Category OT Book 20 – Proverbs

Jan 10 2013

Proverbs 8 – The Blessings of Wisdom

An Oxford degree ceremony — the Pro-Vice-Chanc...

An Oxford degree ceremony — the Pro-Vice-Chancellor in MA gown and hood, Proctor in official dress and new Doctors of Philosophy in scarlet full dress. Behind them, a bedel, another Doctor and Bachelors of Arts and Medicine. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Solomon begins by personifying Lady Wisdom further, summoning the reader to hear her call.  This is the ultimate of these chapters illuminating the two paths of wisdom and folly, or foolishness. The fact that the “fear of the Lord” is the beginning of all knowledge is again made infinitely plain in this chapter.  “She” begins by further developing the inclusion of righteousness as an integral part of wisdom (verses 6-9), the reasons for seeking it so earnestly (verses 10-11), and the benefits it provides mankind (verses 15-19).

She calls upon all the “children of man” (verse 4) – the simple, the fool, the learned – all who seek wisdom diligently will find it (verse 17).  But again, we are reminded of the difference between mere knowledge and true wisdom – the insight that comes to those who seek it without wickedness, who have prudence, who are just and seek justice, and those who abhor evil and are not full of pride, arrogance, and who avoid perverse speech.  True wisdom does not dwell in those who do not walk in the path that the Lord has made for us, no matter how “intelligent” that person may be.  Verses 8-9 make clear that only those who truly understand these facts will attain that wisdom, and that is so because those facts are clear for them to understand.  The unrighteous cannot have that understanding, and so they are denied true wisdom.

Verses 22 and following detail how wisdom “was” before God created the earth and all things universal, and how he delighted in his creation.  He created all things physical, all things invisible, and even the abstract.  There would not even be any concept of things such as beauty, love, truth, right, wrong, or even the concept of such things as a name or a number, but for the power of the Lord.  And Jesus, the Son, was there and is Himself that wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22-24, 1 Cor 1:30, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Colossians 1:15-18).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jan 9 2013

Proverbs 7 – Warning Against the Adulteress

When David sinned against Bath-sheba and her husband Uriah, God sent the Prophet Nathan to tell David of his sin and punishment (2 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 20:1-3).

When David sinned against Bath-sheba and her husband Uriah, God sent the Prophet Nathan to tell David of his sin and punishment (2 Samuel 12).

The chapter again opens with the plea to listen to wise instruction; and there are continued references to “Lady Wisdom” and “Lady Folly.”  Verse  4 advises the reader to keep wisdom as a sister, and insight as a friend.  His intimacy with discernment and understanding will keep the young person (and the older person) from adulterous behavior if their heart is in the right place.  The folly of succumbing to seduction here is applicable to male and female, young and old, the lonely,or the simply innocent or gullible.  The smooth talk, and the seductive looks and dress are equally tempting to all categories of people.  Notice the disconnect between the woman’s declaration of having performed her service to God, and the way she is living her life.  This is the same sort of contradiction spoken of in Isaiah 1:10-20, and  shows how people may represent themselves (and even believe) as though they are trying to be honest and upright, when in fact their behavior says otherwise.

The message in the end is that someone promoting the desire for lust may say or do anything to trap their prey – to pull the victim into their desires with their words.  The woman in these verses does not really care about this young man, nor did she seek him out in particular, as she suggests.  Any other young man may have been the target of her desires.  How often have young women (and men) been fooled by the flattering expectations that she engenders in this young man?  But the scripture reminds us of the path to destruction, down which the victim of these advances is being led.  Adultery takes from them that which was never intended for the adulterer, but for their spouse, when the time comes.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jan 8 2013

Proverbs 6 – Practical Warnings

English: The signature of John Hancock on an e...

English: The signature of John Hancock on an envelope. Restored by Jim S. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The first five verses of this chapter deal with the issue of putting up security for someone else.  This would be today’s equivalent of co-signing a note for someone.  Certainly, many of us have done this sort of thing for one of our children; and the verses are not saying that putting up security like that even for someone other than our children is sinful – or even morally wrong.  But it is certainly unwise, and so much so, that the reader is urged to get out of it at once. In verse 2, being “snared in the words of your mouth” are the same as putting one’s signature on a promissory note.

Getting out of such an obligation these days is not so simple, but the point is – a wise person would not obligate himself in such a manner.  Doing so places one – and maybe also one’s own family – in peril of great loss, at the mercy of someone who ultimately may have nothing to lose (the actual debtor).  And if that becomes a reality, we have only helped them bring damnation upon themselves by not doing the right thing!  If we want to, and can afford to help someone out, give them a generous gift instead.  Such is wiser, and certainly approved of by the Lord.

Verses 6-11 warn us that laziness and being unprepared can result in great poverty, while verses 12-15 admonish that evil behavior such as knowingly cheating others will “catch up” with such a person, and often in a horrific way (certainly to be the case after life’s end).  Verses 16-19 list seven things that God finds truly despicable.  Read through these, and notice that every one of them is a deed that is bound to bring harm to others.  God cares deeply about how we treat each other.  That fact resonates in book after book, and chapter after chapter of His word; and Jesus makes that clear in Matthew 7:12 and Mark 12:30-31. Verses 20-35 are more warnings against sexual immorality in general, and adultery in particular.

 

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jan 7 2013

Proverbs 5 – Warning Against Adultery

After the opening verses, again admonishing the reader to both hear and to understand, the chapter immediately begins its warning against sexual promiscuity.  Most people rightly see the particular application to young people.  But the message to parents is somewhat more subtle if one does not focus on it.  Take verse 23 in particular: “He dies for lack of discipline.”   Nothing should be more sobering to parents than this warning about how much is at stake.

Bible-time weddings were festive occasions, sometimes lasting a week or more, with great celebration and joy.

Bible-time weddings were festive occasions, sometimes lasting a week or more, with great celebration and joy.

Our young people today more than ever grow up in a world that is rich in media that glorifies sexual immorality, with role models and adults in positions of authority that do little to contradict (and most often, reinforce) this outlook.  It is the job of the parent to educate the souls of the little ones entrusted to them concerning the intention God has for right use of the sexual relationship – between a husband and wife.   Verses 15-20 (“Drink water from your own cistern…” and “…let them be for yourself alone…””) remind of Jesus in Matthew 19:4-5, quoting Genesis 2:24: “the two shall become one flesh.”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jan 6 2013

Introductions Continue – Proverbs

Book Of Proverbs

Book Of Proverbs (Photo credit: neonbubble)

This week, we will finish our reading of the first nine chapters of Proverbs, before setting into our regular schedule for the year (for more details on that schedule, see this previous post).  These first nine chapters are a series of discourses that convey the message about wisdom that Holy Spirit is teaching us in this book – about life itself, service to God, and our salvation.  A proper understanding of these nine chapters will prepare us for the actual proverbs of the remainder of the book.  Much of the proverbs themselves are self-explanatory, but the knowledge they convey takes a little work to gain the insight Solomon speaks of (Proverbs 4:1).  After this week, we will find a “voice” to express what this writer is taking away from some of those proverbs.

Summing Up

Each weekend this year (beginning next weekend), I will be posting a small PDF of one week of the daily reading summaries (on the website’s “Summaries” page), current to the beginning of the previous week.  I will post the summary for Week 1 (January 2013 Week 1) of the schedule I am following this year next weekend.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jan 4 2013

Proverbs 4 – A Father’s Wise Instruction

Father reads the Scriptures from a scroll to his family as the mother prepares food to eat.

Father reads the Scriptures from a scroll to his family as the mother prepares food to eat.

A quick plea – not for money (this site takes in no revenue, and NEVER will).  We appreciate SO MUCH the WordPress members who click the “Like” button on this blog!  And we certainly want that to continue!  But after finding out we had reached people in 122 countries last year, we decided to give Facebook a try.  We won’t go so far as to say you might help save a soul by clicking the “Like us on Facebook” button you now find on the right side-bar, but it will help our exposure, and who knows what ways God uses us…?

The assumption by some that these words from Solomon were ever intended solely for his own sons is completely shattered in verse one.  In the same sentence that he calls upon the reader (“O sons”) to hear, just exactly what they are to hear is said to be “a father’s instruction” – not your father’s instruction.  He then goes on to say how he received his own instruction from his father.  The Book of Proverbs is replete with the conveyance of the importance of the instruction given to children by a father and a mother.  But the message here is more than that.  It is the timeless wisdom passed on through generations both by earthly father to father, and by our heavenly Father.  God has made Himself known to all, both by His word and through the knowledge that He reveals to us daily in the world He created (Romans 1:18-20, Psalm 19:1-2).

Verse 7 may seem difficult to understand at first, but it simply means that in order to acquire wisdom, we have to work at it.  We have knowledge freely available to us, but wisdom only comes from searching through that knowledge for understanding – insight – and applying it to our lives.  This is true of worldly wisdom, and of the wisdom that comes to us by reverence for our Creator (“fear of the Lord”).  The wisdom and understanding both comes from, and leads to, the pursuit of a righteous and godly way of living, increasing its effectiveness in our lives as we gain it (verses 10-13).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jan 3 2013

Proverbs 3 – Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

Moses with Radiant Face (1638 painting by José...

Moses with Radiant Face (1638 painting by José de Ribera) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As the reader is admonished to “keep my commandments…,” verse 3 begins with “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you.”  As this chapter heavily emphasizes trusting in the Lord, this would seem to refer to the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord Himself, as declared to Moses in Exodus 34:6, as He affirmed His covenantal relationship at Sinai.  Verses 5-7 contain the best timeless advice perhaps of the whole chapter – trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, and be not wise in your own eyes.  The folly of man in ignoring these three things (while believing that our own knowledge and our own understanding of the world is not flawed) has no doubt cost many their very souls – and will likely continue to do so.  The word of God, however, is unchanging and perfect.

But then, come verses 11-12.  These should not be taken to mean that God causes afflictions and trials to come upon us (as we will see in Job), but simply mean that He does allow those things to happen; and that in no way detracts from the fact that He loves us, as a father loves his children.  Building character and discipline through these trials gives us strength, integrity, and produces steadfastness in us as well (James 1:2-4).

Part of the rest of this chapter’s message of wisdom is in how we treat others, and how righteous living has an effect on them and, ultimately, on our own well-being.  And these points are all tied back to verse 4, which says that by living in such a manner, we “will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jan 2 2013

Proverbs 2 – The Value of Wisdom

English: Judgement of Solomon

English: Judgement of Solomon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is generally thought by many that Solomon in these verses that contain the words “my son” is addressing his direct offspring in particular.  While that may certainly be the case, it is good to remember that these are the Spirit-inspired words of God; and they are meant for sons (and daughters) descended from this Davidic line (and that of Abraham) which includes all Christians, as confirmed in Galatians 3:29.

The seeking of wisdom that is being referred to in the verses here is done by getting to know God by studying His word.  If we diligently and earnestly seek that knowledge like the treasure that it is (verse 4), we will gain the understanding that we need.  But it takes more than that – we must apply it to our lives – holding fast and cherishing our integrity like a treasure as well (verse 7), for it is that sort of life, coupled with the thirst for knowledge of Him, that will bring wisdom into our hearts and make that knowledge pleasant to our souls (verse 10).  If we live in an upright manner, with integrity (verse 21) , we will have a home – in heaven – forever.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jan 1 2013

Proverbs 1 – The Beginning of Knowledge

The first 9 verses set the tone, and are widely regarded as the introduction of the entire purpose of the Book of Proverbs.  Coffman wrote “Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge aright,” and that the Christian has an advantage in that respect as 1 Corinthians 1:30 tells us that “because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.”  Verse 7 is the key: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Coffman’s comment on this is dead on:

English: Scroll of the Book of Proverbs

English: Scroll of the Book of Proverbs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“This is not a reference to abject craven fear, or terror, but to the awesome respect, honor, and deference to God and his will which automatically come to every mind that contemplates the omnipotence, glory, and holiness of Almighty God. This expression is found fourteen times in Proverbs.”  This latter fact is not inconsequential.  Every one of these fourteen passages containing those words conveys the richness of life and wisdom that comes to those that have this proper reverence and awe, and know the Almighty and the importance He places on things such as good, evil, and discipline (for reference, the others are Proverbs 1:29, 2:5, 8:13, 9:10, 10:27, 14:26, 14:27, 15:16, 15:33, 16:6, 19:23, 22:4, and 23:17).  The word “instruction” in verse 7 appears 26 times in the book, and the Hebrew incorporates “discipline” into its meaning.  This is central to understanding the “instruction” in verse seven and referenced elsewhere.

Verses 18 and 31 drive home the point, making clear that one’s actions contrary to good and righteousness mete out their own punishment to them.  The application of this instruction and wisdom to the young, as emphasized in  verses 4 and 8-9, are underscored in Ephesians 6:1-4 as well.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Dec 31 2012

January 2013 Reading Schedule Posted!

A big thank you to all who have read this blog during 2012!  While this blog is certainly not ever going to be the most popular WordPress “hangout,” we did just receive some statistics that are encouraging.  For example, the post on Peter’s rescue in Acts 12 received 652 views in one day. Not what we expected in the first year!  Thank you!

Here is the link to the 2013 reading schedule for January (January 2013 Reading Schedule).  In 2013, this blog will focus on the “Wisdom Literature” with a unique approach to Proverbs, Psalms, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Job, and as a special was to end 2013 the last week in December, the Book of James (often referred to as the “Proverbs of the New Testament”).  The first two weeks (beginning tomorrow 01/01/2013) we will read the first 9 chapters of Proverbs.  Theses chapters introduce the book, and what we actually know as “proverbs” do not really begin until chapter 10.

Psalm 1, Verse 1 and 2 in Biblia Hebraica Stut...

Psalm 1, Verse 1 and 2 in Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After those two weeks, we will settle into a schedule that adds variety to the five days per week of reading these books.  Each Monday in the first half of the year, we will read 8 verses of the longest chapter in the entire Bible – the 119th Psalm (with other, shorter Psalms included on many of those days).  This is a great Psalm that praises God and His word; and it is very rich in inspiration.  We will take a second look at these verses (and other Psalms) in the second half of the year from a fresh perspective. On Tuesdays, we will be reading from Proverbs with a similar approach.

On Wednesdays, we will be reading what are commonly called “lament” Psalms.  These are tremendously valuable in helping us with learning to call upon the Lord when life becomes very difficult, and even as tragedy and pain come our way.  Thursdays, we will read from the Book of Job, and on Fridays, we will be reading from other Psalms.

We will take a break at the end of June through July, and read through Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon in their entirety, gaining much value learning about life, service to God, and the relationship of husbands and wives to each other.  Then we will resume the previously outlined schedule.

We are looking forward to what promises to be a very rewarding experience in God’s word in 2013!

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.