Proverbs 1
The book of Proverbs begins with Solomon introducing himself as the
writer of this book 1. The author, however is God, Himself who
inspired each and every word (see: 2 Peter 1:21). He states his
purpose as being to gain wisdom, discipline, understanding, to do
what is right, just, and fair 2-3. All can benefit from the pursuit
of knowledge and wisdom 4-6. The starting point of knowledge is the
fear of the Lord 7a. To fear is the Lord is to be in such awe of
Him that one takes to heart what He says and submits to His will
and sovereign rule. The fool despises wisdom and discipline 7b.
Note: There are a lot of people who fall into this category. True
knowledge comes from the Lord, for He is the source of all things
and in Him is found all knowledge (for He is all-knowing, see:
Colossians 2:2-3).Solomon then addresses his son, warning him to
keep away from sinners who will entice him to join in their plots
to do harm in order to make a profit 8-14. To go with them is to
follow a path that in ends in their own demise 15-19. Note: Though
we do not always see the 'end game' (ie. The outcome Solomon speaks
of here) yet God is just, and He does not leave unrepentant sinners
free from His judgment. Wisdom is 'personified' in verses 20-31 as
though a 'person' were speaking and calling out for individuals to
listen and take heed 20-21. Note: Knowledge is 'just the facts'
Understanding is the ability to apply the facts to life. Wisdom is
the God given ability to know and apply facts to life from His
perspective, with understanding He gives. Wisdom is available to
all and yet is rejected by many 22-23. When rejected, there is no
other source of wisdom. When calamity strikes then it is too late
to seek out wisdom 24-27. Wisdom will not be found 28. Since the
Lord is the source of wisdom and He is rejected and not feared (a
deliberate choice) 29, the unwise suffer the consequences of their
actions 30-32. Whoever (that means anyone) who listens to wisdom
(ie. The Lord) will have safety and not fear 33 ! Note: Are you a
wise person ? Do you want to be ? Begin by fearing and seeking the
Lord.
Proverbs 2
Solomon continues his instructions to his son. If he would heed his
words and actively seek wisdom and understanding, he would then
come to know the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God
1-5. Note: Do you see how these two are interconnected. To fear the
Lord is the start of knowledge and wisdom, and to seek knowledge
and wisdom is to seek and fear the Lord. For the Lord gives wisdom,
knowledge, and understanding. Note: The reason wisdom is lacking in
so many lives, is because there Lord is not feared, nor is He in
the lives of many ! The Lord is the source of victory and
protection 7-8. Why look elsewhere ? Solomon then highlights
several ways that wisdom will benefit and bless those who seek the
Lord. Wisdom helps one to understand what is right, just, fair, and
every good path 9-11. Note: Is this not what we need, a solid
foundation from which to think and act in our lives. The Lord is
that foundation and starting point from which one thinks, reasons,
judges, and then acts. Wisdom saves one from wicked men who have
left the straight paths to do evil 12-15. Wisdom also protects a
man from the allure and temptation of an adulteress 16-19. Adultery
is devastating to a marriage and family. Note: While the world may
call this an 'affair', the Lord shows the end result which is
death. Death to a marriage in broken vows 17, and the tremendous
pain that is caused by all involved. To seek and heed God's wisdom
guides one in the path of good men and righteous ways 20. True life
is also promised, along with a permanence 21, which is contrasted
with the wicked who will be cut off 22. Note: To follow the Lord,
is the way of life; to go one's own way ends in death (see:
Proverbs 16:25). This is the theme and contrasts that are made
throughout the book of Proverbs. Note: The Lord teaches us how He
intends life to be lived (and enjoyed), by fearing Him and heeding
His 'words of wisdom'. To ignore Him and His words results in many
painful consequences. Note: Which person are you ?
Proverbs 3
Solomon continues to relate the blessings and benefits that a life
of wisdom brings. These include a long life, prosperity, and a good
name before God and man 1-4. This comes from trusting in the Lord
and following His directives in life 5-7. Heath is a blessing from
the Lord 8. As one gives, the Lord provides 9-10. The Lord
disciplines out of His love for us 11-12. Note: This is true for
all of God's children (see: Hebrews 12:5-11). The blessing of God's
wisdom and understanding in one's life can not be emphasized
enough. That is why Solomon says it is to be treasured above
everything else 13-18. He notes that the Lord (out of His vast
wisdom) made the earth, the heavens and the seas 19-20. Note: Have
you sought out and laid hold of the Lord and the wisdom He promised
to those who seek Him ? (James 1:5-8). Further benefits of living
by God's wisdom are enumerated in 21-26. I notice that protection
is one of these blessings. In a fallen world there is much than can
cause us fear and harm us. Solomon lists the wicked actions that
are to be avoided lest one come under God's curse 27-34. God gives
grace to the humble 34b, not to those 'perfect'. Note: We
experience God's grace when we are humble before Him. His grace is
seen in lives submitted to Him, His will, and His Word !
Proverbs 4
The supremacy of wisdom is highlighted 1-9. There is 'a way of
wisdom' 11 in which one is to walk 12. It is something that can
both be taught 2-5,10 and learned 13. Wisdom teaches us to avoid
the path the wicked take 14-17. Note: This speaks of the life and
actions of the wicked (or those who reject the Word and way of the
Lord). Contrast is made of the path of the righteous (which is
bright and light) and the path of the wicked (which is dark and
difficult) 18-19. Note: This may be where the phrase 'he or she is
in the dark' (having no clue how or why things go wrong) 19. Pay
attention to this instruction 20-21, which brings life and health
22. The wise must guard their heart 23, watch their speech 24, be
careful what they see 25, and exercise care in where they go
26-27.
Proverbs 5
Solomon takes extra time to give instruction, to help his son (and
us 7a) avoid the danger of adultery. The temptation to it is
appealing 3, but ends in bitterness and death 4-7. The adulteress
is to be avoided at all costs 7 ! Failure to heed the warning
results in one suffering tremendous loss 9-10 and painful regrets
11-13 and utter ruin 14. Note: How much of our culture today paints
a 'pretty picture' of martial unfaithfulness as an 'affair' and
even a 'right' if it makes you happy. How contrary to God's
viewpoint on the subject. God is not opposed to sexual relations or
even the enjoyment of them. They are to be enjoyed in the context
that God has ordained them, that being the monogamous, faithful,
marriage relationship (between one man and one women). Just read
the following verses 15-19 ! Why get caught up with another's wife
20 ? God sees and examines all that we do and He holds us
accountable 21. Note: I suggest that all the painful consequences
that are suffered by the adulterer/adulteress (and are noted
in Proverbs) are but part of the judgment of God that befalls those
who violate His Word and reject His wisdom in the matters of
sex and marriage. The bondage of sin entangles and binds us 22 and
leads to great folly 23. Note: Take to heart these words of warning
and exhortation, lest you do are you please causing great
misery and suffering to yourself and all around you.
Proverbs 6
Solomon begins here to warn against the foolish ways that many
choose and the resulting troubles and consequences that come. The
wise person will fulfill his obligations and do so quickly 1-5. He
warns against laziness6-11. The ant becomes an object lesson 6-9.
Too much rest becomes laziness and results in poverty 10-11. Note:
Sadly, our culture rewards some who do nothing and thus 'blunt' the
consequence of being lazy ! In 12-15 a scoundrel is described in
detail. Such will face disaster 15. Solomon notes seven things that
the Lord hates 16-19. Individuals who think and act in these ways,
are objects of God's vengeance and wrath. Solomon continues to
exhort his son to seek out wisdom and to live by it 20-23. Wisdom
teaches a man to stay away from the immoral woman who uses 'smooth
tongue' to tempt to sin 24. A wise man should not allow her beauty
to so catch his attention and thoughts, that he will pursue her and
commit adultery or sexual immorality with her 25. Note: Men are
captivated by what they see. Wisdom says 'don't go there, even in
your thoughts' ! The end of such sin, destroys 26. Like trying to
hold fire without getting burned is the person who commits adultery
27-29.Note: The point is that it can't be done. You can not commit
sexual immorality with impunity. Some of the painful consequences
are loss of home 31, shame 33, along with no mercy and vengeance of
a jealous husband 34 that is not able to be lessened 35. Note:
These verses speak for themselves and need no extra comments.
Proverbs 7
To make his point, Solomon tells his son to act with wisdom 1-4 and
then describes in deal an account of adultery 5-23. Notice, in this
account that the man lacks judgment 7, and is easily trapped 22 and
the woman uses her looks and persuasive words to convince the man
to be with her in this relationship 10, 21. There is planning,
deception, secrecy, and the promise of much pleasure without any
consequences. However, like bird caught in a trap 23, it will cost
him, his life. Note: This maybe literally, since God's law says
those who commit adultery were to be stoned (Leviticus 18:20;
20:10), or it could refer to the total destruction of one's life
5:11,6:32, 7:26-27. The wise response is to heed the warnings
24, not to ponder such acts in one's heart 25a or put yourself in a
situation where this can happen 25b. The end result is not life and
peace, but destruction and death 26-27. Note: Why did Solomon
(God's Word) spend so much time on this one area (of sin) ? The
reason is that adultery is so destructive ! It is not just a matter
of two people in their 'private lives'. What one does effects him
privately and publicly, not to mention the response God takes to
our sins. This is not to overlook the mercy and grace of God, but
this is not the purpose of these chapters here. The warnings are
real and need to be heeded or else !