You are here: Home / 2009 / Archives for September 2009
Sep
28

A Look at Proverbs 10.18

By | Proverbs

Pr 10.18
18 He who conceals hatred has lying lips,
And he who spreads slander is a fool.

The NIV adds “his” to hatred but it is not present in the text.

The Parts

Parallelism Examined

18a

18b

He

he

who conceals

who spreads

hatred

slander

lying lips

a fool

lying (lips) – this is deception, falsehood, disappointment, fraud. Don’t make it less than it is! This act is often tied to covenant, treaty, and promise. What could be an act of self-protection ends in definite destruction!

slander – whispering, defamation, evil report, There’s a contrast with these “outside” words and the “inside” concealed words. What could be an act of “pleasure” ends in definite destruction!

fool – see discussion of this kind of “fool” in Proverbs . . . by way of remembrance, there are 4 “fools” in Proverbs, well worth understanding the differences!

 If you’re interested in the “parallelism,” this is called synthetic, the second stanza expands or amplifies the first.

References to consider:

Pr 26.24 (Destroys you inside!)
24 He who hates disguises it with his lips,
But he lays up deceit in his heart.

Pr 26.26 (Destroys you in community!)
26 Though his hatred covers itself with guile,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

Pr 10.21
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
But fools die for lack of understanding.

Pr 26.28
28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
And a flattering mouth works ruin.

Pr 12.12
12 The wicked man desires the booty of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

Pr 18.7
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Pr 19.1
1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.

The Fool — kesîl (kesil)

Description: This word translated “fool” describes someone who is dull, insensitive to wisdom, so occupied with the things of this world he is insensitive toward the things of God. Our term may be derived from an Arabic root suggesting “thick, plump, fat, thus thick-headed, stubborn.” He has a propensity to make wrong choices about finding life. Yet, this lifestyle is often appealing to the immature. Many of the “notables” of the world may be found here . . . people who “do their own thing.”

Let’s take the time to meet this “fool” (and, take time to read the Scriptures):

He hates knowledge, Prov 1.22 He considers sin a sport, Prov 10.23
He has no knowledge, Prov 14.7 — “the Bible says, Get away from this person”! 1Cor 15.33 He is boastful, Prov 14.16
He causes harm to his companions, Prov 13.20 He is careless, Prov 14.16
He is unrealistic, Prov 18.24 He is quick tempered, Prov 14.17; 29.11
He thinks he can buy wisdom, Prov 17.16 — but he has no understanding! He is angry and dangerous, Prov 17.12 — do not miss in the “fools” of Proverbs, a line is crossed with “anger,” this is a dangerous person!
He reveals his mind, Prov 18.2 He is quarrelsome, Prov 18.6
He proclaims folly, Prov 12.23; 18.2 He is self-confident, Prov 28.26
He displays folly, Prov 13.16 He is unreliable with a message, Prov 26.6
He feeds on folly, Prov 15.14 He is talkative to his own destruction, Prov 18.7
He returns to his folly like a dog to vomit, Prov 16.11 His proverbs are dull and boomerang, Prov 26.7, 9
He is easily deceived, Prov 14.8 He is destroyed by his complacency, Prov 1.32

This “fool” grieves his parents, Prov 10.1; 17.25; 15.20, despises his mother. He is bound to his folly, Prov 17.10. One hundred blows cannot change him, though the rod could be applied! Be certain to note, Proverbs does not apply the rod to everyone, but here it applies!

Sharpening for my life today:

The wisdom of the Ancient Near East has much to say about speech, lying, and false witness.  It is condemned across the board! Here’s a gem about “The Wisdom of Words.”

Do you speak? Do you remain silent? What do you hold in? What do you let out? We live in a culture which is presently prone to “share,” often a piece of our mind we shouldn’t be without! Regarding relationships, the prime purpose of “sharing,” speech is to minister to another, not hide or hurt or dump. The one who “conceals” is destroyed on the inside. The one who slanders destroys those on the outside.

Here’s a great principle: Words are the window to the world of our heart! Cap off your reflection of your own speech and this great Proverb by reading Eph 4.25-32, more good words for strong hearts serving the Lord!

Sep
21

A Look at Proverbs 10.17

By | Proverbs

Prov 10.17
17 He is on the path of life who heeds instruction,
But he who ignores reproof goes astray.

The Parts

Parallelism Examined

17a

17b

he is

he (is not)

on the path of life

(on the path of life)

who heeds

who ignores

instruction

reproof

(does not go astray)

goes astray

path – we’ve learned that the path determines the destination. This Proverb is about the path is sustained.

heed – keep, watch, preserve, exercise great care over

instruction – this word is translated just as easily by “discipline”

ignores – leave, forsake, depart, abandon

reproof – not uncommon to find this word in lawsuit terminology, cf Ps 50.21, and since it is a word from the Lord, it always has theological and moral ramifications

astray – err, wander, this particular verb stresses a causative action, thus, causes erring

References to consider:

Path

Prov 16.11
11 A just balance and scales belong to the Lord;
All the weights of the bag are His concern.

cf. Matt 7.13-14; John 14.6; Ps 119.101, 104

Heed

Prov 19.8
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
He who keeps understanding will find good.

Prov 4.21
21 Do not let them depart from your sight;
Keep them in the midst of your heart.

Instruction/Discipline

Deut 11.2
2 “Know this day that I am not speaking with your sons who have not known and who have not seen the discipline of the Lord your God—His greatness, His mighty hand and His outstretched arm, . . . 7 but your own eyes have seen all the great work of the Lord which He did.

Deut 8.2-3; cf 32.6
2 “You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 “He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.

Prov 3.11-12; cf 8.10
11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord
Or loathe His reproof,
12 For whom the Lord loves He reproves,
Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Note carefully that instruction/discipline is a mark of sonship. Those who do not receive the Lord’s care in this way are not legitimate, loved sons!

Ignores

Prov 15.10
10 Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way;
He who hates reproof will die.

Reproof

Psalm 50.21
21 “These things you have done and I kept silence; You thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes.

Lev 19.17-18; cf 19.2
17 ‘You shall not hate your fellow countryman in your heart; you may surely reprove your neighbor, but shall not incur sin because of him. 18 ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.

Prov 13.18; cf 15.5
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline,
But he who regards reproof will be honored.

Sharpening for my life today:

Here’s a great little gem of wisdom that says, “You can get there from here”! That is, if life is your destination!

So, what do you need to do? Get on the path!

How can you tell if you’re on the path? The path is tied to God’s instruction, so are you aware of it? How well do you know God’s Word? Are you yielding to it? Note carefully Deut 8.3, even hunger and manna is about theocentric education! The Lord is always massaging our hearts so we will learn His ways.

“Reproof” is one of those things we typically avoid like the plague! God’s Word says in Lev 19.17-18 we are to “reprove” our neighbor! Why would you ever do that? First, because the Lord is holy and you certainly wouldn’t want your neighbor to be in rebellion to the Lord. Second, it reminds us that we are to be holy! Third, it truly is “love,” i.e., choosing for the highest good of another (not the dribble from Hollywood! No one has ever “fallen” in love in life! Love is a choice, a decision for the highest good of another!). To reprove is to love and call another to repentance so the Lord is honored, served, and we enjoy His blessings!

Remember, he who “ignores” God’s “instruction” is actually rejecting God’s Covenant and Word, the net of which is rejecting God in your life!

Jesus says, John 14.6, “He is the way;” we have to step on His path if we want to go with Him! Why not read the Gospel of John and get to know Jesus better? Or, find a group where God’s Word is taken seriously and they’ll walk with you as you grow spiritually and get on the path!

Sep
14

A Look at Proverbs 10.16

By | Proverbs

Prov 10.16
16 The wages of the righteous is life,
The income of the wicked, punishment.

The Parts

Parallelism Examined

16a

16b

wages

income

of the righteous

of the wicked

life

punishment

wicked – someone contrary to God’s character, ways, Word. This person would not hesitate to violate another person for selfish gain, e.g., financial, verbal integrity, false witness, social, personal.

righteous – (write your definition of “righteous” as you study this Proverb)

income – can mean product, result, fruit

wages – work, recompense, rewards, often used of that which comes from God, what you have coming!

References to consider:

Prov 21.10
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

Prov 29.7
7 The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such concern.

Prov 12.26
26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Prov 17.15
15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

Prov 17.2
2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully,
And will share in the inheritance among brothers.

Prov 24.20
20 For there will be no future for the evil man;
The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Righteous

Prov 21.3
3 To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.

Prov 15.29
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Prov 11.19
19 He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life,
And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.

Prov 10.25
25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more,
But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

Prov 12.3
3 A man will not be established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous will not be moved.

Income

Prov 8.19
19 “My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,
And my yield better than choicest silver.

Wages

Isa 40.10
10 Behold, the Lord God will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him.

Prov 11.18
18 The wicked earns deceptive wages,
But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward.

Isa 65.7
7 Both their own iniquities and the iniquities of their fathers together,” says the Lord. “Because they have burned incense on the mountains And scorned Me on the hills, Therefore I will measure their former work into their bosom.”

Psalm 109.20
20 Let this be the reward of my accusers from the Lord, And of those who speak evil against my soul.

Sharpening for my life today:

Considering the previous Proverb along with this one, while wealth can be a platform of ministry and a sense of provision and security, it is not the currency of life! Life comes by righteousness!

This gem of Proverbs lays out the currency of life! Real life comes from a moral choice, not physical, financial, technical, medical, political, military, etc.! Remember, even poverty can keep you from real life!

There is no doubt “what you sow, you reap”! So, we should be asking, “What is the return on the investments I’m making for life”?

Prov 30.7-9
7 Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die: 8 Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, 9 That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God.

Sep
08

A Look at Proverbs 10.15

By | Proverbs

Prov 10.15
15 The rich man’s wealth is his fortress,
The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

 The Parts

Parallelism Examined

15a

15b

wealth

poverty

rich man

poor man

(strong city)
fortress

ruin

wealth –

poverty – there is nothing, either with wealth or poverty, which implies any exertion of or lack of diligence. Note carefully Prov 22.2! Our Proverb only states a condition/circumstance and how that impacts life.

rich man –

poor man –

strong city / fortress – Here is “protection” which can be provided for self and others, and, here is “provision” for both self and others.

ruin – to be broken, ruined, in this context, both exposed to attack and hunger

References to consider:

Questions of diligence . . . 

Prov 10.4
4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand,
But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Integrity and the poor . . . (wealth never replaces integrity!)

Prov 28.6
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than he who is crooked though he be rich.

Mocking . . . (poor does not equal lack of industry)

Prov 22.2
2 The rich and the poor have a common bond,
The Lord is the maker of them all.

Prov 17.5
5 He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker;
He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

Wealth and stewardship . . . 

Prov 28.27
27 He who gives to the poor will never want,
But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

Prov 22.9
9 He who is generous will be blessed,
For he gives some of his food to the poor.

Prov 19.17
17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord,
And He will repay him for his good deed.

Prov 14.21
21 He who despises his neighbor sins,
But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

Prov 14.31
31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker,
But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

Sharpening for my life today:

While our Proverb touches on wealth or resources, the impact continues to be in the area of our character. This gem has keen insight into “The Worth of Resources (wealth).”

Wealth, resources, reserves give a degree of stability, protection from hazard and from temptation.

Wealth does not exceed integrity, honesty, godliness (Prov 16.19, 19.11).

Neither wealth nor poverty mark spiritual superiority or inferiority. Be certain you give some time to consider Prov 22.2. It is truly American to look down on the poor as those who deserve it, they cause it, it’s their fault. There are definitely questions of responsibility which must be considered but we must also remember the Lord works both sides of the situation.

Wealth, often gained through industry, is a gift of the Lord and used for protection and provision both of self and of others. It is a stewardship entrusted to us whereby we can use to give God glory. While you’re doing your considering, check out 1Cor 4.7,

7  . . . What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

Sep
02

A Look at Proverbs 10.14

By | Proverbs

Prov 10.14
14 Wise men store up knowledge,
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

The Parts

Parallelism Examined

14a

14b

wise men

foolish (men)

store up

(do not store up)

knowledge

(knowledge)

(for profit, good, ministry)

ruin is at hand

store up – treasure, hold close . . . not to hoard but for a definite purpose. This is not just inventory but a storehouse of blessing. Wise people speak with deliberation, weighing their words!

knowledge – this is an apprehension of reality, experience, how things work. Unfortunately, we thing “knowledge” is just information! As a result we have vast numbers in our culture educated beyond their intelligence!

ruin – “to be broken,” thus ruin, can include terror and dismay. Fools don’t weigh their words, they just dump their mouths!

at hand – being most near, even intimate proximity like a kinsman or neighbor, a relationship

References to consider:

Prov 18.6
6 A fool’s lips bring strife,
And his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Prov 9.9
9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.

Prov 13.3
3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life;
The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Eph 4.29
29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

Ezek 24.16-17
16 “Son of man, behold, I am about to take from you the desire of your eyes with a blow; but you shall not mourn and you shall not weep, and your tears shall not come. 17 “Groan silently; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban and put your shoes on your feet, and do not cover your mustache and do not eat the bread of men.”

When do I “speak,” or “share,” or “tell,” or “express”? Notice carefully God’s words to Ezekiel on an occasion of major grief and sorrow. “Groan silently” . . . 

God acknowledged Ezekiel’s thoughts, feelings, passion are real. He did not tell Ezekiel to not think or feel. He told him to acknowledge this “inwardly” (which is always to/before the Lord).

God directed him to control the expression of his emotions, words, thoughts according to the constraints of a larger purpose.

Let’s summarize. Our thoughts, ideas, emotions, feelings are to be . . . 

  • Acknowledged to ourselves and God according to their full weight (positive or negative).
  • Subordinated in public expression to allowing God to use us for His purposes. Expression is legitimate only when it does not conflict with God’s purposes. Always evaluate whether my expression will serve God, thus minister to another person. [For further reading along this line, see the excellent book by Larry Crabb, “The Marriage Builder” (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1982), pp 68-70.]

Sharpening for my life today:

Prov 27.17

Prov 27.17

Let me share an unfortunate actual story. A fine Christian woman’s husband died unexpectedly. It was a devastating shock and as a result she felt deep and sudden loss and pain. A couple representatives (I won’t say “Deacons” so you won’t brand some poor denomination) from her church paid her a visit at this time of grief. Their “word” for her was Rom 8.28,

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Therefore, she was not to grieve, trust God, and move on with life.

While these representatives “word” was absolute truth from God’s Word, and more than likely well intentioned, they were not “wise words.” The goal of “words” is always to minister, not provide quick solutions, which are often directed to cut off feelings and interaction. God is not concerned about our giving answers! He is deeply concerned about our ministry to strengthen, support, care, minister!

Even fools can have good information and a great ability to express themselves! Unfortunately, they often don’t store wisdom, they just dump their mouth! Our goal is to minister!