Nov
17

A Look at Proverbs 10.23

By | Proverbs

Pr 10.23
23 Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool,
And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

The Parts

Parallelism Examined

23a

23b

doing wickedness

(doing) wisdom

is like sport

(is like sport)

to a fool

to a man of understanding

sport – laugh, laughter, play. Wrongness is so much a part of the nature of the fool that it’s satisfying activity, he “laughs” at his “sport”! This is something in which he finds satisfaction. “Sport” is implied in our parallelism of the wise person with the fool. They have this in common! Each one does something just for the pleasure of it!

fool – (see Pr10.18 study)

wickedness – plan, device.

understanding –

References to consider:

Wickedness

Pr 12.2
2 A good man will obtain favor from the Lord,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

Pr 14.7
7 Leave the presence of a fool,
Or you will not discern words of knowledge.

Pr 21.27
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination,
How much more when he brings it with evil intent!

Pr 24.9
9 The devising of folly is sin,
And the scoffer is an abomination to men.

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

Understanding

Pr 15.21
21 Folly is joy to him who lacks sense,
But a man of understanding walks straight.

Pr 3.13
13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.

Pr 9.10
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Sharpening for my life today:

Our gem touches the habits of our hearts! We might first want to notice that this jewel is not a contrast, “but,” { incorrectly translated by the ESV, NIV, NKJV Bibles } it’s a comparison, a commonality between the fool and the man of understanding. They have something in common!

The fool has no sense of sin because there is no moral foundation. Wrongness is such a part of the nature that it is satisfying activity.

The wise man has a sense of sin because there is a moral foundation. We can easily see that if sin is getting too close to us, it’s not because of our closeness to the Moral Foundation, the Lord and His Word!

Here we also find some insightful counsel. The person (or group) which commits sin and laughs it off is to be avoided! Such action not only clouds our ability to see, choose, act wisely, it is an abomination to the Lord and His Truth in our lives.

God’s Word and Ways in our lives brings blessing! We might just stop and reflect on this a little longer. What are we “laughing” about, “sporting” over, “making light” of? Sin is exceedingly deceitful! Here again, a great truth for habits of our hearts.

Pr 12.2
2 A good man will obtain favor from the Lord,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

Nov
07

A Look at Proverbs 10.22

By | Proverbs

Pr 10.22
22 It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it.

The Parts

Parallelism Examined

22a

22b

blessing of the Lord

  

it (alone/uniquely) makes

  

rich

it
 

He adds no sorrow to

blessing of the Lord – always sourced in the Lord, His ways, what He is doing, and His ways through His people (e.g., kindness, grace, truth, love . . . )

rich –

sorrow – grief, anxiety, but often inner in its impact!

References to consider:

Pr 22.4
4 The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord
Are riches, honor and life.

Pr 12.2
2 A good man will obtain favor from the Lord,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

Pr 15.16
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
Than great treasure and turmoil with it.

cf. Pr16.8; 28.6

Sharpening for my life today:

This gem from Proverbs touches on the reality of riches. Living in a culture consumed by capitalism which determines much of worth and respect and merit and prominence and value on “riches,” this jewel is well worth your pondering as you walk through life.

The first thing to note is the Author of riches is the Lord! This does not say that our responsibility is not diligence in our tasks, it most definitely is! cf. Pr10.4 Yet, it is arrogance of the highest order to think one “makes” what we have. The Lord most definitely is the source of blessing. His blessing does numerous things. For one, it provides for us. Probably more important, it is our storehouse to be used of Him for sharing His blessing with others. Equally important, it tests us in our allegiance to Him! Read carefully Pr11.24-27 and give it some time to settle in your heart!

The second thing we need to note is the blessing of the Lord is not mixed with painful or sorrowful accompaniment. This doesn’t mean there isn’t labor involved for labor is not sorrowful!

Here is a key lesson: the righteous person works diligently with what is before him and the Lord’s blessing / benediction is upon him! Here is blessing! Those who gain only by strenuous labor may acquire but there is no blessing accrued!

So, how can I weigh / assess my accumulation / riches / assets to see if they are of the Lord?

1) Is the Lord getting the glory?

2) Am I seeing the Lord “through” the blessing, or am I just seeing the blessing?

3) Is there sorrow, grief, anxiety with the “blessing” (this isn’t saying there wasn’t labor with the blessing)?

4) Do I see the Lord working through the blessing or am I only seeing my “sufficiency”?

5) Maybe most importantly, am I satisfied with the Lord’s blessing to me?

Remember, ill-gotten riches always come with the emptiness of sorrow, grief, anxiety, and no blessing!

When we work, recognizing the Lord’s blessing is upon us, there is no “sorrow” as He blesses. We see His hand! We’re used of Him to bless others! We are, indeed, rich!

Oct
25

A Look at Proverbs 10.21

By | Proverbs

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

The Parts

Parallelism Examined

21a

22a

lips

(lips)

of the righteous

(of the) fools

feed

(starve) die

many

(self or many)

(for understanding)

for lack of understanding

Part of the purpose of looking at these terms is to build a vocabulary of biblical truth and gain much insight in our reading Scripture! Let me encourage you to take the time to consider the terms and look at the references. Remember, “terms” are “words” in context. Pay attention to the “term” in the context of Scripture where it is used.

on righteous – see Pr10.20

on fool – see Pr10.8

on heart / understanding – see Pr10.8, 13, 20

lack – (adjective) used predominately for lack of wisdom or understanding. (Interestingly, the verb is used most often to describe the “no lack” of God’s grace for His people!)

Lacking wisdom / understanding is characteristic of: one who sins, Pr6.32; one deserving the rod, Pr10.13; one who belittles his neighbor, Pr11.12; one who follows worthless things, Pr12.11; one who rejoices over folly, Pr15.21; one who makes foolish vows, Pr17.18; one who may be rich but doesn’t know how to enjoy blessing (You cannot enjoy blessing without God! Ec6.2); this one shows himself to be a fool, Ec10.2; but, to the one seeking wisdom there is gain in observation of this fool, Pr9.4, 16.

feed – see 2Sam5.2, the work of the King is to shepherd! Mal2.7, the work of the priest is to feed (Jer23.1)! Jer3.15, the work of the prophet is to feed/shepherd (Jer23.9ff; Isa39.9-10! N.B. — Jn10.10!

References to consider:

Pr 15.14
14 The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on folly.

Pr 14.3
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back,
But the lips of the wise will protect them.

Right words upbuild – Pr10.11; 12.18, 25; 15.7; 20.15; 15.23

Sharpening for my life today:

Our gem, Pr10.21, certainly stands on its own, yet, it takes the concept of the “silver” of the previous Proverb and “puts some shoe leather” on it with some very practical analysis!

Consider: Even more than just the “words,” consider the course of the righteous. Theirs is as they live the feed / shepherd others with even the regular “words” of life!

Consider: Even more than just the “words,” consider the course of the fool. Theirs is that they benefit no one and even die themselves!

Now, take some time to do a little “trip planning” for your course in life. It is through the words of the righteous that God sends His blessing and abundance to people to meet many needs!

Is this a Proverb “for” you? Before you answer this question, you might want to ask, “Is this a Proverb ‘about’ you”? How do you impart righteous words? Where do you impart righteous words?

If your orientation is “other directed,” we will tend toward words that upbuild, feed, shepherd others. Let me suggest that “other direction” is loving, choosing for the highest good of another! So, if this Proverb is “about” you as you are “other directed” with your words, then “how” do I find righteous words, and, “where” do I find righteous words?

The answer to that question won’t come in the “words” themselves, but in the fruit, produce, result, substance of our “words.” Are they feeding and shepherding others?

We don’t want to miss that the “fool,” even though surrounded by “the lips of the righteous which feed many,” dies because of his self-focused direction for life! The (self-focused) fool can neither receive life from those who give it or give life to those who are in need!

Today, tomorrow, and beyond, we have with righteous words the opportunity to revive, lead, feed, comfort, defend, guide, yes, bless those around us. The greatest source of righteous words is found in God’s inerrant Word! Make it an ongoing habit to hear what God says so you can speak what God says and be use of Him to render blessing and provision for those around you!

Remember, it is through the words of the righteous that God sends His blessing and abundance to people to meet many needs! Here’s a course for life worth pursuing!

Oct
16

A Look at Proverbs 10.20

By | Proverbs

Pr 10.20
20 The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver,
The heart of the wicked is worth little.

 The Parts

Parallelism Examined

20a

20b

tongue

heart

of the righteous

of the wicked

choice silver

little

choice – “to take a keen look at” – almost always used with theological overtones (Dt12.5; 14.2), involves careful and thoughtful choices (1Sam17.40; 1Ki18.45; Isa1.29; 40.20), key is serviceability, not just arbitrariness (Isa41.8-16; 43.10).

words of the righteous – What is “righteous”? Spend some time considering your answer.

words of the righteous – Who puts them out? Spend some time considering where the “words” your taking in are coming from.

“Righteous” makes a straight path (Pr11.5); guards integrity (Pr13.6); hates what is false and dishonest (Pr13.5; 29.27); committed to justice (Pr29.7); disapproves any miscarriage of justice (Pr18.15; 17.15); gives honest and accurate testimony (Pr12.17); generous (Pr21.26); bold (Pr28.1); wise (Pr8.20); keeps getting up after falling (Pr24.16); displays stability (Pr10.25); experiences joy (Pr10.28); attains life (Pr11.19). He blesses and responds to the prayers of the righteous (Pr10.6; 15.29).

Sharpening for life today:

Could you describe a “choice” car, or horse, or weapon, or guitar, or golf course? Now, what would “choice” speech be?

Where would you look for “words of the righteous”? A good place to start would be godly company, godly writers, godly singers . . . by the way, who’ve you been listening to on a regular basis? “Take a keen look at” the words that are filling your heart and head!

The words of the righteous come from the heart (mind) of the righteous! The words of the world are common at best, deceptive and resistive of the Lord’s Word and Ways at worst.

So, if the tongue of the righteous is choice silver, how is your bank account today?

Suppose, after balancing your “choice silver” account you’ve found your account a little short, maybe even deeply overdrawn, where would you look for some solid deposits?

If you don’t have a church home where they regularly teach the Bible and present Jesus as the Lord of life, look around and find that church. Ask the Lord to lead you to some godly mentoring, find some counsel in your church for direction for some godly reading. Also, don’t forget to stop taking in all the “cheap” things that have been taking your time and attention! Take that “keen look” right now!

Oct
12

A Look at Proverbs 10.19

By | Proverbs

Pr 10.19
19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.

The Parts

Parallelism Examined

19a

19b

(he)

he

(who does not restrain)
there are many words

who restrains

(his lips)

his lips

(is not wise)

is wise

transgression is unavoidable

(transgression is avoidable)

transgression – it would be profitable to read some of the verses below on “transgression” to get a flavor for this powerful term. This term is not well rendered in the NIV or NKJV as “sin.” This is a violent term, well rendered “rebellion”! It’s about tearing away from where we should be, what is godly and wise. It’s sin! And, it often happens in our relationships! Within a relationship it speaks of things like a breach of relationship, going beyond the “limits” of that relationship.

wise – one who is capable of reasoning through a complex arrangement of thoughts resulting in a wise dealing and good practical common sense, “prudent,” intelligent understanding of a (reason or) relationship, moves toward being successful, pays attention. This quality is well worth your personal consideration as well as training your children. In a culture pounded toward the empty path of being “popular,” this is a much more productive path! This term, maskil, is often used in the titles of the Psalms, e.g., Ps 32, 52, stressing “to give insight and success in life.”

References to consider:

Transgression

Pr 28.21
21 To show partiality is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

Partiality is self?demeaning! The one who judges and the one judged have a relationship!

Ge 31.36
36 Then Jacob became angry and contended with Laban; and Jacob said to Laban, “What is my transgression? What is my sin that you have hotly pursued me?

Jacob and Laban have a relationship.

Ge 50.17
17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.” ’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

Joseph and his brothers have a relationship.

1 Sa 24.11
11 “Now, my father, see! Indeed, see the edge of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you, know and perceive that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life to take it.

David and Saul have a relationship.

Wise

Is 41.20
20 That they may see and recognize, And consider and gain insight as well, That the hand of the Lord has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Pr 21.12
12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked,
Turning the wicked to ruin.

Ne 8.13
13 Then on the second day the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe that they might gain insight into the words of the law.

Pr 1.3
3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity;

1 Sa 18.14-15
14 David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him. 15 When Saul saw that he was prospering greatly, he dreaded him.

“prospering,” NASB margin: “acting wisely” (and being successful!) This characteristic produced by the Spirit in David’s life clearly set him apart from Saul.

Je 10.21
21 For the shepherds have become stupid And have not sought the Lord; Therefore they have not prospered, And all their flock is scattered.

“prospered,” this had not come, thus judgmetn comes! They didn’t understand and weren’t successful in God’s life.

Pr 19.11
11 A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger,
And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

“discretion,” understanding the particulars. As this unfolds, there is success in life!

Pr 12.8
8 A man will be praised according to his insight,
But one of perverse mind will be despised.

Sharpening for my life today:

Relationships vary, so do our words, both the content and the number! Remember when you “didn’t have much to say”? It wasn’t lack of content, it was lack of relationship.

Here we learn that even “advise” should be given within the “limits” of relationship. Here’s a good Proverb about “what to say, and, when to say it”!

Remember, our words are very much part of our ministry. There is nothing “idle” about conversation for one who is “wise” in the Lord!

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