The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom:

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 26

2011-07-26T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 26:1-28 (NIV)

Proverbs 26
¹ Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.

² Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.

³ A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

⁴ Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.

⁵ Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.

⁶ Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.

⁷ Like a lame man's legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

⁸ Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.

⁹ Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

¹⁰ Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or any passer-by.

¹¹ As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

¹² Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

¹³ The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!"

¹⁴ As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.

¹⁵ The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.

¹⁶ The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.

¹⁷ Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

¹⁸ Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows

¹⁹ is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"

²⁰ Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.

²¹ As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

²² The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

²³ Like a coating of glaze ^a]">[a] over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.

²⁴ A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit.

²⁵ Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.

²⁶ His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

²⁷ If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.

²⁸ A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 26:23 With a different word division of the Hebrew; Masoretic Text of silver dross

3 examples of failing curses:

1. Balaam's on Israel (Nehemiah 13:2)
2. Goliath's on David (1 Samuel 17:43)
3. Samuel's on David (2 Samuel 16:5,12)

10 proverbs about fools:

1. A rod on the back of fools is as suitable as a whip for a horse or a bridle for an ass (Prov. 26:3).

2. Do not answer a fool like a fool, lest you be considered one (Proverbs 26:4).

3. Answer a fool wisely to confute his folly and expose his senselessness, lest he be wise in his own eyes (Proverbs 26:5).

4. He that chooses a fool to be his messenger or to transact his business has to suffer the consequences of the fool's misconduct (Proverbs 26:6). He experiences in a large measure self-devised injury and deprives himself of attaining his end (Proverbs 10:26; 25:18).

5. Verse 7 is rendered several ways: As the legs of the lame are not equal so fools are not capable of uttering parables; as the legs of hte lame are useless, so are parables in the mouths of fools; as a lame man exposes his lameness, so fools expose their folly in expounding parables.

6. As it is folly to bind a stone to the sling if one wants to throw the stone, so it is folly to give honor to a fool (Proverbs 26:8).

7. As a drunkard is insensible to the prick of a thorn, so are fools in uttering parables (Prov. 26:9).

8. The word for God in verse 10 is rab and may mean either the great God or a great man. If it refers to God it means that He has created all things and will equally reward fools and transgressors accordingly to their works. If it refers to a great man it can be rendered, "A master (workman) forms all things aright: but he that hires a fool hires a transgressor who will spoil the work"

9. Fools repeat their own folly like a dog returning to his own vomit (Proverbs 26:11; 2 Peter 2:20-22). Here it isnot that foools merely make the same foolish assertions, but that they fall into the same course of action after brief endeavors or beginnings at improvement of their own lives, as in 2 Peter 2:20-22.

10.There is more hope for a fool than for men who are wise in their own eyes (Proverbs 26:12),

12 examples of returning to sin:

1. Aaron and Israel (Deuteronomy 32:8; Exodus 32:32-33; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11; Jude 5).
2. Nadab and abihu (Leviticus 10:1-20).
3. Korah and company (Numbers 16).
4. King Saul (1 Samuel 10:13-24; 1612-23; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14).
5. Many disciples of Jesus (John 6:66).
6. David (Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12).
7. Judas (Psalm 41:9; 55:12-14; 69:25-28; 109:8; Matthew 26:24; John 13:18; Acts 1).
8. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-14).
9. Many Galatians (Galatians 1;6-9; 5:4; 6:7-8).
10.Many early Christians (1 Timothy 1:19-20; 5:8-20; 6:1-21; 2 Timothy 2:18-21).
11.Demas (2 Timothy 4:10).
12.Whole churches (Revelation 2-3).

4 proverbs against laziness:

1. Verse 13 is almost identical with verse 22:13. The lazy man uses this as an excuse for his laziness, that there is a lion in the street so he must stay inside or be killed.

2. As the door stays on i ts hinges and never goes any palce, so the lazy man never moves from his bed to fill a useful palce in life (Proverbs 26:14; 6:10; 24:33).

3. The lazy man puts his hand in his bosom, or in the dish, and he is too overcharged with laziness to lift it to his mouth to eat (Proverbs 26:15; 19:24).

4. A lazy man is more self-conceited and wise in his own eyes than 7 reputable wise men who can truly solve problems (Proverbs 26:16).

5 examples of falling into own pit:

1. Jacob (Genesis 27:14 with 37:31-32).
2. Saul (1 Samuel 18:11 - 26:2 with 1 Samuel 31).
3. David (2 Samuel 11:14-15 with 12:10).
4. Haman (Esther 7:10).
5. Accusers of Daniel (Daniel 6:4-24).

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 25

2011-07-25T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 25:1-28 (NIV)

Proverbs 25

More Proverbs of Solomon

¹ These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

² It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

³ As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for ^a]">[a] the silversmith;

⁵ remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.

⁶ Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men;

⁷ it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
What you have seen with your eyes

⁸ do not bring ^b]">[b] hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?

⁹ If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence,

¹⁰ or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.

¹¹ A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.

¹³ Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

¹⁴ Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.

¹⁵ Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

¹⁶ If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.

¹⁷ Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house— too much of you, and he will hate you.

¹⁸ Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.

¹⁹ Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.

²⁰ Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

²² In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

²³ As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks.

²⁴ Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

²⁵ Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

²⁶ Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.

²⁷ It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.

²⁸ Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 25:4 Or comes a vessel from
Proverbs 25:8 Or nobleman / on whom you had set your eyes. / 8 Do not go

6 examples of going forth to strive:

1. Gaal (Judges 9:26-40)
2. The ten tribes (Joshua 22:12-34)
3. Abner (2 Samuel 2:14-17)
4. Asahel (2 Samuel 2:14:17)
5. Amaziah (2 Kings 14:8-14)
6. Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:20-24)

6 things necessary to win a case:

1. A good cause
2. A good purse
3. Good evidence
4. A skillful attorney
5. An upright judge
6. An intelligent jury

5 kinds of word:

1. Appropriate words: words that come naturally, the run smoothly upon wheels, that are not forced, and that are without design to hurt are like apples of gold upon carvings of silver (Proverbs 25:11)

2. Reproving words: words of a wise reprover to an obedient ear are like the most beautiful and cherished ornaments of fine gold to a refined and beautiful woman (Proverbs 25:12)

3. Refreshing words: words of a faithful messenger are as refreshing and satisfying as a drink cooled by the snow in the heat of the harvest labor (Proverbs 25:13)

4. Vain words: words of the boaster are as disappointing as clouds without rain (Proverbs 25:14)

5. Kind words: by words of kindness, understanding, and longsuffering a judge is persuaded, as easily as a soft answer overcomes obstinacy in others (Proverbs 25:15)

2 examples of good for evil:

1. Azariah (2 Chronicels 28;12-15)
2. Elisha (2 Kings 6:19-23)

3 examples - good news from afar:

1. Jacob (Genesis 45:25-28)
2. Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:16-17; 17:5)
3. Paul (Colossians 1:3-4; Ephesians 1:15; Philemon 1)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 24

2011-07-24T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 24:1-34 (NIV)

Proverbs 24

¹ Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company;

² for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.

³ By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;

⁴ through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

⁵ A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength;

⁶ for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.

⁷ Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.

⁸ He who plots evil will be known as a schemer.

⁹ The schemes of folly are sin, and men detest a mocker.

¹⁰ If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!

¹¹ Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

¹² If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

¹³ Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

¹⁴ Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

¹⁵ Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house, do not raid his dwelling place;

¹⁶ for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

¹⁷ Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,

¹⁸ or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.

¹⁹ Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked,

²⁰ for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

²¹ Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious,

²² for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring? Further Sayings of the Wise

²³ These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good:

²⁴ Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"— peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.

²⁵ But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.

²⁶ An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

²⁷ Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

²⁸ Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive.

²⁹ Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did."

³⁰ I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;

³¹ thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.

³² I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:

³³ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-

³⁴ and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. ^a]">[a]

Footnotes:

Proverbs 24:34 Or like a vagrant / and scarcity like a beggar

4 examples of failure in adversity:

1. Jacob (Genesis 42:36)
2. David (1 Samuel 27)'
3. Elijah (1 Kings 19:3-4)
4. Jonah (Jonah 4)

3 works of God:

1. Searches the heart - considers all of its thoughts and intents (Psalm 7:9; Jeremiah 11:20; 17:10; Revelation 2:23)

2. Keeps the soul (Psalm 23:1-6; 91:1-12; 121:3-5; 1 Peter 1:5; 4:19)

3. Judges works of man (Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:27)

3 examples of rejoicing over others:

1. Tyre (Ezekiel 26:2-6)
2. Ammon (Ezekiel 25:6)
3. Edom (Obadiah 11-14)

2 examples of mourning:

1. David (2 Samuel 1:11-12; Psalm 35:13-14)
2. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 9:1)

10 other things for the wise:

1. Have no respect of persons (Proverbs 24:23)
2. Do not call the wicked righteous (Proverbs 24:24)
3. Rebuke the wicked (Proverbs 24:25)
4. Give right answers (Proverbs 24:26)
5. Make plans for your work (Proverbs 24:27)
6. Build after plans are complete (Proverbs 24:27)
7. Do not witness against a neighbor without a cause (Proverbs 24:28)
8. Do not deceive with the lips (Proverbs 24:28)
9. Do not repay evil for evil (Proverbs 24:29)
10.Profit by observing lazy men (Proverbs 24:30-34)

The lazy man:

1. His personal description (Proverbs 24:30). He is slothful and ignorant, and without courage or mental powers to make proper decisions about work ad to carry them out.

2. His circumstances (Proverbs 24:30-31). He has a vineyard and a farm capable of producing his own food and prospering him.

3. The condition of his farm (Proverbs 24:31) It is grown over with thorns and nettles adn the fences are broken down. The whole palce is in a ruined state through long neglect.

4. The cause (Proverbs 24:30, 33). He is too lazy to prune the vineyard; clean up, plow, and plant his fields; or to repair the fences and the residence. He spends his time in sleep and neglect of essential duties (Proverbs 24:33).

5. The result (Proverbs 24:34). Absolute poverty as one who travels and has spent his last money, and as one who become impoverished through welfare (Proverbs 24:34).

6. The lesson learned (Proverbs 24:32, 34). To follow the examples of th eslothful is to come to the same end,

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 23

2011-07-23T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 23:1-35 (NIV)

Proverbs 23

¹ When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what ^a]">[a] is before you,

² and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.

³ Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.

⁴ Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.

⁵ Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

⁶ Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies;

⁷ for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. ^b]">[b] "Eat and drink," he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.

⁸ You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.

⁹ Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

¹⁰ Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

¹¹ for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.

¹² Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

¹³ Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

¹⁴ Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death. ^c]">[c]

¹⁵ My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad;

¹⁶ my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

¹⁷ Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

¹⁸ There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

¹⁹ Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.

²⁰ Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,

²¹ for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

²² Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

²³ Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

²⁴ The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.

²⁵ May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!

²⁶ My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways,

²⁷ for a prostitute is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

²⁸ Like a bandit she lies in wait, and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

²⁹ Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

³⁰ Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

³¹ Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!

³² In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.

³³ Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things.

³⁴ You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.

³⁵ "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?"

Footnotes:

Proverbs 23:1 Or who
Proverbs 23:7 Or for as he thinks within himself, / so he is; or for as he puts on a feast, / so he is
Proverbs 23:14 Hebrew Sheol

5 commands to sons:

1. Consider who is before you and act accordingly. When it is the ruler and your blessing is that of honor instead of feasting (Proverbs 23:1)

2. Put a knife to your throat - do not be a glutton - subdue your own appetite and thus make a favorable impression (Proverbs 23:2)

3. Do not lust after the king's delicacies or appear as if you are not accustomed to such food (Proverbs 23:3)

4. Labor not to be rich, for riches take wings and fly away (Proverbs 23:4-5). Concentrate on eternal things

5. Cease from your own wisdom, that is, the kind which makes riches the chief end in life (Proverbs 23:4-5)

5 examples of men given to appetites:

1. Esau (Genesis 25:30)
2. Isaac (Genesis 25:28; 27:4)
3. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36)
4. Belshazzar (Daniel 5)
5. False teachers (Philippians 3:18-19)

3 examples of laboring for riches:

1. Lot (Genesis 13:10)
2. The rich fool (Luke 12:16-20)
3. Rich men (1 Timothy 6:9-10; James 5:1-6)

2 things not to labor for:

1. To be rich only (Proverbs 23:4)
2. To have temporal food only (John 6:27)

8 things to labor for:

1. Eternal food (John 6:27)
2. To help the poor (Ephesians 4:28)
3. To win lost souls (Philippians 2:16)
4. To support the weak (Acts 20:35)
5. To perfect the saints (Colossians 4:12; Ephesians 4:11-14; Galatians 4:11; 1 Thess. 5:12)
6. Not to burden others (1 Thessalonians 2:9)
7. To enter eternal rest (Hebrews 4:1)
8. To be accepted of God (2 Corinthians 5:9)

6 commands to sons:

1. Do not carry on a conversation with a fool who will despise your words (Proverbs 23:9)
2. Remove not the old landmarks (Proverbs 23:10)
3. Enter not into the fields of orphans to rob them (Proverbs 23:10-11)
4. Apply your heart to wisdom (Proverbs 23:12)
5. Give ear to knowledge (Proverbs 23:12)
6. Do not hesitate to correct a child, even if you have to use a rod. You will not kill him, but you will save his soul from hell (Proverbs 23:13-14)

4 commands to sons:

1. Hearken
2. Depise not your parents (Proverbs 23:22)
3. Buy the truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding (Proverbs 23:23)
4. Sell not the truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding (Proverbs 23:23)

12 things not to despise:

1. Old mother (Proverbs 23;22)
2. Chastening of the LORD (Proverbs 3:11; Job 5:17; Hebrews 12:5)
3. A hungry thief (Proverbs 6:30; Deuteronomy 23:24-25)
4. The Word (Proverbs 13:13)
5. Neighbors (Proverbs 14:21)
6. Parents instructions (Proverbs 15:32; 30:17)
7. Children and believers (Matthew 18:10)
8. Weak Christians (Roman 14:3)
9. Prophecies (1 Thessalonians 5:20)
10.Youth (1 Timothy 4:12)
11.Masters (1 Timothy 6:12)
12.Ministers (Titus 2:15)

23 characteristics of a wise son:

1. Hears and obeys parents (Proverbs 1:5; 23:24)
2. Increases knowledge (Proverbs 1:5; 12:15)
3. Profits by examples (Proverbs 6:6)
4. Profits by rebuke (Proverbs 9:8; 15:31)
5. Increases wisdom (Proverbs 9:9)
6. Is diligent in business (Proverbs 10:5)
7. Welcomes commandments (Proverbs 10:8)
8. Lays up knowledge(Proverbs 10:14)
9. Controls lips, tongue (Proverbs 10;10; Proverbs 17:28)
10.Rules well (Proverbs 11:29)
11.Is a success in soul-winning (Proverbs 11:30)
12.Loves company of wise men (Proverbs 13:20)
13.Builds for the future (Proverbs 14:1)
14.Departs from evil (Proverbs 14:16)
15.Utters knowledge rightly (Proverbs 15:2,7)
16.Makes parents happy (Proverbs 23:15)
17.Seeks knowledge (Proverbs 18:15)
18.Lives in soberness (Proverbs 20:1)
19.Solves problems of men (Proverbs 21:22)
20.Increases strength (Proverbs 24:5)
21.Keeps the law (Proverbs 28:7)
22.Turns away from contention (Proverbs 29:8)
23.Controls self in strife (Proverbs 29:11)

18 commands concerning the heart:

1. Apply the heart to understanding (Proverbs 2:2; 22:17; 23:12)
2. Open the heart to wisdom (Proverbs 2:10)
3. Keep the commandments (Proverbs 3:1; 4:4, 21)
4. Write commandments on it (Proverbs 3:3; 7:3)
5. Trust in the LORD (Proverbs 3;5)
6. Keep it with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23)
7. Bind commandments upon it (Proverbs 6:21)
8. Do nut lust in it (Proverbs 6:25)
9. Do not be inclined to sin (Proverbs 7:25)
10.Have an understanding heart (Proverbs 8:5)
11.Be wise in it (Proverbs 11:29; 16:21; 12:23)
12.Retain wisdom in it (Proverbs 14:33)
13.Be merry in heart (Proverbs 15:13, 15)
14.Study answers with it (Proverbs 15:28)
15.Increase its knowledge (Proverbs 18:15)
16.Apply it to instruction (Proverbs 23:12)
17.Do not use it to envy sinners (Proverbs 23:17)
18.Give heart to wisdom (Proverbs 23:26)

6 curses of drunkards:

1. Woes
2. Sorrows
3. Contentions
4. Babblings
5. Wounds
6. Redness of eyes

16 characteristics of a wicked heart:

1. It despises reproof (Proverbs 5:12)
2. Is perverse: devises continual mischief, and sows discord (Proverbs 6:14)
3. Devises wicked imaginations (Proverbs 6:18)
4. Lusts after beautiful women (Proverbs 6:25)
5. Is full of subtilty (Proverbs 7:10)
6. Full of deceit (Proverbs 12:20)
7. Proclaims foolishness (Proverbs 12:23)
8. Is proud and abominable (Proverbs 16:5; 21:4; 28:25)
9. Haughty (Proverbs 18:12)
10.Fault-finding with God (Proverbs 19:3)
11.Perverse in talk (Proverbs 23:33)
12.Studies how to destroy others (Proverbs 24:2)
13.Is glad when others stumble (Proverbs 24:17)
14.Full of abominations (Proverbs 26:25)
15.Has increased hardening against God (Proverbs 28:14)
16.Trusts in self (Proverbs 28:26)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 22

2011-07-22T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 22:1-29 (NIV)

Proverbs 22

¹ A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

² Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.

³ A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

⁴ Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.

⁵ In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

⁶ Train ^a]">[a] a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

⁷ The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

⁸ He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

⁹ A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

¹⁰ Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.

¹¹ He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.

¹² The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

¹³ The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"

¹⁴ The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the LORD's wrath will fall into it.

¹⁵ Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

¹⁶ He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

Sayings of the Wise

¹⁷ Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,

¹⁸ for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.

¹⁹ So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.

²⁰ Have I not written thirty ^b]">[b] sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?

²² Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,

²³ for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.

²⁴ Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,

²⁵ or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.

²⁶ Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;

²⁷ if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.

²⁸ Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.

²⁹ Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 22:6 Or Start
Proverbs 22:20 Or not formerly written ; or not written excellent

5 examples of rod of anger failing:

1. Balak (Numbers 24:10)
2. Solomon (1 Kings 11:14, 23, 31, 40)
3. Ahaziah (2 Kings 1:9-17)
4. Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:21; Isaiah 30:31)
5. Haman (Esther 5:11-13; 7:10)

4 examples of overthrowing traitors:

1. Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:14)
2. Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14-16)
3. Ezra's opponents (Ezra 3:3, 3)
4. The Sanhedrin (Acts 5:34)

2 great evils that affect life:

1. Oppression of the poor to increase personal riches (Proverbs 22:16; James 2:6; 5:1-6)
2. Giving to the rich great gifts (aka bribes) to obtain personal favors (Proverbs 18:16; 22:16)

Both classes guilty of these evils will come to want because the poor are robbed in either case. While in the first, the poor are oppressed, in the second, the gifts given to the rich to secure favor should be given to the poor that they might be supplied.

In verses 17-21 there are no proverbs, but directions on how to profit by that which wisdom has already delivered, the nature of the instructions given, and purpose of which they were written:

3-fold command how to profit:

1. Bow down your ears (Proverbs 22:17)
2. Hear the words of the wise
3. Apply your heart to knowledge

4-fold purpose of these commands:

1. That one may receive personal pleasure and profit tot he soul (Proverbs 22:18)
2. That one may get experimental knowledge and be equipped to speak wisdom to others (Proverbs 22:18, 21)
3. That one may learn to trust in the LORD (Proverbs 22:19)
4. That one may know the absolute certainty of truth (Proverbs 22:21)

5-fold nature of the message:

1. The words of the wise (Proverbs 22:17)
2. Knowledge (Proverbs 22:17, 20)
3. Pleasant things (Proverbs 22:18)
4. Excellent things in counsels and knowledge (Proverbs 22:20)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 21

2011-07-21T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 21:1-31 (NIV)

Proverbs 21

1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

2 All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!

5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

6 A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. [a]

7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.

8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

9 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

10 The wicked man craves evil; his neighbor gets no mercy from him.

11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.

12 The Righteous One [b] takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.

13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.

14 A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

16 A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead.

17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.

18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.

19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.

20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.

21 He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity [c] and honor.

22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

24 The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overweening pride.

25 The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.

26 All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with evil intent!

28 A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever. [d]

29 A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways.

30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death
2. Proverbs 21:12 Or The righteous man
3. Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness
4. Proverbs 21:28 Or / but the words of an obedient man will live on

7 examples of Kings obeying God:

1. David (1 Samuel 13:14)
2. Solomon (1 Kings 3:9-12)
3. Ahasuerus (Esther 6; Nehemiah 2)
4. Nebuchadnezzar (Ezekiel 29:18; Daniel 4)
5. Cyrus (Ezra 1:1; Isaiah 44:28; 45:1)
6. Darius (Ezra 6:22)
7. Augustus (Luke 2:1-7)

4 examples of being more acceptable:

1. Saul (! Samuel 13:10-13; 15:22)
2. Israel (Jeremiah 7:22-23; Amos 5:21-24)
3. Judah (Isaiah 1:11-17)
4. Pharisees (Matthew 9:13)

3 common sinful things:

1. A high look (Proverbs 6:17; Psalm 101:5)
2. A proud heart (Psalm 101:5)
3. Tilling (works) of the wicked

3 blessings of righteousness and mercy:

1. Eternal life (Proverbs 21:21; Romans 2:7-8)
2. Righteousness (Proverbs 21:21; Romans 3:24 - 4:25)
3. Honor (Proverbs 21:21; John 12:26)

2 examples of casting down confidence:

1. Joshua (Joshua 6:3-21; 8:4-8)
2. A wise woman (2 Samuel 20:16-22)

6 common classes:

1. The infidel or scoffer (Proverbs 21:24; . He is arrogant, proud, haughty and conceited
2. The slothful (Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 19:24. He desires to eat, drink, and be clothed, but he refuses to work. He covets greedily all day long. Hence, he lives and dies with his desires unsatisfied, envying those who possess plenty through hard labor.
3. The righteous (Proverbs 21:26). He gives and does not hold back from doing good.
4. The wicked (Proverbs 21:27, 29). His sacrifice is an abomination to God; how much more is it abominable for him to offer to God with evil intent (Psalm 26:10; 119:150).
5. The liar (Proverbs 21:28)
6. The upright (Proverbs 21:28-29)

5 examples of false witnesses perishing:

1. Pashur (Heremiah 20:4-6)
2. Hananiah (Jeremiah 28:1-17)
3. False prophets (Jeremiah 29:21)
4. Shemaiah (Jeremiah 29;31-32)
5. Amaziah (Amos 7:10-17)

5 examples of no human wisdom, or counsel standing in opposition to God:

1. Pharaoh (Exodus 1:10; 7:1 - 12:51)
2. Balak (Numbers 24:10)
3. Ahaziah (2 Kings 1:9-17)
4. Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:21; Isaiah 30:31)
5. Haman (Esther 5:11-13; 7:10)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 20

2011-07-20T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 20:1-30 (NIV)

Proverbs 20

¹ Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

² A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life.

³ It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

⁴ A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.

⁵ The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

⁶ Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

⁷ The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.

⁸ When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

⁹ Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?

¹⁰ Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both.

¹¹ Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.

¹² Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.

¹³ Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.

¹⁴ "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.

¹⁵ Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

¹⁶ Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.

¹⁷ Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

¹⁸ Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.

¹⁹ A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

²⁰ If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

²¹ An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.

²² Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

²³ The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.

²⁴ A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?

²⁵ It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.

²⁶ A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.

²⁷ The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man ^a]">[a] ; it searches out his inmost being.

²⁸ Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.

²⁹ The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.

³⁰ Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 20:27 Or The spirit of man is the LORD 's lamp

8 examples of intoxication:

1. Noah (Genesis 9:20-21)
2. Lot (Genesis 19:30-38)
3. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36)
4. Elah (1 Kings 16:8-10)
5. Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:16-21)
6. Ephraim (Isaiah 28:7)
7. Belshazzar (Daniel 5)
8. Ninevah (Nahum 1:10)

3 examples from ceasing from strife:

1. Abraham (Genesis 13:7-9)
2. Isaac (Genesis 26:12-30)
3. David (1 Samuel 25:32-34)

5 examples proclaiming own goodness:

1. Absalom (2 Samuel 15:4)
2. Jehu (2 Kings 10:16, 31)
3. The scribes (Matthew 6:2; 23:5)
4. The rich young ruler (Matthew 19:20-22)
5. The Pharisees (Luke 18:9-14)

3 unfailing laws:

1. He that curses father and mother shall be put to death and leave no posterity (Proverbs 20:20; Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9)
2. Inheritances hastily gotten generally lead to idleness, pride, and sin (Proverbs 20:21)
3. To recompense evil for evil will not be blessed of the LORD; but those who trust God to reward evil in His own time shall be saved (Proverbs 20:22)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 19

2011-07-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 19:1-29 (NIV)

1 Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.

2 Desire without knowledge is not good — how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin,yet their heart rages against the LORD.

4 Wealth attracts many friends,but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished,and whoever pours out lies will not go free.

6 Many curry favor with a ruler,and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

7 The poor are shunned by all their relatives — how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading,they are nowhere to be found.[a]

8 The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.

10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury — how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.

14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.

16 Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.

17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.

18 Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

19 A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

20 Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

22 What a person desires is unfailing love[b]; better to be poor than a liar.

23 The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

24 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.

26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

27 Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

29 Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew for this sentence is uncertain.
2. Proverbs 19:22 Or Greed is a person’s shame

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 18

2011-07-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 18:1-24 (NIV)

1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.

2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.

4 The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.

6 The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.

7 The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.

12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

13 To answer before listening — that is folly and shame.

14 The human spirit can endure in sickness,but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.

19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 17

2011-07-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 17:1-28 (NIV)

Proverbs 17

¹ Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, ^a]">[a] with strife.

² A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.

³ The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

⁴ A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.

⁵ He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

⁶ Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

⁷ Arrogant ^b]">[b] lips are unsuited to a fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

⁸ A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds.

⁹ He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

¹⁰ A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.

¹¹ An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official will be sent against him.

¹² Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.

¹³ If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.

¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

¹⁵ Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.

¹⁶ Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

¹⁸ A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.

¹⁹ He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.

²⁰ A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

²¹ To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool.

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.

²⁴ A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.

²⁶ It is not good to punish an innocent man, or to flog officials for their integrity.

²⁷ A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

²⁸ Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 17:1 Hebrew sacrifices
Proverbs 17:7 Or Eloquent

6 examples of being tested:

1. Abraham (Genesis 22)
2. Israel (Deuteronomy 8:2)
3. Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:31)
4. Mary and Martha (John 11:5-6)
5. Rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22)
6. The Syrophenecian woman (Matthew 15:23-28)

4 great sins:

1. Lying (v 4)
2. Deceit (v 4)
3. Mockery (v 5)
4. Gloating (v 5)

2 examples of mocking the poor:

1. Princes of Judah (Isaiah 3:14-15; 10:2)
2. The rich (James 5:4)

4 examples of beginning strife:

1. The Ephraimites (Judges 12:1-6)
2. Abner (2 Samuel 2:14-17)
3. Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10:1-16)
4. Jeroboam (2 Chronicles 13:17)

4 examples of condemning the just:

1. The counsellors (Ezra 4:1-16)
2. Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 21:5-24)
3. The Jews (Matthew 27:11-50)
4. Tertullus (Acts 24:1-9)

7 examples of lack of wisdom:

1. Israel (2 Chronicles 30:10)
2. The Jews (Luke 4:28)
3. Herod Antipas (Luke 23:11)
4. The Jews (John 5:40; 8:45)
5. Athenians (Acts 17:32-33)
6. Felix (Acts 24:25-27)
7. Herod Agrippa (Acts 26:28)

10 examples of lasting friendship:

1. Abraham (Genesis 14:14)
2. Joseph (Genesis 45:5; 50:2)
3. Moses (Exodus 32:11-13; Deuteronomy 9:18-29)
4. Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:33)
5. Barzillai (2 Samuel 19:32)
6. Ahikam (Jeremiah 26:24)
7. Ebed-melech (Jeremiah 38:7)
8. Paul (Philemon 12, 20)
9. Barnabas (Acts 9:27)
10.Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:26)

4 examples of sparing words:

1. Aaron (Leviticus 10:3)
2. Moses (Numbers 16:4; 20:6)
3. Samuel (1 Samuel 8:6-8)
4. Christ (1 Peter 2:23)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 16

2011-07-16T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 16:1-33 (NIV)

Proverbs 16

¹ To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

² All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

³ Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

⁴ The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a day of disaster.

⁵ The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

⁶ Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.

⁷ When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

⁸ Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

⁹ In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

¹⁰ The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.

¹¹ Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

¹² Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.

¹³ Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.

¹⁴ A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.

¹⁵ When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

¹⁶ How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

¹⁷ The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.

¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

¹⁹ Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

²⁰ Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

²¹ The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. ^a]">[a]

²² Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.

²³ A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. ^b]">[b]

²⁴ Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

²⁵ There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

²⁶ The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.

²⁷ A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

²⁸ A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

²⁹ A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

³⁰ He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

³¹ Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

³² Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

³³ The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a man persuasive
Proverbs 16:23 Or mouth / and makes his lips persuasive

3 examples of being clean in own eyes:

1. Jehu (2 Kings 10:16, 31)
2. Pharisee (Luke 18:11-14)
3. Paul (Acts 26:9)

5 examples of plans being established:

1. Jacob (Genesis 32:24-30; 46:1-6)
2. David (1 Samuel 17:45; 30:8-19)
3. Ezra (8:21-32)
4. Esther (Esther 4::14-17; 8:15-17)
5. Daniel (Daniel 6:10)

8 examples of being directed by God:

1. Joseph's brethren (Genesis 37:18-28; 45:5)
2. Paraoh's daughter (Exodus 2:5)
3. Saul (1 Samuel 9:3-16; 23:26-28)
4. Jesse (1 Samuel 16:8-11, 17:23, 53)
5. Syrians (2 Kings 5:2)
6. Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10)
7. The Samaritan woman (John 4:7)
8. Saul (Acts 9:1-18)

15 facts about kings:

1. They are to rule in justice (Proverbs 16:10; 29:14; 31:5, 8,9)
2. To be righteous (Proverbs 16:12)
3. Stand for righteousness (Proverbs 16:12; 25:5)
4. Delight in truth (Proverbs 16:13)
5. Love the righteous (Proverbs 16:13; 20:26)
6. Have power of death (Proverbs 16:14)
7. Can be pacified (Proverbs 16:14)
8. Their favor is a blessing (Proverbs 16:15)
9. Must not be provoked (Proverbs 20:2)
10.Are to be feared by the wicked (Proverbs 20:8)
11.Are preserved by mercy and truth (Proverbs 20:28)
12.To be respected (Proverbs 24:21)
13.Are a stabilizing influence to a people (Proverbs 29:4)
14.Are to be virtuous and sober (Proverbs 31:1-4)
15.Are to obey the law (Proverbs 31:5)

7 examples of pride before destruction:

1. Asabel (2 Samuel 2:18-23)
2. Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:3; 11, 32)
3. Babylon (Isaiah 47:10-11)
4. Azariah (Jeremiah 43:2-11)
5. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30-31)
6. Edom (Obadiah 3-4)
7. Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:21-23)

8 fundamental principles of life:

1. Handle matters wisely (Proverbs 16:20)
2. Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 16:20)
3. Be wise and prudent (Proverbs 16:21)
4. Increase knowledge (Proverbs 16:21)
5. Be sympathetic and understanding (Proverbs 16:22)
6. Reject folly and be open to instruction and education (Proverbs 16:22)
7. Speak always in wisdom (Proverbs 16:23)
8. Be pleasant and kind (Proverbs 16:24)

5 examples of wise hearts:

1. Eleazar (Genesis 24:34-49)
2. Jacob (Genesis 47:9)
3. Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:46; Luke 2:40-52)
4. Peter (Acts 3:12)
5. Paul (Acts 13:16-21; 14:17; 17:28; 24:25; 26:2-27; 1 Timothy 1:12-16)

6 common classes:

1. The laboring man (Proverbs 16:26)
2. The ungodly man (Proverbs 16:27)
3. The perverse man (Proverbs 16:28)
4. The whisperer (Proverbs 16:28)
5. The violent man (Proverbs 16:29)
6. The older man (Proverbs 16:31)

4 examples of sowing strife:

1. Princes of Ammon (2 Samuel 10:3)
2. Ziba (2 Samuel 16:3)
3. The Chaldeans (Daniel 3:18-13)
4. Herodias (Mark 6:19-20)

5 examples of righteous hoary heads:

1. Jacob (Genesis 47:9; 48:1)
2. Samuel (1 Samuel 12:2-4; 25:1)
3. Barzillai (2 Samuel 19:32-37)
4. Elisha (2 Kings 13:14)
5. Jehoida (2 Chronicles 24.15-16)

5 examples of slow to anger:

1. Isaac (Genesis 26:13-35)
2. Joseph (Genesis 37:23-36; 39:7-23)
3. Samson (Judges 16)
4. David (1 Samuel 17:22-51; 19:1-24:22)
5. Paul (2 Corinthians 6:4; Titus 1:7)

7 examples of being soon angry:

1. Cain (Genesis 4)
2. Esau (Genesis 27:41-46)
3. Simeon and Levi (Genesis 49:5-7)
4. Moses (Exodus 32:19)
5. Balaam (Numbers 22:22, 27)
6. Saul (1 Samuel 20:30, 34)
7. Jonah (Jonah 4)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 15

2011-07-15T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs, 15:1-33 (NIV)

Proverbs 15
¹ A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.

² The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

³ The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

⁴ The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

⁵ A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

⁶ The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.

⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

⁸ The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

⁹ The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

¹⁰ Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.

¹¹ Death and Destruction ^a]">[a] lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!

¹² A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.

¹³ A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

¹⁴ The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

¹⁷ Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

¹⁸ A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹ Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.

²² Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

²³ A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!

²⁴ The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. ^b]">[b]

²⁵ The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.

²⁶ The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

²⁷ A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

²⁹ The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

³⁰ A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

³¹ He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

³² He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

³³ The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, ^c]">[c] and humility comes before honor.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 15:11 Hebrew Sheol and Abaddon
Proverbs 15:24 Hebrew Sheol
Proverbs 15:33 Or Wisdom teaches the fear of the LORD

5 examples of turning away wrath:

1. Aaron (Leviticus 10:16-20)
2. Reubenites (Joshua 22:15-34)
3. Gideon (Judges 8:1-3; Proverbs 15:18)
4. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:15-17)
5. Abigail (Samuel 25:23)

5 examples of grievous words:

1. The Ephraimites (Judges 12:1-4)
2. Men of Israel and Judah (2 Samuel 19:41)
3. Saul and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:30-34)
4. Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10:13-16
5. Eliphaz (Job 22:5)

3 examples of God seeing evil:

1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3)
2. Achan and his sin (Joshua 7)
3. Belshazzar (Daniel 5)

3 examples of God seeing good:

1. Abraham (Genesis 22)
2. Joseph (Genesis 39)
3. Jesus Christ (Acts 10:38)

46 ways of a fool: He:

1. Is jealous and envious (1 Samuel 26:21)
2. Insensible to danger (2 Samuel 3:33)
3. Denies God (Psalm 14:1; 53:1)
4. Is ignorant of the future (Psalm 49:10)
5. Is ignorant of God (Psalm 92:6)
6. Is a whoremonger (Proverbs 7:22)
7. Reject's God's commandments (Proverbs 10:8)
8. Chatters empty talk (Proverbs 10:8, 10)
9. Utters slander (Proverbs 10:18)
10. Is a mischief maker (Proverbs 10:23)
11. Is self-conceited (Proverbs 12:15)
12. Proclaims foolishness (Proverbs 12:23)
13. Parades his own folly (Proverbs 13:16)
14. Quick-tempered (Proverbs 14:17)
15. Rages and lives in sin (Proverbs 14:16)
16. Pours out foolishness (Proverbs 15:2)
17. Despises parents (Proverbs 15:5)
18. Incapable of decent speech (Proverbs 17:7)
19. Does not profit by reproof (Proverbs 17:10)
20. Is insensible (Proverbs 17:12)
21. Is not interested in wisdom (Proverbs 17:16)
22. Is a shame to parents (Proverbs 17:21)
23. Is always dissatisfied (Proverbs 17:24)
24. Is contentious (Proverbs 18:6)
25. Has no delight in knowledge (Proverbs 18:2)
26. Is perverse in speech (Proverbs 19:1)
27. Cannot appreciate luxury and honor (Proverbs 19:10; 26:1, 8)
28. Is a meddler (Proverbs 20:3)
29. Despises wisdom (23:9)
30. Is incapable of wisdom (Proverbs 24:7)
31. Gives foolish answers (Proverbs 26:4-5)
32. Is not dependable (Proverbs 26:6)
33. Is hopeless (Proverbs 26:12)
34. Is inseparable from folly (Proverbs 26:11; 27:22)
35. Trusts in himself (Proverbs 28:26)
36. Utters all he knows (Proverbs 29:11)
37. Is unbearable (Proverbs 30:21-22)
38. Walks in darkness (Ecclesiastes 2:14)
39. Destroys self (Ecclesiastes 4:5; 10:12)
40. Is light and frivolous (Ecclesiastes 7:6)
41. Acknowledges he is a fool (Ecclesiastes 10:3)
42. Is full of empty words (Ecclesiastes 10:14)
43. Has no foresight (Matthew 7:26; 25:2-3)
44. Is covetous (Luke 12:20-21)
45. Constantly debates non-essentials (2 Timothy 2:23)
46. Is ignorant (1 Peter 2:15)

3 examples of wicked sacrificing:

1. Cain (Genesis 4:5)
2. Saul (1 Samuel 15)
3. Jews (Isaiah 1:11-15; 66:3)

3 examples of hating reproof:

1. Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:7; Proverbs 17:4)
2. The Jews (Amos 5:10)
3. The Pharisees (Luke 7:30)

4 examples of seeking knowledge:

1. Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-10; Proverbs 19:8)
2. Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10; Matthew 12:42)
3. The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:28)
4. The Bereans (Acts 17:11)

4 contrasted ways:

1. The way of the wise - way of the fool
2. The way of life - the way of death
3. The way above - the way beneath
4. The way to heaven - the way to hell

6 examples of hating own soul:

1. Dathan (Numbers 16:12-14, 31-33)
2. Zedekiah (2 Chronicles 36:12; Jeremiah 39:1-7)
3. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:27-33)
4. Belshazzar (Daniel 5:22-30)
5. The Jews (Matthew 23:34-38)
6. The Gadarenes (Luke 8:37)

4 examples of getting knowledge:

1. Job's friends (Job 42:7-9)
2. The Samaritan woman (John 4:17)
3. Two disciples (Luke 23:26-32)
4. Paul (Acts 9:6-22)

12 blessings of fear of the Lord: It

1. Is the beginning of the wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10)
2. Determine destiny (Proverbs 1:29)
3. Helps depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7; 16:6)
4. Is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13)
5. Prolongs days (10:27)
6. Gives strong confidence (Proverbs 14:26)
7. Is a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27)
8. Produces satisfaction (Proverbs 15:16)
9. Is the instruction of wisdom (Proverbs 15:33)
10. Tends to life (Proverbs 19:23)
11. Gives riches, honor and life (Proverbs 22:4)
12. Brings blessings (Ecclesiastes 8:12)

5 examples of humility before honor:

1. Joseph (Genesis 39:1 - 41:57)
2. Gideon (Judges 6:15)
3. Daniel (Daniel 2:30-48)
4. Hananiah (Nehemiah 7:2)
5. Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-11)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 14

2011-07-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 14:1-35 (NIV)

Proverbs 14

1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

2 He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him.

3 A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

5 A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.

6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.

14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his.

15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find [a] love and faithfulness.

23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

28 A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.

29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known. [b]

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 14:22 Or show
2. Proverbs 14:33 Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac / but in the heart of fools she is not known

5 examples of a faithful witness:

1. Joseph (Genesis 37:2)
2. John the Baptist (Matthew 3; John 1:7-28)
3. Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5)
4. The apostles (Acts 5:320
5. Paul (Acts 20:21-27; 22:15)

4 examples of false witnesses:

1. 10 spies (Numbers 13:32)
2. False prophets (1 Kings 22:6-27)
3. Jewish men (Matthew 26:60-61)
4. Tertullus (Acts 24:1-9)

3 examples of finding not truth:

1. Jews in Christ's ministry (Matthew 13:15)
2. Jews in Paul's ministry (Acts 13:41)
3. Athenians (1 Corinthians 1:28; 2:8)

4 examples of following false ways:

1. Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:27-33; 14:7-11)
2. Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:20-24)
3. Paul (Philippians 3:4-7; 1 Timothy 1:13)
4. Jews (John 16:2; Acts 13:50)

5 examples of end of wrong way:

1. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36-37)
2. Solomon (1Kings 11:1-8; Ecclesiastes 2:2)
3. Belshazzar (Daniel 5)
4. Israelites (Amos 6:3-7)
5. Judas (Acts 1:25)

5 blessings of the fear of God:

1. Strong confidence (v 20)
2. A place of refuge - security (v 26)
3. Eternal life (v 27)
4. Holiness of life and conduct (v 27)

7 examples of strong confidence:

1. Abraham (Genesis 22:3-10; Hebrews 11:19)
2. David (1 Samuel 30:6)
3. Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:7-8, 22)
4. 3 Hebrew children (Daniel 3:17-27)
5. Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
6. Peter (Acts 12:6)
7. Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

4 examples of a hasty spirit:

1. Rehoboam (1 Kings 12)
2. Jehoram (2 Kings 5:7)
3. Jonah (Jonah 4:8-9)
4. Martha (Luke 10:40)

7 examples of destruction through sin:

1. Dathan (Numbers 16:33)
2. Israel (Exodus 32:28; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11)
3. Balaam (Numbers 31:8-10; Revelation 2:14)
4. Canaanites (Joshua 2:9; 5:1; Deuteronomy 9:5)
5. Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 4:11)
6. Baal's prophets (1 King 18:40)
7. Belshazzar (Daniel 5:2-6, 30)

6 examples of righteous hoping in death:

1. Jacob (Genesis 49:18)
2. Joseph (Genesis 50:24-25; Hebrews 11:22)
3. David (2 Samuel 23:5; Psalm 17:15)
4. Stephen (Acts 7:55-60)
5. Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
6. Peter (2 Peter 1:14-16; 3:13)

7 examples of sin being a reproach:

1. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)
2. Canaanites (Leviticus 18:24-30)
3. Egypt (Exodus 12:12; Ezekiel 29:1-15)
4. Amalekites (Exodus 17:16; 1 Samuel 15)
5. Babylon (Isaiah 14:4-23; 47:6-15)
6. Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2-8; Isaiah 23:1-9)
7. Ninevah (Zephaniah 2:13-15)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 13

2011-07-13T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 13:1-25 (NIV)

Proverbs 13

¹ A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

² From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.

³ He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

⁴ The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

⁵ The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

⁶ Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

⁷ One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

⁸ A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.

⁹ The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

¹⁰ Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

¹¹ Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

¹³ He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.

¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

¹⁵ Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. ^a]">[a]

¹⁶ Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.

¹⁷ A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

¹⁸ He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

¹⁹ A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

²⁰ He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

²¹ Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

²² A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

²³ A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.

²⁴ He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

²⁵ The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 13:15 Or unfaithful does not endure

5 examples of hating lying:

1. Joseph (Genesis 46:31-24)
2.Samuel (1 Samuel 3:18)
3. Michaiah (1 Kings 22:13-14; Proverbs 14:5)
4. Jeremiah (26:1-15)
5. John the Baptist (Matthew 14:4)

5 examples - wicked coming to shame:

1. Jehoram (2 Chronicles 21:18-19)
2. Gehazi (2 Kings 5:27)
3. Jezebel (2 Kings 9:35)
4. Mannaseh (2 Kings 21:7-13)
5. Herod (Acts 12:21-23)

4 examples - pride causing contention:

1. Korah (Numbers 10)
2. Men of Ephraim (Judges 12:1-6)
3. Rehoboam (1 Kings 12)
4. The apostles (Luke 22:24)

3 examples of heart sickness:

1. Abraham (Genesis 15:2-3)
2. David (Psalm 42:1-3)
3. The disciples (Luke 24:17, 21)

4 examples of destruction:

1. World (Genesis 6:1; 1 Peter 3:20)
2. Israel (Deuteronomy 28:15-68)
3. Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:20-24)
4. Amaziah (2 Chronices 25:16-27)

4 examples of being rewarded:

1. Pharaoh's servents (Exodus 9:20-25)
2. Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:6-11)
3. Ebed-melech (Jeremiah 39:15-18)
4. Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:27-30)

7 examples of obtaining favor:

1. Abraham (Genesis 23:10-11)
2. Joseph (Genesis 39:2)
3. Joshua (Joshua 6:27)
4. David (1 Samuel 18:14)
5. Abigail (1 Samuel 25:3, 18-34)
6. Daniel (Daniel 1:8-9; 6:3)
7. Samuel (1 Samuel 2:26)

3 examples laying self open to folly:

1. Balaam (Numbers 22:29-30)
2. Ahasueras (Esther 3:10-15)
3. Herod (Matthew 14:7; Mark 6:23)

4 examples of failure to correct sons:

1. Jacob (Genesis 37)
2. Eli (1 Samuel 3:13; 4:11)
3. David (2 Samuel 13:39; 14:25)
4. Samuel (1 Samuel 8:1-9)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 12

2011-07-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 12:1-28 (NIV)

Proverbs 12

¹ Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

² A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man.

³ A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

⁴ A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

⁵ The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

⁶ The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

⁷ Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

⁸ A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised.

⁹ Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

¹⁰ A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹ He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

¹² The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

¹³ An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.

¹⁴ From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

¹⁵ The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

¹⁶ A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

¹⁷ A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.

¹⁸ Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

¹⁹ Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

²⁰ There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.

²¹ No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

²² The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.

²³ A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

²⁴ Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

²⁵ An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

²⁶ A righteous man is cautious in friendship, ^a]">[a] but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

²⁷ The lazy man does not roast ^b]">[b] his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

²⁸ In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 12:26 Or man is a guide to his neighbor
Proverbs 12:27 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.

6 examples of wicked counselors:

1. Korah and company (Numbers 10)
2. Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:28)
3. Sanballat (Nehemiah 6:2)
4. Haman (Esther 3:5-8)
5. Herod (Matthew 2:8, 16)
6. Judas (John 12:4-6)

3 examples - wicked being overthrown:

1. Pre-Adamites (Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 14:12-14; Jeremiah 4:23-26; 2 Peter 3:5-8)
2. Ante-diluvians (Genesis 6-8)
3. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)

3 examples - righteous houses standing:

1. Abraham (Genesis 17:19; Luke 1:70-73)
2. David (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89:3-4)
3. Jacob (Luke 1:32-33)

4 examples of commending wisdom:

1. Joseph (Genesis 41:39)
2. David (2 Samuel 14:17-20)
3. Daniel (Daniel 5:16)
4. Paul (2 Peter 3:15-16)

3 examples of being despised:

1. Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 1:3 - 2:30)
2. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:2, 17)
3. The prodigal son (Luke 15:15-16)

2 examples of tilling:

1. Isaac (Genesis 26:12)
2. Jacob (Genesis 30:14; Proverbs 28:19)

2 examples of following vain persons:

1. Abimelech (Judges 9; Proverbs 24:21)
2. Theudas (Acts 5:36-37)

5 examples of being snared by own lips:

1. Korah (Numbers 16:1-3, 31-35; Psalm 64:8)
2. The Amalekite (2 Samuel 1:2-6)
3. Adonijah (1 Kings 2:23)
4. Daniel's accusers (Daniel 6:24)
5. Jews (Matthew 27:25)

3 examples of deliverance:

1. Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:10, 24, 30)
2. Esther and her people (Esther 7:3-9:25)
3. Peter (Acts 11:2-18; 12:3-18)

4 examples of a fool's wrath:

1. Jehoram (2 Kings 6:31)
2. Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-2)
3. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:19)
4. Jews at Nazareth (Luke 14:28)

4 examples of prudence:

1. Gideon (Judges 8:2-3)
2. Saul (1 Samuel 10:27)
3. David (1 Samuel 17:29-30)
4. Hezekiah (Isaiah 36:21)

4 uses of the tongue:

1. Speaking truth (v 17; John 14:6)
2. Speaking lies (v 17; 1 Timothy 4:1-2)
3. Speaking cutting things (v 18; James 3)
4. Speaking blessing (v 19; Matthew 8:8)

4 examples of lying tongue judged:

1. Ahab (1 Kings 22:30, 37)
2. Hananiah (Jeremiah 28:2, 11)
3. Gehazi (2 Kings 5:22-27)
4. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10)

7 things God delights in:

1. Men that deal truthfully (v 22)
2. Just weights (Proverbs 11:1)
3. Men upright in their ways (Proverbs 11:20)
4. Prayers of the upright (Proverbs 15:8)
5. Lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth (Jeremiah 9:24)
6. The Messiah (Isaiah 42:1)
7. Israel (Isaiah 62:4)

3 examples of diligent bearing rule:

1. Eleazar (Genesis 24:2, 10)
2. Joseph (Genesis 39:4, 22)
3. Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:28)

4 examples of sorrow prostrating men:

1. Ezra (Ezra 9:3-10:3)
2. Nehemiah (Heemiah 1:4)
3. David (Psalm 40:12; 2 Samuel 18:33)
4. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 8:18; 9:1)

3 examples of good news making glad:

1. Jacob (Genesis 45:27)
2. Darius (Daniel 6:18-23)
3. Disciples (Matthew 28:5-8; Luke 24:32)

2 things in the path of righteousness:

1. Eternal life (v 28; Matthew 7:14)
2. Immortality (v 28; 1 Peter 3:4)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 11

2011-07-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 11:1-31 (NIV)

Proverbs 11

¹ The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.

² When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

³ The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

⁴ Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

⁵ The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

⁶ The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

⁷ When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.

⁸ The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.

⁹ With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

¹⁰ When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

¹¹ Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

¹² A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

¹³ A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

¹⁴ For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.

¹⁵ He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.

¹⁶ A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

¹⁷ A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

¹⁸ The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

¹⁹ The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.

²⁰ The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

²¹ Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.

²² Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

²³ The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

²⁴ One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

²⁵ A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

²⁶ People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.

²⁷ He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.

²⁸ Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

²⁹ He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

³¹ If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

6 examples of shame through pride:

1. Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:11-17) 2. Miriam (Numbers 12:10) 3. Uzziah (2 Chronciles 26:16-21) 4. Nebuchanezzar (Daniel 4:30) 5. Moab (Zephaniah 2:8-10) 6. Ninevah (Zephaniah 2:15)

4 examples of wisdom to the lowly:

1. Joseph (Genesis 41:16, 38-39) 2. Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-13) 3. Daniel (2:20-21) 4. Jesus Christ (Luke 2:40, 51; Isaiah 11:1)

3 examples of guiding integrity:

1. Joseph (Genesis 39:4,22-23; 50;25) 2. Jesus Christ (Luke 2:40, 52; 1 Peter 2:21) 3. Paul (Galatians 2:20)

7 examples of perverseness:

1. Israel (Deuteronomy 1:43-44) 2. Balaam (Numbers 22:32; 31:8) 3. Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 2:25; 4:11) 4. Saul (1 Samuel 15:23) 5. Absalom (2 Samuel 15:3-6) 6. Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:1-23) 7. Ahab (1 Kings 21:25-26; 22:34-37)

3 examples of perishing hope:

1. Balaam's (Number 23:10; 31:8) 2. Absalom's (2 Samuel 18) 3. The rich fool's (Luke 12:16-21)

3 examples of the righteous delivered and the wicked perishing in their place:

1. Mordecai and Hman (Eshtehr 7:9-10) 2. Daniel and accusers (Daniel 6) 3. Israel and Egyptians (Exodus 14)

3 examples of joy in the righteous:

1. Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:3-36; 30:26) 2. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2; 6:15; 8:17) 3. Mordecai (Esther 8:15-16)

3 examples of the wicked perishing:

1. Pharaoh (Exodus 15) 2. Sisera (Judges 5) 3. Athaliah (2 Kings 11:20)

6 examples of blessing by kindness:

1. The Kenites (1 Samuel 15:6) 2. David (1 Samuel 30:11-20) 3. Jonathan (2 Samuel 9:7; 21:7) 4. Job (Job 42:10) 5. Cornelius (Acts 10:4) 6. The Maltese (Acts 28:1-10)

6 examples of troubling self:

1. Cain (Genesia 4:10-12) 2. Joseph's brethren (Genesis 37; 42:21) 3. Adoni-bezek (Judges 1:6-7) 4. Agag (1 Samuel 15:33) 5. Haman (Esther 9:25) 6. Jonah (Jonah 4:1-3)

4 examples of deceitful workers:

1. Pharaoh (Exodus 1:20) 2. The Gibeonites (Joshua 9:4-21) 3. Absalom (2 Samuel 15) 4. Caiaphas (John 11:49-50)

5 examples of reward by right sowing:

1. Noah (Genesis 6:22; 7:1; Hebrews 11:7) 2. Abraham (Hebrews 6:15) 3. Joseph (Genesis 37-41) 4. Simeon (Luke 2:25-32) 5. Paul (1 Corinthians 9:1; 2 Timothy 4:7-8)

6 examples of being God's delight:

1. Enoch (Hebrews 11:5) 2. Noah (Genesis 6:8) 3. Israel (Deuteronomy 10:15) 4. The upright (Proverbs 11:20) 5. Saints and the excellent (Psalm 16:3) 6. Jesus Christ (Isaiah 42:1)

5 examples of judging wicked rebels:

1. The Babel builders (Genesis 11:1-9) 2. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) 3. Korah and company (Numbers 16) 4. Canaanite kings (Joshua 9-10) 5. The ten kings (Revelation 17-19)

4 examples - seed of righteous delivered:

1. Noah and family (Genesis 6-8) 2. Lot and family (Genesis 19:17-29) 3. The Jews (Esther 7-9) 4. The Hebrew children (Daniel 3)

3 examples of liberality blessed:

1. Widow (1 Kings 17:10) 2. The Shunammite (2 Kings 4:8, 37) 3. Publius (Acts 28:7-8)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 10

2011-07-10T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 10:1-32 (NIV)

Proverbs 10

Proverbs of Solomon

¹ The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.

² Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.

³ The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

⁴ Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

⁵ He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

⁶ Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. ^a]">[a]

⁷ The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

⁸ The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

⁹ The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

¹⁰ He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

¹¹ The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

¹² Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

¹³ Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

¹⁴ Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

¹⁵ The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

¹⁶ The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.

¹⁷ He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

¹⁸ He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

¹⁹ When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

²⁰ The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

²¹ The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

²² The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.

²³ A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.

²⁴ What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.

²⁵ When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

²⁶ As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him.

²⁷ The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

²⁸ The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

²⁹ The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

³⁰ The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.

³¹ The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.

³² The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 10:6 Or but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence ; also in verse 11

3 examples of no profit to such gain:

1. Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 12:1-4, 9)
2. Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20-27; Proverbs 21:6)
3. The rich fool (Luke 12:20; Proverbs 11:28)

3 examples of righteousness delivering:

1. Noah (Genesis 7:1; Hebrews 11;7)
2. Daniel (Daniel 6)
3. Three Hebrew children (Daniel 3)

4 examples destroying goods of wicked:

1. Israel (Judges 6:1-4)
2. Samaria (1 King 18:2; 2 Kings 6:25)
3. Jerusalem (Lamentations 5:10; Zephaniah 1:18)
4. Chaldeans (Habakuk 2;8)

2 examples of gathering in summer:

1. Isaac (Genesis 26:12)
2. Joseph (Genesis 41)

6 examples of good remembrance:

1. Elisha (2 Kings 13:21)
2. Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:15-16)
3. Woman who anointed Jesus (Mark 14;9)
4. Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1:28, 48)
5. Dorcas (Acts 9:36-39; Proverbs 22;1)
6. Antipas (Revelation 2:13)

4 examples of bitter remembrance:

1. Balaam (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14)
2. Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:22)
3. Athaliah (2 Chronciles 24;7)
4. Herod (Acts 12:22-23, Psalm 9:16)

4 examples-receiving commandments:

1. Abraham (Genesis 22; Hebrews 11;8, 17)
2. David (2 Samuel 7)
3. The widow (1 Kings 17:10-16)
4. Rechabites (Jeremiah 35:6-10)

2 examples of being discovered:

1. Korah and company (Numbers 16)
2. Diotrephes (3 John 9-10)

3 examples of stirring up strife:

1. Ishmael (Genesis 21:9-14)
2. Esau (Genesis (27:41-42)
3. The Jews (Acts 13:50; 14;2-4; 17:5-13)

4 examples of love covering sins:

1. Joseph (Genesis 40:15; 45:5-8)
2. David (2 Samuel 1)
3. Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:41; John 20-21)
4. Paul (Philemon 9-21)

3 examples of sinning by much talk::

1. Job (32:2; 34:5,12, 35:16; 42:3)
2. Job's comforters (32:3; 42:7-8)
3. Idle widows (1 Timothy 5;13)

3 examples of wisdom in speaking:

1. Eleazar (Genesis 24:2`1, Proverbs 15:28)
2. Aaron (Leviticus 10:3)
3. Saul (1 Samuel 15:27, Proverbs 11:12)

6 examples of godly instruction:

1, Job (4:3-4; 29:21-22)
2. David (Psalm 78:70-72)
3. Peter (Acts 4:1-4)
4. Philip (Acts 8:5-8)
5. Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:32-35)
6. Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32-33)

3 examples of fools dying:

1. Korah and company (Numbers 16)
2. Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20-25)
3. The rich fool (Luke 12:16-26)

5 examples of the LORD making rich:

1. Abraham (Genesis 24:1)
2. Isaac (Genesis 25:11; 26:12)
3. Jacob (Genesis 28:4; 30:27)
4. Solomon (1 Kings 3:13)
5. Job (Job 42:10)

4 examples of righteous desire granted:

1. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:20)
2. Esther (4:16; 8:15-17)
3. Daniel (2:18-23; 9:1-23; 10:1-21)
4. Simeon (Luke 2:25-30)

4 examples of joy in hope:

1. Abraham (Romans 4:18-20)
2. Joseph (Psalm 105:17-21)
3. Hezekiah (Psalm 126)
4. Daniel (6:10)

4 examples of perishing expectation:

1. Goliath (1 Samule 17:44-51)
2. Athaliah (2 Kings 11:1-16)
3. Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:23, 37)
4. Herod (Matthew 2:18)

4 examples of sudden destruction:

1. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)
2. Pharaoh and army (Exodus 14:19-31)
3. Saul (1 Chronicles 10:13-14)
4. Jeroboam (1 Kings 14:7-11)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 9

2011-07-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 9:1-18 (NIV)

Proverbs 9

Invitations of Wisdom and of Folly
¹ Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars.

² She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

³ She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city.

⁴ "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.

⁵ "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.

⁶ Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.

⁷ "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.

⁸ Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

⁹ Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

¹⁰ "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

¹¹ For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

¹² If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

¹³ The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge.

¹⁴ She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,

¹⁵ calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way.

¹⁶ "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.

¹⁷ "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!"

¹⁸ But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave. ^a]">[a]

Footnotes:

Proverbs 9:18 Hebrew Sheol

4 examples of forsaking things to live:

1. Moses (Hebrews 11:24-27)
2. Rahab (Joshua 2:9-13; 6:25; Hebrews 11:31)
3. Ruth (Ruth 1:16; 2:11-13)
4. Disciples (Matthew 4:18-22; 9:9)

3 examples - rebuking and being hated:

1. Joseph (Genesis 37:2, 18-28)
2. The prophet (2 Chronicles 25:16)
3. John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-10)

3 examples - rebuking and being loved:

1. Nathan (2 Samuel 12)
2. Two disciples (Luke 24:25-29)
3. Peter (John 21:17; Galatians 2:11-14)

5 facts about a foolish woman:

1. She is clamorous - one in continual uproar; noisy; boisterous (v 13; 7:11)
2. Simple - silly; easily seduced (v 13; 2 Timothy 3:6)
3. Knoweth nothing - knows no shame; utterly ignorant and depraved (v 13)
4. She watches for victims of sin (v 14; Genesis 38:14; Jeremiah 3:2)
5. She is impudent or bold to call to any stranger and tempt the innocent to sin (v 15-17)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 8

2011-07-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 8:1-36 (NIV)

Proverbs 8

Wisdom's Call

¹ Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

² On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

³ beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:

⁴ "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

⁵ You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding.

⁶ Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.

⁷ My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.

⁹ To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge.

¹⁰ Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,

¹¹ for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

¹² "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

¹³ To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

¹⁴ Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.

¹⁵ By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just;

¹⁶ by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. ^a]">[a]

¹⁷ I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

²¹ bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

²² "The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, ^b]">[b] , ^c]">[c] before his deeds of old;

²³ I was appointed ^d]">[d] from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.

²⁴ When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water;

²⁵ before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,

²⁶ before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world.

²⁷ I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,

²⁸ when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,

²⁹ when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

³⁰ Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,

³¹ rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

³² "Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.

³⁴ Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.

³⁶ But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death."

Footnotes:

Proverbs 8:16 Many Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts and nobles-all righteous rulers

Proverbs 8:22 Or way ; or dominion

Proverbs 8:22 Or The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work ; or The LORD brought me forth at the beginning of his work

Proverbs 8:23 Or fashioned

Wisdom personified. 20 personal acts:

1. Cries (8:1-3)
2. Stands (8:2)
3. Calls (8:4)
4. Speaks (8:4-9, 18)
5. Reproves (8:5)
6. Abhors sin (8:7)
7. Admonishes (8:10)
8. Searches (8:12)
9. Hates (8:13)
10. Counsels (8:14)
11. Advises (8:15)
12. Loves (8:17)
13. Leads (8:20)
14. Blesses (8:21)
15. Rejoices (8:30)
16. Delights (8:31)
17. Builds (9:1)
18. Cooks (9:2)
19. Plans (9:3)
20. Invites (9:5)

"17" better things in Proverbs:

1. Wisdom better than gold (3:14; 8:19)
2. Wisdom better than silver (3:14; 8:19)
3. Wisdom better than rubies (3:15; 8:11)
4. A despised man better than one who honors himself (12:9)
5. A little with fear of God is better than treasures with trouble (15:16)
6. A dinner of herbs with love is better tha afeast where hatred is (15:17)
7. A man slow to anger is better than a hot-tempered might man (16:32)
8. A man who rules his spirit is better than an intemperate hero (16:32)
9. A morsel of bread with quietness is better than a feast with strife (17:1)
10.An honest poor man is better than a fool with perverse lips (19:1)
11.A poor man is better than a liar (19:22)
12.It is better to dwell alone in a small place than in a large one with a brawling woman (21:9; 25:24)
13.It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with an angry and contentious woman (21:19)
14.It is better to be exalted than to be abased before men (25:7)
15.An open rebuke is better than secret love (27:5)
16.A near neighbor is better than a far-off brother (27:10)
17.A righteous poor man is better than a wicked rich man (28:6)

4 things the fear of God: Hatred of:

1. Evil (v 13)
2. The evil way (v 13)
3. Arrogancy (13)
4. Pride (v 13)

5 examples of loving wisdom:

1. Joseph (Genesis 37:2-17; 39:3-9; 41:38)
2. Samuel (1 Samuel 2:26; 7:3-17)
3. David (1 Samuel 17:37-46)
4. Solomon (1 Kings 3)
5. Daniel (1:1-21; 5:1-31)

Wisdom existed before:

1. God's creation of old (v 22)
2. The creation of the earth (v 23)
3. The depths and fountains of waters
4. The mountains and hills (v 25)
5. The earth, fields, and dust of the world (v 26)
6. The heavens and the clouds (v 28)
7. The laws governing creation (v 29)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 7

2011-07-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 7:1-27 (NIV)

Proverbs 7

Warning Against the Adulteress

¹ My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.

² Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings 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 kinsman;

⁵ they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.

⁶ At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice.

⁷ I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment.

⁸ He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house

⁹ at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.

¹⁰ Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

¹¹ (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home;

¹² now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)

¹³ She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:

¹⁴ "I have fellowship offerings ^a]">[a] at home; today I fulfilled my vows.

¹⁵ So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!

¹⁶ I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt.

¹⁷ I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

¹⁸ Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love!

¹⁹ My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.

²⁰ He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon."

²¹ With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.

²² All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer ^b]">[b] stepping into a noose ^c]">[c]

²³ till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

²⁴ Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.

²⁵ Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.

²⁶ Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng.

²⁷ Her house is a highway to the grave, ^d]">[d] leading down to the chambers of death.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 7:14 Traditionally peace offerings
Proverbs 7:22 Syriac (see also Septuagint Hebrew fool
Proverbs 7:22 The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.
Proverbs 7:27 Hebrew Sheol

8 commands to sons:

1. Keep my words - guard against breaking God's commandments (v 1)
2. Lay up my commandments - take them into your bosom and into your heart (v 1)
3. Keep my commandments and live (v 2)
4. Keep my law as you would the pupil of the eye (v 2; Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8; Zechariah 2:12)
5. Bind them upon your fingers (v 3)
6. Write them upon the table of your heart (v 3)
7. Make wisdom your sister (v 4)
8. Make understanding your kinswoman.

These last two expressions indicate acquaintance with wisdom and knowledge. The word kinswoman is used only here and in Ruth 2:1

These commands are warnings preparatory to the longer admonition against adultery, which is an often referred to subject with Solomon due to his many bitter experiences with strange woman.

He generally gave such commands before dealing with the subject (2:1-10 with 2:12,16; 5:1-2 with 5:3-6; 5:7 with 5:8:14; 5:15-19 with 5:20-23; 6:20-23 with 6:24-35; 7:1-4 with 7:5-23; 7:24 with 7:25-27; 9:1-6 with 9:13-18)

8 facts: A foolish young man I saw:

1. Among the simple, the young man (v 7; 1:4)
2. He was void of understanding. He did not have wisdom to discern the evil intended by the whore, nor did he have the character and courage to resist her flatteries (v 7)
3. He walked along the street near her corner where she waited for victims (v 8)
4. He went the way to her house (which was not necessarily on the corner (v 8, 12)
5. In the night he passed by where she waited on the corner (v 9)
6. He was met by the harlot (v 10)
7. He was persuaded by her to spend the night with her (v 11-21)
8. He went to his doom as an ox to the slaughter, as a fool to his punishment, and as a bird to the snare (v 22-23)

10 points about harlots:

1. Their attire or marks that advertise them for hire (v 10; Genesis 38)
2. Their subtilty of heart (v 10)
3. Their boisterous and loud disposition (v 11)
4. Their gad about disposition (v 11-12)
5. Their stubbornness and persistence in pursuing innocent victims (v 11).

They have no respect for the good of men, married or unmarried, innocent or guilty of immoral crimes. They gloat over causing young men to fall into sin and husbands to go astray

6. They are bold, unashamed, impudent, and unlawfully familiar (v 13)
7. They are flatterers (v 5, 14-21)
8. They are deceitful of heart (v 13-21)
9. They are liars (v 14-21)
10. They are tempters and seducers (v 13-21)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 6

2011-07-06T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 6:1-35 (NIV)

Proverbs 6

Warnings Against Folly

1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another,

2 if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth,

3 then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!

4 Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids.

5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-

11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. [a]

12 A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth,

13 who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers,

14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart—he always stirs up dissension.

15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:

17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,

19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Warning Against Adultery

20 My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck.

22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,

24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.

25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes,

26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.

27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?

28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?

29 So is he who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.

30 Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.

31 Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.

32 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.

33 Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away;

34 for jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.

35 He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse the bribe, however great it is.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 6:11 Or like a vagrant / and scarcity like a beggar

5 facts of suretyship

1. Command against suretyship (Proverbs 12:26)
2. Command to get out of suretyship as quickly as possible (Proverbs 6:1-5)
3. Suretyship is a sign of lack of understanding (Proverbs 17:18)
4. Suffering and disappointment are what is promised in suretyship (Proverbs 11:15)
5. To refrain from suretyship is the only safe way (Proverbs 11:15)

15 ways of ants (6:6-8; 30:25)

1. Most laborious insects in existence
2. Most highly industrialized
3. Collect food in proper season
4. Fondly attached to the young
5. Have keen foresight for others
6. Work quietly without show
7. Work unweariedly until work is done
8. Work together in astonishing systems of organization to the best good of the whole community
9. Are ingenious carpenters and masons, building their own system of homes and underground tunnels
10. Keep their homes scrupulously clean
11. No one among them exists without a definite job in life to help meet the needs of the community
12. Fight to death to protect their own homes and young from enemies
13. Their social life compares with that of human beings in many respects
14. They are intelligent and wise
15. They carry out life's work without being forced to do so by a guide, overseer, or ruler

A worthless man; of Belial - His 7 sins:

1. Forward (perverse)
2. Winketh with his eyes
3. Speaketh with his feet
4. Teaches with his fingers
5. Frowardness (deceitfulness of heart)
6. Continual plots, schemes, and plans of sin
7. Soweth discord in familiies, churches, communities, or nations

3 places to bind truth:

1. Upon the heart (v 21)
2. Around the neck (3:3; 6:21)
3. Upon the fingers (7:3)

3 things truth is:

1. A lamp (v 23; Psalm 119:105)
2. A light (v 23; Psalm 119:105, 130)
3. Reproofs of instruction (v 23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)

7 things to be kept from:

1. The evil woman (v 24)
2. Her flattery (v 24)
3. Lust after her beauty (v 25)
4. Captivity by her eyelids (v 25)
5. Poverty through her (v 26)
6. Death by sin with her (v 26)
7. Sin with her (v 27-29)

6 evil effects of adultery:

1. Spiritual death (v 32; Romans 8:12-13)
2. Physical death (v 32; Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22)
3. Eternal death (v 32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8; 22:15)
4. A wound and dishonor. Among the Romans one caught in the act was delivered to the injured husband to be punished with infamy, disgrace, and even death if he willed (v 33-35)
5. Lasting reproach (v 33)
6. Blinding rage of the husband (v 34-35)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 5

2011-07-05T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 5:1-23 (NIV)

Proverbs 5

Warning Against Adultery

¹ My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight,

² that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.

³ For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil;

⁴ but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.

⁵ Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. ^a]">[a]

⁶ She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.

⁷ Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.

⁸ Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house,

⁹ lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel,

¹⁰ lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich another man's house.

¹¹ At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent.

¹² You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!

¹³ I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors.

¹⁴ I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly."

¹⁵ Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.

¹⁶ Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?

¹⁷ Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.

¹⁸ May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

¹⁹ A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.

²⁰ Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?

²¹ For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.

²² The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.

²³ He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 5:5 Hebrew Sheol

15 reasons to be removed from a whore:

1. She is an apostate (v 3)
2. She is deceptive (v 3)
3. She is a flatterer (v 3)
4. Her end is like a wormwood (v 4)
5. Her end is destructive (v 4)
6. Her feet go down to death (v 5)
7. Her steps lay hold of hell (v 5)
8. Her ways are unpredictable (v 6)
9. She will ruin your reputation (v 9)
10. She will cause years of trouble (v 9)
11. She will bring material ruin (v 10)
12. She will ruin your health (v 11)
13. She will bring remorse (v 12-13)
14. She will reduce to wickedness (v 14)
15. She will cause eternal ruin (v 23)

10 examples of man's ways before God:

1. Cain (Genesis 4:5-6)
2. Babel's builders (Genesis 11:1-11)
3. Sodom and Gomorroh (Genesis 18:21)
4. Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:6-7; 1 Chronicles 13:10
5. David (2 Samuel 12)
6. Baasha (1 Kings 15:29)
7. Ahab (1 Kings 21:19)
8. Belshazzar (Daniel 5:22-28)
9. Nathaneal (John 1:48)
10. The 7 churches (Revelation 2:2; 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15)

4 examples of men held by sin:

1. Saul (1 Samuel 18:8-9; 28:5-20)
2. Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23)
3. Judas (John 12:6; Matthew 26:47-49)
4. Paul (Romans 7:7-25)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 4

2011-07-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 4:1-27 (NIV)

Proverbs 4

Wisdom Is Supreme

¹ Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

² I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

³ When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,

⁴ he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.

⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.

⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

⁷ Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, ^a get understanding.

⁸ Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

⁹ She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."

¹⁰ Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.

¹¹ I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

¹³ Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

¹⁴ Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.

¹⁵ Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.

¹⁶ For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.

¹⁷ They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

¹⁸ The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

¹⁹ But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

²⁰ My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.

²¹ Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;

²² for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.

²³ Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

²⁴ Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.

²⁶ Make level ^b paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

²⁷ Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 4:7 Or Whatever else you get
Proverbs 4:26 Or Consider the

3 examples of avoiding wicked paths:

1. Rechabites (Jeremiah 35)
2. Joseph (Genesis 39:7-23)
3. Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16)

3 examples of entering wicked paths:

1. Lot (Genesis 13:10-13)
2. Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-8)
3. Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 18:1, 21:6)

5 examples of increasing light to men:

1. Jacob (Genesis 32:24-32; 49:10, 18)
2. Nathaniel (John 1:46-51)
3. Eunuch (Acts 8:27-39)
4. Cornelius (Acts 10)
5. All Christians (Acts 26:18)

5 examples: darkness in way of wicked:

1. Korah (Numbers 16:16-19)
2. Ahab (1 Kings 16:31)
3. Babylon (Isaiah 47:11)
4. Jews (Jeremiah 5:19, 25; 44:15-23)
5. Gentile world (Romans 1:21-32)

4 secrets of health and eternal life:

1. Attend to my words (v 20)
2. Incline your ears to my sayings (v 20)
3. Constantly look into God's Word (Psalm 1:2-3; James 1:21-27, 2 Timothy 3:16)
4. Keep the Word in the heart (v 21; Romans 1:16; 10:17)
These secrets are life and health to ALL who find and obey them (v 22; Romans 1:16; Psalm 91; 107:20; John 15:7)

7 examples of pondering the right path:

1. Abraham (Genesis 24:1-9)
2. Eleazar (Genesis 24:5)
3. Joshua (Joshua 24:15)
4. Ruth (1:16-18)
5. David (Psalm 39:1)
6. The good wife (Proverbs 31:27)
7. Daniel (1:8, 6:3-4)

6 bodily parts to be controlled:

1. Keep heart with all diligence (v 23)
2. Put away the froward mouth (v 24)
3. Put away perverse lips (v 24)
4. Look straight with the eyes (v 25)
5. Look straight with the eyelids (v 25)
6. Guide feet in righteousness (v 26-27)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 3

2011-07-03T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 3:1-35 (NIV)

Proverbs 3 Further Benefits of Wisdom

1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,

² for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

³ Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

⁴ Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ^a]">[a]

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

⁸ This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

⁹ Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

¹¹ My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,

¹² because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father ^b]">[b] the son he delights in.

¹³ Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,

¹⁴ for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

¹⁶ Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

¹⁷ Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

¹⁹ By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;

²⁰ by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

²¹ My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;

²² they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.

²³ Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;

²⁴ when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

²⁵ Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

²⁶ for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

²⁷ Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.

²⁸ Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"—when you now have it with you.

²⁹ Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.

³⁰ Do not accuse a man for no reason— when he has done you no harm.

³¹ Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,

³² for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.

³³ The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

³⁴ He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

³⁵ The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths
Proverbs 3:12 Hebrew; Septuagint / and he punishes

3fold blessing to those who remember and keep the commandments:

1. Length of days (v 2)
2. Long life (v 2)
3. Peace (v 2)

7 examples of heart trust

1, Abraham (Genesis 24:1-8)
2. Eleazar (Genesis 24:12-27)
3. Jephthah (Judges 11:11)
4. David (1 Samuel 30:6-8)
5. Asa (2 Chronicles 14:9-15)
6. Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4-7; 19:14-37)
7. Nehemiah (1:4-11; 2:4-8)

4 illustrations of being self-wise:

1. Ahab (1 Kings 22:30-35)
2. Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:26-33; 13:33)
3. Asa (1 Kings 15:19)
4. Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:10-11)

3 illustrations of chastening:

1. David (2 Samuel 15-16:23:5)
2. Hezekiah (Isaiah 39:5-8)
3. Israel (Deuteronomy 11:2; 2 Chronicles 6:24)

8 beatitudes in Proverbs:

1. Proverbs 3:13; 8:32-34; 14:21; 16:20; 20:7; 28:14; 29:18)

Wisdom and understanding better than:

1. Silver (v 14)
2. Fine gold (v 14)
3. Rubies (v 15)
4. Other things (v 15)

6 blessings of wisdom-knowledge

1. Lengths of days (v 16)
2, Riches and honor (v 16)
3. Pleasantness (v 17)
4. Peace ( v 17)
5. Tree of life (v 18)
6. Happiness (v 18)

8 things that will bring life:

1. Law and commandments (v 1-2)
2. Mercy and truth (v 3-4)
3. Trust in God (v 5)
4. Acknowledgement of God (v 6)
5. Reverence for God (v 7-8)
6. Departure from evil (v 7-8)
7. Wisdom-understanding (v 21-24)

4 illustrations of not being afraid:

1. Moses (Exodus 14:13-14)
2. Rahab (Joshua 6:24-25)
3. Elisha (2 Kings, 6:16-17)
4. Ebed-melech (Jeremiah 39;15-18)

4 examples of withholding good:

1. Jacob (Genesis 25:29-33)
2. The Ammonites (Deuteronomy 23:3-4)
3. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:10-11)
4. The priest and Levite (Luke 10:30-35)

3 examples of not withholding good:

1. Abraham (Genesis 13:9; 14:23)
2. The widow (1 Kings 17:9-16)
3. The good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

3 examples of plotting evil:

1. Rebekah and Jacob (Genesis 27)
2. Joseph's brethren (Genesis 37:18-23)
3. Daniel's enemies (Daniel 6)

3 examples of strife without cause:

1. Saul (1 Samuel 18:8-9)
2. The Ammonites (2 Samuel 10)
3. Ahab (1 Kings 21)

2 examples envying not oppressors:

1. Moses (Hebrews 11:25-26)
2. Elijah (1 Kings 21:17-24)

20 things an abomination to God:

1. The froward man (perverse; one who turns aside)
2. A proud look (6:16-17)
3. A lying tongue (6:17; 12:22)
4. Hands that shed innocent blood (6:17)
5. A wicked scheming heart (6:18)
6. Feet quick to sin (6:18)
7. A false witness that speaks lies (6:19)
8. A sower of discord (6:19)
9. Wickedness (8:7)
10. A false balance (11:1)
11. Sacrifice of the wicked (15:8; 21:27)
12. The way of the wicked (15:9)
13. The thoughts of the wicked (15:26)
14. The proud of heart (16:5)
15. Justifying the wicked (17:15)
16. Condemning the just (17:15)
17. Divers weights (20:10, 23)
18. Divers measures (20:10)
19. Refusing to hear the law (28:9)
20. Prayer of the rebel (28:9)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 2

2011-07-02T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 2:1-22 (NIV)

Proverbs 2

Moral Benefits of Wisdom ¹ My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,

² turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,

³ and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,

⁴ and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,

⁵ then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

⁶ For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

⁷ He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

⁸ for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

⁹ Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.

¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

¹¹ Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

¹² Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,

¹³ who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways,

¹⁴ who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,

¹⁵ whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

¹⁶ It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words,

¹⁷ who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. ^a]">[a]

¹⁸ For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.

¹⁹ None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.

²⁰ Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous.

²¹ For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;

²² but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 2:17 Or covenant of her God

5 examples of getting wisdom:

1. Joseph (Genesis 41:38-39)
2. Moses (Exodus 4:12)
3. Solomon (1 Kings 3:12; 4:29)
4. Daniel (1:17; 2:23)
5. Stephen (Acts 6:6, 10)

5 examples of preserving saints:

1. Noah (Noah 6-8)
2. Lot (Genesis 19)
3. Joseph (Genesis 37-41)
4. David (1 Samuel 18:8 - 26:25)
5. Peter (Acts 19)

10 rewards for pursuing Jesus Christ (the Word) with all your heart:

1. Understanding the fear of God (v 5)
2. Find the knowledge of God (v 5)
3. Receiving wisdom of God (v 6-7)
4. Receiving knowledge of God (v 6)
5. Receiving protection from God
6. Having security ( in God (v 8)
7. Having preservation in life (v 8)
8. Receiving true understanding in righteousness, judgment, equity, and every good path (v 9)
9. Receiving discretion that preserves
10. Understanding that keeps (v 11)

7 sins of evil mankind:

1. Speaks perverse things, civil or religious (v 12)
2. Leaves path of righteousness (v 13)
3. Walks in ways of darkness (v 13)
4. Rejoices to do evil (v 14)
5. Delights in sins of others (v 14)
6. Walks in crooked ways (v 15)
7. Walks in perverse paths (v 15)

7 sins of the prostitute:

1. Flatters with her lips (v 16)
2. Forsakes parental guidance (v 17)
3. Forgets God's covenant - renounces true religion or marriage vows (v 17)
4. Shortens her life (v 18)
5. Leads other to hell (v 18)
6. Destroys men utterly (v 19)
7. Leads to permanent ruin (v 19)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 1

2011-07-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 1:1-33 (NIV)

Proverbs 1

Prologue: Purpose and Theme

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

2 for attaining wisdom and discipline;for understanding words of insight;

3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;

4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-

5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-

6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools [a] despise wisdom and
discipline.

Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against Enticement

8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

9 They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.

11 If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some
harmless soul;

12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;

13 we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;

14 throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse"-

15 my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;

16 for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood.

17 How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!

18 These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves!

19 Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.

Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom

20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;

21 at the head of the noisy streets [c] she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her
speech:

22 "How long will you simple ones [d] love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in
mockery and fools hate knowledge?

23 If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my
thoughts known to you.

24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,

25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke,

26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you-

27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
when distress and trouble overwhelm you.

28 "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.

29 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD,

30 since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,

31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.

32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 1:7 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Old
Testament, denote one who is morally deficient.
2. Proverbs 1:12 Hebrew Sheol
3. Proverbs 1:21 Hebrew; Septuagint / on the tops of the walls
4. Proverbs 1:22 The Hebrew word rendered simple in Proverbs generally denotes one without
moral direction and inclined to evil.

15-fold purpose of Proverbs:

1. To know wisdom (v 2)
2. To know instruction (v 2)
3. To perceive understanding (v 2)
4. To receive instruction in wisdom (v 3)
5. To receive instruction in justice (v 3)
6. To receive instruction in judgment (v 3)
7. To receive instruction in equity
8. To give subtilty to the simple (v 4)
9. To give young men knowledge (v 4)
10. To give young men discretion (v 4)
11. To attract the wise man (v 5)
12. To increase learning (5)
13. To help attain to wise counsels
14. To make known the words of the wise in proverbial form (v 6)
15. To express dark sayings (v 6)

5 examples proving wise men will hear:

1. The Eunuch (Acts 8:27, 39)
2. Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:7)
3. The Bereans (Acts 17:11-12)
4. Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)
5. Jesus Christ (Isaiah 50:4-6)

5 examples of despising wisdom:

1. Cain (Genesis 4:6-8)
2. Hophni and Phinetias (1 Samuel 2:12, 25)
3. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:25)
4. Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:13)
5. Athenians (Acts 17:18, 32)

5 examples of hearing instruction:

1. The Rechabites (Jeremiah 35:18-19)
2. Samuel (1 Samuel 1:28; 2:18; 3:19-21)
3. Jesus Christ (Luke 2:51)
4. Paul (Acts 9; 26:19)
5. Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15; Acts 16:1)

5 examples of consenting not to sin:

1. Joseph (Genesis 39:9-10)
2. The unknown prophet ((1 Kings 13:8-9)
3. Jehosaphat (1 Kings 22:49)
4. Joash (2 Chronicles 24:17-18)
5. Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16)

5 places wisdom preaches:

1. In open places (v 20)
2. In streets (v 20)
3. In mobs (v 21)
4. In gates (v 21)
5. In cities (v 21)

3 classes wisdom preaches to:

1. Simple ones (v 4)
2. Scorners
3. Fools

6fold message of wisdom:

1. How long will you simple oens love deception and flattery (v 22)
2. How long will you scorners continue to scorn wisdom (v 22)
3. How long will you fools hate knowledge (v 22)
4. Turn you (v 23)
5. I will pour out my spirit unto you (v 23)
6. I will make known my word to you (v 23)

12 reasons for being damned:

1. Refusal of wisdom's call (v 24)
2. Disregard of her invitation (v 24)
3. Setting at naught her counsel (v 25)
4. Rejection of her reproof (v 25)
5. Hatred of her knowledge (v 29)
6. Refusal of fear of the Lord (v 29)
7. Rejection of wisdom's counsel (v 30)
8. Despising her reproof (v 30)
9. Reaping fruit of own way (v 31)
10.Being filled with own schemes (v 31)
11.Turning away or backsliding (v 32)
12.Being satsified with prosperity (v 32)

10fold end of the wicked:

1. His calamity laughed at (v 26)
2. His terror mocked (v 26)
3. Fear and desolation a reality (v 27)
4. Destruction like a whirlwind
5. Distress coming upon him (v 27)
6. Anguish seizing him (v 27)
7. Not being heard when praying to God in punishment (v 28)
8. Seeking God when it will be too late to find Him (v 28)
9. Reaping what has been sown (v 31)
10.Being required to be satisfied with own plans (v 31)

5 examples of sowing and reaping:

1. Cain (Genesis 4:3-15)
2. Israel (Numbers 11:4-6; Psalm 106:13-14
3. Saul (1 Samuel 15: 1 Chronicles 10:13)
4. Haman (Esther 5:1-7:10)
5. Judas (Matthew 26:24; Acts 1:20-25)

5 examples of destruction:

1. Israel (Deuteronomy 32:15-25, Hosea 13:6-8)
2. Babylon (Isaiah 47:7-9)
3. Moab (Jeremiah 48:11-15)
4. Sodom (Ezekiel 16:49; Genesis 19)
5. Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2-7)

2fold end of the righteous:

1. He shall dwell safely
2. He shall be quiet from fear of evil

5 examples of dwelling safely:

1. Noah and family (Genesis 6-8)
2. 3 Hebrew children (Daniel 3)
3. Daniel (Daniel 6)
4. Christ's sheep (John 10:28-29)
5. David (Psalm 23)

The Proverbs; Words & Contrasting Sentences of Wisdom - Dark Sayings - Doctrines and Instructions to the Wise

2011-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Editors Note

To the general reader, the book of Proverbs, with its common-sense epigrams and sententious aphorisms, might seem to be the last portion of Scripture requiring any attempt at elucidation. But it is just because its chapters abound in pithy truisms that the marrow is often lost sight of by those who have been accustomed to hearing or reading them all their lives.

This present work is an attempt to press home upon the heart and conscience, with a view to the increase of every-day godliness, this distinctively practical portion of the Word of God.

Thus we encourage you to read not only the complimentary facts that follow each chapter in this blogspot, but also the daily "Discussion Topics" in the 'Facebook' site that features the classical commentary, by the late internationally beloved Bible preacher and teacher, H.A. Ironside, at:

http://groups.to/proverbsschoolofwisdom/

The New International Version (NIV) is used in this blogspot and the 'Facebook' "Discussion Topics," save where a uniform rendering of certain words seemed conducive to clearness, and where some other translation better expressed the thought of the original. Wherever changes have been made, the reader may rest assured competent authorities have been consulted, the marginal readings of the Englishman's Hebrew Bible being generally preferred.

Throughout, an effort has been made to bring tot ht reader's attention some Scriptural example fo the proverbial statements. this feature of the work will, it is sincerely hoped, be a means of stimulating the reader to more careful, earnest Bible study.

Introduction of Facebook "Discussion Topics"

The royal preacher, in the Book of Ecclesiastes, after relating so graphically the story of his weary search for happiness "under the sun," with its disappointing result, leading to the oft-repeated lament, "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity and vexation of spirit," directs those who would escape the devious paths he had himself trodden to the consideration of the collection of proverbs which he had "sought out, and set in order."

The last seven verses of Ecclesiastes (Ecc. 12:8-14) form a fitting introduction to the book which in our Bibles immediately precedes it.

Such is the arrangement of the book we purpose studying. As a part of "all Scripture," we may rest assured we shall find it "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness," helping to perfect the man(kind) of God unto all good works.

H.A. Ironside, LittD

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 30

2011-06-30T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 30:1-33 (NIV)

Proverbs 30

Sayings of Agur

¹ The sayings of Agur son of Jakehan oracle ^a]">[a]: This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal: ^b]">[b]

² "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding.

³ I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

⁴ Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

⁵ "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

⁶ Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

⁷ "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:

⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

¹⁰ "Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.

¹¹ "There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers;

¹² those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth;

¹³ those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful;

¹⁴ those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind.

¹⁵ "The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!':

¹⁶ the grave, ^c]">[c] the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, 'Enough!'

¹⁷ "The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.

¹⁸ "There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:

¹⁹ the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas,
and the way of a man with a maiden.

²⁰ "This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'

²¹ "Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:

²² a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food,

²³ an unloved woman who is married, and a maidservant who displaces her mistress.

²⁴ "Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:

²⁵ Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

²⁶ coneys ^d]">[d] are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;

²⁷ locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;

²⁸ a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings' palaces.

²⁹ "There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing:

³⁰ a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;

³¹ a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him. ^e]">[e]

³² "If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!

³³ For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife."

Footnotes:

Proverbs 30:1 Or Jakeh of Massa
Proverbs 30:1 Masoretic Text; with a different word division of the Hebrew declared, "I am weary, O God; / I am weary, O God, and faint.
Proverbs 30:16 Hebrew Sheol
Proverbs 30:26 That is, the hyrax or rock badger
Proverbs 30:31 Or king secure against revolt

10 Facts About God:

1. He can ascend to heaven (v 4; Genesis 18:33, Genesis 28:12; John 3:13; Deuteronomy 30:11-12; Romans 10:6-7)
2. He can descend from heaven (v 4; Zechariah 14:5; Titus 2:13; Jude 14; Revelation 21:2,10)
3. He controls the wind (v 4; Ecclesiastes 1:6; Psalm 19:6; Matthew 8:27)
4. He controls the waters (v. 4; Job 26:8; Psalm 104:6-9; Proverbs 8:28)
5. He established the land out of the waters (v 4; Genesis 1:9-10; Jeremiah 5:22; Job 38:4-11; Psalm 102:25)
6. He has a name (v 4; Genesis 1:1; Exodus 3:13-15; 6:3; 34:14; Psalm 68:4; Isaiah 57:15)
7. He has a Son (Psalm 2:7; John 3:18; Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 9:6-7; etc.)
8. His every word is pure (v 5; Psalm 19:7; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
9. He is a protector of all who put their trust in them (v 5; Psalm 91)
10.He will not tolerate additions to His Word (v 6; Deuteronomy 4:2; 12;32; Revelation 22:18)

6 Requests in 2 Petitions:

1. Deny not my petitions before I die
2. Remove vanity far from me
3. Remove lies far from me
4. Give me not poverty
5. Give me not riches
6. Feed me only my necessary food

6 Reasons for His Requests (v 9):

1. Let I be full, and
2. Deny the LORD.
3. Lest I say, Who is the LORD?
4. Lest I be poor, and
5. Steal, and
6. Take the name of God in vain

4 Classes of People:

1. Those who do not honor parents ( v 11; 20:20; Exodus 21:17; Mark 10:10-13).
2. Those who are self-righteous (v 12; Isaiah 64:4; Luke 18:9-14; Matthew 23)
3. Those who are full of vanity, pride, and insolence (v 13; Psalm 10:4; 73:6; Proverbs 8:13; 16:18; Daniel 4:37; 1 John 2:16)
4. Those who are cruel, greedy, and oppressive to the poor (v 14; 14:31; 22:16; 28:3; James 2:6)

5 Examples of Being Brought Low:

1. Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:11-17; Ephesians 2; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10)
2. Angels (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6-7)
3. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:5-6)
4. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4)
5. Belshazzar (Daniel 5)

4 Examples-Honor Upholds the Humble:

1. Solomon (1 King 3:7-14)
2. John (John 1:26-27; 3:29-31)
3. Mary (Luke 1:38)
4. Angels (Isaiah 6:7)

6 Quartets (11-31):

1. 4 classes of men (v 11-14)
2. 4 insatiable things (v 15-16)
3. 4 inscrutable things (v 18-20)
4. 4 disquieting things (v 21-23)
5. 4 little wise things (v 24-28)
6. 4 graceful things (v 29-31)

4 Insatiable Things (v 15-16):

1. Hell , Hebrew: sheol, not the grave, but the place of departed spirits. Hell is never full, but constantly opening its mouth to swallow men)
2. The barren womb. It always craves a child (Genesis 16:2 (Genesis 16;2; 29:31; 30:1-2; 1 Samuel 1:6-20).
3. The dry earth. It longs for water to quench its parched surface (Deuteronomy 28:23-24; 1 Kings 18:1-6; James 5:13)
4. The fire. It is greedy for everything that burns (Mattthew :12; Mark 9:43-49; James 3:5; Jude 7)

4 Inscrutable Things (v 18-19):

1. The way of an eagle in the air
2. The way of a serpent upon a rock
3. The way of the ship in the sea
4. The way of a man with a maid

4 Disquieting Things (v 21-23):

1. An insolent slave when made king
2. An ill-mannered overfed fool
3. An ill-tempered woman
4. A servant maid married to her master becomes dominating and haughty

4 Little Wise Things (v 24-28)

1. The ants. They are diligent in preparing for the future. They have houses, towns, public roads, etc. They have some amazing habits

2. The conies. They are shrewd in protecting themselves from larger animals. Those referred to here were brown and larger than the ordinary rabbit, and lived in holes and clefts of the rocks.(v 26; Psalm 104:18). They were unclean for food (Leviticus 11:5; Deuteronomy 14:7). Their feet had sharp hoofs which enabled them to leap from rock to rock with great rapidity like a squirrel. They were so wary they were seldom caught by the hunter and it was almost impossible to trap one.

3. The locusts. They are harmonious creatures, having no king yet they band together as one and are very destructive (v 27; Judge 6:5; 1 Kings 8:37; Joel 1:4; 2:25). They always travel with the wind (Exodus 10:12-13, 18-19)

4. The spider. They are noted for their great flexibility and are curious creatures in the matter of building their houses and taking their prey. Some spiders spin webs, some dig holes in the ground making trap doors to them, while others having no webs, chase their prey upon the ground. The Bible deals only with those that spin webs.

4 Graceful Things (v 29-31):

1. The lion who is more majestic than any other beast
2. The greyhound who is exceedingly graceful and fleet
3. The he-goat who is both fierce and majestic as the head of the sheep
4. A king who walks boldly and gracefully among his loyal subjects and against whom there is no hope of rebellion.

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 29

2011-06-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 29:1-27 (NIV)

Proverbs 29

¹ A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

² When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

³ A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

⁴ By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

⁵ Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.

⁶ An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad.

⁷ The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

⁸ Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

⁹ If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright.

¹¹ A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

¹² If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.

¹³ The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

¹⁴ If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure.

¹⁵ The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.

¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.

¹⁸ Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.

¹⁹ A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond.

²⁰ Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

²¹ If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief ^a]">[a] in the end.

²² An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

²³ A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

²⁴ The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify.

²⁵ Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

²⁶ Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.

²⁷ The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 28

2011-06-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 28:1-28 (NIV)

Proverbs 28

¹ The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

² When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

³ A ruler ^a]">[a] who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

⁴ Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

⁵ Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.

⁶ Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

⁷ He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

⁸ He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

⁹ If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.

¹⁰ He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

¹¹ A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.

¹³ He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

¹⁴ Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

¹⁵ Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.

¹⁶ A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.

¹⁷ A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him.

¹⁸ He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.

¹⁹ He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

²⁰ A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

²¹ To show partiality is not good— yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

²² A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.

²³ He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.

²⁴ He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong"— he is partner to him who destroys.

²⁵ A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

²⁶ He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

²⁷ He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

²⁸ When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 28:3 Or A poor man

11 examples of righteous boldness:

1. Moses (Exodus 32:20)
2. The prophet (1 Kings 13:1-10)
3. Elijah (! kings 18:15-18; 2 Kings 1)
4. Azariah (2 Chronicles 26:17-18)
5. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:11)
6. Three Hebrew children (Daniel 3)
7. Daniel (Daniel 6)
8. Jesus Christ (Matthew 27)
9. Stephen (Acts 7:51-60)
10.Paul (Acts 20:22-24)
11.Peter and John (Acts 4:18-20; 5:41-42)

5 examples of good statecraft;

1. Joseph (Genesis 47:15-26)
2. Samuel (1 Samuel 11:12-15)
3. Nathan (1 Kings 1:11-14)
4. Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:26-33)
5. Daniel (1:3-5; 6:1-4)

5 examples of praising the wicked:

1. Saul (1 Samuel 23:21)
2. Absalom (2 Samuel 15:6)
3. Nobles of Judah (Nehemiah 6:19)
4. False prophets (Jeremiah 5:30-31)
5. Jews (Acts 12:21-23)

5 examples of contending with the wicked:

1. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 5:7-11; 13:11)
2. John (Matthew 14:4)
3. Jesus Christ (Matthew 22-23)
4. Stephen (Acts 7)
5. Paul (Acts 22-24)

4 examples of ignorance of judgment:

1. Israel (Numbers 16:21)
2. Ahab (1 Kings 18:7)
3. The LORD's enemies (Mark 4:11-12)
4. Pharisees (Luke 11:42; 18:9-14)

7 reasons why they that seek the LORD understand all things:

1. Fear the LORD (Proverbs 1:7)
2. Give heed ot and obey truth (Proverbs 2:1-3:5)
3. Seek the LORD (Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 1:30)
4. Are open to truth (Matthew 13:11-17)
5. Have the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20)
6. Are freed from darkness (Acts 26:18)
7. Seek understanding (Proverbs 2:4-9; 4:7-9)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 27

2011-06-27T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 27:1-27 (NIV)

Proverbs 27
¹ Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

² Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

³ Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both.

⁴ Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

⁵ Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

⁶ Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

⁷ He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

⁸ Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.

⁹ Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.

¹⁰ Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

¹¹ Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

¹² The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

¹³ Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.

¹⁴ If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.

¹⁵ A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day;

¹⁶ restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.

¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

¹⁸ He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.

¹⁹ As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

²⁰ Death and Destruction ^a]">[a] are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.

²¹ The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.

²² Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his folly from him.

²³ Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;

²⁴ for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.

²⁵ When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in,

²⁶ the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field.

²⁷ You will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 27:20 Hebrew Sheol and Abaddon

8 examples of not knowing the morrow:

1. Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:17)
2. Abner (2 Samuel 3:9-10)
3. Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:3-31)
4. Ahab (1 Kings 22:26-37)
5. Haman (Esther 5:12; 7:1-10)
6. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30-33)
7. Belshazzar (Daniel 5:24-31)
8. The rich fool (Luke 12:20)

5 examples of praise from others:

1. Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:17-27)
2. The centurion (Matthew 8:10)
3. John (Matthew 11:11; John 5:35)
4. Luke (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11)
5. Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25)

5 examples of such "wounds from a friend" faithfulness:

1. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 5:7-13)
2. Jehu (2 Chronicles 19:2-11)
3. Jesus Christ (Matthew 23)
4. Stephen (Acts 7)
5. Paul (Acts 22:1 - 24:27)

6 examples of honoring servants:

1. Deborah (Genesis 35:8)
2. Joseph (Genesis 39:2-23)
3. Elisha (2 Kings 3:11)
4. Centurion's servant (Luke 7:8)
5. Disciples (Luke 12:37)
6. The soldier of Cornelius (Acts 10:7)

5 admonitions to farmers:

1. Make hay to feed the stock for the winter (Proverbs 27;25).
2. Feed the flock on the new pasture in the spring (Proverbs 27:25).
3. Sell the lambs to buy clothes (Proverbs 27:26).
4. Sell the goats to pay for the farm or pay the rent (Proverbs 27:26).
5. Use the goats' milk for the whole household and to maintain the servants (Proverbs 27:27). Milk is here put for all the products necessary for the home.

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 31

2011-05-31T00:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31:1-31 (NIV)

Proverbs 31

Sayings of King Lemuel

¹ The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle ^a]">[a] his mother taught him:

² "O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, ^b]">[b]

³ do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.

⁴ "It is not for kings, O Lemuel— not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,

⁵ lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

⁶ Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish;

⁷ let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

⁸ "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

⁹ Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

¹⁰ ^c]">[c] A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

¹² She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

²² She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

²⁹ "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

³¹ Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 31:1 Or of Lemuel king of Massa, which
Proverbs 31:2 Or / the answer to my prayers
Proverbs 31:10 Verses 10-31 are an acrostic, each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet