of the seductress theme begun in 6:20-35.
7:1 within you: Even in the OT God sought to have His people internalize His words
and commands.
7:4 Wisdom and understanding through obeying God's
words and commands are the keys to moral and spiritual success. We should cling to them as we do our nearest relatives.
7:6-23 The seductress at work.
7:7 The young man is a prey because he lacks understanding (see vv. 1-5).
7:14 peace offerings: See Lev. 7:15-18. Evidently a perfunctory payment of vows cleared her conscience. The seduction took place on a religious feast day.
7:22, 23 He is naive; like a senseless beast be walks into the trap unaware of his impending destruction.
7:24-27 How can a young man escape the snare? He must pay attention to the words of wisdom (v. 24) which warn him to keep his heart away from her paths (v. 25), and to observe the casualties of the past (v. 26).
Wisdom Cries Out (8:1)
Wisdom is personified in the Proverbs and acts as God’s dynamic Word. In the NT Jesus becomes the Wisdom and Word of God.
Origin of Wisdom
In God (v.22)
Before all things (vv. 23-30)
Teaching of Wisdom
Prudence (vv. 5, 12)
Understanding (v. 5)
Excellent things (v. 6)
Truth (v. 7)
Hatred of wickedness (v.7)
Righteousness (v. 8)
Knowledge (v. 12)
Discretion (v. 12)
Fear of the Lord (v. 13)
Value of Wisdom
Yields riches and honor (v. 18)
Greater than gold or silver (v. 19)
The wise are blessed (vv. 32, 34)
The wise find life (v. 35)
The foolish love death (v. 36).
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18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; let us delight ourselves with
love.
19 For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey
20 He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home on the appointed day.
21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she
seduced him.
22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,
23 Till an arrow struck his liver, as a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life.
24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children; pay attention to the words of my mouth:
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths;
26 For she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men.
27 Her house is the way to hell; descending to the chambers of death.
THE PLAIN OPEN TALK FROM GOD THAT ADULTERY [AND FORNICATION] DO NOT PAY GOOD REWARDS. IT IS A FACT THAT THE MALE [WITH 10 TIMES THE SEX HORMONE THAN FEMALES] HAS TO GUARD HIS MIND AGAINST THE TEMPTATION TO HAVE SEX OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE AND INSIDE OF MARRIAGE THROUGH ADULTERY. SOME MEN SEEM TO BE MORE PRONE THAT OTHERS TO ADULTERY. MANY A MAN HAS BEEN BROUGHT LOW BY ADULTERY. A YOUNG MAN FAMOUS IN HIS DAY AS THE NUMBER ONE GOLFER IN THE WORLD, WENT OFF TO A PLACE IN THE USA NOTED FOR IMMORAL SEXUAL GRATIFICATION. HE WAS FOUND OUT. HE HAD TO CONFESS BEFORE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND WIFE, IN A PUBLIC WAY, HIS SEXUAL LOOSENESS. HIS WIFE DIVORCED HIM, AND HIS GOLFING CAREER TOOK A NOSE DIVE, NEVER TO RECOVER - Keith Hunt
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CHAPTER 8
Wisdom Means God and His Ways
From the New KJV Study Bible
8:1-36 This chapter is the high water mark for wisdom in Proverbs and in the OT. Described in feminine terms, wisdom was before all created things (vv. 22-26); and was present with the Lord in creation (W; 30, 31). She gives life, and the Lord gives favor to those who walk in wisdom (v. 35). She offers instruction in the ways of God. The contrast to ch. 7 is certainly intentional.
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Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice?
2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet.
3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors:
4 To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.
5 O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. 6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things;
7 For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is
in them.
9 They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold;
11 For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
8:1-4 Wisdom actively and diligently seeks to be found and known by mankind, just as does the adulteress of ch. 7.
8:5 Even simple ones and fools can choose to gain prudence and understanding through wisdom, or they can go to destruction (7:21, 22).
8:6-11 Following wisdom is much more than mere pragmatism concerned only with techniques for "getting ahead." Wisdom is ethical and moral, associated with excellent things (v. 6), truth (v. 7), righteousness (v. 8), and knowledge (v. 9).
……
12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate.
14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.
15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver.
20 I traverse the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,
21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.
HERE VERSE 20 IS A “GENERAL” STATEMENT….. NOT ALL OF GOD’S CHILDREN ARE WEALTHY IN THE PHYSICAL, BUT CERTAINLY IN GENERAL LIVING AND IN SPIRITUALITY THEY ARE WEALTHY - Keith Hunt
22 The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old.
23 I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever
an earth.
24 When there wert no depths I was brought forth. when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth;
26 While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, or the primal dust of the world.
27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 When He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep,
29 When He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him,
31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight was with the sons of men.
32 Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways!
33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.
34 Blessed is the man who listens to me. Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord;
36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own life; all those who hate me love death.
WISDOM WAS WITH GOD FROM ETERNITY PAST, BECAUSE WISDOM IS PART OF GOD’S VERY NATURE, AS SKIN IS PART OF OUR NATURE - Keith Hunt
…….
From the New KJV Study Bible
8:13 To hate evil is one one way to demonstrate the fear of the Lord.
8:14-16 Wisdom is at the hear, of good government.
Solomon was the prime example of the role of wisdom in Israel's royal leaders (see 1 Kin. 3:28 and note).
8:18-21 Wisdom is better than money and is to be preferred to it, although wisdom often leads to wealth.
8:22-31 Even before the beginning of creation, wisdom was with God. By wisdom He accomplished all of His deeds; God's ways, the ways in which wisdom instructs us, are written into the very fabric of the world.
8:27 Drew a circle: Determined the boundaries (v. 29).
8:30, 31 Master craftsman: The NT often equates wisdom with Christ. Both were with God before creation; through them all things came into being. See John 1:1-14; 1 Cor. 1:24, 30; Col. 1:15-20.
8:32-36 Because of who wisdom is, her ways (v. 32) lead to life (v. 35). Conversely, the rejection of wisdom leads to death (v. 36).
……
THE WORDS IN THESE TWO CHAPTERS ARE PLAIN AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND, A CHILD CAN UNDERSTAND THEM; WISDOM IS FROM GOD, TO PARTAKE OF WISDOM IS TO PARTAKE OF THE VERY NATURE OF GOD. BEING WITH GOD, UNITED TO HIM, WILL IN THE OVERALL GIVE YOU GUIDANCE TO LIVE STAYING AWAY FROM MANY THINGS THAT WOULD BRING YOU LOW IN THE PHYSICAL, AND EMOTIONAL LIFE. MANY TROUBLES CAN BE ELEVATED BY HAVING WISDOM. WISDOM IS VERY BENEFICIAL FOR THE HERE AND NOW, AND WILL LEAD YOU TO STAYING ON THE RIGHT PATHWAY INTO ETERNAL LIFE. TRULY WISDOM IS GREATER THAN ALL THE PHYSICAL RICHES IN THE WORLD.
Keith Hunt
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS #3
CHAPTER 9
Wisdom's Invitation
Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars;
2 She has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table.
3 She has sent out her maidens, she cries out from the highest places of the city,
4 Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
5 Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding.
7 He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only
harms himself.
8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
VERSE 7 AND 8 HAVE TO BE UNDERSTOOD AS “GENERAL” STATEMENTS; THERE CAN BE A TIME, THE RIGHT TIME [HENCE WISDOM] THAT A SCOFFER AND WICKED PERSON NEED TO BE REBUKED. THEN OTHER TIMES A SCOFFER AND A WICKED PERSON WILL BRING HARM TO YOU. THE WISE PERSON WILL WANT TO BE CORRECTED WHEN WRONG, AND THEY WILL LOVE THOSE WHO CORRECT - Keith Hunt
9 Give Instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself [it will be good to you - Keith Hunt] and if you scoff, you will bear it alone [ general statement - if you scoff when in the utter wrong, at those who are correct, you will be all alone to bear the ignominy (shame, disgrace) - Keith Hunt]
13 A foolish woman is clamorous [boisterous - mrg.] She is simple, and knows nothing.
14 For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places of the city,
15 To call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way:
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here"; and as for him who lacks understanding,
she says to him,
17 “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant."
18 But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell
[or Sheol, which is death - Keith Hunt].
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
9:1-18 These verses treat three themes with equal balance. Verses 1-6 describe the appeal of the good woman, wisdom. Verses 7-12 show the response of a wise man and a fool to wisdom. Verses 13-18 picture the call of folly, personified in the foolish immoral woman.
9:1 Wisdom's house is sound and well built. Seven represents perfection. It will not fall (see Matt. 7:24-27).
9:3 Both wisdom and folly make'a public call from the highest places (see vv. 14,15). But there is no deception or secretiveness behind the call from wisdom (see vv. 17, 18 and note).
9:4-6 Wisdom and folly issue similar calls (see vv. 14-16). Both profess to help a young person "grow up." But wisdom brings maturity while folly deteriorates life. The one calls for open commitment; the other offers secret pleasures at no cost (v. 17).
9:7-9 The scoffer mocks the very principles of morality. He cannot be instructed and hurls his shame back upon the one who would correct him. The wise man accepts correction and grows wiser.
9:10,11 The fear of the Lord: Living in the light of God's commands is health; it prolongs the lives of many. See note on 3:16 and "The Fear of the Lord" at Gen. 20:11.
9:12 As folly destroys its follower, so wisdom benefits the wise: you are wise for your own profit.
9:13-16 To choose folly is to accept the seduction of a foolish (immoral) woman (7:5). Like wisdom, she too offers to teach the simple (see v. 4).
9:17,18 The seductress operates in secret ways and in dishonesty. Her guests die (v. 18); wisdom's guests live.
(v. 6).
……
CHAPTER 10
The Value of Wisdom
The proverbs of Solomon:
1 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.
WISE ALSO MAKES GLAD THE MOTHER; FOOLISH GRIEVE THE FATHER ALSO. THIS IS IN THE CONTEXT OF FATHER AND MOTHER WALKING IN THE WAY OF THE LORD - Keith Hunt
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
IN THE LONG TERM OF ETERNITY WICKEDNESS WILL NOT PROFIT; RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL DELIVER FROM THE SECOND DEATH. SO IT IS THE LONG TERM OF THINGS THAT COUNTS, FOR WICKEDNESS CAN PROFIT IN THE PHYSICAL LIFE AT TIMES, AND SOMETIMES THE RIGHTEOUS HAVE BEEN PUT TO DEATH IN PERSECUTION - Keith Hunt
3 The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but He casts away the desire of the wicked.
GENERAL STATEMENTS - THE RIGHTEOUS DO AT TIMES HAVE BAD TIMES IN THE PHYSICAL [SEE HEBREWS 11], AND SOMETIMES THE DESIRE OF THE WICKED DOES COME TO PASS - Keith Hunt
4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
USUALLY THE SLACK HANDED PERSON DOES NOT GAIN WEALTH [UNLESS THEY WIN THE LOTTERY OR INHERIT SOME FORTUNE], AND THE HAND OF THE DILIGENT MAKES RICH, IN THE SENSE OF LIVING A DECENT PHYSICAL LIFE, MEETING THE PAYMENT OF BILLS ETC. GOD IS NOT SAYING TEACHING HERE THE “PROSPERITY GOSPEL” THAT SOME TEACH; BEING “RICH” IS A SEMANTIC WORD - PAUL, PETER, JOHN, NEVER BECAME ‘RICH’ IN THE PHYSICAL WAY MANY WANT TO INTERPRET THIS WORD -Keith Hunt
5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.
IT IS WISE TO SAVE WHEN TIMES ARE GOOD; IT’S UNWISE TO BE SLEEPING IN YOUR PHYSICAL LIFE, WHEN THE HARVEST IS GOOD TO BE WISE WITH PHYSICAL THINGS, WHEN “TIMES ARE GOOD” - BE WISE WITH YOUR PHYSICAL LIFE. GOD EXPECTS HIS CHILDREN TO BE WISE IN USING THE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU HAVE, WHEN TIMES ARE GOOD - Keith Hunt
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
GENERALLY, WHEN LIVING THE RIGHT GODLY WAY, YOU WILL HAVE MANY BLESSINGS; BUT THE WICKED TEND TO SAY WICKED THINGS, AND SO OFTEN VIOLENCE COMES THEIR WAY - Keith Hunt
7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.
MOST ENJOY HEARING ABOUT “GOOD” PEOPLE, PEOPLE MENTORS FOR OTHERS. BUT THE WICKED MOST OF THE TIME, ARE FORGOTTEN AND NOT REMEMBERED. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A NAME LIKE ADOLPH HITER TO BE REMEMBERED - Keith Hunt
8 The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall.
IF YOU ARE WISE AND RECEIVING GOD’S COMMANDMENTS. YOU ARE INDEED ON THE CORRECT PATHWAY; BUT FOOLS TEND TO PAY NO ATTENTION, AND WALK, ON TO FALL IN THE BRAMBLE BUSH.
Keith Hunt
9 He who walks with integrity walks securely [sure keeps you out of a lot of troubles, that many who do not walk with integrity find coming their way - Keith Hunt].
But he who perverts his ways will become known [yes it usually comes out and people know and pass it on - Keith Hunt]
10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall [obviously this is the wrong winking with the eye, the intent of the heart is bad. A fool is one step further, their whole life is foolishness that usually find them falling on their nose - Keith Hunt[
11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked [as the mind is so speaks the mouth, the righteous (Psalm 119:172) bring forth good words; the wicked in heart, the opposite of righteousness, can often end up in in physical violence; they speak and act in the context that can end in violence - Keith Hunt]
12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins [we are witness to what hatred does, on the news each day…..strife and often killings. Love knows when to not broadcast sins; there is a time that sins must be declared, but at other times love must cover them over. Wisdom and God’s word tells you when and how. My study “Church Disfellowshipping” under my section Church Government, shows you how to apply love and sin - Keith Hunt]
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding [wisdom in living with the correct mind and voice, is truly understanding how to live; but those who do not have it, can get into troubles where physical penalties are handed out. Singapore has laws that if you break you can literally get the cane - Keith Hunt]
14 Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction [using wisdom correctly knowledge will come with it, you learn more how to handle things by being wise; the mouth speaks as the mind is, and so foolishness is not far from the destruction of many aspects of life. How many times have you heard people saying “I ended up in this mess because I was so foolish” - Keith Hunt]
15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty [the physical rich can lord it over their subjects or employees; they do not realize or contemplate it is largely to do with their common workers that helped them get rich; so if the relatively poor and/or average worker is not there, the ones who got rich on their back, they themselves will see poverty - Keith Hunt]
16 The labor of the righteous leads to life, The wages of the wicked to sin [living in, working in righteousness will usually bring forth a good life, certain in the long run it will be life instead of death. Not that we can use good works to inherit eternal life, but God will not give eternal life through grace and faith to those who work/live wickedly, for all they bring forth is sin, and Paul said, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) - Keith Hunt]
17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray [God can only give eternal life to those who can be led to keep instruction. God instructs that repentance is needed to have eternal life; but those that refuse to be instructed are on the wrong path, and can not have life eternal. Even in this physical life willing to be instructed and follow the right way, gives a better life than those who will not be instructed to their own folly - Keith Hunt]
18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool [if you are going to hide your hatred from people, sooner or later you will have to lie; spreading untruths about people will come back on you, for what your doing people will discern eventually, and you end up with people against you, thinking your a very foolish person; you will have very few friends, if any - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
10:1—22:16 The value and the practice of wisdom are encouraged throughout these chapters. No organization of the material under specific themes is apparent.
10:1—15:33 This section of the book is characterized by proverbs which contrast wise and foolish behavior. There is a recurring use of the word but to set the one against the other.
10:1 proverbs of Solomon: See note on 1:1-7 and Introduction: Author.
10:2 Treasures of wickedness are acquired by unjust or immoral means. Righteousness is our security against the ultimate threat of death.
10:4,5 Hard work and diligence produce both material gain and moral character.
10:6, 7 Violence fills the speech of an evil person (see v. 11); therefore, the memory of him will be an unpleasant thing.
10:8 A prating fool talks big, but eventually comes to shame.
10:9 will become known: as Moses warned Israel about breaking God's command, "Be sure your sins will find you out" (Num. 32:23).
10:10 winks with the eye: A sign of insincerity (see 16:30).
10:12 Love soothes and calms differences; it does not stress them. The result is reconciliation and peace. See 1 Cor. 13:4-7.
10:13 Force sometimes awakens the fool and results in understanding.
10:14 mouth ... near destruction: In contrast to the wise man, the foolish talk before they understand.
10:15 Wealth cannot satisfy every need, but poverty often encourages crime and destruction of persons.
……
19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise [Paul condemned the busybody, always talking, to no good end, there’s a time to refrain from talking too much, it often ends up sliding down into sin. James chapter two expounds on this proverb - Keith Hunt]
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little [a contrast between goodness and wickedness - Keith Hunt]
21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom [the righteous know how to help others; the fools have no such discernment, for lack of wisdom - Keith Hunt]
22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [certainly a general statement - for the fact is some Christians do not become “rich” in the physical life, and they can have sorrow. But the Lord blesses in the spiritual, and so is rich; the sorrow that comes is bearable - Keith Hunt]
23 To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom [the wise person knows the end result of evil is not good; but the foolish think of it as a sport to do evil, their mind lacks even common sense - Keith Hunt]
24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted [often but not always, the wicked get what they know can come their way from the authorities; if they reject salvation they will know the second death awaits them. The desire of those living within God’s law, living by God’s every word, the righteous, will have their desire of eternal life. Their desire in the here and now may be granted as the NT says, if we ask according to His will. For both the wicked and the righteous in the now, has to be understood as a general statement - Keith Hunt]
25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation [in the here and now, in the physical, this is also a general statement; in the spiritual end result, the wicked will be no more, and the righteous will have the foundation of eternal life - Keith Hunt]
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who send him [it is not a good thing for the hirer to have a lazy man working for him; and it is not good for the sender, to hire out a lazy man; your business will not last long if your hired out hands are lazy….a bad reputation flies around like a house on fire - Keith Hunt]
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened [a very general statement, for we know not all of God’s children do not live long lives; and the years of the wicked are not always shortened. This is certainly a proverb that shows the Bible uses “general statements” - actually many of the proverbs are in the general statement category - Keith Hunt]
28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish [once more the end result in the long term will be such; it does not always work this way in this physical life. We should not think all Christians will have a “charmed life” - gladness and a big party all the time; what the wicked hope for some do see it happen - Keith Hunt]
29 The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity [again in the long term at the end of it all, the upright will be eternally strong, the workers of iniquity shall be destroyed in the second death - Keith Hunt]
30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not inhabit the earth [this is most definitely looking at the end result of the plan of God for mankind on this earth; and note the truth that it is this earth that the righteous inherit, as proved by many studies on this website - Keith Hunt]
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out [a way of saying the righteous and their wise tongue will prevail over the perverse tongue, not always in this life, but at the end of it all, when the Eternal’s plan for mankind is complete the righteous tongue will prevail over the perverse tongue - Keith Hunt]
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse [as the mind so the mouth speaks; the righteous know what righteousness is (Psalm 119: 172), so what is acceptable to God; the mind and mouth of the wicked is twisted and perverse - Keith Hunt]
……
CHAPTER 11
Wickedness Is Folly
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight [honest businesses are God’s delight - Keith Hunt]
2 When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom [many a person has fallen into sin and shame from getting a big head through human proudness; the ones who stay humble are using wisdom - Keith Hunt]
3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them [keeping integrity and humbleness in serving the Lord will guide and keep them in the right path; but the unfaithful in God’s ways will in the end destroy them - Keith Hunt]
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death [when the day of God’s wrath comes to earth all the physical riches will not profit; the righteous (Ps. 119: 172) who have Jesus as personal Saviour, and obey the commandments of God will be delivered from the second death, for the righteous are not always in this life delivered from death from persecution etc. Keith Hunt]
5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his
own wickedness [ walking with God in righteousness will lead to walking aright; the wicked often fall by their wickedness in this life, and staying wicked will in the end pay them the ultimate fall into the second death - Keith Hunt]
6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust [being righteous now does not always deliver you (Hebrews 11) from hardships and/or persecution even unto death - in the end they will be delivered from eternal death; the unrepentant unfaithful with their lusts will be caught in the end, and suffer destruction for all eternity - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
10:19-21 Three proverbs which meditate on the connection between the lips and the heart (see center-column note on v. 21). The words of the righteous are beneficial to others because they come from a heart that has wisdom.
10:22 The Lord gives riches that bring no regrets.,
10:23 He is a fool who gets his enjoyment from doing evil. 10:24, 25 God is on the side of the righteous. The wicked who do not repent must finally perish. See vv. 27-30; Ps. 1:6
10:26 The lazy man is trouble, not help, to those who would employ him.
10:30 never be removed ... not inhabit: On this contrast see 2:21, 22 and note.
10:31, 32 Living righteous lives helps develop straight thinking and consequently acceptable speech.
11:1 Dishonest scales did not show true weight. This social and economic abuse is condemned throughout the OT (see Mic. 6:11 and note). God is a God of truth.
11:4 Righteousness delivers from death because righteousness pleases God; riches do not endear one to Him.
……
7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, and the hope of the unjust perishes [most wicked persons know there is no good reward for them as their life comes to an end - Keith Hunt]
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, and it comes to the wicked instead [ certainly a general statement here; the righteous are not always delivered from troubles, the apostle Paul surely was not; and trouble does not always come to the wicked, so a general statement - Keith Hunt]
9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered [ the hypocrite in many ways can destroy those near to him; those who are righteous in life and have knowledge will so have wisdom, which can often deliver them from many troubles - a general statement for the righteous are not always delivered…..if the apostle Paul was here he would surely tell you so, from experience - Keith Hunt]
10 When it goes well with the righteous the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation [ if a city was to follow God in all ways, truly there would be rejoicing; as the wicked would become less and less, people would be in jubilation - Keith Hunt]
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked
[if the wicked increase in the city; if by word of mouth the wicked increase, and evil is passed on from one to another, the one time exalted in uprightness city, will be overcome by the wicked - Keith Hunt]
12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace [is takes wisdom at times to get along with neighbours, to know when it is better to hold your peace and not try to win every situation - Keith Hunt]
13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter [ not every personal thing, or known thing about this or that person needs to be revealed and made public - wisdom knows when to keep a matter concealed - Keith Hunt]
14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety [being too independent can bring troubles; it is good to have a mind-set that realizes some matters need to have many counsellors involved. This also teaches us to be humble, and to know you are not skilled in everything - Keith Hunt]
15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, but one who hates being surety is secure [we have already covered this wise proverb, regarding signing as a co-signature that involves physical things or debt-money. Here it is doubly wrong if you hardly know the person. This is twice given as a double emphasis not to be a co-signer for anyone - Keith Hunt]
16 A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches [ you may loose some physical whatevers….but retain honor; you can be like the ruthless people who are only concerned with physical riches and to hell with everything else - Keith Hunt]
17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh [it can be therapeutic to the life to show mercy; being a curial person will as they say, eat away at you..... there are literal chemical released in either good or bad emotions - Keith Hunt]
18 The wicked man does deceptive work, but he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward [many wicked people can be deceptive in their working life; sowing the commandments (righteousness - Ps. 119:172) of God will bring a good reward; as the saying goes, what you sow you reap - Keith Hunt]
19 As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death [the Bible teaches over and over, that serving God will lead to eternal life; living in evil will lead to eternal death - Keith Hunt]
20 Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, but the blameless in their ways are His delight [ those who are, in God’s sight perverse are they who will not REPENT OF SINS! Those classified as blameless are worshipping the Father in Spirit and in Truth. Under the grace of God, forgiven, and Jesus as intercessor when they do fall and slip, we are kept under the grace of God - Keith Hunt]
21 Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; but the posterity of the righteous will be delivered [has to be a “general” statement, for some wicked do not always get punished; and some of the righteous do not get delivered (see Hebrews 11) - Keith Hunt]
22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lack discretion [they two just do not match; God created beauty in the female, but if it goes no further you know what they say, “Beauty is only skin deep.” Truly a woman who is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, is truly blessed, and blesses all who know her - Keith Hunt]
23 The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath [the right mind-set following God’s righteousness, has goodness in view as a way of life; the wicked know deep down they are in the wrong before man and God; they can only expect wrath to catch up to them for living wickedly - Keith Hunt]
24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty [“There are those who (generously) scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting, or what is justly due, but it results only in want” - Amplified Bible. This is a general statement as we know it does not always work out to be so in every individual case. Nevertheless we should be on the giving side; to give to others is a blessing; we give what we can and how we can and when we can - Keith Hunt]
25 The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself [if thinking only in the physical riches, it is a general statement, as not all giving people will become rich in the physical. But a person who is of a giving nature will be blessed in other ways than physical riches. As it is written “It is more blessed to give than to receive” - Keith Hunt]
26 The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will he on the head of him who sells it [“The people curse him who hold back grain (when the public needs it), but a blessing (from God and man) is upon the head of him who sells it” - Amplified Bible. In the long run of things the greedy and spiteful person will find he has few friends, and do himself harm, in not doing what is right and proper. The man who sells when he clearly sees the need to do so to help others, will find a blessing, even if only having people love and respect him - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
11:7 The wicked place their hope in things that will not last beyond this lifetime (see Matt. 6:19, 20).
11:8 The righteous do not escape all trouble, but they miss the misery that comes because of wickedness.
11:9 Knowledge serves as a defense against the malicious words of the godless hypocrite, helping the righteous know how to cope with such evil.
11:11 The prosperity of a city comes because God is pleased with the upright. Sodom is an example of a city overthrown because of the wicked (Gen. 18:20, 21; 19:24,25).
11:13 A talebearer deliberately betrays others. Joseph, a faithful man, dealt justly with Mary; he did not reveal her supposed problem (Matt. 1:19).
11:15 See 6:1-5 and note.
11:17 troubles his own flesh: Our violent and unjust acts are ultimately against ourselves. See 1:18, 19 and note.
11:19 life ... death: See 8:32-36 and note.
11:24-26 The more we give of ourselves to others, the more we receive: In contrast, one who does not share with others finds that others will not share with him.
……
27 He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil.
WHAT WE SOW WE SHALL REAP - Keith Hunt
28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.
RICHES ARE NOIT WRONG; BUT TRUSTING IN THEM…..EVENTUALLY THEY WILL FAIR US; THE RIGHTEOUS WILL FLOURISH, MAYBE NOT SO MUCH IN THIS LIFE BUT IN ETERNITY…..WHO CAN COMPARE - Keith Hunt
29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
BEING THE TROUBLE MAKER IN YOUR OWN FAMILY, WILL IN TIME, INHERIT WHAT THE WIND CAN CRUSH AND BLOW AWAY; IT WILL BE YOUR RUIN. FOOLS IN THE WAY THEY LIVE USUALLY END UP SERVING THE WISE - Keith Hunt
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
YOU CAN WIN THEM IN MANY WAYS. AS PAUL SAID, “AS MUCH AS LIES WITHIN YOU, LIVE PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN.” DOING THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD DOES BEAR FRUIT, IN THIS LIFE IT WILL KEEP YOU FROM MANY MISTAKES AND SINS WHICH COULD HAVE DIRE RESULTS. JESUS GAVE A PARABLE ON HAVING FRIENDS OF MOMMON OR THE UNCONVERTED. MANY OF THE UNCONVERTED ARE NICE PEOPLE, WHO CAN HELP YOU IN VARIOUS WAYS WHEN HELP IS NEEDED - Keith Hunt
31 If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner.
IN THE END THERE IS A TIME OF RECKONING FOR BOTH THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE UNREPENTANT SINNER - Keith Hunt
……
From the New JKV Study Bible
11:30 He who wins souls is one who persuades or wins men and women to wisdom. Christ is the wisdom of God for the Christian (see 1 Cor. 1:24, 30).
11:31 The sinner certainly cannot escape punishment because even the righteous must face the consequences of their activities (see 1 Pet. 4:18). on the earth: The OT people did not have a clear understanding of rewards and punishment beyond this lifetime, but there are intimations of such (see Ps. 49:19 and note).
……
THE “JUDGEMENT DAY” FOR THE RIGHTEOUS, IS NOT GOING TO BE AS MANY TEACHERS HAVE DESCRIBED, STANDING BEFORE GOD AND HAVING ALL YOUR “GOOD” AND “BAD” WORDS AND DEEDS THROWN UP ON A SCREEN, THEN REWARDED [BEING SAVED IS BY GRACE; REWARDS ARE BY WORKS] ON YOUR MERITS. I HAVE ON THIS WEBSITE A FULL STUDY CALLED “JUDGEMENT DAY” - YOU NEED TO STUDY IT AND LEARN THE TRUTH - Keith Hunt
CHAPTER 12
Righteousness Is Wise
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid […..but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating - Amplified Bible. Pretty well says it all if you do not like correction - Keith Hunt]
2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.
3 A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved [in the long run of it all the righteous will win, the wicked only for a while - Keith Hunt]
4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones [they say behind every good man there is a woman; if a woman causes shame, it is like the man’s bones are slowly decaying - Keith Hunt]
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful [the thoughts and purposes of the (consistently) righteous are honest and reliable, but the counsels and designs of the wicked are treacherous - Amplified Bible. Not all the wicked are so, but the consistently righteous will never be counsels of treacherousness - Keith Hunt]
6 The words of the wicked are, "Lie in wait for blood," but the mouth of the upright will deliver them […..but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them and the innocent ones (thus entangled) - Amplified Bible. There is hope with the upright when things look bad; the words of the wicked only bring hardship and even blood - Keith Hunt]
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand [a general statement for this age, as sometimes the wicked are not overthrown, and troubles can come on the righteous; in the end of it all, this proverb will stand as written - Keith Hunt]
8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised [a man shall be commended according to his Wisdom (godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God). but he who is of perverse heart shall be despised - Amplified Bible. Most people like someone who has good wisdom in how to live, in actions and speech; the crooked and perverse in attitude and life will be despised by most people - Keith Hunt]
9 Better is the one who is flighted but has a servant, than he who honors himself but lacks bread.
[Better is he who is lightly esteemed but works for his own support, than he who assumes honor for himself and lacks bread - Amplified Bible. Better to have people look down on you (for whatever reason) and have work to support yourself, than he who has self-deception in honoring himself, but does not have enough to eat, by being lazy - Keith Hunt]
10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
[A (consistently) righteous man regards the life of his beast, but even the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel (Deut. 25:4) - Amplified Bible. The Lord makes it clear here that those who do not give much honor or respect to the life of their animal, are simply wicked - their mind-set is such that even if they had some tender mercies in their brain, even that would still be in the cruel category as far as God is concerned - Keith Hunt]
11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding [the one who values a work ethic will have his physical needs; he who wants to party all the time will find his needs are hard to come by, unless he’s got inheritance money, or won the lottery - Keith Hunt]
12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit [those who want easy money through evil deeds are in the group of “the wicked”; the ones doing righteousness will yield good fruit that will be pleasing to mankind and to God - Keith Hunt]
13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will come through trouble [usually those who are doing wickedly will often be snared by their every own words; the righteous will come through troubles, yet not always right away - Keith Hunt]
14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man's hands will be rendered to him [what you say, speak, and work at in life, will pay you back, either good fruit or bad fruit. Our words and actions do come back on us in the end, sometimes sooner, sometimes later, but we do reap what we sow - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New JKV Study Bible
12:2 Intentions are the basis of God's judgments. See
I Sam. 16:7.
12:4 An excellent wife in Hebrew thought is one who is industrious, morally upright, strong, and productive (see 31:10-31).
12:6 Lie in wait: Their words are an ambush for their victims.
12:9 slighted: Receives no attention. It is better to say too little about yourself than too much.
12:10 A righteous man considers others, even animals. The wicked are so heartless, that even their kindness is cruel.
12:12 That which is off limits always attracts the wicked.
12:14 The mouth and hands are our most productive members; success or failure depends on their proper use.
……
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.
PRETTY WELL EXPANDS ITSELF - Keith Hunt
16 A fool's wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame [A fools wrath is quickly and openly known, but a prudent man ignores an insult - Amplified Bible]
17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit [He who breathes out truth shows forth righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), but a false witness utters deceit - Amplified Bible. The Bible definition of righteousness is found in Ps. 119:172 - Keith Hunt]
18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health [There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise bring healing - Amplified Bible. The wise know when to speak and how to speak in any given situation - Keith Hunt]
19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment [Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is (credited) but for a moment - Amplified Bible. The NT says no liar shall enter God’s Kingdom. You can lie in many ways, certainly by word of mouth, but there is a lying of life, some call it being a hypocrite - the ultimate of would be saying you are a Christian but living a life that does not emulate Christ at all - Keith Hunt]
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy [Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but for the counsellors of peace there is joy - Amplified Bible. Paul was inspired to say, “If it be possible, as much as lies in you live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18) - Keith Hunt]
21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil [certainly a “general statement” here; trouble can come upon the righteous - the apostle Paul is an example, even to loosing your life as he did. The wicked at times seem to prosper, often evil does catch them in their wickedness. Overall the righteous being wise are kept from many troubles, the wicked tend to find trouble; the wicked drug gangs often kill each other and etc. Keith Hunt]
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight [pretty straightforward here, it means what it says - Keith Hunt]
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness [A prudent man is reluctant to reveal knowledge, but the heart of (self-confident) fools proclaim their folly (Isa. 32:6) - Amplified Bible. The wise and prudent person knows when to speak knowledge and when not to. As Jesus said do not cast your pears before swine - Keith Hunt
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor [it tends to be so, at least in the business world; the hard working get promoted while the lazy stay put like being in forced labor camp; you reap what you sow - Keith Hunt]
25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad [worries, and being stressed out over this or that can lead to mental depression; someone coming along and speaking a good and helpful word makes the heart glad - Keith Hunt]
26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray [oh so true; mix with the wrong people and all kinds of evil can come your way. “Evil communication corrupts good manners” - 1 Cor. 15:33 - Keith Hunt]
27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man's precious possession [some are not totally lazy; some will hunt but then too lazy to skin and cook. So even “part lazy” is not here given a good word. Not following through on things you do in life can give you bad results - Keith Hunt]
28 In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
THOSE SERVING GOD AND CHRIST IN THE CORRECT MIND-SET, REPENTANCE, HUMILITY, WILLING TO BE CORRECTED, GROWING IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE, DOING THE WILL OF GOD, WILL NEVER SEE THE SECOND DEATH, BUT ARE UNDER GRACE AND WILL FIND ETERNAL LIFE - Keith Hunt
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From the New KJV Study Bible
12:16 covers shame: Unlike the fool whose temper is uncontrolled, the prudent person - does not react quickly, either to the shame of an insult or perhaps in ways which would lead to later shame.
12:18 Blurting out all we know is not always necessary or helpful.
12:19 Truth can stand the test of time. Lies cannot:
12:20 Only deceit can find lodging in the hearts of those who plot violence and aggression;
12:21 Those who seek peace with their neighbors will find roon for joy. See Matt. 5:9.
12:22 an abomination: See 6:16-19 and note. He who does not deal truthfully cannot delight the Lord.
12:25 A verse to be memorized and remembered when encountering those who are discouraged by life's trials. A good word is a word of encouragement, faith, or hope.
12:28 Righteousness always makes life better. In following God's way there is no permanent loss. The one who rejects righteousness rejects life itself (see 8:36; 11:19).
……
CHAPTER 13
Wisdom Loves Righteousness
A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
AS SONS OF GOD WE MUST BE WILLING TO LISTEN TO HIM; LISTEN TO HIM IS MAINLY BY READING HIS WORD - HE TALKS TO US THROUGH HIS WORD; THE MIND-SET OF THE SCOFFER IS NOT WILLING TO BE CORRECTED - Keith Hunt
2 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
BY OUR MOUTH THE HEART AND MIND SPEAK. THE TONGUE CAN GIVE US GOOD FRUIT OR BAD FRUIT - SEE JAMES CHAPTER 3. THOSE NOT IN TUNE TO GOD CAN BRING FORTH VARIOUS TYPES OF VIOLENCE. FOR VIOLENCE DOES NOT ALWAYS HAVE TO BE PHYSICAL - Keith Hunt
3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
ONCE MORE THE MOUTH IS A LITTLE MEMBER OF OUR BODY BUT CAN HAVE HUGE IMPLICATIONS EITHER GOOD OR BAD. THINKING BEFORE SPEAKING SHOULD BE OUR AIM. THOSE WHO TEND TO BE ALWAYS TALKING WILL USUALLY NOT BE GUARDING THEIR TONGUE, SO THEY GET THEMSELVES INTO A DESTRUCTIVE LIFE PATTERN - Keith Hunt
4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
THE LIFE OF THE LAZY WILL FIND THEY HAVE LITTLE TO SHOW FOR IT AS WE SAY. THE LIFE-STYLE OF THE DILIGENT WORKER GIVES GOOD PHYSICAL REWARD - Keith Hunt
5 A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.
IT IS A NATURAL PART OF RIGHTEOUSNESS TO HATE LYING; THE ONE WHO DOES NOT IS HERE CLASSIFIED AS WICKED, AND WILL IN TIME BE BROUGHT TO SHAME……VERY FEW LIARS EVER GO THROUGH LIFE UNDETECTED, AND WHEN THEIR LIES ARE BROUGHT FORTH, THEY END IN SHAME BEFORE OTHERS - Keith Hunt
6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
IT’S A WAY OF SAYING YOUR SINS WILL FIND YOU OUT. DOING RIGHTEOUSNESS GUARDS PEOPLE FROM SIN AND ERROR; WICKEDNESS IS SIN AND SIN IS WICKEDNESS, BEING EITHER WILL BRING YOU DOWN SOONER OR LATER - Keith Hunt
7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches [One man considers himself rich, yet has nothing (to keep permanently); another considers himself poor, yet has great (and indestructible) riches (Prov.12:9; Luke 12: 20, 21) - Amplified Bible. It can all depend on the attitude of mind; one may not have many physical riches but what he has that is free, makes him feel rich. Another may have great riches, but he uses it all to serve others, so making himself less physically rich every day, and he does not put too much importance on his riches as he makes himself poorer. Many years ago a retired man sold a piece of land in the Vancouver area of Canada; he found himself with 20 million dollars. He was already well off, so were his children. He asked them if they would mind that he wanted to give 95 percent of it away to good charity causes. They said it was fine with them. He was rich but made himself poor as he started to give away the 20 million dollars. In serving others he made himself poor but had the truly great riches - Keith Hunt]
8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor does not hear rebuke [A rich man can buy his way out of threatened death by paying a ransom, but the poor man does not even have to listen to threats (from the envious) - Amplified Bible. When you have no great riches your not going to have to be concerned about someone holding you or your loved one for ransom. More stress can be on the one with great riches, the poor do not have to be stressed out by someone rebuking in a ransom act - Keith Hunt]
9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out [The light of the (uncompromisingly) righteous (is within him - it grows brighter and) rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked (furnishes only a derived , temporary light and) shall be put out shortly - Amplified Bible. Sooner or later the wicked and whatever light they shine, will come to an end and be no more; the light of the righteous will go on forever in the eternity of it all - Daniel 12:3 - Keith Hunt]
10 By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom [human pride and vanity, often leads to strife with all the people the proud one is in contact with; human ego tends to rub people the wrong way. Those who put away vanity and pride, will usually seek wisdom in their dealings with others - Keith Hunt]
11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase [those who use dishonest ways to gain their wealth often come crashing down in the end, others around them will often use dishonest ways to bring them down; what goes around comes around. Those who work honestly will have few if any enemies, and will have a steady bank account - Keith Hunt]
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life [when a kid I wanted a bicycle for two years, in that part of my heart I was unhappy, but when I got it two years later….wow….it was like winning the million dollar jackpot - Keith Hunt]
13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded [another way of saying, whoever is willing to live by every word of God as Jesus taught (Mat.4:4) will, with Jesus as your Saviour, find life eternal; those who do not will be destroyed in the second death (Rev. 20) - Keith Hunt
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death [we have seen the virtues of having wisdom, it will keep you out of much trouble, pain, and sorrow - Keith Hunt]
15 Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard [most people like some one who is wise and prudent in life; those who are not wise, unfaithful in wisdom are difficult people to be around, and they themselves have a hard life in worldly matter - Keith Hunt
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly [if you are wise there is really no need to be going around showing it; the fool tends to be easily know by the way he acts and talks - Keith Hunt]
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador brings health [a wicked messenger will get into trouble by those sending him; and depending on what he says may also get into trouble with the ones the message getting the message - Keith Hunt]
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored [in the working world, those who will be taught and take help will get ahead, but those who will not, do not get promotions, and may loose their job - Keith Hunt]
19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil
[the good finished work is sweet to those wanting to do good work of different sorts; but for the sinful mind-set, it would be an abomination to depart from the sin they enjoy - Keith Hunt
20 He who walks with wise men will be wise but the companion of fools will be destroyed [pretty well speaks for itself here; those you rub shoulders with, have as friends....you will be like them in time. And the foolish will be destroyed from off the earth in God's time plan - Keith Hunt]
21 Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid [in general being a sinner, leading a life of habitual sin, then you have all kinds of trouble following you; but the righteous usually find good surrounds their way of life - Keith Hunt ]
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous [the man leading the good life often has something to pass on to his offspring; the sinner often finds his possessions going to more righteous people - Keith Hunt]
23 Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, and for lack of justice there is waste [the first is easy to understand - if the poor find they have land, you bet they will make good use of it; then there are many times when the wealthy with lots of land, food is plentiful, but there is waste - all from there not being a just mind that appreciates using all foods for all people. North America is guilty of much food waste - Keith Hunt]
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly [some kids just [need the rod, it maybe the only way to get them to think more soberly. On the other hand some just need a sharp rebuke and they are in tears - Keith Hunt]
25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his life, but the stomach of the wicked shall be in want [the righteous will have work, they will like to work as much as is possible, they will not be people wanting handouts, and they will have food to the satisfying of life; the wicked are often those who do not want to work, are looking for handouts, and/or looking to steal from others - because of this life style they often do not know when another meal is coming - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
13:1 A scoffer is an egotist who has a strong hatred for correction (see 9:7, 8). The Lord has no delight in such pride (3:34).
13:7 poor, yet... great riches: Jesus applied this same reversal of values to the life of Christian discipleship (see Matt. 10:38, 39 and note).
13:8 Riches have their benefits, but poverty also has some. The poor man does not face rebuke, perhaps because he is not a prominent person.
13:10 See 28:25, 26 and note.
13:11 See 21:6 and note.
13:12 A wise person will do his best not to raise impossible hopes in others, and to see that those which are possible, come to quick fruition.
13:13,14 word: The word of God. The law: Instruction or counsel.
13:18 Can I accept criticism and improve as a result?
13:19 The fulfillment of a worthwhile goal results in worthy satisfaction, but the pursuit of evil brings bondage.
13:22 An important contrast to remember when we see the wicked seeming to prosper.
13:23 Injustice drives people into poverty where the contributions they might have made to society are lost.
13:24 It is not an act of love to withhold discipline, including physical punishment for wrongdoing (see Eph. 6:4). Lack of discipline can result in destruction for the child (see 19:18; 23:13, 14 and notes). A disciplined child can bring honor to a family; but an undisciplined child, shame (see 29:15,
17 and note).
……............
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS #4
CHAPTER 14
The Wise and the Foolish
The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands [this is then of course for the woman going into marriage; I guess also for a woman in charge of other women in a business….how you build will determine how strong or weak you make it. Again wisdom is the important ingredient - Keith Hunt
2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.
[pretty straightforward; you walk with God with the right kind of fear, or you despise Him; some do not out and out despise God, a lot will say they believe there is a God, but they do not think much deeper than that, as they go their way - Keith Hunt]
3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them [one more we see wisdom and pride as opposites - human pride an lead to many foolish things in actions and in words; being filled with wisdom has many blessings in life. The early chapters stress the importance of wisdom - Keith Hunt]
4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox [sometimes you have to have what is needed to get the job done; you maybe don’t have to buy feed for an animal, but then you may never get the job done, hence no increase, no money…..troubles on its way - Keith Hunt]
5 A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies.
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands [it’s the attitude of mind - Keith Hunt]
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do NOT perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit [the wise man will want to examine himself; for Christians that is examining against the word of God; but fools are governed by an attitude of deceit, they deceive themselves that they are fine, they never examine themselves - Keith Hunt
9 Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor [to the wise of the world, to the unconverted, to the atheist, they mock what true sin is as derived from God’s word; but the upright, those wanting to walk with God, they will be granted favor and mercy - Keith Hunt]
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy [it is hard to put yourself in another’s shoes; but we should try, we need to have empathy - Keith Hunt]
11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish [in the long run of things this will be the outcome - Keith Hunt]
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death [man apart from God’s divine help through His Spirit and His Word, goes his own way of life as they choose, ways that seem right to them, but more often than not end up in the way of death, sooner or later - Keith Hunt]
13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief [there are times when in the joy of the moment, the circumstances may turn to sorrow - i.e. a 12th grade graduation full of laughter, turns to sorrow when one or more are killed on the way home on the highway. So then the end of mirth (cheerfulness, gladness, glee, laughter) can sometimes be grief; that is just the way of this life at times. So enjoy every minute you have - Keith Hunt]
14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above [people who leave God and Christ, are going their own ways, it now dominates them.
But they who stay faithful to God will be satisfied in many ways; it is indeed the good life in the big picture of it all - Keith Hunt]
15 The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps [here the word “simple” is used as simple-minded, easy to lead astray, no depth of thinking or reasoning; those in church “cults” you could say are weak or simple minded, they let others do the thinking for them, they hang up their brain on the coat rack when entering the group meeting. The prudent never let others think for them, they way it all up, they walk carefully, they are not dumb sheep following dumbly every word spoken by others - Keith Hunt]
16 A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident [those that have their wits about them know and learn what is evil and what brings the wrong results in life; but fools move on blindly like the raging of sea waves; they are blind to life and self-confident in a bad way, that will bring troubles to them - Keith Hunt]
17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated [being quick tempered, getting angry and flying off the handle at the drop of the hat, will often lead someone into foolish activities; they become mentally blinded by their quick and uncontrolled temper; so intentions getting boiling and wickedness can follow. Such people find few friends, and most simply hate the quick firing temper of such individuals - Keith Hunt]
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge [once more the word “simple” is used in a derogatory manner….. a weak and simple mind-set is open to absorb much folly and foolishness; the prudent (wise, shrewd, sensible, well judged) will want knowledge, will have it as a crown on their mind - Keith Hunt]
19 The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous [in the end of it all, so it will be; the evil and wicked cannot stand before the good and the righteous; the evil and wicked will have to bow in admittance that the good and the righteous were correct in what they said and did and how they lived - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
14:1 pulls it down: She acts in ways which will destroy the family.
14:3 The mouth of the fool strikes out at others in order to exalt himself.
14:4 We can be overly neat and orderly at the expense of creative energy.
14:6 The scoffer does not find wisdom because he is too proud to recognize its source (1:7).
14:8 The prudent person is able to understand (gain insight into) his or her own behavior, but the fool is lost in a fog of serf-deception.
14:9 To be calloused toward evil and the damage we do is to be among the fools.
14:10 True friendship is not easily found, but we are lonely without it.
14:11 See 10:24, 25 and note.
14:12 The way of man, if contrary to the way of God, is the way of death. See 16:25 and note.
14:14 his own ways: Backsliding and self-centeredness are inseparable.
14:15-17 Three ways to play the fool: (1) be gullible (v.15), (2) be arrogant (v. 16), (3) be-quick-tempered (v. 17).
14:19 evil will bow: The good must triumph eventually. God has decreed it.
……
20 The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends [most average people are good workers, they know they have to work have money and live a decent average life in this physical world. So they really do not like lazy people who have no good reason not to be like themselves, especially if it’s a neighbour. It is a fact of life that those that have money get more friends than those who do not and are just plain lazy - Keith Hunt]
21 He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he [ now we see the other side….. despising your neighbour when they are in the poorhouse, because of circumstances out of their control, is sin….. but having mercy and helping them out, brings happiness (if in God’s mind-set) to the giver. As Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than to receive - Keith Hunt]
22 Do they not go astray who devise evil? but mercy and truth belong to those who devise good [yes the ones who devise evil do go astray; and those who do good have mercy and truth with them that leads them to do good - mercy and truth leads to do good in the correct way - Keith Hunt]
23 In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty [yes right labor is good and profitable; but sitting around with idle chatter (out of work and obviously not out looking for work) will only lead to poverty. I was once in a town in B.C. and found myself out of work, down to my last $50; I heard things were booming in Calgary, Alberta. Got into the yellow pages and discovered this fellow owned 5 Shoe Repair stores. I phoned him up and asked if he had work as I was skilled that that trade. Within 2 weeks he called to offer me work…..that’s how I got to be in Calgary - Keith Hunt
24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly [to be say average rich sometimes has to have wisdom; so my story above. Wise for me when out of work to see what was happening in a city booming away - Calgary. It has been a blessing in the physical ever since being in Calgary. But if I had been foolish and not looked elsewhere, I would have been in the foolishness of fools…folly indeed - Keith Hunt]
25 A true witness delivers lives, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.
26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death [this and the previous two are self explanatory - KeithHunt]
28 In a multitude of people is a king's honor, but in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince [if you have loyal friends around you to help, serve, give knowledge, and go to for their advice, you stand a better chance in being a leader with honour; having no such people with you, then greater the risk for a downfall - Keith Hunt]
29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly [being too quick off the starting line mark, produces a false start; two false starts and your out. Keeping your mind cool and in control produces understanding of the situation; acting just on emotional impulse often leads to folly and a bad result - Keith Hunt]
30 A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones [a sound heart comes from many important things, mentally, emotionally, and physically in good shape; all things in health does indeed give good life to the body; burning envy, jealousy, does to the mind and body like your very frame of bones is rotting away. They have proved bad emotions on a regular basis makes your body sick - Keith Hunt]
31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy [the Bible teaches over and over we who serve God and Christ, must remember the true poor, those who have no power of the circumstances and situation they find themselves in. We must help the truly needy, as much as we can with what we have - Keith Hunt]
32 The wicked is banished in his wickedness, but the righteous has a refuge in his death [the wicked who will not repent, will be eventually banished and not exist; death for the righteous is a resting place until the resurrection to eternal immortal life - all covered in-depth in the studies under “Death and Resurrection” on this website - Keith Hunt
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known [the wise know when and how to speak and when not to speak; but foolish people with little or no wisdom, spurt out words that show they are inept and foolish, they show they have no wisdom or understanding, they talk just for the sake of talking - Keith Hunt]
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people [that’s the bottom line; righteousness (Ps. 119:172) will build a nation; practicing sin will eventually bring down a people; what we sow we reap - Keith Hunt]
35 The king's favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame [a wise king with no emotional favourites, will appreciate servants who also have wisdom; but his wrath will be against anyone who does not have wisdom and causes shame. Many leaders have put aside sons who brought shame by lack of wisdom, and given positions in the company etc. to those with wisdom, who had no blood tie relationship - Keith Hunt
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
14:20, 21 People are to be valued for themselves, not for attainments or possessions (James 2:1-7).
14:22, they .. .go astray: See 6:12-15 and note.
14:23 Labor, not trivial talk, is God's way to success.
14:26, 27 fear of the Lord: Governing our actions in the sight of God's power and purpose. The person who does can live both confidently and abundantly. See 1:7; 9:10, and notes.
14:28 If the people will not follow you, position alone is not much.
14:29 See 12:16 and note; see also James 1:19, 20.
14:30 A sound heart: Accepting our lot in life with gratitude to God.
14:31 Persons are made in God's image: to oppress them is to oppress Him (see Gen. 1:26-28. Malt. 25:40. 45 and note).
14:32 For the righteous there is blessedness beyond death.
14:34 National welfare, like personal destiny, is tied to righteousness (see 11:11 and note).
15:1 Simple, but how hard to do! The verse should be remembered in times of strained relationships.
CHAPTER 15
Wise Use of the Tongue
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger [ there are times when a soft answer is needed and not harsh words - it takes wisdom to know when - Keith Hunt]
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness [knowledge is a powerful tool - the wise know when and how to use it; but from the mouth of fools and nit-wits comes foolishness - they lack wisdom - Keith Hunt]
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good [often it is angels that are the eyes of God; we find in the book of Genesis angels coming and telling the Lord God what’s going on down on earth. I’ll let the reader find where those passages are - Keith Hunt]
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit [such a little member but it can bring forth good life or a bad life; we need to guard our mouth, what comes out of it and when - Keith Hunt]
5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent [we suppose here that the father is going the right way of living life, and so being blunt, it is only fools who despise the father’s instructions; but he who will be willing to be corrected and taught, is prudent indeed - Keith Hunt]
6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenue of the wicked is trouble [we have say two banks accounts - the righteous and the wicked; the various treasures of the righteous can give you good treasure; but the treasures of the wicked that they attained by wickedness, will only bring troubles if you partake of them - Keith Hunt]
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so [again the wise give forth good knowledge; the mind of fools do not - Keith Hunt]
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight [the Lord looks on the heart and mind; a person can give large amounts of the physical in a church setting, but if the mind is still on wickedness….. the physical to God means absolutely nothing to Him; but those upright in mind God delights in and their prayers will have His attention - Keith Hunt]
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness.
10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die.
11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord; so how much more he hearts of the sons of men.
12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise.
13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
THE ABOVE ARE PRETTY WELL SELF EXPLANATORY - Keith Hunt
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart to a continual feast
[this does not mean you should avoid affliction when it comes, as like loosing a loved one; but such affliction and despondency must eventually be put to one side; the merry heart must come back, so feasting with the Lord can resume with a merry heart. As wise king Solomon said, there is a time for sadness and a time for gladness, a time to cry and a time to laugh - Keith Hunt]
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble [as many rich people have known, riches cannot buy true happiness, it cannot buy your health per se. It’s better to have little in the way of the physical, but have that security that comes from fearing the Lord - going the Lord’s way, knowing the end result; better it be that way than being very rich with troubles upon troubles that riches can sometimes bring - Keith Hunt]
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred [the emotional path of life is so important to having a good physical life; better to have little but surrounded by love, than a big fatted calf or physical riches, filled with unhappiness and surrounded with hate and emotional fighting - Keith Hunt]
18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention [it is the contrast of living….. one man regularly in a stewed up hot mind, and another with control over his mind, slow to anger. It’s not wrong to get angry at times, Jesus now and again got angry - threw out the money changers from the temple because they were too mind-set on making a buck; Paul wrote “be angry and sin not” - being slow to anger gets you out of much trouble - Keith Hunt]
19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway.
[if you are lazy and do not have a good work ethic, you will have many problems in this physical life that will be like prickly thorns on your skin - unpleasant to say the least; the upright in this matter of work ethic, will in the main be a nice highway, pleasant to ride along. Of course we are here talking about people who can work, not about people who have various physical disabilities, and are not able to work every much, or not at all - Keith Hunt]
20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother [we presume the father is upright and righteous - having a son/daughter who is wise and walks the way of the father, will indeed make that father very happy; but the foolish son/daughter who does not walk in their parents good way, is showing he/she despises their mother. Mothers tend to have a stronger more emotional tie with their children. But the two are one and both father and mother feel either happy or sad, glad or despised, on how their children turn out in life - Keith Hunt]
21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly [we are back to wisdom again; to the unwise being wrong in living, practicing folly, can give a twisted sense of joy to some, it’s a proudness of heart mentality, just ain’t going to admit the folly of it all; the wise person of understanding knows it’s best to walk uprightly, which is another way of saying, walks with God - Keith Hunt
22 Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counsellors they are established [yes once more pointed out to us, that it is wise to take counsel from others, especially the more important the undertaking is to be, and especially if you know little about the skill required for the undertaking. You may know little about building your house on the land you obtained - the more counsellors you will need for the undertaking - Keith Hunt]
23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
[once more knowing how to speak, when to speak, and what to say, will bring joy to those who have their mind and tongue bound together with wisdom - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
15:4 Words have the power to heal or to crush the spirit of another.
15:8 God's greatest concern is with our attitudes; therefore, a simple, but sincere, prayer is more desirable than an ostentatious, but insincere, sacrifice.
15:9 The Lord is concerned with the pattern of our lives. Are we in the way of the wicked, or do we follow righteousness?
15:10 There is no hope of improvement for one who is wrong, yet rejects correction (also v. 12).
15:11 If God perfectly understands the very heart of evil, then seeing into the evil hearts of people presents Him with no difficulty (see 5:21 and note).
15:15 A God-given cheerful heart can brighten even the days of the afflicted. See 17:22; Neh. 8.10.
15:16,17 The Lord and love can make a life good even where there is little money and simple food.
15:18 See 19:11 and note.
15:22 The counsel of others helps our plans to succeed (see 20:18 and note).
……
24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below [it’s the right direction we need, up towards God in heaven, or away from Him to final destruction in hell-fire or the second death (Rev. 20) - Keith Hunt]
25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow [a contrast of the pride and vanity and ego of some with the usual simplicity and humbleness of widows; one will be destroyed the other established in the end - Keith Hunt]
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant [self evident in its meaning - Keith Hunt]
27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live [the attitude of some who want physical gain at any cost, troubles come to those close to him as well as himself; but the honest straight worker will live without added troubles of being a crooked greedy person - Keith Hunt]
28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil [pretty straightforward in its meaning - Keith Hunt]
29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous [those who know they are doing wickedness and live accordingly, God is far from them. Though wickedness is the opposite to God’s commandment (Ps. 119:53 and 172) yet some sincerely believe they are serving God, they can have the Lord answering their prayers and etc. A person spiritual blinded to God’s full truths, can have God helping them at times. The wicked here are those who know good but do the opposite. The righteous and their prayers are always heard by God, and He answers when and how He sees fit - Keith Hunt]
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy [when you see things in a good light, when you see with the light of God in you, your heart can rejoice; then when people have a good report about you, your can stand strong and feel healthy in mind and body - Keith Hunt]
31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise [taking counsel, taking correction, willing to learn, is all a part of wisdom - Keith Hunt]
32 He who disdains instruction despises his own life, but he who heeds rebuke gets
understanding [saying the same as above but putting it in different words. Not being of a teachable mind is doing yourself harm, and not heeding correction means you’ll never move on to more understanding - Keith Hunt]
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.
THIS ONE IS SUCH A MIGHTY KEY TO LIVING LIFE AT ITS FULLEST. TO FEAR GOD CORRECTLY IS HAVING THE INSTRUCTION OF WISDOM. WISDOM INSTRUCTS YOU TO FEAR GOD IN THE RIGHT WAY; A DEEP DEEP RESPECT! AND VERY OFTEN YOU HAVE TO HAVE HUMILITY BEFORE HONOR. WINSTON CHURCHILL WAS THROWN OUT OF GOVERNMENT, WAS LAUGHED AT FOR SAYING HITLER WANTED TO CONQUER THE WORLD. HE WAS TENDING HIS GARDEN WHEN HE WAS CALLED UPON TO LEAD THE BRITISH NATION AGAINST HITLER AT THE START OF WW2.
Keith Hunt
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
15:24 Wisdom leads toward heaven and away from hell see also Ps. 1:6).
15:25 The Lord loves and cares for the needy. In this case, it would protect the property of the widow from being stolen by those who would move her boundary markers (see notes on 22:28; Hos. 5:10).
15:27 See note on 1:18, 19.
15:28 Human relationships are delicate; the righteous person tries to maintain them.
15:9 The Lord … the wicked: Sin separates us from God.
15:33 Humility before the Lord opens the way for Him to honor us with His blessings. See Luke 18:13, 14.
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CHAPTER 16
Proverbs to Encourage Godly Lives
The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord [ The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the (wise) answer of the tongue - Amplified Bible. Man with his brain can orderly do planning, it is happening every day in the unconverted world; putting some things into words that are wise to help others, often takes some inspiration from the Lord. Jesus said when persecution comes your way and you are brought before the powers in force, you were not to think about how to answer, for God would inspire your answering - Keith Hunt]
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits [generally man thinks his ways are just and pure; we now have declared the “gay” lifestyle to be fine and dandy; same sex marriage is now being approved more and more each day; now the transgender issue is getting the floor, and starting to be accepted. Many other things against God’s law are thought of as okay by much of the world. The Lord sees and He weighs the attitude of all this that is going around. He will not be silent, the time is coming when sins will be reproved in no uncertain way - Keith Hunt]
3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established [if on God’s side He will provide and bless you in the long run of it all. The Lord knew that from age 7, I wanted one day a horse like Roy Rogers’ Trigger - a beautiful golden palomino. I was 62 when the Lord said okay I’ll give you your boyhood dream. The Lord is able indeed to establish your thought; work on His side faithfully in whatever way you can, and good thoughts He will often establish for you - Keith Hunt]
4 The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom [well there will come a time of reckoning, what we all sow we shall reap. And the wicked (unrepentant sinners) will face utter doom and destruction, to never be for all eternity, lights out - blackness -
Keith Hunt]
5 Everyone proud in hearts is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished [The proud, a man’s ego, a sisters vanity, boxers says “I’m the greatest’ - he famous for that saying; oh yes he was good 3 heave weight world champions…..but it took its tole, and Parkings he contacted, his ego went down hill; died in his early 70s. Even many joining together with more vanity, as Hitler’s cronies did, only got them killed in punished for their sins in fighting wars
6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for mk juity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him [wen the Lord is on you ride, you are doing the right thing; the Lord can make your enemies at peace with you - Keith Hunt]
16:1—22:16 A collection of miscellaneous proverbs, most of them self-contained.
From the New KJV Study Bible
16:1; A man may ask what he wishes; but God will give, or not give, as He thinks best (see v. 9; see also 19:21 and note).
16:2 The Lord knows what is in our spirits (see 5:21; 15:11 and notes).
16:4, 5 Everyone will eventualy receive his of her just reward determined by God Himself. See "God's Elect" at Rom. 9:10-13.
16:6 mercy... truth... the fear of the Lord: Characteristics of the holy life.
16:7 Another characteristic of the holy life (see note on v. 6) is to work towards peace even with one's enemies (see Heb. 12:14 and note).
……
8 Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice [Better is a little with righteousness ….. than great revenues with injustice - Amplified Bible. Yes a country that may have little in the way of wealth, but serves God in righteousness, is better than a country with massive wealth but has injustice pouring out of its domain over people - Keith Hunt]
9 A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps [we human’s have our plans, but often the Lord has other plans for us. I was pretty sure from a kid where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do in life. I set out to do it at age 18, but found my new life in a new country, was leading me in the paths that God had set out for me - Keith Hunt]
10 Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment [Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king; his mouth should not transgress in judgment - Amplified Bible. A good king or leader of people will walk with God so he can be inspired in all he plans and says - Keith Hunt]
11 Honest weights and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are His work [we need to run our business and do our work as if it belongs to God; do all that we do as working for the Lord not for just humans - Keith Hunt]
12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness [whatever you are over in this life should be done in righteousness (Ps. 119:172) and then you have a very good chance it will be established and hold firm - Keith Hunt]
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks what is right [those in leadership should delight in righteous talking, and love others who so do - Keith Hunt]
14 As messengers of death is the king's wrath, but a wise man will appease it [the wrath of a king is as messengers of death, but a wise man will pacify it - Amplified Bible. Knowing how to pacify someone in authority who is angry takes insight and wisdom…..back to wisdom once more - Keith Hunt]
15 In the light of the king's face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain [those in authority over you, should like you by your actions and words; having their favour is like rain in due season so the harvest is plentiful. I once talked to a policeman in the line up for coffee. As I left he and his fellow office waved to me from their police car. 98 percent of the time police officers are doing the right thing, we should be on their side - Keith Hunt]
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver [once more we are told how important wisdom is for this life, way better than gold or silver - Keith Hunt]
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his life [pretty well self explanatory - depart from evil, and life will be smoother and way more pleasant - Keith Hunt]
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall [oh how many times as this been true in history, more than we could imagine. It has happened to religious ministers in this modern TV, Youtube, Facebook, Blogs…… ministers getting puffed up, filled to vanity, oozing proudness, at the expanding success of “their work” —and then the fall; falling in many ways, but the end result is their work disintegrates, showing it was after all just a mans work. There are many ministries over the last 50 years that became huge, famous, and now little of them remains… the wind of human pride has blown them away. Something to take very seriously is this proverb, if you think you are “getting there” and should receive a gold star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame - Keith Hunt]
19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud [another proverb to follow the one just read; better to walk with the lower class people who can’t boast of something great they have done, than to get the spotlight and divide the fame with the arrogant proud - Keith Hunt]
20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he [it’s telling us nothing is better than heeding God’s word, which is wise to do; and he that puts his trust and faith in the Lord, will overall be a happy person; does not mean you will not have troubles in life here and there, but your overall life with be happy. I for one know that is so true, been through a lot of hills and valleys, but the Lord has helped me through it all, and I am a happy person, oh yes wow, am I happy, yes indeed - Keith Hunt]
21 The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning [the wise in heart are called prudent, understanding, and knowing, and winsome speech increases learning (in both speaker and listener) - Amplified Bible. Prudent is showing care and thought, sensible, wise, judicious, being shrewd; Winsome is attractive or appealing in appearance, a winsome smile, old English wynsum - wyn “joy” + “some” — so wisdom, an understanding heart, knowledge, will be good for people if presented with a winsome way, a sweet way so others will be willing to increase in learning. You’ve heard I’m sure people say, “Well he has lots of knowledge and wisdom but he sure does NOT know how to present his point; he rubs you the wrong way” - Keith Hunt]
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it, but the correction of fools is folly [….but to give correction to fools is folly - Amplified Bible. Those who desire to know, to understand, to be taught, are like a full well of water in a barren land; but trying to teach fools who could care less what you have to say, or to correct them on a point of issue, is wasting your time and energy, it is folly. Jesus said do not cast your pearls before swine, they’ll trample the pear and maybe even you - Keith Hunt]
23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips [The mind of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning and persuasiveness to his lips - Amplified Bible. The wise, the knowledgable, the prudent, will learn to keep his mouth in check, knows when to speak, and as they add learning can be persuasive in his speech - Keith Hunt]
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones [Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body - Amplified Bible. There will be times in life when someone will want, need, pleasant words, sweetness in words and tone of the voice, i.e. when someone looses a loved one suddenly; when someone is in sorrow over something in their life and feels emotionally low - Keith Hunt]
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death [we are reminded again that mankind can think they are going in the right direction, doing what they think is good, but in the end it only brings bad results and death; they leave God out of the picture and think from only a human mind-set, which many times brings them to sorrow and death - Keith Hunt]
26 The person who labors, labors for himself, for his hungry mouth drives him on [it is good to have human needs and emotions, for so having, they push him to work steadily so those needs can be met. It was intended by God that people should work (we are not here talking about people who can not because of ill health etc.) and provide for their basic physical needs, as well as some hobby; God is for a rounded life-style - Keith Hunt]
27 An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire [A worthless man devises and digs up mischief, and within his lips there is as a scorching fire - Amplified Bible. First, a person who digs up (some work involved, loves to dig it up, find it out) is called “evil.”
Secondly this is so a part of them it is like having their lips burn with fire, to cast the dug up evil like a flaming torch out of their mouth - Keith Hunt]
28 A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends [A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates close friends - Amplified Bible. First, those that deliberately sow strife, enjoying it all, is called “perverse.” And those who go about whispering this or that about people in a negative way, can even separate best friends. You know you get this whisperer saying to one friend, this was said about you from your friend over there. Then they do the same in reverse, and before you know it the two best friends are at odds with each other and the close friendship is broken - all on hear say from this third party whispering gossiper - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
16:8 See 15:16, 17 and note.
16:10-15 These are responsibilities and desired characteristics of the king and his reign.
16:10 Divination was a form of receiving communication from God (see Num. 23:23 and note on Num. 24:1, 2). Because of being connected with sorcery and magic among the pagan religions, it was forbidden by the Mosaic law (Lev. 19:26). Here, however, divination refers to the king
speaking an oracle or message as God's representative in judging the people and is thus used in a good sense (see 1 Kin. 3:9).
16:11 weights ... scales: See Mic. 6:11 and note.
16:15 the latter rain: See note on Joel 2:21-26.
16:16 Material riches do not satisfy a person made in God's image. Our need is for Him.
16:18,19 Another proverb worthy of remembering for our relationships with others (see 15:1 and note).
16:20 the word: God's word (see 13:13, 14 and note).
16:23 The heart... teaches: Think before you speak.
16:25 This way seems right to fallen man whose mind is alienated from God. See Eph. 4:17-19.
16:27-30 Three types of persons who sow discord and strife: the ungodly (v. 27), the perverse (v. 28), the violent (vv. 29, 30).
……
29 A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good [The exceedingly grasping , covetous, and violet man, entices his neighbour, leading him in a way that is not good - Amplified Bible. Some people are just not good human beings for whatever may be the reasons, and they love to entice others to follow them in their unbecoming ways of life. We have to be careful, use wisdom, in whom we associate and hang around with - Keith Hunt]
30 He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil [He who shuts his eyes to devise perverse things and who compresses his lips (as if in concealment) brings evil to pass - Amplified Bible. This is a continuation of the previous proverb. More expansion on the evil person who is continually thinking up wicked things and wants others to join them - Keith Hunt]
31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness [an honour for the older person who has lived in righteousness - righteousness being interpreted in Ps. 119:172. Now today it could be the older person chooses not to be silver-haired; like the joke, “My wife is a decided blond - one day she decided to be blond.” Yes pretty good dyes today to keep the silver from showing - Keith Hunt]
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city [slow to anger is a virtue compared to being better than a mighty warrior; quick tempered people get into all sorts of trouble, disfavor, and just simply not liked - Keith Hunt]
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord [the NT apostles gave lots to name who would take the place of Judas (who betrayed Jesus) …. they asked for God’s guidance; the lot fell upon Mathias (Acts 2). There maybe in our lap, things physically close to us that the church needs guidance upon; the Lord will guide the way when done in faith - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
16:31 If it is found: Old age alone does not bring glory.
16:32 he who rules his spirit: Self-discipline under God is the way to holy living. See 19:11 and note; see also 1 Cor. 24-27.
16:33 lot is cast: The means of seeking God's counsel (see vv 1, 9 and notes on 1 Sam. 10:17-27; 23:9-12).
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CHAPTER 17
Proverbs for Life and Conduct
Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife [we have already been told this proverb, but being repeated means we have emphasis - it is so true; some families when getting together are so dysfunctional only strife and arguing and bickering fills the air - physical plenty with strife make the plenty seem worthless; having less of the physical plenty
but love, peace, content quietness, is much better - Keith Hunt]
2 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, and will share an inheritance among the brothers [they have made movie pictures on this very proverb - it has indeed happened - Keith Hunt]
3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts [physical things for physical things; for the purifying of the heart of man, it is God as we are made after His image - Keith Hunt]
4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue [as they say “like attracts like” - evil attracts evil - Keith Hunt]
5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished [many of the poor are so because of circumstances and situations beyond their control; God does not look lightly or favourably upon those who mock the poor, when they do not know the story behind their situation. And he who is happy at people’s calamity….. well it often happens…. they will have calamity fall on them; if they don’t in this life they will face their sin when they rise in the second resurrection - Keith Hunt]
6 Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father [all under the the banner of “Serving the Lord” - for otherwise the proverb is not relevant in its full intent - Keith Hunt]
7 Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, much less lying lips to a prince [ the two just do not mix; fools seldom have excellent speech on things that matter; and someone in authority, or looked up to as a role model, cannot have lying lips; it just makes people think “What else is not what it appears to be about them.” - Keith Hunt]
8 A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; wherever he turns, he prospers [A bribe is like a bright, precious stone that dazzles the eyes and affects the mind of him who gives it (as if by magic) he prospers, whichever way he turns - Amplified Bible. Some people in this life do prosper by bribes and whatever else they do that is not morally and ethically right. David in the Psalms saw that, but came to the realization that there is a day of reckoning coming, when all such people will have to face their sins and decide what they will do about it all. Or see below the note from the New JKV Study Bible - Keith Hunt]
9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends [there are times in some circumstances, that some sins need to be covered by love in this life, and not repeated all over the place; there are times if this is done, when it should not be done, the result could separate good friends. Wisdom is needed in this matter as we walk long among human beings that do sin. This is a subject that needs wisdom and God’s word, inside and outside the Church of God - Keith Hunt]
10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool [wise people will take a rebuke or correction; they will be ready to admit they were wrong; they will be ready to learn and ever grow in grace and knowledge; but you can beat up a fool in a harsh manner and they will still remain fools, just will never learn and never admit they are fools - Keith Hunt]
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him [An evil man seeks only rebellion: therefore a stern and pitiless messenger shall be sent against him - Amplified Bible. Again if you are evil only wanting to do evil, you are on the wrong side of the tracks - evil attracts evil, and as often happens other evil people will be against you…..gang warfare it’s called. The chances are someone will send you a messenger that will deliver a cruel message…..even your death - Keith Hunt]
12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly [wow….. now this is quite the proverb; you meditate on it! This is how God likens a fool in his folly. You meet a bear robbed of her cubs, and the chances are you die! It’s lights out for you, over and done. But you meet a fool in his folly, and that fool can live on and on, delivering blows to your head and body, messing up your life over and over, unless you run as fast as you can away from that fool - Keith Hunt]
13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house [a general statement for sure, generally you do evil for good, and it catches up to you eventually; evil attracts evil; it is again we reap what we sow - Keith Hunt]
14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts [think of a dam or a Dutch dyke…. a little water getting through…. it gets larger and larger
……until the whole dyke breaks and the tsunami of water is rushing along; the whole scene has multiplied a thousand fold. A little trickle of water through the dyke needs fixing immediately before it’s out of hand; so it is with a contention with someone; fix it before a molehill becomes a mountain - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
17:3 A holy, ethical God purifies a person's heart just as a fire purifies silver and gold (see Mai. 3:2, 3 and notes).
17:5 reproaches his Maker: See note on 14.31
17:8 A present: In the ancient Near East giving someone a gift to encourage them to do the right thing was commended.
17:9 covers: Forgives and forgets. Forgiveness is an act worthy of praise. It imitates God. See 10:12 and note.
17:11 The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the OT) -: interpreted the cruel messenger to be an angel of punishment and destruction from the Lord (see Ps. 35:5; 78:49). On the other hand, it could refer simply to an officer sent by the king with orders to stop the rebellion.
17:13 The wise do not return evil for good. The NT teaches us to go beyond this, even to return good for evil (Rom. 12:17,21).
17:14 Contention, once it is started, tends to run its course until finished.
……
15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord [pretty straightforward - Keith Hunt]
16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, since he has no heart for it?
[well a fool thinks he can buy wisdom, kinda like going into a store and seeing wisdom in a box ready to buy; the fool really has no heart for wisdom, for wisdom ain’t for sale, there are ways you have to have your mind and heart to obtain wisdom…..as wisdom is an attribute of God, you have to obtain it from Him, and He sets down the rules you have to meet for Him to give it to you - Keith Hunt]
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity [a true friend is with you through thick and thin, ups and downs, joys and sorrow; often it is someone of the same blood that becomes your enemy and who works against you; you probably know a family where this is sadly so true - I’ve certainly seen it in my lifetime in the “Hunt clan” very near to me - Keith Hunt]
18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend [we have been given this before….. it is unwise and not recommended, to be a co-signer for some loan or business deal, not even for a “friend” - Keith Hunt]
19 He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction [he who loves strife and is quarrelsome loves transgression and involves himself with guilt; he who raises high his gateway and is boastful and arrogant invites destruction - Amplified Bible
20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil [it is again what we sow we reap - Keith Hunt]
21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy [you raise a scoffer you raise someone who will scoffer at you; indeed a father of fools will find they have no lasting joy - Keith Hunt]
22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones [they have discovered that emotions bring forth chemicals into the body; having basic good emotions, brings forth good chemicals; bad emotions brings forth bad chemicals….yes your emotional state will literally be good or bad for your health - Keith Hunt]
23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice [taking a bribe under the table as we say today….. bribing usually is for no good reason - bribing has even got into the Olympic Games, so this or that person/s wins no matter who really deserved to win - Keith Hunt]
24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth [people who understand life will have wisdom; fools will look so far ahead, they trip over something near at hand, because they do not have the understand and wisdom to handle what is right in front of them - Keith Hunt]
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him [if foolishness stays in the heart and mind of a daughter or son, it will indeed be grief to a father, and bitterness to the mother; there is no joy in fools - Keith Hunt]
26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good, nor to strike princes for their uprightness [it is the folly of a nation to punish the righteous, and to bring down a leader when they are upright; again sow badly and you reap badly - Keith Hunt]
27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit [those with true knowledge and understanding, know when it’s right to speak; they do not waste words; and the’ll know the tone of voice to use - Keith Hunt]
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive [yes, people will know who tends to be the fool; even they are thought wise and perceptive when they hold their talk and listen - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
17:15 See 24:24, 25 and note.
17:16 Wisdom cannot be bought; you must desire it for itself.
17:17 Our true friend and brother becomes known when trouble comes.
17:18 See note on 6:1-5.
17:19 exalts his gate: Makes his doorway larger; that is, he practices pride.
17:20 deceitful heart: The prophet Jeremiah warned that the human heart could be morally depraved (see Jer. 17:9). The fool rejects the Lord (14:2), his only cure for the
heart's corrupt condition.
17:22 See 15:15; 18:14 and notes.
17:24 Wisdom is literally "straight ahead" for the wise; she is his one pursuit. The fool tries everything else.
17:27, 28 a calm spirit: See 16:32 and note.
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TO BE CONTINUED
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS #5
CHAPTER 18
The Lord, Our Strong Tower
A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment [Yes be becomes an island unto himself…and soon everyone just leaves him alone as he wants no other person’s judgment or wisdom on the any subject - Keith Hunt]
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart [That just pretty well sums up a fool who want to listen to only himself; they simply figure they can’t learn from anyone on anything - Keith Hunt]
3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonour comes reproach
[The wicked usually do have contempt for everyone but themselves; when people figure there is dishonour in others, they may address them with disapproval or disappointment - Keith Hunt]
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook [If the person does have wisdom, their mouth can indeed bring forth deep and profound wisdom, like the spring can bring forth waters from the deep - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
18:1 isolates himself: One who always insists on his own way will break with his friends and companions.
18:2 More can be learned by listening than by talking.
18:4 deep waters ... flowing brook:- Perhaps this is a contrast between the deviousness of much human speech and the simple clarity of true wisdom.
……
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in judgment [Doing either brings troubles upon troubles; partiality to the wicked brings forth more wickedness; overthrowing the righteous in judgment brings forth wickedness - Keith Hunt]
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and destruction, and his lips are the snare of his life [The fool’s talk just gets him in more and more trouble - Keith Hunt]
8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body [Those who dabble in tell-tailing, often bringing untruths, are sweet to those you desire and enjoy listening to tell-tailing, they let it sink down with enjoyment - Keith Hunt]
9 He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer [Being lazy will not get you much in the physical, about the same as one who for a living pulls down buildings, so making a destruction - Keith Hunt]
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe [Yes there is much safely from the ways of the world in following the ways of God - Keith Hunt]
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem [The physical rich often do tend to look to their money or wealth to keep them safe; but as many have found, some things money can not buy, i.e. a good marriage, good friends, respectable children, and good physical health - Keith Hunt]
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility [We have a repeat of a like previous proverb; getting big-head often leads to being brought low; and before being honoured we must often be humbled - Keith Hunt]
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, it’s folly and shame to him [Oh this is a big one - a very important proverb, that today many do not follow at all; they jump in with a reply before meditating on the matter; on matters you are not expert in you’d be wise to say nothing, and go off to investigate - Keith Hunt]
14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit? [There are many things of the flesh that you can bear; what some have gone through in the flesh is remarkable, more so as they overcome the flesh; but break a man’s inner spirit and he’s down for the count - he’s out and just very difficult to bring back - Keith Hunt]
15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge [All saying there same thing….. the wise and prudent will always be seeking knowledge, they love to learn, to be corrected, and ever growing in knowledge - Keith Hunt]
16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men [I guess there are times when the physical can put you in the presence of the great ones as the world would call them; sometimes you can buy your way into being before great men, you know like spending a thousand dollars or more, to have a meal and listen to some past President of the USA bring a speech - Keith Hunt]
17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him [It the old saying, “There is always two sides to the story” - Keith Hunt]
18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease, and keeps the mighty apart [Ya if you are undecided on some issue, and all seem to be of equal relevance, you may have to cast the lot or draw sticks to give the final answer - nothing wrong with doing that if needs be - Keith Hunt]
19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle [Yes, sometimes getting into a dispute or quarrel with blood kin, can be as daunting as capturing a strong city defence, or getting out through the bars of a castle and into freedom - not impossible, just sometimes very hard to do - Keith Hunt]
20 A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled [Often indeed, we can produce good or bad fruit to eat, by what words come out of our mouth, and the tone of voice carrying them - Keith Hunt]
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit [One step further in this proverb; the words out of our mouth can be like bullet that kill, or words that give life; the two extremes here given….death or life. As James said, oh what a little member can do; of course we know it’s from the mind to the tongue, so we must guard our mind to control our tongue - Keith Hunt]
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord [AH YES, God made woman from Adam’s rib, made her to be a help fitting for him; two shall become one, they should become one physically, emotionally, spiritually - working together as a well oiled machine….using their strengths and abilities to compliment each other; using their strengths and abilities to pick each other up when one is down - Keith Hunt]
23 The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly [It is a sad commentary on life at times, that a poor man uses humble words, acts like he’s low down in the pecking order of humans; while the rich can be puffed up with ego and vanity, they talk with roughness over the ones they think are some life-cell below them. It’s harder still when the poor and rich are having to converse with each other - so are the ways of the unconverted world - Keith Hunt]
24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother [Indeed to have good friends you have to put yourself out as being a friendly person; and in so doing some friends are closer to you than blood kin - in some ways it is sadly so [a friend closer than a blood kin] in this world at this time - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
18:6-8 lips .., mouth ... words: Nothing good can come from the speech of a corrupt person.
18:9 See 10:26 and note.
18:12 honor.... humility: See 15:33 and note.
18:13 before he hears it: Shows prejudice in his decision.
18:14 If our inward person is broken, a precious resource is gone. Trust in God sustains the human spirit.
18:16 Gift in this context means a legitimate contribution, thus, it contrasts with the bribe of 15:27 and Deut. 16:19.
18:17 Both sides of a story must be heard.
18:18 Casting lots would render an impartial decision (see 16:33 and note).
18:19 Because a brother's offense is unwarranted and least expected, it is most difficult to reconcile,
18:20 See 12:14 and note.
18:21 Death ... life: See Jesus' statement in Matt. 12:37.
18:22 See 12:4; 31:10-31 and notes.
18:23 answers roughly: If money makes us arrogant, our spirit has been corrupted.
18:24 This verse is often applied to the intimate walk we have with Christ. But it also instructs us about how to attain friends.
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CHAPTER 19
Truth, A Light for Our Way
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool [Showing you may not be rich in the physical, but walking in the integrity of God, you are far better off than some perverse in talk and a fool to boot - Keith Hunt]
2 Also it is not good for a life to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet [Desire without knowledge is not good, and to be overhasty is to sin and miss the mark - Amplified Bible. Paul said the Jews had a zeal but without knowledge. You can have a zeal for something but if you do not have the knowledge to go with it….trouble. You may have a zeal to mountain climb but without knowledge in how to do it, you could kill yourself. And if too hasty with things and not enough thought, you could end up sinning in ways that mess you up - Keith Hunt]
3 The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord [The foolishness of man subverts his way (ruins his affairs); then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord - Amplified Bible. Being foolish is the opposite to wisdom, it gets you into many troubles, and your mind is twisted to think it’s not twisted; then many fret and get so upset at the Lord, they curse Him, and use profanity at Him, half believing He exists (when most of the time they do not think of Him) - Keith Hunt]
4 Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend [So the world turns; when you have money and wealth to spent, you can find all kinds of people quite willing to help you spent; on the other hand being physically poor….not too many friends you find stay around you - Keith Hunt]
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape [Generally such people do reap what they sow; if not in this life, they will have lots to answer for in the next one - the second resurrection - Keith Hunt]
6 Many will intreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts [Many will try to win the favor of the nobility with presents, bribes, flattery words, they think knowing such on “friendship” terms will get them out of a tough spot or their kids tough spot; and you have no problem at all in getting friends so-called, when your buttering them up with gifts and presents of different sorts. As they say “money talks” - and it sure has proved that over the centuries - Keith Hunt]
7 All the brothers of the poor hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him, he may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him [So it goes in the world; kin brothers and sisters can hate, at least dislike, the family member who is just not up in the income bracket as all the others are; and so if that is so among blood kin, it’s more so with the poor man’s friends…..obviously money they want not good true friendship, the fellow may try to keep them with good flattering words, yet they leave him - not true friends after all - Keith Hunt]
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own life; he who keeps understanding will find good
[Wisdom and understanding two wonderful attributes to have to help keep life pleasant and find much good in this lifetime - Keith Hunt]
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall perish [If not in this life time; there will be an account to answer for; full deep repentance or you’ll find yourself perishing in the second death, so it is written - Keith Hunt]
10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool, much less for a servant to rule over princes [Fools will usually trash in one way or another the luxury they find themselves it; and for a servant with not much education ruling educated princes, will in time find himself in mighty hot steaming water, and realize he’s in over his head, and things are getting hotter by the hour - Keith Hunt]
11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression [In the right circumstances overlooking a wrong is the correct way to go; some situations demand an apology from the offender and a promise to not offend that way again. Some serious transgressions (like those within a church setting) may warrant more severe punishment; I cover all that in my detailed study on “Church Government” and my article “All about Disfellowshipping.” Certainly the wise use of wisdom guides discretion into being a person slow to anger - Keith Hunt]
12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass [Back the time when king did rule with a strong hand and had power at his disposal, this would have been an very true proverb; to day we could apply it to those in the position of leadership, be it work, in the military, or any other group setting with leaders; be on the wrong side of a leader and they could be like a roaring lion; be on the right side of them, and so be like dew on the grass - a welcoming spirit that leads to easy and refreshment. Of course we are supposing this is in the context of overall goodness - where a leader has to correct or praise those under them - Keith Hunt]
13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father, and the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping [Either are good in the family setting; a foolish son will bring shame to the family, depending how foolish, is the ruin and shame on the father and family; the continual nagging or wanting to talk about an issue, can be like the dripping of a leaky tap, which needs fixing pronto like. A wife should never have to be like a slow dripping leaky tap, sit down with her and be a team, willing to talk about everything - Keith Hunt]
14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord [You may get all kinds of gifts and presents from parents and/or friends, even an inheritance from a wealthy father; but a prudent, wise, sensible and advisable wife does come from the Lord, it’s the best gift you could have - Keith Hunt]
15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger [We have already seen such a proverb listed, repeated for emphasis - a lazy person is like someone falling into a deep sleep or a coma; they will not eat while being in that lazy state of mind. Now not having much to eat is not always from laziness. The apostle Paul found himself at times not having much to eat, while working hard in the Gospel work. He got by, had enough but not like feasting at a wedding. Other times he had more than enough - Keith Hunt]
16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his life, but he who is careless of his ways will die [This is nut shelling Matthew 19 and Romans 6…… the wages of sin is death (not repenting will lead you to the second death - Rev. 20); keeping the commandments (Matthew 19) will lead to life eternal; not because you can work your way to salvation (Eph. 2:8 You are saved by grace through faith), but because to receive God’s grace is conditional on you repenting and living a new life in Christ. For the full in-depth study of this life and death topic you need to study my article called “Saved by Grace” - Keith Hunt]
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given [It is mentioned over and over in the Bible that you remember the poor - Gal. 2:10…. and God will remember your works, and reward you accordingly, for we are rewarded according to our works - Rev. 22:12 - Keith Hunt]
18 Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction [Yes indeed part of parenting is correct child rearing; today it seems a good idea that parents should take a childrearing course before undertaking to have children; there are many forms of chastening or correcting; some we have seen need the paddle, others a stern talking to will do it and bring the child to sorrowful tears. The last part of the proverb could be saying what Paul said in Eph. 6:4 “…..And you fathers provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nuture and admonition of the Lord.” Yes there is much to child-rearing; we have a section on child-rearing on this website. The last part could also mean that not correcting your child you lead them to troubles, harm, in some cases even to destruction in death. I well remember a next door lady who told me that her son as an older teen got going with the wrong crowd. She finally told him to leave the house and not come back till he got sensible. She told me it would break her heart to see him hanging around down town with those wrong teens. She told me it took a year, but he finally woke up to his terrible path he was on; she welcomed him home with open arms, and as a very changed young man. I told her she did a very brave thing….and it was called “tough love,” - Keith Hunt]
19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; for if you rescue him, you will have to do it again [Obviously it is the individual’s quick and uncontrollable wrath that gets the person into trouble after trouble…… oh yes that quick temper if not brought under control will surely do you serious harm; sometimes you should not rescue but let them face the music and the consequences of having an uncontrolled wrathful temper - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
19:1 Poverty is preferable to moral corruption.
19:2 without knowledge: Impulsive decisions often result in sins.
19:3 We must not blame the Lord when we suffer from careless actions.
19:4,6, 7 Thoughts on "fair-weather" friends.
19:5, 9 See 1.1:3, 5 where the fool destroys himself.
19:11 No attitude is more godly than to forgive or to overlook a wrong.
19:13 See 27:15, 16 and note.
19:14 From the Lord one receives all gifts, but a prudent wife is beyond comparison (see 31:10-31).
19:15 See notes on 6:9-11; 10:4, 5.
19:17 The way we treat the poor, whether to do them good or evil, is the way we treat the Lord (see note on 14:31).
19:18 To fail to discipline a child is to destroy him (see note on 13:24).
19:19 An unmastered temper is a source of unending grief (see James 1:20).
……
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days [We have indeed seen this teaching given to us many times before; it is vital to be of a mindset that will listen to counsel from experts or from anyone who has experience in what they want to share with you; we are to be willing to receive instruction, those words “receive instruction” are obviously in the context of a person who truly has good instruction on whatever, so you can benefit on out into your latter years. Willing to be taught will mean you will let God teach you His truths, when and how and by whom He chooses, as of course by His Spirit. To live as Jesus said we should, by every word of God (Mat. 4:4) you have to have a mind to be taught - Keith Hunt]
21 There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel—that will stand [Man can try and figure this and that, have all kinds of plans from his own heart, in the end it will be the Lord’s will and council that will stand the test of time. I was going to Canada [easiest country to immigrate to when I was 18, with no particular skills] and start on my adult plans I had planned out from being 7 years old. Oh yes I got to Canada, but walked straight into the plans God had for me. I was absolutely sure I’d started on my long planned adult life, the Eternal had different plans, and here I am still working His plan for me at nearly 75 [in just a few months], and will so be doing as long as I physically can - Keith Hunt]
22 What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar [Two of the important traits in character that a person can have, is kindness (gentleness, loving, doing good, helping and serving others), and being poor in spirit, humble, not lying about all the great things you’ve done and accomplished, when most of them are lies and exaggerations - Isaiah 66:2 - see also KJV note below - Keith Hunt]
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil [The first words fit with Isaiah 66:2, you will be satisfied with life as it comes to you, ups and down, highs and lows, laugher and crying; not being visited with evil is a general statement, sometimes evil comes in a Christians life, even persecution unto death, but in the long scheme of things, even that is not evil per se when life eternal is before you - Keith Hunt]
24 A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again [A sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and will not so much as to bring it to his mouth - Amplified Bible. An over emphasis maybe, but the truth is that a lazy sluggard is so twisted in mind that even working to feed himself, is outside his ability and mental astuteness - Keith Hunt]
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge [Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence, reprove a man of understanding, and he will increase in knowledge - Amplified Bible. Prudence is wisdom, common sense, shrewdness, good judgement. But all that could be used wrongly also. Get very harsh and even physical towards a scoffer who is of a simple mind (simple used as a negative) and they become shrewd, wary, as mistreated dogs become wary of strangers. But correct one who has an understanding mind and they will discern the knowledge of truth and so increase in knowledge - Keith Hunt]
26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach [This is obviously in the context of NOT honouring your parents; just not caring about them, in fact doing things that are classified as mistreating and chasing away, whatever all that may be; the bottom line the commandment about honouring your parents is being broken; it is way more than just not agreeing on some issue with your parents; it is a son bringing shame upon the family - Keith Hunt]
27 Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge [Obviously instruction that is wise and good, edifying, and true knowledge; leave it out of your life and you will stray from the good pathway and troubles will come - Keith Hunt]
28 A disreputable witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity [Those not living a good respectable life will scorn true justice, it means nothing to them; and the wicked are likened to a mouth drinking down the waters of iniquity….pour it on, pour it on, as the saying goes, “I love this taste, oh give me more, I can’t get enough of this” the mouth of the wicked is saying - Keith Hunt]
29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools [Those who are mental scoffers as a way of life, and people with spaced-out minds, whom others look at as plain fools; troubles they will bring upon themselves, where the laws of the land will bring judgment and even physical penalties upon them. If you are a scoffer and fool in Singapore and do things there as a fool, you can get literally a swat with a cane on the back; be a big enough fool [like drug dealing] and you can have the judgment of death upon you - Keith Hunt]
……
From then New KJV Study Bible
19:21 The wise man makes the Lord's counsel his guide.
19:22 What does God require of us? Kindness, referring to covenant faithfulness. The same Hebrew word is translated “mercy" in Mic. 6:8.
19:23 He who fears God finds satisfaction, while the sinner's is often frustrated.
19:24 Too lazy even to lift his full hand to his mouth.
19:25 The scoffer will not learn from his punishment (see 9:7-9 and note). However, the simple are still open enough that they may learn by observing the consequences faced by the scoffer (see 21:11 and note).
19:26 father... mother: See note on Ex. 20:12.
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CHAPTER 20
God Wants Honest People
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise [Truly indeed being led astray by having too much and physical fights and murder have occurred; being led astray by alcohol is not wise, not wise at all. I have a full study on the subject of alcohol and Christians on this website - Keith Hunt]
2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life [Margin: fear or terror produced by the king’ wrath. Again we are warned not to indulge in making people in authority over us, get angrily mad….. a roaring lion can be unleashed, too our detriment - Keith Hunt]
3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel [The carless in how they live, think, talk, can start a quarrel; it’s only fool that live that way; but it is an honor for a person to not fall for the bait to quarrel and strive, sometimes you have to say nothing and just walk away - Keith Hunt]
4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing [The lazy man will look outside and see not a very good day coming, maybe the weather man has forecast some dull, cloudy, and unpredictability for a number of days - could be rain; hence the lazy man lights the fire, puts up his feet and reads a good book, waiting for bright sunshine; problem is he may wait way too long and the next harvest shows the result…..he ain’t got any - Keith Hunt]
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out [The man with understanding and a wise mind, knows that some have deep wisdom from life or wherever; the understanding people will draw it out from such persons and ever grow wiser by so doing - Keith Hunt]
6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man? [Most will think their way is the best or have the most goodness; it’s called pride and vanity; it’s much harder to find someone who can admit someone else may be better, and others in the same field may have better deal - KeithHunt]
7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him [A man walking with God will walk WITH GOD, AND OBVIOUSLY raises his children the same way to walk; - Keith Hunt]
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes [You could say some judges, ministers, still have and give that appearance; sorry to say some judges have expressive eyes that could scatter all evil to fly out the room - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
20:1 See 23:29-35 and note.
20:3 Anyone can start a quarrel; to refuse to continue one takes courage and brings honor.
20:4 because of winter: Delayed his fall plowing until too late.
20:5 Persons of wisdom are not quick to offer advice; if we are wise, we will seek it from them.
20:8 Evil flees when a just person rules.
……
9 Who can say, "I have made my heart clean,:, I am pure from my sin"? [Paul answered in the book of Romans…..ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God - Rom.3:23 - Keith Hunt]
10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the Lord [Wrong, sinful, wicked works of cheating devices in business workings are an abomination to God - a Christian must be fair and upright in all business transactions - Keith Hunt]
11 Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right [We then must carry this observation to adults; sooner or later a persons behaviour will be clearly seen if it is pure and right - Keith Hunt]
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both [So we must control and use them for right living; sometimes it is prudent to walk away from hearing what others are talking about; there are times we must shut our eyes from seeing things that are sinful. That is our individual responsibility…… but if they are such an evil, it may also be our responsibility to report to higher authorities, i.e. child pornography, someone with plans to kill other - Keith Hunt]
13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread [We have seen already this attitude of mind; being lazy is not a Godly trait, it does not belong in the Christian’s living ethic - Keith Hunt]
14 “It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer; but when he has gone his way, then he boasts [Some people take great pride in obtaining something for a much lower price than what an honest and fair price would be; they make it a game to see how low they can get it for. They may say things like, “It’s so old it really ain’t worth much” when old has nothing to do with its value. Or “I can get one in the next town far cheaper” when the next town is just a lie. Christians should be fair and honest when buying….as should those who are selling. I once bought a “Teardrop” trailer, the man wanted $6, 500 for it, I asked if he’d take $6,000, he said he would, then went on to say he would not sell it to me unless my Ford Taurus would pull it. The weight of it was he said deceptive, heaver than it looked. He and I checked with the Ford dealership, and my car was good to pull it. I thought that was very honest of him - Keith Hunt]
15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel [Gold and rubies can make fine jewelry; better still is the precious jewel of those who speak wise and knowledgable talk - Keith Hunt]
16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, and hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress [The judge tells the creditor, Take the garment of one who is security for a stranger; and hold him in pledge when he is security for foreigners - Amplified Bible.
Be sure to get collateral from anyone who guarantees the debt of a stranger. Get a deposit if someone guarantees the debt of a foreigner - New Living Translation.
An alternate reading in the Hebrew text is the debt of an adulterous woman, compare 27:13 - Note in New Living Translation.
The bottom line is I think what the New KJV Study Bible gives in its note - see below - Keith Hunt]
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel [At first it may seem sweet to people who have gained a deal with deceit and lies and fraud; usually it back-fires on them and they are found out as charlatans, then what they have to deal with by so many realizing they are fraudsters is like having gravel in the mouth - Keith Hunt]
18 By wise counsel wage war [Purposes and plans are established by counsel; and (only) with good advice make or carry on war - Amplified Bible. Anything very serious should be undertaken only with good counsel from others who have knowledge in what is planed - Keith Hunt]
19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips [Often a talebearer, busibody gossiper, does it with flattery and sweet talk, to gain even more approval, from the one being flattered; they are sweet talking slimy snakes that only want to see others crushed….have nothing to do with such people - Keith Hunt]
20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness [We are given warning once more that breaking the commandment to honour your father and mother is not to be taken lightly; such as perpetually break it and not repent, will be put in deep darkness…..the second death of Rev. 20. It will be lights out for them - Keith Hunt]
21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end [You’ve heard of or know of a son or daughter who does everything they can to get their inheritance from their parents, way before their parents die. They may try every scheme in the book to twist their parents around their little finger. Usually such individuals are not good investors with an early inheritance, they want things right now, or yesterday - Keith Hunt]
22 Do not say, "I will recompense evil"; wait for the Lord, and He will save you [It is written “….vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.” - Rom. 12:19. If we were to keep note of all what we consider “dirt” done to us, we would ever be seeking ways to avenge, it would soon consume our every spare minute - Keith Hunt]
23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, and dishonest scales are not good [A repeat of an earlier proverb; God often repeats things to make sure we understand important issues of life. Those who practice shady business transactions are an abomination to the Lord - Keith Hunt]
24 A man's steps are of the Lord: How then can a man understand his own way?
[To be truly walking the right way in life, comes only from seeking the Lord and His ways to live here and now and then for all eternity; a man, by himself, cannot understand his own way; we have seen the proverb, “There is a way that seems right unto man, but the end thereof is the way of death.” His own way will leave God out of the picture, so then man cannot understand his own way….. it is the Lord and His instruction book, the Holy Bible, that teaches us the steps of the Lord that we should follow - Keith Hunt]
25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider his vows [It is a snare to a man to utter a vow (of consecration) rashly and (not until) and afterward inquire (whether he can fulfil it) - Amplified Bible. Jesus said a man going to war must sit down and make sure he has what it will require for him to make war. If you are going to build a house, you must make sure you have the funds for the materials. If you are going on a long journey, you have to make sure you have the wherewithal to complete the journey - Keith Hunt]
26 A wise king sifts out the wicked, and brings the threshing wheel over them [A wise king winnows out the wicked (from among the good), and brings the threshing wheel over them (to separate the chaff from the grain) - Amplified Bible. A wise king only wants good and wise people around him. We also should want the same thing. The company you keep will determine how you live your life. Like usually does indeed attract like; sometimes the wrong kind of people may come into your circle without you desiring it; you then have to do whatever you can to put them out of your circle - Keith Hunt]
27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart [The spirit of man (the factor in human personality, which proceeds immidiately from God) is the lamp of the Lord, searching all of his innermost part (1 Cor. 2:11) - Amplified Bible. There is a spirit in man that makes him unique in all creation. It gives the brain the insight to be human, to think as a human, to ponder, to meditate, the understand as only humans can. No other creature can think and do all that humans are capable of thinking and doing. Then with God’s Spirit united with the spirit in man….. Wow, what a combination, leading all the way into eternal glory. Then man can know the depths of his own heart and some of the deep things of God. Truly the spirit in man can become the very lamp of the Lord, shining out to a dark world that they are the very sons and daughters of God - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
20:9 While this is impossible for us to do for ourselves, God wants to do it for us (see 1 Thess. 5:23, 24 and notes).
20:10 See note on 11:1.
20:11 Deeds reflect the character within.
20:12 The faculties by which we gather understanding are gifts of God's grace (see James 1:17).
20:15 gold ... rubies: Physical and material beauty, which is worthless without wisdom. See 11:22.
20:16 Do not deal with these people unless you have ample security. They are poor risks.
20:18 The modern proverb says "Two heads are better than one."
20:19 Flattery and gossip often accompany each other.
20:20 lamp: Future heritage. Family duration depends on respect and honor (Deut. 5:16).
20:21 Gained hastily suggests acquired by deception.
20:22 Wait for the Lord: See Rom. 12:19-21 and note.
20:24 Here, understand may mean "take credit for" (see 3:5, 6 and note).
20:25 To devote rashly ... to reconsider: The importance of considering carefully the vows one would make to the Lord is illustrated clearly in the experience of Jephthah (see Judg. 11:34, 35 and note; see also note on Lev.. 27:2).
20:26 A wise leader knows the difference between right and wrong, and judges accordingly.
20:27 Lamp of the Lord: "God has given to every man a mind which He so enlightens by His own Spirit, that the man knows how to distinguish good from evil" (Clarke).
……
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by lovingkindness he upholds his throne [With mercy, truth, lovingkindness, a throne is established; the majority of people under normal situations will appreciate and serve under a leader who has mercy, truth, and lovingkindness. If you are in a position of rulership, governmentship, foreman of a group, you will have more respect if you govern with mercy, truth, and lovingkindness. My father was foreman over a large number of people for many years, he had these qualities we read here, and was loved by all under him. When he retired after 36 years they all said “It just will not be the same without you Taffy” - Welshmen are called “Taffy” because of the Taff river in Wales. My father’s autobiography is on this website under “Miscellaneous Studies” - Keith Hunt]
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head [Ah yes, the strength of youth, there are some days I wish I had it again, but I keep as fit as I can for being 75 on 9/11 2017. Grey hair of the old should mean you’ve seen life, gone around the block a few times, done that and been there; and you should have some wisdom to pass on to the younger generation
30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart [Yes sometimes physical punishment may be needed to bring sense into some children, not always but sometimes with some children. At one time if adults went off the mark in society they were put on the “hard working chain gang” - digging ditches and the like - not beaten with a whip but hard work was their stripes, in an effort for them to see the depths of the heart, which they had allowed to bring forth evil against society - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
20:28 Lovingkindness can also be translated “faithfulness” or “mercy” (see note on 19:22).
20:29 gray head: Wisdom.
20:30 Wise physical punishment has value; it is enjoined several places in Proverbs (13:24; 22:15; 23:13,14; 29:15)
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TO BE CONTINUED
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS #6
CHAPTER 21
The Lord Examines Our Attitudes
The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; he turns it wherever He wishes [God can intervene whenever He sees fit to move the hearts of leaders, small or great - Keith Hunt]
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts [ Prov. 24:12; Luke 16:15; the Lord sees the heart of man, and can weigh if they do good or evil - Keith Hunt]
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice [To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice (see 1 Sam.15:22; Prov.15:8; Isa.1:11; Hos.6:6; Mic.6:7,8 - Amplified Bible. Remember “righteousness” is defined in Ps. 119:172 - Keith Hunt]
4 A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin [Pretty well self explanatory - Keith Hunt]
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty [Planning for the diligent usually means they take their time, plan thoroughly and wisely; but being too hasty can lead to plans that do not bring much reward - Keith Hunt]
6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death
[When in the world of getting treasures by crooked means, the lying tongue one of them, you are in the world that can lead to your death, from others in that world - Keith Hunt]
7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice [Again when in the world of the wicked violent, you may get snuffed out, others in the same world are vying for no competition - Keith Hunt]
8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; but as for the pure, his work is right [Those who live in the world where you are guilty all there time of crimes, your mind becomes perversely hardened; the pure in mind and heart only wants work that is right and good - Keith Hunt]
9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman [A house that has an emotionally contentious woman as a way of living is not good for anyone, better to be off by yourself than to live with continuing contentions - Keith Hunt]
10 The life of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes [The wicked are so involved with evil desires, even his neighbour is vulnerable to his evil; so are even close blood relatives - Keith Hunt]
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge [The second time we are given this proverb for emphasis - Keith Hunt]
12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness [The (uncompromisingly) righteous man considers well the house of the wicked — how the wicked are cast down to ruin - Amplified Bible. The righteous know that generally speaking the wicked are overthrown in the end; if not in this lifetime, then they will answer for it in the second resurrection, when all their wickedness is brought before them - Keith Hunt]
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard [Generally what goes around comes around; what you reap that you sow; as you have done to others so other will do to you - Keith Hunt]
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe behind the back, strong wrath [As they say, money can buy anything; and with money you can get away with murder; so money or riches of whatever can stop anger coming your way; better live so anger against you does not even start - Keith Hunt]
15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity [We have seen this kind of proverb repeated many times; the just people love justice; and those who work iniquity often find justice on them in this life, if not they will rise in the second resurrection to face their iniquities - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
21:1 God's control extends to kings; He is King of kings see Dan. 4:28-31; Rev. 19:16).
21:3 In God's sight there is no substitute for righteousness and justice. See 1 Sam. 15:22, 23 and notes on Hos. 6:6; Mic. 6:6-8.
21:4 plowing: The Hebrew could also be translated "lamp" which would refer to the spirit of the wicked. This sense is supported by 13:9; 20:20; 24:20.
21:6 Wealth acquired by lying and deceit is soon gone. Only truth is a sure foundation for life. Any other course is seeking death.
21:9,19 See 27:15, 16 and note.
21:11 The mind of the scoffer is closed; the mind of the simple is empty, but he is teachable. The mind of the wise is open and accepts instruction.
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16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead [The way of understanding is the Lord’s way to live; if refused in the long run of it all, death is all you can expect, the second death - Keith Hunt]
17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich [Loving pleasure more than good steady work will end most people in the dog house, living off the scraps from the table; and loving the niceties of life like that wine and oil picture, more than anything else will leave you poor, because you’ll spend whatever money you do have on them; of course we are here talking about the average person, not the filthy rich and lottery winners - Keith Hunt]
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright [One day the righteous will have them under their feet as ashes - Mal. 4:1-3 - Keith Hunt]
19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman [Once more we are told of this truth, put in a slightly different way….better to live in the wilderness - Keith Hunt]
20 There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it [Yes, some things in the ground can be a desirable blessing used correctly, like oil, natural gas, gold, diamonds and so forth; used by the foolish man and it is squandered - Keith Hunt]
21 He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness and honor [Yes and it has been said before, these are the ways to find a good life now, and under God’s mercy or grace, life everlasting - Keith Hunt]
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the trusted stronghold [Wisdom is no match for what may seem unsurmountable problems, troubles, and hazards - Keith Hunt]
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his life from troubles [Once more we are reminded of the power of the tongue; keep it under control and you save yourself a lot of troubles that a big (not literally) mouth can cause - Keith Hunt]
24 A proud and haughty man— "Scoffer" is his name; he acts with arrogant pride [Seen this proverb before; the proud and haughty, the arrogant individual is not appreciated by God - Keith Hunt]
25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare [Another proverb towards the lazy and not lazy person; being lazy can lead you to a slow death literally; those who refuse to work when they can….well the New Testament says “He who does not work, should not eat” - Keith Hunt]
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings
it with wicked intent [Seen this one before also….it does not matter what you may bring to give to the Lord’s work, if you are still classified as “wicked” (unrepentant in mind and heart) it is all an abomination to God - Keith Hunt]
28 A false witness shall perish, but the man who hears him will speak endlessly [A false witness will perish, but the words of a man who hears attentively will endure and go unchallenged - Amplified Bible. The difference between a true witness and a false witness - Keith Hunt]
29 A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he establishes his way [It is often the tendency that the wicked get cast in stone on their wicked ways; but the upright keep establishing (moving towards) their ways in uprightness - growing in grace and knowledge as the apostle Peter taught us to do - Keith Hunt]
30 There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord [Man may come up with all kinds of ideas in their human wisdom and counsel as to why God does not exist; but they will never be able to kill Him….God’s NOT Dead! One day God will openly show that to all atheists - Keith Hunt]
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord [ You may have the means, very good means, to call and deliver a battle; but the Lord will often decide who wins and is delivered. Adolf Hitler and the Japanese had very good means to bring to the nations a world war (Hitler built up his army and weapons over a number of years) but it was with no doubt the intervention in many ways from the Lord that delivered the free world from the heel of the Nazi and the Japanese; many movies have been made on this fact of history - Keith Hunt]
From the New KJV Study Bible
21:16 assembly of the dead: See "Sheol" at 2 Sam. 22:6. The inevitable result of straying from wisdom's path is death (see 5:22, 23 and note).
21:17 Intemperate or immoderate attachment to pleasure, wine, or oil prevents success. Oil was a symbol of luxury.
21:18 shall be a ransom: Often when the wicked are justly punished for their sin, the righteous find release. This is illustrated in the fortunes of the Jews following Haman's execution (see note on Esth. 8:17; see also Is. 43:3, 4). 21:21 Jesus said, "With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Mark 4:24).
21:25, 26 Because the lazy man will not work, he can only covet what others have. The righteous (hardworking) person has more than enough and need not spare in giving.
21:28 Perhaps means a false witness will be stopped, but a true witness will continue to speak.
21:30, 31 We may, and should, make preparations and plans (22:3). But we should never believe that our efforts will guarantee the outcome (16:1).
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CHAPTER 22
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold
[Straight forward enough - Keith Hunt]
2 The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all [As the Lord is over everything in the universe this has to be true - in eternity all will be abundantly rich - Keith Hunt]
3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished [Here “simple” is used in the negative; simple, weak, unwise, lacking common logic and sense; the wise and prudent person sees evil coming and takes appropriate action - Keith Hunt]
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life [That’s what right living, good living, is all about….fearing the Lord in the correct way; that life style produces the best riches and honour; it is the good life here and now in the main, and life eternal in the future - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
22:2 Therefore, both rich and poor are responsible to the same maker.
22:4 humility... fear of the Lord: See 1:7; 15:33 and notes.
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5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards his life will be far from them [We have the freedom to be perverse, to live in the way of perverseness, but if we follow that way, the way that is not of God, there will be for most, thorns and snares; but he who decides to guard his life through the way of the Lord, will in the main find the thorns and snares are not there, maybe ups and downs, maybe trials and tests, but overall the thorn bushes of the ditch will not ours. The stones of the pathway we tread can be there and scuff our knees, but that will not be like falling head-long into the thorn bushes of the ditch - Keith Hunt]
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it [A general statement for sure; generally it is true, not always, but you bring them up in the Lord anyway. It certainly will be easier for them in the second resurrection, if they are not in the first resurrection. Whenever down the line it may be for them, they will remember you brought them up in the way they should go - Keith Hunt]
7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender [It is a fact of life on this earth today that by and large the rich do rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender; by following the other proverbs on not being lazy and having wisdom, it need not apply in depth to you - Keith Hunt]
8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, and the rod of his anger will fail [It is you reap what you live; what you put out will come back to smack you in the head; the anger he gives forth to others will rebound and fail to give the knockout punch - Keith Hunt]
9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor [Another time we are reminded to give to the genuine poor; ancient Israel had laws to safeguard the poor among the population; sometimes situations come beyond our control and so there are poor among us - Keith Hunt]
10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease [Sometimes we must take things into our own hands, those who cause contentions, strife, and arguments, we must put out from among our circle of friends. This has been used by some religious organizations and their leaders to disfellowship ones who “question” - it is used with lightening speed and terrible twisted theology by heavy-handed “cult” type leaders. There are studies on this website about such “Christian” cults and how they operate - Keith Hunt]
11 He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will he his friend [If the king or leader is at all sensible and has a basic good heart, they will love those who are pure in heart with grace in their speech - Keith Hunt]
12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the faithless [Eventually all will come forth; true knowledge will win the day; the words and life of the faithless, if they remain such, will be overthrown in the second death - Keith Hunt]
13 The lazy man says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!" [Oh the excuses that man can come up with who are just bone lazy - Keith Hunt]
14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there [So this tells us what God thinks about those who are “into” fornication, adultery, prostitutes….. it’s a deep pit and abhorrent to God - Keith Hunt]
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him [Again we see that some children will need the paddle of correction to keep them on the straight way to a descent physical life - Keith Hunt]
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty [Surely down through time the poor have been oppressed by the rich; much of “politics” is a giving to the rich so they can bring their ideas and political party to power; in time this will all be broken and everyone will need to be poor in spirit and in the physical, to see the ways of the Lord are the best to follow and live by for enduring peace and prosperity - Keith Hunt]
Words of the Wise
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge;
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your
lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you.
20 Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge,
21 That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?
[Once more God calls out to us to heed His knowledge; His way of life and living, for they are indeed excellent things in counsels and knowledge and truth - Keith Hunt]
22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and plunder the life of those who plunder them [Yet again God instructs us about the attitude towards the real poor of our lands - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
22:6 A child, like a plant, can be trained in chosen directions.
22:8 the rod: The power he wielded with fury shall be stripped from him.
22:9 See 11:24-26 and note.
22:10 The scoffer, by mocking God's principles of living, creates strife and reproach that will destroy many reationships. It is better to remove him from places of influence.
22:11 The heart and the lips reveal the enduring character of a person.
22:12 God is on the side of knowledge and will undercut the claims of people who have no interest in truth.
22:13 How easily we find excuses for not doing what we should.
22:15 Foolishness: Perversity, not merely giddiness.
22:16 The one who seeks to further his own cause by whatever means necessary is condemned ultimately to fail.
22:17—24:34 This is a separate collection of proverbs as indicated by the introductory paragraph (22:17-21; see 1:2-9) and by its particular identification as being words of the wise.
22:17-21 The words of the wise are valuable because they (1) are pleasant (v. 18), (2) create trust... in the Lord (v. 19), (3) give certainty concerning truth, and (4) provide an answer... of truth for those who seek it (v. 21).
22:22,23 Throughout the OT the Lord is concerned for those who cannot defend themselves, at the gate: See note on Ruth 4:1.
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24 Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go
25 Lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your life.
[Pretty straight forward, do not make buddy friends with a person always angry as a way of life = Keith Hunt]
26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts [Again this is taught us for about the third time, so has to be taken note of; do not be a co-signer for another person - Keith Hunt]
27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you? [If you co-sign you could be in serious physical problems - Keith Hunt]
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set [Ancient Israel had landmarks for the individual people’s land; we have a survey to mark our lands. You are to be honest and not move things around to take from others in greed and selfishness whatever it may be today - Keith Hunt]
29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men [Look at all the exquisite buildings and furniture and decorations in the magnificent mansions, castles, and other buildings of the world; look at all the architecture of the world; investigate the music composers and great orchestras and individual instrumentalists; they were all done under the great leaders of the world, not out in some backwoods unknown to the majority of the population, but in the open before kings. We should excel in whatever work we do, doing in with all our heart and mind; we may only be recognized by those around us or in our town, but excellent work will be praised by others - Keith Hunt]
From the New KJV Study Bible
22; 24-25 The danger of imitating evil persons is is fostered by associating with them.
22: 26-27 If you have nothing: Should anyone give surety for more than he might be able to cover?
22:28 See also 23:10 and 11. Ancient landmark refers to a boundary marker. Land in Israel was supposed to be held by each family in perpetuity as a trust from God.
22:29 Excellent work still brings reward from people and the approval from God. See also Eph. 6:5-8.
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TO BE CONTINUED
BOOK OF PROVERBS #7
CHAPTER 23
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you;
2 And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite [Better not be a glutton when in the presence of high ranking whoever in your society; it’s not etiquette - Keith Hunt]
3 Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food [Be careful of any fancy delicacies, for they may be a plan to deceive you into opening up what he may think you know; over friendliness can be deceptive - Keith Hunt]
4 Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! [ Weary not yourself to be rich; cease from your own (human) wisdom (Prov. 28:20; 1 Tim. 6: 9, 10) - Amplified Bible. I once knew a man that said to me one day, “I’m off this week-end here in Calgary, to an all week-end meeting of….” I said, “What do you mean by all week-end?” His reply. “Oh day and night, we do not sleep!” My reply was “Wow however do you do that?” He answered, “Oh that’s nothing, my wife and I went to California and had a 5 day no sleep seminar; I want to be a Millionaire, I want to be a Millionaire!” This proverb from the Lord would be against all such endeavours - Keith Hunt]
5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven [And so it sure can be so, depends on your wisdom. They did a survey of Lottery winners once; it was amazing how many of them with 100s of thousands of dollars, some with a few million, had gone through it all in a few years time, and were pretty well back to where they were before they had that money - Keith Hunt]
6 Do not eat the bread of a miser, nor desire his delicacies;
7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
[This is really saying do not even attend this guys meal; he’s really a miser; something more is learking in his miserly ways; maybe to embarrass you while everyone else is eating a tiny bit, especially him; he may with outstretched arms say, “There my friend eat as much as you can, dig in and feast.” His heart is mischievously not with you and something deviate is in his mind - Keith Hunt]
8 The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up, and waste your pleasant words [Another result of being misled by this miser, even as you eat a little he’s talking about evil plans, that could be as bad as to make you vomit - you’ll waste your pleasant words on him to get him to see things differently - Keith Hunt]
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words
[As Jesus said, do not cast your pearls before swine, they will trample all over them and maybe you also - Keith Hunt]
10 Do not remove the ancient landmark, nor enter the fields of the fatherless [We’ve had this one before; be satisfied with what you have; don’y steal from others; and the corners of the field are for the widow and fatherless (Deut. 19:14; 27:17; Prov. 22:28).
11 For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you [If you do what you should not do (above proverb) God will plead their case against you; you will be discovered in what you are doing and face people, shame and ignominy will be your reward - Keith Hunt]
12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge [A constant theme through the book of Proverbs….get wisdom, instruction, knowledge - your mind was created not to stay stagnant - Keith Hunt
13 Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die [Once more we see that some children need the paddle, in the time way, at the right time, and on the correct area of their body…. the backside or the fleshly part of the thigh. If a child is reaching for something off limits, a slight slap on the back of the hand and a firm “NO” will do the job of correcting. Many people are delighted with very well behaved children, but would abhor some of the methods used to produce such results. Today with our mentality of “Oh no we do not put to death mass or serial killers… that is barbaric” and we wonder why we are in the mess we’re in; of course the serial killer or mass killer was not doing anything barbaric….. so Governments like Canada have deceived themselves into thinking - Keith Hunt]
14 You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his life from hell (the grave) [physical capital punishment on the right person, for the right offence, often brings the right results. It has worked for Singapore for decades…… it is one of the most safe places to live in the world, obey their laws and you can have a beautiful life; crime is just about unknown there - Keith Hunt]
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From the KJV Study Bible
23:1-3 Unrestrained appetite is doubly dangerous: it may be both a source of disgrace and a point where undue influence may be applied.
23:4, 5 Material wealth is like a vapor—soon gone.
23:6-8 bread of a miser: No real fellowship is developed by dining with a person who does mental calculations about what you are costing him while you eat his food.
23:10,11 See v. 28; Hos. 5:10 and notes, their Redeemer in Israel the close relative of a financially troubled landowner could buy the land back, and thus redeem it (see Ruth 4: 3, 4 and note). Here the Lord will be the close "relative of the fatherless.”
23:13,14 This truth must be considered seriously by those | who have children. Correction and wise physical punishment | have an impact for good. See note on 13:24.
……
15 My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoiced—indeed,
16 I myself; Yes, my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak right things
[A righteous father to his son; God towards His children - Keith Hunt]
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day [It is possible that sinners, non-Godly, the unconverted, get away relatively un-scaled with troubles and problems; but their time will come to answer for their sins; you are to stay zealous in the fear (right respect) of the Lord - Keith Hunt]
18 For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off [sinners will answer for their sins when in the second resurrection; they will face the way they lived, and will then have to choose which way they will walk - with God -against God. Those who in this life have remained faithful to the way of the Lord will have the first resurrection and eternal life - Keith Hunt]
19 Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the Way [In the book of Acts “the way” is repeated - 18:26; 19:23; 24:14. Once more a righteous father to his son, or God to His children. A Christian must walk in “the way” of the Lord; God has “a way” to think, to speak, to live….it is His WAY, and that is living by every word of God as Jesus taught we should do - Mat. 4:4. I have a two part study to help you understand this command of Jesus, it is called “Living by Every word of God - How?” I believe it is under section “Christian Living” - Keith Hunt]
20 Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat [This is over-indulgence. Jesus was accused of being a winebibber - kinda strange if Jesus only drank grape juice; He was also accused of gluttony - Mat. 11:19 - because he had meals in homes of reasonably well off people at times - Keith Hunt]
21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags [We are back to those who do not hold down a steady job, because of truly being a drunkard, a glutton, and/or just plain lazy. Today we can include those on drugs of various kinds, and indeed they end up with very little and the worst cases, living on the streets - Keith Hunt]
22 Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old [Repect for father and mother being taught….listening….so presumed to be righteous parents - Keith Hunt]
23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding [If someone writes a book on truth (whatever truth it be) they do have the right to sell it to others, so likewise books on wisdom, instruction, and understanding; these categories give a very wide range of books that can be written by Christians and sold. Do not sell it….cherish such books, keep them, you may want to share such books with others, but do not sell yours - Keith Hunt]
24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him [It is wonderful for sure, when a child grows up to walk in righteousness - Keith Hunt]
25 Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice [Continuing from above proverb - Keith Hunt]
26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways [God talking to His children, or a righteous father to his children - Keith Hunt]
27 For a harlot is a deep pit, and a seductress is a narrow well [A deep pit can be dangerous to fall into, and so also a narrow well; some children in the past fell into narrow well, it is difficult to get them out being stuck, and how far down into it they are; both analogies show the fault of being involved with prostitutes and a seductress - advice from a righteous father and from God - Keith Hunt]
28 She also lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men [Both the prostitute and the seductress woman are lying in wait, to increase the single and married man’s unfaithfulness from God; if married unfaithfulness to a wife - Keith Hunt]
Evils of Alcohol
29 Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
30 Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine [This has no bearing on the teaching from some Christians that drinking alcohol is a sin. It has everything to do with “linger long” and going in search of different concoctions of alcohol to take you on a high that blows the mind. It has everything to do with drunkenness; then sorrows, red eyes. Many good things can be taken too much - vitamin A taken too much produces bad effects on your body. The Bible teach MODERATION not abstinence when it comes to wine and strong drink. A full study of this topic is on this website - Keith Hunt]
31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly [This is in the process of becoming wine. To look on it means to drink it while it is fermenting….. just not good for you - Keith Hunt]
32 At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper [The wrong us of wine or alcohol stings the heart and mind, as those who become alcoholics know only too well. I drink a little wine now and again; less seldom I drink some “strong” drink, but I’ve never ever been drunk in my 75 years come 9/11 2017 - Keith Hunt]
33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things [Being under the influence, or being drunk, can do all kinds of strange things to your mind, and to your body; drunkenness is condemned by the Lord - Keith Hunt]
34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, [You’ll think lying down on the sea will keep you afloat, you’ll think nothing will master you, you’ll think your invincible, but your not….
35 Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: They have struck me, but I
was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it ; When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink? [To your drunken mind you are invincible; when you are a FULL alcoholic you’ll want it as soon as you wake up; such will be its hold on you - Keith Hunt]
……
From the New KJV Study Bible
23:17,18 The promise of a hereafter means there will be, sooner or later, a reward for those who fear... the Lord.
23:19-21 Bad company corrupts good persons, as well as manners. See note on vv. 29-35.
23:26-28 The wise men of Israel never ceased warning against the harlot and seductress (see 7:24-27 and note). The corruption of character involved in debauchery was considered nearly fatal.
23:29-35 A classic statement on the dangers of alcohol consumption. Like many proverbs, it calls on the young man to look-beyond short-term pleasure (v. 31) to long-term
consequences.
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CHAPTER 24
Do Not Envy the Wicked
Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them;
2 For their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking [Straight forward are these first two verses - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
24:1, 2 The corrupt character and speech of evil men are the real reasons why they should be shunned.
……
3 Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established
4 By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
[Wisdom is once more honoured; yes through wisdom and understanding a house and family is built on a solid foundation; true knowledge fills the rooms with pleasant riches that are more emotional precious than physical - Keith Hunt]
5 A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;
6 For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety [Wisdom and knowledge can increase your character and give inner most stregnth; by wise counsel from others you can fight your battles of life, and with others to share those your life’s difficult hard times, there can be safely - Keith Hunt]
7 Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate [People get to know foolish individuals and ones that lack wisdom and knowledge; they themselves get to perceive what others think of them, and so usually keep their mouth shut in times of open discourse; being a fool in speech too many times in public, gets the fool to keep his mouth shut - Keith Hunt]
8 He who plots to do evil will be called a schemer
9 The devising of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men
[This is all in the context of plotting and planning to do evil; it is also foolishness; most, the majority of people will say such evil planning is an abomination; most people desire to live a respectful life before others, and have no respect for those who do not - Keith Hunt]
10 Faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small [Getting into a “defeat” attitude will mean you will not put up much of a fight against the adversity facing you - Keith Hunt]
11 Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling
to the slaughter [Deliver those who are drawn away to death, and those who totter to the slaughter, hold them back (from their doom) - Amplified Bible. Sounds like even back in ancient Israel there was a “suicide problem” as there is today among Canada’s First Nations People; and also today we have a huge problem in the West of drugs and those who die from them each day. It is a serious issue and we have to address it and work to try and eradicate it from our societies - Keith Hunt]
12 If you say, "Surely we did not know this," Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your life, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? [The answer to the problem of verse 11, is not the “ignorant” plea, “I just did know about this problem” excuse. Gods knows you should know about it (by and large the Western nations do know the problem) and be doing something to alter the problem. God will render us accountable and so give us according to our deeds; if nothing we shall pay a large price in the deaths of our younger generation coming up to adulthood - Keith Hunt]
13 My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste [Natural unpasteurized is good for you; I have read that ALL of the “B” vitamins are in honey - Keith Hunt]
14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your life; if you have found it, there is a
prospect, and your hope will not be cut off [Like honey is good for you, so is knowledge with wisdom; knowledge is the true facts etc. - wisdom is how to apply those true facts in any given situation; using knowledge and wisdom there is prospect of a good life - individually and nationally - Keith Hunt]
15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; do not plunder his resting place [The Lord talks to the wicked concerning their feelings towards the righteous; maybe some would pick up the book of Proverbs and heed the admonition of the Lord - Keith Hunt]
16 For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity [The righteous man of God may fall, does fall, but he’ll get back up again and plug on; the wicked mostly do not rise up after a fall, some get caught by the police and end up in jail, or killed by the other mob, or pushed to the bottom of the wicked and stay there - Keith Hunt]
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles [Be humble in everything, even the falling of an enemy, for by the grace of God there go I, is well worth remembering. David of Israel did not rejoice when king Saul, his enemy was killed - Keith Hunt]
18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him [Lest the Lord see it and it be evil in His eyes and displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him (to expend it upon you, the worse offender) - Amplified Bible.
19 Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked;
20 for there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out [We must always look to the final end of it all; it will be disaster for the wicked! They may seem like they are getting away with having justice come upon them, but the end of it all is that justice will be given them; so keep your eyes on the future end not on the present - Keith Hunt]
21 My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those given to change;
22 For their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin those two can bring? [My son (reverently) fear the Lord and the king (obviously this is a good king - you ain’t going to respect {fear)}an Adolph Hitler) and do not associate with those who are given to change (of allegiance and are revolutionary); for their calamity shall arise suddenly, and who knows the punishment and ruin which both (the Lord and the king) will bring upon (the rebellious)? - Amplified Bible. There are times when we must be very thankful for the government powers we have, of course the context is “good” powers. We need to be thankful for our freedom to live and work and play, and be a Christian in the liberties allowed us, and freedom to teach the Gospel. We should not associate yourselves with radical people who are opposed to just about anything and everything a government mandates; there are some who do not want government at all. Some wealthy guys in the USA and many behind the so-called “tea-cup” movement, are for no government at all. A thick documented book has been written on this behind the scene group of people, called, “DARK MONEY” - an eye-opener, I’ve read it - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
24:3, 4 Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are a threefold cord that leads to solid and satisfying achievement.
24:6 See 20:18 and note.
24:7 The gate was the place where the wise men gathered to talk (see note on Ruth 4:1).
24:9 Here, foolishness is not foolish behavior, but ignoring God and scoffing at godly living.
24:10 Through love, faith, and strength of resolve we are able to endure much adversity.
24:11,12 Rebuke and aid those who are headed toward their own destruction. It is the compassionate Son of God who sends us on these missions of love (see Matt. 9:36-28). 24:14 hope ... not... cut off: See 23:17, 18 and note.
24:15,16 The staying power of the righteous is assured.
24:17,18 The OT does not permit the hating of one's enemies. Jesus stated this same principle positively (Matt. 5:44,45).
24:19-22 Two important life principles: Do not envy the wicked, and do not be a slave of fads (v. 21). their calamity: Trouble arises for those who always desire change. The expression those two refers to the Lord and the king.
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23 These things also belong to the wise:
It is not good to show partiality in judgment [Should be no favourites when having to judge righteous judgment - Keith Hunt]
24 The who says to the wicked “You are righteous," him the people will curse [Nations will abhor him [Sometimes in the crazy politicking some get into power by others claiming this man of their’s is righteous, yes calling the wicked righteous; in the long run the nation of people will curse both the wicked and those that said to the wicked you are righteous; anyone saying that any wicked is righteous will be found to be curse. In Bible prophecy it was foretold long ago that there would be a whole-sale development where people would say good is evil and evil is good; we live in those times now! -Keith Hunt]
25 But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good bless will come upon hem [The good blessing will the first resurrection and the age to come; remaining faithful to God’s word there will be blessings the human mine can not imagine; standing for truth pays the best dividend - Keith Hunt]
26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips [Yes I guess so, for it is always nice when you get the right answer to anything - Keith Hunt]
27 Prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house [A good solid well planned foundation work is very important in whatever your doing, certainly for building a house or anything larger. Jesus talked about building on the sand or on a rock and applied it to Christian living - Keith Hunt]
28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, for would you deceive with your lips? [Being a witness is to anything is a mighty important matter; better be a very good cause; and be as truthful as you can possibly be on every point - Keith Hunt]
29 Do not say, "I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work." [Jesus said do not repay evil with evil, but contrariwise do good to those who do evil to you; love your enemies. I remember my Mom bringing me up on “If you can’t say something nice about someone say nothing at all.” Keith Hunt]
30 I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and there it was,.
31 Its wall overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down.
32 When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest;
34 So shall your poverty come like a prowler; and your need like an armed man.
[Pretty straightforward talk about NOT being lazy. Most of us do not inherit millions, most of us need to work, we should work; even if a millionaire we should still work at something; work is good for us. Most of us need to work to have the basic moderate income for moderate living; being lazy will not give us even that moderate status in life - I’m 75 on 9/11 2017, and I still work at two part time physical jobs….it’s good to work; then I also have the care of this website, always uploading studies. I keep my mind and body active, people think I’m 55 and not 75….work is good for the mind and body - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
24:23 These things: Verses 23-34 are additional proverbs to the collection of the wise introduced in 22:17 (see note on 22:17—24:34).
24:24-25 The prophet joins the wise men of Israel: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil" (Is. 5:20).
24:27 The work of the field should be given priority, build your house: Probably refers to having a family.
24:28, 29 Vengeance was reserved for God in the OT, and equally so in the NT.
24:30-34 God created human beings to work for their livelihood. Success atendsdiligence, sloth feeds failure.
25:1- 29:27 Proverbs copied out at Hezekiah's instructions.....
25:2 We shall never comprehend all of God's way [Rom 11:33-36]. but the responsibility of kings and commoners is to learn as much as possible about our tasks and opportunities in God's world.
25:6,7 In GOD'S KINGDOM, AND IN HUMAN AFFAIRS, HUMILITY IS THE KEY TO PROMOTION BEFORE THE GREAT KING [see Luke 14:7-11].
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To be continued
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS #8
CHAPTER 25
Wise Words from Hezekiah's Men
These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter [SO IT IS WITH THE WORD OF GOD; THE TRUTH OF A PARTICULAR SUBJECT IS NOT FOUND IN JUST ONE PLACE IN THE BIBLE; IT IS SCATTERED, YOU HAVE TO AS JESUS SAID, "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES....." YOU MUST BE READING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION, YOU MUST GET ALL THE VERSES ON ANY ONE TOPIC, BEFORE ALL THE TRUTH IS BROUGHT TO LIGHT. TWO HELPFUL BIBLE BOOKS TO DO THIS ARE STRONG'S CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE AND NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE. IT CAN TAKE HOURS UPON HOURS TO STUDY JUST ONE SUBJECT. I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I WAS 18 YEARS OLD [DEEP STUDY] AND READING THE BIBLE FROM AGE 7. NOW JUST ABOUT ALL OF THE IMPORTANT BIBLE TOPICS ARE ON MY WEBSITE. BUT YOU SHOULD LOOK UP ALL THE VERSES IN ALL THE STUDIES AS YOU STUDY THEM - Keith Hunt]
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable [Well maybe it can be so, but depends what what you m,in by unsearchable; Certainly god the Father and His Son Christ Jesus, as Kings, it is so; but what God wants us to know is found in His Holy Bible - Keith Hunt]
4 Take away the dross from silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness [Certainly this was so way way back in history when the king was supreme in command - Keith Hunt]
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great;
7 For it is better that he say to you, "Come up here," Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen [It is protocol to be humble before a king or prime minister or president; better it is for him/her to acknowledge you and give you the invite; being pushy in front of such, will give you big embarrassment when you are told to "shut up, stand back, and sit way back there" - Keith Hunt]
......
From the New KJV Study Bible
25:2 We shall never comprehend all of God's ways (Rom. 11:33-36); but the responsibility of kings and commoners is to learn as much as possible about our tasks and opportunities in God's world.
25:6, 7 In God's kingdom, and in human affairs, humility is the key to promotion before the Great King (see Luke 14:7-11).
......
8 Do not go hastily to court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor has put you to shame?
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, and do not disclose the secret to another;
10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame, and your reputation be ruined.
[First, Christians do not take Christians to court - 1 Cor. 6. Second, if taking a non-Christian to court over some matter, be not quick to do it; you need to weigh up all the pros and cons..... are you in the right? are they in the wrong? have you enough evidence to win your case. If you do not really have the winning stuff, your opponent will make you look a fool and put you to shame. Third, best to try and debate the case with your unconverted whoever, try to solve the problem without having to go to the expense and time involved to be settled in a court of law. Keep it all as quiet as possible, do not tell people about it all, for if your wrong, those whom you've told, some will no doubt tell others, and you be shamed and your reputation be ruined.
We are naturally here talking about such things as being LARGE.... that could involve thousands of dollars; what you think was shoddy workmanship from an "expert" in that skill they were hired to perform; there could be any number of things that would be large and important as to why your taking an unconverted person to court; the small things should be dealt with Christian love - forget it and move on. This is my opportunity to say, though Christians should show love, take some things on the chin, Christians should not be a door mat for people to wipe their dirty feet on; try to solve issues out of court with the unconverted, if it is (ah, wisdom again needs to be used) large and important enough.....then you can go to court with the unconverted or non-Christian, but make sure to follow the advice above - Keith Hunt]
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
[How so true, words, good words, said with a good attitude, mixed with kindness and love, said at the right time, can be like golden apples on a silver plate; a wise (there it is once more - wisdom) rebuker/corrector is like a precious ornament (i.e. solid gold ring that never decays) to those who will take correction and so turn on its path. Part of being a REAL child of God is to admit to the Lord and to man "I was wrong....and you are correct....I will go in the way that is right." Yes of course that is the right attitude, for it is the attitude of HUMILITY! And I think again of Isaiah 66:2 - Keith Hunt]
13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the life of his masters [This looks from the positive side of harvesting with some cold coming long; your out sweating away maybe 3 days or so, under the blazing sun, then comes a cool breeze, or a cool night, and it refreshes your body and mind. There have been days this summer (2017) at the horse ranch where being outside with them, under the blazing sun and 28 C temperature is very draining..... then a cool breeze comes up and what a blessing. So it is that a faithful messenger from say one army to another army that delivers the message rightly and faithfully, maybe it could bring the two armies a truce of peace - what rejoicing that would be - Keith Hunt]
14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain [Yes it may look good to the hearers, the boasting of this person saying he's giving to this charity and that charity, but they are actually lying; it's all like clouds and wind that outwardly looks like needed rain, but there no rain in the clouds - it's empty - no reality at all - Keith Hunt]
15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone [By long forbearance and calmness of spirit a judge or ruler is persuaded, and soft speech breaks down the most bonelike resistance. (Gen. 32:4; 1 Sam. 25:24; Prov. 15:1; 16:14) - Amplified Bible. There are times when forbearance, calmness, soft speech, is the way to bring the results that are needed from someone in authority - Keith Hunt]
16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit [I guess too much honey and yes, too much of a good thing can make you sick. Recently learnt that natural organic honey contains all the "B" vitamins, so a spoon full of honey not only makes the medicine go down, but provides you all the B vitamins - Keith Hunt]
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, lest he become weary of you and hate you [Again too much of a good thing can spoil the relationship - Keith Hunt]
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow [If your the one on the receiving side of a false witness, depending on what the context is all about, you could be like a person getting club, sword, or an arrow, in your body - not pleasant at all - Keith Hunt]
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint [Pretty self explanatory - had some bad toothache in my life time, so sure can understand this proverb - Keith Hunt]
20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart [He who sings songs to a heavy heart, is like him who lays off a garment in cold weather and like vinegar upon soda. (Dan. 6:18; Rom. 12:15) - Amplified Bible. Taking off clothes and not putting them on, when it's winter is doing the very opposite to what you need to do; vinegar on soda....like rubbing vinegar into a freshly cut wound....woooowwww!!! So singing songs to a heavy heart is...."wow....please stop, can't you see I'm of heavy heart right now" - Keith Hunt]
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; Matt. 5:44; Rom. 12:20
22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
[Doing the very opposite to an enemy, you doing good to them for evil they do to you, can indeed bring some enemies such a mind-bend it's like their head is on fire; their mind can hardly entertain that you are giving back good for bad - Keith Hunt]
23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
[As a north wind can bring rain and snow; so a backbiting tongue usually brings forth an angry face from the one in the line of backbiting, and/or the one delivering the backbiting has an angry tongue to go with an angry face - all results from such a person are not good for anyone - Keith Hunt]
24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman [This is once more repeated: the Amplified Bible reads: “It is better to dwell in the corner of the house top than to share a house with, a disagreeing, quarrelsome, and scolding woman (Prov. 21:9).” There is really nothing for me to add - Keith Hunt]
25 As cold water to a weary life, so is good news from a far country [Ah so true it is, for anyone having relations, or friends, in a far away country, to hear good news about them is as refreshing as cold water when you are burning up with the heat from outside your home - Keith Hunt]
26 A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well [We as Christians are to stand tall and strong; we are to fight the good fight; remain faithful to the end; be a light to the wicked. All people know murky water can kill you; all know a polluted well is useless; the righteous must not become contaminated before sin and evil and wickedness; the righteous must be part of Hebrews 11 - Keith Hunt]
27 It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one's own glory is not glory [We have seen too much honey can actually make you sick; and so though glory can be good, to seek it out for oneself is not really true glory for once again like many things it is not humility - Keith Hunt]
28 Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls
[Back in old history if your city did not have good strong walls it was nothing for a powerful enemy to defeat and take your city, you were vulnerable to bad things happening to you and those inside your city. So a person who cannot control his emotions is open for attack from many sources of the world and from demonic powers - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
25:8-10 Especially Christians are encouraged to settle disputes without going to public court. See 1 Cor. 6:1-7.
25:11-15 Meditations on the power of the appropriate words.
25:13 Like the cold of snow from the mountaintops bringing some relief from the oppressive heat below (see 26:1).
25:16 Excess even in that which is good leads to disappointment.
25:20 It is no virtue to be resolutely cheerful when those around us are suffering (see also 27:14; Rom. 12:15 and notes).
25:21, 22 Coals of fire probably refers to the pricking of his conscience (see note on Rom. 12:19-21).
25:23 In both cases, the first guarantees that the second will follow.
25:26 Such a person can no longer be depended on with confidence; his wisdom is now questionable.
25:27 seek ... glory: See note on vv. 6, 7.
25:28 Life is not good for the person who cannot control himself.
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CHAPTER 26
As snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool [they just do not mix together; those who honor someone who does not deserve it (say like Adolph Hitler) are doing something so out of place, as like rain coming in harvest time - Keith Hunt]
2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause shall not alight [Like the sparrow in her wandering, like the swallow in her flying, so the causeless curse does not alight (Num. 23:8) - Amplified Bible. When there is no reason for a curse (again more from long ago history) it is useless, as Num.23:8 shows. The early Church of God had such shall be say “curse times” i.e. Acts 5 on a husband and wife. Later Paul would say things like, “I’ve handed them over to Satan.” He apparently could not reconcile with them - see 1 Tim. 1: 18-20. I once had to do the same with a Deacon and his wife - could not reconcile though I really tried; I had to say to God, “I’ll have to leave this situation in your hands Father” - Keith Hunt]
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back [Teaching aids for a horse and donkey; so the rod on the back of fools is sometimes required - if you live in Singapore you know well some of the laws of punishment for law-breakers - Keith Hunt]
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him [Sometimes your best way is to say nothing back to a fool, otherwise you may be as foolish as them…..
5 Answer a fool according to his folly lest he be wise in his own eyes [Other times a fool needs to be answered or he’s going away thinking he’s very wise; knowing when and when not to answer a fool takes…..yes…..wisdom - Keith Hunt]
6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks
violence [If your sending a message to the opposing army, you’d better make sure the man your using to take the message is not some fool, who may do something utterly stupid, and hence your in deep trouble, with not feet to run, and your drinking violence. Applying it in our lives - make sure your right hand men/women are not fools but very wise - Keith Hunt]
7 Like the legs of the lame that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of fools [Whatever they may say as trying to put things in a wise proverbial way, fools will only bring forth that which is useless; be wise in having no fools on your team - Keith Hunt]
8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling is he who gives honor to a fool [A stone in a sling is meant to be a weapon of defence and/or attack; you honor fools and you’ll have a bull in a china shop on the loose - destruction in one way or another will come your way - Keith Hunt]
9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools [Proverbs or whatever they say, if you have fools on your team, it will be as if you put your hand into the thorn bush….it will painfully hurt - Keith Hunt]
10 The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages [Eventually all fools and transgressors (the wicked) who will not repent shall have their wages….. “the wages of sin is death….” (Rom 6:23).
11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly [Fools tend to not realize they are fools, they will not be correct or guided, hence they repeat their foolishness - Keith Hunt]
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him [About as clear as you can get; being proud and vain and thinking your wise, when you are anything but; well a fool with no ego and vanity may have more hope to find the light. Many ministers of religion have fallen because they were filled with self vanity and self wisdom - what they saw grow, even mushroom in their ministry, gave them a big head and only human wisdom. Fools may find it easier to see the light than such humanly wise men - Keith Hunt]
Against Laziness, Gossip, and Deceit
13 The lazy man says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!"
14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed.
15 The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.
[Pretty plain to understand about the perpetual lazy person; they can find ever justification in the book to be lazy - Keith Hunt]
17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears [Sometimes using wisdom, you have to stay out of things that in the end could harm you. This of course has nothing to do with helping someone in a violent situation; even then wisdom must be used, if the attackers have guns and knives you’d better call the police; going into the brawl could cost your life as well as the one being attacked. Even in non-violet quarrels you have to be wise, blustering in …..well it could be in the long run like having a dog attack you because you’ve pulled its ears - Keith Hunt]
18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, '"I was only joking!"
[Pulling pranks maybe okay…. at times, under a wise mentality and situation; but under other situations that would have you say, “Well it was only a joke” - there could be for you firebrands and arrows coming your way….. unpleasant results; wisdom is again the key - Keith Hunt]
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases [Yes talebearing can be a huge firebrand to set the wood a burning and blazing; cease talebearing, cease nosy-poky talking and gossip, and strife will also cease - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
26:1 See 11:22.
26:2 God controls curses (Num. 23:8), and one that is undeserved does not come to pass. God's curses are reserved for religious and moral failure.
26:3-12 All proverbs about fools. Here the fool seems to be a person who lacks tact; he is thoughtless or indifferent. The irony of v. 12 is that it is precisely the fool who is wise in his own eyes.
26:4, 5 There are times when the fool should be ignored and others when he should be corrected. Wisdom knows the difference.
26:10 See center-column note. The translation here may indicate that God will punish the fool and transgressor according to what they, deserve.
26:13-16 The lazy man is the supreme fool; he expects success without effort. There is a lion! See note on-22:13.
26:14 Rolling back and forth pointlessly.
26:17 When those involved in a quarrel seek our intervening help at a resolution, we should be willing and concerned (see Matt. 18:15, 16 and notes). Until that time, we must avoid meddling where we may cause more harm than good.
26:18,19 Folly does not consider the damage which maybe done to another person, whether intentions were for good or for evil.
26:20-22 The talebearer is a wicked person. He has done great harm amongst God's people.
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21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife [This is a man who is by nature a contentious individual, argumentative, hot headed, fierce, aggressive, antagonistic, quarrelsome; they are just people you really do not want in your life - Keith Hunt]
22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body [The words can come sounding, oh so concerned, about this person they are talebearing on; it is deceptiveness to the one bearing the tale; somehow they may think by talebearing they are helping that individual they’re telling tales about; the end result is the poison goes down into the pit of the stomach; no real good is produced by it all - Keith Hunt]
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross [The silver makes whatever it covers look real good, till it breaks and then what a shock, nothing but earth substance underneath the silver; so it is that comes out of the mouth, words formed by the lips, may sound nice and sweet, pleasant and amiable, but inside the body, the heart and mind is just mundane earthiness from a wicked heart. Some people put on quite the show to deceive their wicked intent. The apostle Paul warned about this - 1 Tim. 5: 24, 25 - Keith Hunt]
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself;
25 When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart;
26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
[Similar to the above proverb of verse 23. Some are very clever at disguising their real true self; eventually, especially in the Church, their deceit and wickedness will be revealed, some quicker than others - Keith Hunt]
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him [Those who are out to make you fall into a ditch, or roll a large stone your way to knock you over; those out to hurt you, generally will have it come back on them. I’ve had this happen twice in my lifetime of 75 years [9/11 2017], once as a young man, then again when I was about 50 years of age…..the end result of both men was not pleasant at all….. you reap what you sow; what goes around comes around - Keith Hunt]
28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin [Again we are reminded of the power (evil or good) of the tongue; what comes out of a person in speech; words can crush, they can ruin while flattering; they can destroy, they can ruin a reputation; the mouth can lie; from it can come vanity, pride, egotism, boasting. We are fully warned of its power by the apostles James in his epistle - Keith Hunt
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From the New KJV Study Bible
26:23-26 The danger of one who pretends kindness but plans evil.
26: 25 seven abominations. The number 7 symbolized completeness. His character and plans are thoroughly wicked.
26: 27 Planned violence to another often backfires.
26: 28 A lying tongue results from hatred in the heart. It is is kindled with the fire of hell (James 2:3-6).
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TO BE CONTINUED
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS #9
CHAPTER 27
Be Wise, Make Friends
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth [This is the cocky attitude of mind; over confident; a life that thinks they are in perfect control of days, months, years to come, when of course nobody can be so big-headed as to think they and not God is in control of tomorrow - Keith Hunt]
2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips [This is again the individual who is filled with self-vanity; human pride; human conceit…..there was once a heavy-weight boxer who would shout out “I’m the Greatest….look how pretty I am…..I’m the Greatest!” Time showed he was not always the greatest but was beaten several times, but he was certainly one of the greatest in his boxing career. No matter how good you are in whatever, always remain humble - Isaiah 66:2 - Keith Hunt]
3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but a fool's wrath is heavier than both of them.
[This puts in perspective the huge weight in a human analogy that a fool’s wrath can be on those who come near to it; do not stay around the wrath of fools, it can crush you - Keith Hunt]
4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy? [Indeed the power and driving force of jealousy can lead to doing things beyond being full of anger; there were two USA young ladies in figure skating (world class stuff), one deliberately smashed the leg of the other….. oh what jealousy will do at times - Keith Hunt]
5 Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed [If you have love but it is hidden so carefully nobody knows it is there - what’s the good of that, it is useless. Open rebuke at least is seen and felt, and could do some positive work in a person’s life. Love…. let it be known, it’s useless if it’s never seen or felt - Keith Hunt]
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [A true friend will be faithful, and with that faithfulness may come at times, some upfront, straight talk, correction which can hurt at the time given; it’s a loving wound from a true friend. The buttering up, stroking the back, lovey-dovey-ness of an enemy, oh how deceitful it can all be; you’ll end up in a real mess from such enemies - Keith Hunt]
7 A satisfied life loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry life every bitter thing is sweet [When all is going nice and rose, full stomach, money in the bank, good secular job, the sweetness of honey may not be desired or wanted (now organic honey is good, contains all the “b” vitimins); but if your in the opposite situation of life….oh even bitter things are sweet to the taste; when your famished your happy for anything to eat - Keith Hunt]
8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place [When your out of your depth, in strange water, in surroundings that are not comfortable, you are in mind like a bird lost from its nest. If you go into places, towns, houses, neighbourhoods, that are not like the safety of home (the proverb is obviously talking about a good person in general living in a good home and neighbourhood), you can be in big trouble. A number of times each year we hear about teens or College students, away from home, in a land not familiar, a town not familiar, and in night-clubs not familiar….. and they are beaten up, or worse they are killed. It happened just the other day (July 6 - 2017) - a young man just graduated from College, in a foreign country, in a night-club at 3 am, an argument, set upon by 4 or 5 locals and beaten to death. Oh how wisdom is needed - Keith Hunt]
9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel [How wonderful to have good true friends, who will also share their counsel with you, as they say, two heads are better than one - Keith Hunt]
10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away [If you know they are true friends of any age, do not forsake them, you have a good thing; when troubles come to you, it may be best to go to a good neighbour than try to travel to a far away brother or sister; the situation of the calamity and wisdom will decide - Keith Hunt]
11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me [My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me (as having failed in my parental duty - Prov. 10: 1; 23: 15, 24) - Amplified Bible. Oh yes how many times has a parent thought this, said this, and prayed their son or daughter would mend their ways for the better - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
27:1 Do not boast: Rather trust in the providence of God. Rest in His care (Matt. 6:25, 26).
27:5 Love that is not manifested in some way is of no value.
27:7 hungry soul: The person who is habitually covetous. Covetous people often conceive a burning desire for things which can only harm them. See 1 Tim. 6:6-10.
27:8 wanders from his place: Does not appreciate his home nor face his responsibilities.
27:10 Do not... go to your brother's house: The proverb does not forbid our turning to family members for support in times of need. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of developing close, dependable friendships. When, we need someone, we should not forsake the help of a friend who is near for that of a family member who is far away.
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12 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished.
[The wise will perceive evil is coming, or could come, and will take steps not to be seen and have evil come upon them; the simple minded (used here in the negative sense), weak minded, just not able to clue in on things, will not foresee evil coming and will walk right into it, and figuratively get slapped in the face - Keith Hunt]
13 Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress [Be sure to get collateral from anyone who guarantees a debt of a stranger. Get a deposit if someone guarantees the debt of an adulterous woman - The New Living Translation. (The judge tells the creditor) Take the garment of one who is security for a stranger; and hold him in pledge when he is security for foreigners (Prov. 20: 16) - Amplified Bible. There seems to be various ways the Hebrew can be translated. A proverb somewhat hard to understand in our day and age. Back in ancient Israel security for pledges or loans, was secured by garments, which our Security Companies and Banks would simply laugh at as some joke you were playing on them. But then there is the business where the house you have can be collateral or security for another house you wish to buy as an investment deal. No doubt there are other business deals that use collateral and security, if it’s over and above the general loans you can obtain through Banks and Investment Companies and that because of your excellent credit score - Keith Hunt]
14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him [Good intentions and acts, if not used with wisdom can come back to you as a curse - just not at all appreciated. In this case, not all people are early risers….I know I’m one of them, more of a night owl than an early bird - Keith Hunt]
15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike
16 Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand.
[Once more we are told living with a woman who is by nature contentious, is like dripping water that never stops, it slowly wear away; sad to say I've known and heard of this and the man works long hours, or goes to the gym or pub and stays away from home as much as he can. Some leave - they separate and/or divorce. It seems it is very hard for a contentious women to change her ways; to restrain her would be like trying to catch the wind in your hands or grasping oil - it slips through the hand - Keith Hunt]
17 As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [A good friend, a true friend, will not allow you to get away with untruth, or living a way of life that will bring disaster to you; they will correct, and the same should be said of you towards a friend - Keith Hunt]
18 Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; so he who waits on his master will be honored [Tending carefully to your fruit trees, is a blessing to the trees, they will produce abundant healthy fruit; you will joyously partake in hardest time and after. So likewise those who serve their boss well, produce a good outcome, where the master is thankful and so rewards accordingly - Keith Hunt]
19 As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man [The heart is used for the seat of the emotional and life living of a person; you hear people say about others "Oh he's got such a good heart." People relate the heart to the very way of life that a person lives. If you have a good heart people are happy to be around you; they look upon you as one who cares, is happy, is respectful, is circumspect - they honour you for all of this - Keith Hunt]
20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied [Letting human nature run-amuck, the evil desires, lusts of the eyes, is never satisfied; we have to be diligent in how we see and view things. We know it is in the mind, but the Bible uses such terminology as "the eyes" in a figure of speech way; shall we say it is the eyes that make the mind see, and we can see with lust, jealousy, unwarrented anger - ways that could lead to death and destruction - Keith Hunt]
21 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is valued by what others say of him [I guess it is the acid test, what others think about us; how we think and talk, live, is pretty well open for others to see; they see us just the way we are. If we are hiring someone to do a job, we usually want references from others where the person has worked etc. Even as we work (if working with others) we want feedback from those working with our new hire. So in many ways a man is valued by what others say about him - Keith Hunt]
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him [Oh my, this is a mighty strong analogy; I mean it really shows how imbedded, how dug in, how etched, inscribed, foolishness can be in a fool; mighty hard to do away with it; of course all things are possible through Christ Jesus - Keith Hunt]
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations.
[Unless you have some "cash cow" never-ending course of money, you need to attend to your physical whatever that do give you a physical return, i.e. attending to your flocks of sheep etc. for physical riches from your physical things, do need attending, looking after carefully or your cash flow.... flies away and is gone - Keith Hunt]
25 When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field;
27 You shall have enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants.
[Caring for what you have means it will pay off in physical reward, as the caring of your land gives a healthy life to your lambs and goats....so to your betterment by your lambs and goats. All that does well under your care can bring physical nourishment to you, your household, and to your servants (people working for you) - all benefit - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
27:12 hides: Prepares himself.
27:13 See 6:1-5; 20:16 and notes.
27:14 Wisdom has a good sense of timing. Just because you are buoyant in the morning does not mean everyone is. Good intentions should not be considered as a justification for thoughtless behavior.
27:15,16 contentious woman: Five times Proverbs speaks the difficulty of living with such a person (19:13; 21: 9,19; 25: 24). A wife can be the making or breaking of a man.
27:17 As one piece of metal is used to improve the sharpness of another, so is a person able to sharpen for the good the perceptions and abilities of a friend.
27:19 In the OT the heart is where one's character is on display. It must be a new heart of purity for one in Christ.
27:21 valued by what others say: A principle to be remembered and applied to our lives.
27:22 The fool could be punished as grain is crushed in a vessel with a pounder, yet not change his ways.
27:23-27 Pay attention to day-to-day affairs and do not become complacent in either wealth or a favorable political climate (v. 24).
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TO BE CONTINUED
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS #10
CHAPTER 28
Righteousness Is Better than Evil
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion [The righteous - Strength to stand up and be counted Jesus said would be given us in the day of persecution and adversity - Keith Hunt]
2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; but by a man of understanding and knowledge right will be prolonged [When everyone thinks they are in the right, when none of them are, there will be many who want the top position; it takes a man of understanding and knowledge (the right kind - the Godly kind) to rule for a long time. Of course we’re not here talking about a “dictatorship” - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
28:1 The godly person can face life boldly; the wicked can only fear.
28:2 Many ... princes (officials) are necessary to curb human evil. Both understanding (sound judgment) and knowledge (correct information) are necessary for right to prevail.
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3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no food [A driving rain can destroy, wipe out a crop, it often happens on the prairies of North America; So a poor man oppressing the poor results in destruction; it’s as useless as a driving rain (one that is full of rain to bring good), but driving can ruin not sustain; it is counter productive and does not make a logical sense - Keith Hunt]
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them [Anyone who does not keep the law of the Lord is really giving praise to doing your own thing, which is then wickedness; those who keep the law of the Lord in their daily living by example are contending with them. I and my horse was once a member of “musical horse ride” - the ranch wanted us to do it for their special “Canada 150 years old” party. They knew I could not participate on the 7th day Sabbath; they all agreed to have the party on Sunday afternoon - Keith Hunt]
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all [The evil person does not think about “justice” - they could care less about it, evil doing is the only thought in their mind; those who truly seek the Lord and all His ways of living, understand justice and all that is right and proper - justice being: fair play, fair mindedness, evenhandedness, impartiality, objectivity, honesty, righteousness, morals - Keith Hunt]
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though be rich [Simple to understand; better to be poor but have integrity (moral uprightness, honesty, good character, decency), than someone physically rich but perverse (immoral, behave unacceptably, pig-headed, contrary, self-seeking despite consequences) - Keith Hunt]
7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father [Someone keeping the law of God as taught by his father, is a son living right; but a son living a life of gluttony and parting all the time, “Let’s have a bash every night because who knows if we shall have a tomorrow” attitude, will shame his father - Keith Hunt]
8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion gathers it for him who will pity the poor [A general statement as some increasing their physical possessions, using wrong and evil means, do at times “get away with it” but often their possessions can end up being inherited by someone who will give most of it away to the poor - Keith Hunt]
9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination
[This is a very important proverb of truth. Does God hear the prayers of the un-converted? The NT makes it very plain that everyone is at one time in blindness and deception true theology wise. Until we are called we are in spiritual blindness. Those who are deceived by a false Christianity or the un-converted, are still in spiritual blindness, unless and until God calls them to His truths. So those people can be sincere yes, but they are still sincerely wrong! So as it is God that blinds people to His truths (see Rom. 9 to 11), He can then hear their prayers over this or that. It is the people who are no longer spiritually blinded, that are in deep trouble if they turn away their ear from the laws of God. The NT says, “He that knows to do good and does it not, to him it is sin” - in other words their sins, because they know better, but have willfully turned away, is no longer covered by the blood of Christ; their sins remain; their prayers from that point on are an abomination. A sobering and very serious proverb - Keith Hunt]
10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will fall into his own
pit; but the blameless will inherit good [It is not a pleasant thing to turn, or try to turn, the upright and righteous to do evil; more often than not such a person will fall into their own evil trap; the blameless in not trying to do this, and the blameless who do not fall for evil traps, will inherit good; the long run of inheriting good is the Kingdom of God; not a better “good” there is - Keith Hunt]
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding searches him out [Many of the rich are vainly pompous, they are wise unto themselves and blinded to what they really are; the poor who had understanding of wisdom (true riches), can see the inner depths of the mind-set of the physical rich, and help him never become like minded - Keith Hunt]
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves [Most of the time the average person likes it when the righteous rejoice in being the main force, and their is glory all around; so if and when the wicked rise up, people will run and hide from them; they are just not welcome news - Keith Hunt]
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy [This is for all people from the true God in heaven; to obtain mercy, grace, to be saved, you have to confess you are a sinner; then you have to have a mind-set that wants to forsake sin; with that God can have mercy upon you. You then are under grace. Keeping that mind-set to the end of your life, you are then saved by grace into God’s Kingdom. You need to study my study called “Saved by Grace” and really come to understand the subject fully. It may be a shock to hear me say, that most Christians have not a clue about the subject of being saved by grace - make sure you do - Keith Hunt]
14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity [Certainly the Pharaoh of Egypt fell into calamity when he hardened his heart as Moses asked him to “Let my people go.” People who harden their heart against what is right, will eventually (sooner or later) fall into calamity, the worse being the second death - Keith Hunt]
15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear is a wicked ruler over poor people [There are many analogies the poor could give to describe a wicked ruler over them, the two given here are as good as any others - Keith Hunt]
18 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days [All it takes is a lack of wisdom and understanding (Godly attributes) and a ruler becomes very oppressive; with the lack of such usually goes covertness in an oppressive mind, they covert their own human wisdom with the power they have; when the people can they will overthrow such a ruler. A ruler who is the opposite will generally prolong his days and his rule - Keith Hunt]
17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; let no one help him [A man who is bloodshed from the evil he has done, when blood looks like coming his way, he will run and hide; such a man deserved no help…..what goes around comes around…..as you have done to others it will eventually come back on you likewise - Keith Hunt]
16 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, but he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall [Another important truth for salvation. The parents of John the Baptist are said to be “blameless” - see Luke 1: 5,6. Did they not sin? Oh no they sinned, for it is written, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” When you are in a never-ending “repentant mind-set” knowing you are a sinner - God will extend His grace and mercy to you as I said above; you are then under His grace, forgiven - in that sense you are “blameless.” So to walk blamelessly you are a humble ever repentant sinner, with a mind that wants to do the will of God…..such will be saved (by grace); those with no such mind will fall, eventually suddenly into the lake of fire, the second death - Keith Hunt]
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! [We’ve been told this a number of times already, the lazy will usually have poverty enough; those who get up and get out to work will usually have food enough to eat and pay the other bills that this physical life sends our way - Keith Hunt]
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished [A general statement proverb; some faithful have not always been blessed with physical blessings - Hebrew 11. Then many have been, like Abraham. Those who only have physical riches on their mind will not go unpunished for their selfishness; if not repented of, their punishment will be the second death - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
28:4, 5, 7 The pursuit of the law (God's will) is itself an effective thrust against evil.
28:8 Gathers it for him: Wealth gained by corrupt means will eventually end up in the hands of a person who will give it away (see 13:22).
28:9 Refusing to do God's will, but expecting His approval.
28:12 When the righteous or the wicked determine public policy. See v. 28; 29:2.
28:13 He who covers is lost; he who confesses and forsakes is saved (see also v. 18).
28:14 always reverent: To have a proper sense of awe and worship for God, which results in an appreciation for God's truth and a desire to live by it.
28:16 covetousness: The obsessive desire to possess is a critical defect whether in a ruler or in the people.
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21 To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress [To have respect of persons and to show partiality is not good; neither is it good that a man should transgress for a piece of bread - Amplified Bible. Sadly too many do show partiality to others in one way or another; too many will transgress, do evil, for even a small reward; with some it does not take much to get them to do wickedness, they are pulling at the bit on the starting line - Keith Hunt]
22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him [They are just one minded…all consumed, they do not consider anything but what their evil eye sees…..riches upon riches coming their way; being in poverty is not considered for one split second; they are going after riches and that is all that matters, they can think of nothing else, it becomes the god of their mind’s eye. As Jesus taught, it must be cut out, destroyed, how hard it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God; but all things are possible with the Lord, He can give you the power to cast down fortresses - Keith Hunt]
23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue [If the man listens, takes your rebuke, admits your right and he is wrong, turns and goes the correct way, then only good and favour is the outcome; but to flatter someone for no true purpose, in the quiet of their mind they know it, and you mean nothing to them, you have no favour in their sight - Keith Hunt]
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It is no transgression," The same is companion to a destroyer [They are led to believe it is not wrong to rob their father or mother. My father had a younger brother (and an older brother and sisters) and it was a fact the youngest did rob his mother while making out he was looking after her affairs; my father was so disgusted he did not speak to that brother the rest of his life, and my dad lived to be 94. Jesus gave a lesson on this proverb. Mark 7:9-13. God commanded through Moses that a person should honour their father and mother. The scribes and Pharisees said, “But if a man shall say it is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever you you might profit (benefit) by me; he shall be free. And you prevent him to no more help his father or mother. Making the word of God none effective through your traditions, which you teach; many such like things you do.”
What the Pharisees taught was you can say I’ve promised to give what I have to the “church” - when I die, and in so promising you do not have to give any of it to help your father and mother if they should have need of help. It was avoiding, “doing away with” a commandment of God; Jesus denounced such teaching in no uncertain way - Keith Hunt]
25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered [Oh how I have seen this take place in the Church of God; one famous in his day radio and TV minister, became so proud, vain, self-ego, even on one TV program putting his name under Jesus Christ; it was God the Father, Jesus Christ, ………. then the man’s name, whom I’m talking about. His religious empire finally came crashing down with strife that you could hardly believe it was happening, but it sure did, I was there to witness it all; but he who will humble himself and trust in the Lord, do things right, will prosper, his work will prosper, but not in any public way or even in the Church of God - so what the church is served and blessed and guided, and restoration is made by the little flock, the salt of the earth - Keith Hunt]
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
[Truly trusting in your own mind and heart, no one else, you’ll end up a fool, doing foolish things; but living and undertaking all things wisely….. you mostly miss the errors you could have done; as the proverbs say over and over; walk with wisdom, deliverance nearly always comes - Keith Hunt]
27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses [Once more by repeating we see the importance of helping the poor, the real poor, from no fault of their own; could be a flood victim, tornado victim, hurricane victim, earthquake victim and etc. We are told in Gal.2: 10 not to forget the poor. It is repeated many times throughout the Bible. Ancient Israel had laws to help the poor, like when taking in the harvests the corners of the field were to be left for the poor. He who hides his eyes from the poor God will not be pleased with and many curses may follow them over time - Keith Hunt]
28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase [People generally know the things that make the wicked, wicked, and will try to hide themselves from the wicked and their clones. They’ll try to keep safe distance from the wicked; when the wicked perish, then it is time for the righteous to step up to the plate increasing more and more - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
28:21 partiality: See 24:23 and note.
28:23 Rebuke sometimes shows more love for another than soothing words.
28:24 It is a heinous sin to act selfishly in a sacred relationship.
28:25, 26 Trust in self (pride) is a source of strife, hatred, and war.
28:27 hides his eyes: See 21:13.
28:28 See v: 12 and note.
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TO BE CONTINUED
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS #11
CHAPTER 29
Blessed Are the Disciplined
He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy [If the destruction does not come in this life, it will in the second death - Keith Hunt]
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan [It is indeed truth; the righteous ruler will rule with righteous laws, the wicked ruler will only bring pain and sorrow in the long run - Keith Hunt]
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth [The father being wise and righteous, will rejoice when his children love wisdom (that is from the Lord) so following the example of the father; but the son who wants loose women, prostitutes, is throwing his money down the sewer, and could end up with any number of sexually transmitted diseases - Keith Hunt]
4 The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it [Justice goes hand in hand with righteousness, a land build on those will be established wisely; but the ruler/s who rule with bribes from this or that person/company will overthrow the land into wickedness - Keith Hunt]
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet [Flattering for no good reason, just to butter-up his neighbour, will eventually find he is caught in his own net that he’s set down - a mistake that will catch up to you - Keith Hunt]
6 By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices [It is a fact of life that evil people will be snared by others, by the police, by other evil people competing in the same ring; the righteous following God’s law (Ps. 119:172) will keep themselves from many snares of evil and from evil people; their life will be basically a joyful song and rejoicing - Keith Hunt]
7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does hot understand such knowledge [We have been told this truth before; God thinks it needs to be repeated for emphasis. Jesus was being anointed on the feet by a woman with expensive ointment, some were shocked, the money for the ointment could have been used for the poor; Jesus said she was doing a good thing, for the poor we would have always, but not so Himself in person. The genuine poor we still have; if we can help them we should - Keith Hunt]
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath [The context of the word “scoffer” here means a whole lot more than the surface of the word, for big trouble can come from them like the burning of a city; the wise (wisdom from God, part of His nature) know how to handle wrathful, troublesome people; they do their best to turn away wrath in different ways in different situations - Keith Hunt]
9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace [A truly foolish person tends to be so no matter what the external may be looking like; they need to be out of your circle of friends - Keith Hunt]
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being [Those who are just plain evil, wickedly wild, do not like the ones who get called “goody two-shoes” - the upright seek the well-being of the blameless, like attracts like - Keith Hunt]
11 A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back [Learning to control your emotions, how and when to use them correctly is a mark of those with wisdom; those who do not control their feelings are clearly said to be fools - Keith Hunt]
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked [If the ruler over whatever, is governed by lies, slight of hand, corruption; those who serve under him soon catch on, and soon become wicked like their boss - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
29:1 This proverb should be memorized as a warning against rebellious conduct. Hardens describes the basic response of the stubbornly sinful person.
29:3 wastes his wealth: See 5:5-10; 6:26 and notes.
29:6 is snared: See 1:18, 19 and note.
29:8 set a city aflame: See the description of the worthless troublemaker in 6:12-15 and note.
29:11 Proverbs emphasizes this need for self-control again and again (see 16:32; 25:28 and notes).
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13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both [The poor man and the oppressor meet together, The Lord gives light to the eyes of both - Amplified Bible. If the two meet together for a good purpose, the Lord is able to give light that both can bring to a good outcome that in the long run can benefit both - Keith Hunt]
14 The king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever [Forever as long as those contains remain; this is not talking about some one king and his throne going on forever just because his actions were right; his children and heirs could do things far from their father, so bringing in corruption and un-truth would in time destroy the throne - Keith Hunt]
15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother [We have been told a number of times that childrearing sometimes must involve strict physical punishment if needed as well as verbal rebuke; both are needed for some children to give them wisdom; a child who deserves them and does not get them, will have little wisdom, and often as teens will bring their mother to be shamed - Keith Hunt]
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall [Well certainly in the end the righteous will see the un-repented wicked fall in the second death; they may sort may not see the wicked fall in this physical life - Keith Hunt]
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your life [Back again the Lord takes us to correct child rearing; correction of various kinds is needed, when needed; a child left without correction will sooner or later not give you delight - Keith Hunt]
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law [Where there is no revelation to what is good and right and acceptable in God’s way of life, people will sooner to later cast off all restraint and do more wickedness; they will do what seems to be right in their mind, which we have been told leads to moral death; we see this happening in the lands of the West more and more each passing year. Happiness, real lasting happiness, is by keeping God’s law - Keith Hunt]
19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; for though he understands, he will not respond [A servant will not respond to a person who only shouts at them words of correction [right or wrong]; it takes the right way to correct someone, it takes the showing of love and kindness also; servants will go above and beyond to a boss that is of a nice temperament towards them - Keith Hunt]
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words, there is more hope for a fool than for him [Oh indeed we should be thinking before we speak; spouting off with words before our mind is in gear….well it says a fool in many ways of living has more hope of a better physical life, than someone who is constantly shooting off with the mouth….I refer you to James 2 - Keith Hunt]
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him as a son in the end [He who pampers his servant from childhood will expect the rights of a son afterwards - Amplified Bible. If you pamper to the extreme, a servant early on after hiring them, they will in time think they are your son, and will want, or plan ways to get what a literal son would get from you; the end result will not be good. Honey is good for you, but too much honey makes you sick; loving your servant is good, but over loving them as a way of life, has a sickening result - Keith Hunt]
22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression [Being in a constant or near constant frame of mind filled to anger and fury, will lead into many various transgressions of good decent living. Having your mind filled with fury and anger produces bad physical chemicals in your body that will lead you to break physical and spiritual laws - Keith Hunt]
23 A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor [Winston Churchill had been reject by the London government because of his stand against Adolph Hitler; he went home to work in his garden. After being proved correct he was invited back as Prime Minister to lead the British in war against Hitler. If he had been too proud, he could have said, “Go fly your kite” - but being humble in spirit, accepting the call, he mightily retained his honour, and goes down in history as one of the greatest of Englishmen - Keith Hunt]
24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; he swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing [If you assist a thief, you are only hurting yourself. You will be punished if you report the crime, but you will be cursed if you don’t - New Living Translation. Not sure where this “cursed if you don’t” comes from. New KJV seems simple enough….. being into thieving with others usually ends in being caught and getting a jail sentence on how large the thievery was and how many times done. People into thievery in a big way, will swear to tell the truth in court, but often tell untruths and lies; if the stash is hidden away they may not tell the truth as to where it is so it can be recovered by the authorities; part of the “jollies” some get from stealing huge amounts of jewelry or money or expensive art - Keith Hunt]
25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe [If you have no one larger on your side, then truly the fear of men can be daunting, unnerving, demoralizing, unsettling, dispiriting, disheartening; but when the Lord is on your side, you can win the battles of every sort - you have encouragement and hope - Keith Hunt]
26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord [Men may seek some special favour (when not deserved, trying to outmove the justice they know they deserve); justice being the penalty for the wrong doing; but God may intervene and bring about the just penalty for wronging, no matter had you try to win the ruler’s hand and favour - Keith Hunt]
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked [Pretty straightforward…..the unjust (wicked, crooked, those who do evil knowing better) are an abomination to the righteous (ones keeping God’s commandments - Ps. 119:172); and he who are upright, straight, righteous, in the way he lives is an abomination to the wicked - the two are mutually at opposite ends from each other - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
29:13 In this world all have the same environment (see Matt. 5:45). But there comes a judgment (23:17, 18).
29:15,17 Children need wise discipline in order to form good character. Let no parent forget it. See note on 13:24.
29:18 The law shows us God's unchanging principles; a revelation or prophetic vision (see center-column note) shows us how those principles should work out in life. Both the law and the vision are revealed.
29:20 hasty in ... words: The problem is either that the words are the result of an emotional outburst (see 15:1) or are spoken without careful thought (see 17:27, 28).
29:21 Pampering is not conducive to character building. The meaning of the Hebrew word here translated "son" is unknown. Perhaps it means "ungrateful." The pampered one will not be content to remain a servant.
29:23 See 15:33 and note.
29:24 Thievery and honesty are incompatible.
29:25 The fear of man works havoc; the fear of the Lord works deliverance.
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TO BE CONTINUED
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS #12
CHAPTER 30
Wisdom of Agur
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:
2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man.
3 I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One [Showing HUMILITY - Keith Hunt]
4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?
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From the New KJV Study Bible
30:1-33 The wise words of Agur, who is unknown outside of v. 1
30:2,3 A humble, but rhetorical denial of wisdom by Agur sets the scene for his display of wisdom, a fairly common practice in wisdom literature of the ancient world.
30:4 No one is able to define the unsearchable God. Son is capitalized because it refers to deity: the Son of God.
……
4 Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son's name, If you know? [AH some knew GOD had or would have One called “SON” - ALREADY EXISTING but would become known as “the Son of God” - Keith Hunt]
5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him [And Jesus said, “Thy word is truth” (John 17). It is pure, it is truth, it is righteousness, it is prophetic, it is holy; and God is the shield of strength to those who trust in Him; we know from Hebrews 11, some may die for their faith in the Eternal God, but their spirit is protected in heaven (Ecc. 12:9) until the glorious day of the resurrection of the saints at the coming of Christ - Keith Hunt]
6 Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar [We are told this again….do not add, do not take away, (Rev. 22:17-19). It means that God’s word which is truth must be the benchmark of our theology. Many down through the centuries have either taken away from God’s word (where did Sunday observance come from; where did Christmass come from; where did Easter come from; why did Christendom take away all the Feasts of the Lord, but Pentecost (some observe it still in the Catholic and Protestant worlds)….. there has been much taking away and adding…. the Christian world will one day be judged for so doing, they will fall under the destruction and plagues of the book of Revelation - Keith Hunt]
7 Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die):
8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me;
9 Lest I be full and deny You, and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.
[Pure truth is to be desired - a hunger and thirst for righteousness as Jesus taught (Mat. 5); in-between poverty and riches, the middle ground is probably the best place to be for most of us; too much of the physical can be a snare to trust in riches and put God to one side; being too poor can lead to stealing or other wrong ways to obtain riches. NOTICE - there is more than one way to profane the name of God….. stealing is said to be one of those ways. Names mean something - the name of God covers all righteousness; doing anything that is not righteousness is profaning God’s name - Keith Hunt]
10 Do not malign a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty [Obviously this is maligning falsely, making up stories of detriment, slandering; we could say he is trying to put a curse on a servant to his master, the curse could well come back on the one maligning, and a guilty verdict be pronounced….. it is - your sin shall find you out - Keith Hunt]
11 There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother
12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness.
13 There is a generation— oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and whose fangs are like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
[There are many types of sinning groups of people in any generation; for some it is loving father and not loving mother - we do also have it the other way around; we have those who are pure unto themselves, they set their own values which are often just plain filthiness; you have those who are vain and filled with human pride and ego, they lift up the eyes, there’s no humility in them; and you have the big mouth people spewing out cutting words, and their fangs (putting it in drama prose) are like sharp knives to devour, especially do they take advantage of the poor and needy. Sadly all the above exist in all generations - Keith Hunt]
15 The leech has two daughters—Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, Four never say, "Enough!":
16 The grave, The barren womb, The earth that is not satisfied with water— And the fire never says, "Enough!"
[For now we have death; for now we have some that cannot “be with child”; the dry scorching earth in drought; the fire that often results from a dry earth. One day all these things will be in the past - they will be gone; there is coming a new age where there will be no “barren” - no “dry earth” - no “devastating fires” - and then a new earth and heaven where there will be no death - so it is promised and so it shall come to pass - Keith Hunt]
17 The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it [This is a descriptive way of saying if you do not obey the commandment to honour your father and mother, you face your human eye of sin to be plucked out; you break this commandment and death for eternity will be yours - Keith Hunt]
18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I do not understand:
19 The way of an eagle in the air; The way of a serpent on a rock; The way of a ship in the midst of the sea; And the way of a man with a virgin.
[They are all wondrous things; the eagle in the air so majestic and so powerful; how does a snake move across a smooth rock, it is unreal; the ship so small in the midst of a huge sea, it also is wondrous; and the sensational touch and feeling in a man making love to his bride, when both he and she are virgins. How could evolution devise such wonderful things; and we could meditate on many many more wonders - Keith Hunt]
20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, and says, "I have done no wickedness." [Sin of any type can deceive us; our mind can justify sins pretty quickly at times; only the word and truths of God, can keep our mind and heart on the straight and narrow pathway that leads to the Holy Creator of what is pure and righteous - Keith Hunt]
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The New KJV Study Bible
30:5,6 Agur has some knowledge about God: He protects His own people (v. 5), and His words are unchangeable v6).
30:7-9 neither poverty nor riches: An amazing understanding of material blessings—that he be allotted his portion, but no more. More leads to pride; less leads to theft.
30:11-14 Generation here represents a class of people with certain corrupt characteristics. There are such people, now as well as then, who display four, evils: Disrespectful to parents (v. 11), self-righteous (v. 12), proud (v. 13), ruthless (v. 14).
30:15,16 The leech which is never satisfied symbolizes the grave, the barren womb, dry earth, and fire. The grave is the focal point of these proverbs. We all will die.
30:18,19 The writer marvels at natural activities which have a beauty and a grace beyond rational explanation, three... Yes, four… A Semitic expression for completeness (see also Amos 1:3).
30:20 Opposed to the beauty of first love (v. 19) is the brazenness of adultery which insists that its destructive way is not wrong.
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21 For three things the earth is perturbed, yes, for four it cannot bear up:
22 For a servant when he reigns; A fool when he is filled with food,
23 A hateful woman when she is married; A maidservant who succeeds her mistress.
[I’m sure there are lots more, but four we’re given. A servant is not usually taught the things of Government, or the skills of whatever he is a servant in; it would be like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. A fool is bad enough a fool at ordinary times, get him at a party and full of food and drink and watch out, his foolishness explodes. A woman with a hateful mind is no pleasure to live with, she would have to mend her way in marriage or the man is in for an unpleasant time. A maidservant again is not trained to be a mistress or CEO over an estate or business, she would find it very difficult unless supported by a number of other well trained personnel - Keith Hunt]
24 There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:
25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer;
26 The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags;
27 The locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks;
28 The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, and it is in kings' palaces.
[Again many more things are wise also, here we are four given. The ants are wise to prepare their store of food for the winter, during summer when it’s readily available. The crags in the rocks make for a good impenetrable home for those who can use them like the rock badger. The locust have no one leading but they group together at times to blot out the rays of the sun. The spider is skillful to weave its web, and can live in any house including king’s palaces.
Lessons from these four can be many: Look ahead and prepare, save something for a rainy day as they say. When settling down in a home make sure it is strong, and built where there are no regular floods, earth slides, earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes; I have to shake my head at why so many people still live in the so-called “Tornado alley” in the USA. It is good to have friends that can help you march along with something that is better done with more heads than one. Learn to be circumspect, heedful, vigilant, alert, attentive, watchful, and you might be present in king’s company one day - Keith Hunt]
29 There are three things which are majestic in pace, yes, four which are stately in walk:
30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts and does not turn away from any
31 A greyhound; A male goat also; And a king whose troops are with him.
[The lion called the “king of the jungle” - he looks strong and stately, of the beasts his size he is king, and stands his ground. A greyhound is nice natured but fast when he needs to be, and walks in a soft stately manner. A male goat has that majestic look as he walks. A king leading a balanced well trained formation of soldiers takes your breath away as you view the scene.
So in our human lives there are times when we in character need to be like the four mentioned above; even our outward body disposition may have to take on the four characteristics of the above in different situations - Keith Hunt]
32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth [Shut up….. stop your ways, become humble; putting foolish exalting and devising evil, as coming out of you via your mouth, get your hand on your mouth and stop it, do not let either come forth from you - Keith Hunt]
33 For as the churning of milk produces butter, and wringing the nose produces blood, So the forcing of wrath produces strife [If you are going to force wrath from yourself without a good cause, know that sooner or later it will come back on you in strife; it will eventually cause others to be at strife with you; you will have few friends if any, who will put up with your wrathful character - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
30:21-23 Here are four situations in which appropriate consequences did not follow: A servant should serve; a fool should starve; a shrew should be barren; and a serving girl should not marry her lord. Events like these lead simpletons to believe they too can escape consequences.
30:24-28 The stress is on the mysterious wisdom and orderliness found in the Creator's work.30:29-31 The orderliness of God's creation continues (see vv. 24-28) to amaze the writer. We cannot fully understand the creation, as we cannot fully comprehend the Creator (see vv. 4-6).
30:32, 33 In response to the wonders of vv. 4-31, the only appropriate posture is humility: put your hand on your mouth (see Job 21:5).
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TO BE CONTINUED
UNDERSTANDING PROVERBS #13
CHAPTER 31
Wisdom of King Lemuel
The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
2 What, my son? and what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
[From the rest of the book we know this is meaning immoral women; also, to whatever ways that can destroy kings or leaders - Keith Hunt]
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink;
5 Lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
[The context gives the whole picture about wine and intoxicating drinks…. those who are “given to it” without control, will destroy their leadership abilities and they will fall into forgetting the good law, and will not govern with justice over those who need justice. I personally have witnessed someone who was a good individual, even professing to be a Christian, slowly get hooked on wine and strong drink; I and others tried to shown them their folly, they put it away for a while, but then went back to it; being consumed by alcohol it finally destroyed their inner organs and blood, and they died at age 45 - Keith Hunt]
6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who, are bitter of heart.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
[One of the benefits of strong drink and wine; can be used under the situation here mentioned, but not getting drunk. The Bible does not condemn the use of strong drink and wine in moderation; the Bible does condemn being an alcoholic and a drunkard….making it very plain that such will not inherit the Kingdom of God. CONCERNING the subject of WINE and ALCOHOL, and what the Bible teaches on the subject, there is a full in-depth study on this topic on this website - Keith Hunt]
8 Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
[The king, the judge, the leader, is to be the promoter of what is right and good. They are to judge in righteousness; and defend the cause of the those who are truly poor and needy from no fault of their own - Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
31:1-9 Wise words of King Lemuel, who is unknown outside of v. 1 (see also note on 30:1-33).
31:2-7 The proverbial warning for the king to keep away from wine and women.
31:5 Law and justice are perverted in the hands of officials given to drink.
31:6, 7 The appropriate use of strong drink and wine was for the alleviation of suffering.
31:8, 9 The purpose of the king is to promote justice and equity.
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A Virtuous Wife and Mother
10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
12 So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil,
13 All the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
17 From her profits she plants a vineyard.
18 She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her
merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
29 Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.
[THERE IS NOTHING FOR ME TO ADD; THIS IS GOD SPEAKING ABOUT THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN; IT SAYS IT ALL….WOW! Keith Hunt]
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From the New KJV Study Bible
31:10-31 It is significant that the Book of Proverbs ends with a description of a virtuous wife (v. 10). Throughout the book, but especially in the first 10 chapters, wisdom is pictured as a woman, and the young man is encouraged to "marry" himself to her.
But more literally, the young man is repeatedly told that the choice of a wife will be a determining influence on his life and career. If he finds a good woman and focuses his affections on her alone, he will find security, abundance, and satisfaction. Any other course is folly.
In this section the characteristics of the wise man's choice are identified. She is trustworthy (vv. 11, 12), industrious v. 13-15), resourceful (vv. 16-19), compassionate (v. 20), prudent (vv. 21-24), and well-spoken (v. 26). All of these are an expression of her obedience to God (v. 30).
31:14 like the merchant ships: She is effective in seeking out and bringing home, food for the family.
31:17 strengthens her arms: In contrast to the lazy son, she is not afraid of hard work (see 10:4, 5 and note).
31:18 In her trading she barters only what is good, and always acquires sufficient supplies, such as lamp oil, for the needs of the household.
31:19 distaff…spindle: Tools for spinning thread and thus providing clothes for the family. 31:21 The snow and cold of winter are not a threat to her family because she has clothed them in scarlet, representing the high quality of their clothing.
31:30, 31 As the book opened with a call to the wise man (1:5) to fear the Lord (1:7), it closes with this beautiful description of the wise woman who also fears the Lord (v. 30). When a man and woman together base their lives on loving obedience to God, and give their affections completely to each other, stability, harmony, and fruitfulness result, not only for themselves, but for those around them.
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END
WHAT A FANTASTIC BOOK OF WISE PROVERBS THE LORD HAS GIVEN TO US; IT SHOULD BE READ BY THE CHRISTIAN FREQUENTLY; THESE ARE EVERYDAY LAWS TO LIVE BY.
Keith Hunt
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