Proverbs 8
In this 'chapter' Solomon portrays wisdom as a woman who calls out
for men to listen, take heed, and learn from her, so as to be wise
and benefit as a result. Wisdom is available to all 4. One must
listen for wisdom 5-6. Wisdom speaks what is true, just, right, and
faultless 7-9. One must choose wisdom 10 and is more valuable than
rubies 11. The fear of the Lord is defined as 'hating evil' 13.
This is but one facet of the 'fear of the Lord' (which is the
beginning of wisdom 9:10). Counsel and sound judgment is found in
wisdom 14. Wisdom benefits kings and all who seek 'her' out 15-21.
Wisdom is then described as being eternal and is seen in created
order of God 22-31. Note: Wisdom is found in God, Himself and is in
Jesus Christ in fullness (Colossians 1:15-19; 2:2-3). Blessed are
those who seek out the Lord, who is the source of wisdom. This is a
choice and action that one must take of he/she would find wisdom in
order to live by it 32-36. Note: If you would be wise, you and I
must seek to know, love, fear, and obey the Lord !
Proverbs 9
The personification of wisdom continues as wisdom is said to 'build
a house' 1 and prepares food and wine with the invitation for all
who are simple to come in and dine 2-6. (ie. feast on the banquet
wisdom prepares). Not everyone will accept what wisdom has to
offer. In fact, if you correct a mocker, you will incur abuse 7-8a,
but rebuke a wise man and he will love you 8b-9. Verse 10 is a key
of this entire book of Proverbs ' the fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding'. Note: Do you get it ? Better, do you fear and know
the Lord ? This is where wisdom begins, resides, and ends with HIM
! To fear and know him is to be blessed in life 11-12. By way of
contrast, 'Folly' (also personified as a women) invites those who
pass by to enter 'her house' 13-15. The enticement is to 'sin'
(stolen water is sweet, food eaten in secret is delicious) is said
to be pleasurable and appeals to one's own desire, that it be
satisfied, even if it is sinful. Note: This sounds a lot like the
words of Satan to Eve (Genesis 3:1-7). To listen to folly and
follow her ways ends in death 18. (see: Romans 6:23). Note: Once
again we are faced with the two paths (ways) in life; God's Way
(wisdom) or One's own way (folly). Which way do you follow through
life ? (see: Proverbs 16:25).
Proverbs 10
Here Solomon begins to relate his various proverbs and words of
wisdom, as life is observed and evaluated from the perspective of
wisdom (from the Lord's viewpoint on these matters).There are also
contrasts throughout between wisdom and folly. Note: Since almost
every verse stands on its own (as a complete thought) it will not
be possible for me to make comments on each one. Those that I write
about, will be the ones which stand out to me. Be sure to pray and
read these verses as the Lord guides you through His Word ! Much is
said about the words we speak. They either show wisdom or folly
11,13,19-21,31-32. Take note that when one speaks too much it may
be to cover over sin 19. Those who are righteous have wisdom 31,
for the Lord is our righteousness and our wisdom (1 Corinthians
1:30). Wealth comes by both hard work 4-5, and the Lord's blessing
22. Those wicked face many trials and difficulties 10,
18,23-25,27b,29,30.
Proverbs 11
The Lord delights in honest business practices 1. Wealth and power
can not deliver a person from death or God's judgment 4,7. Note: No
one can 'buy' their way into heaven. Jesus Christ paid the penalty
for our sins on the cross that we might be forgiven when one comes
in faith, repentance, and confession of our need of Him for
salvation. Heaven is a gift. When the righteous prosper, this
brings blessings to a city, yet the same city can be destroyed by
the wicked and their words 10-11. Words have the power to build up
or tear down 12-13. A person's character determines their actions
and consequences they bring 16-18. Those who are wicked will be
punished 19,21. A generous, giving person will receive in return
24-26. Note: Can the end of 26 be a prompt for all of us to have a
'garage sale' ? If you like for good you will find it; the same is
true about evil 27. Winning souls is wise 30 ! Both the righteous
and the wicked will be rewarded accordingly 31. Take heed of this
truth and be warned.
Proverbs 12
A wise person is open to correction and willing to learn, even
through discipline 1. Note: This is the repeated theme concerning
the wise. Being open to instruction, so as to gain more knowledge,
understanding and wisdom (13:10). The fool, the wicked, and the
stupid, reject correction 1. (probably because they think they know
it all or hate the Lord, who shows them the right and godly way). A
noble wife is a blessing to a husband as a crown to his head, yet
if she is disgraceful she can make him physically weak and sick 4.
Those wicked are deceitful 5, and will be overthrown 7. Our words
can be destructive, so use care in what you say 18. God takes note
of what we say 22 and HE will hold us accountable (see: Matthew
12:36-37). Notice the actions of a fool 15-16. Words can also build
up one who is down 25. The choice to follow the way of
righteousness is life 28.
Proverbs 13
Watching what you say is wise 2-3. Note: Do you hate what is false
5 ? How does the believer do this in practical terms ? One way, is
by speaking the truth in love. Wisdom is a fountain of life 14,
understanding wins favor 15, and knowledge moves one to act with
care and caution 16. To act recklessly or carelessly results in
troubles 18,21. You and I can 'walk with the wise' by fellowship
with other believers and by reading books written by those who know
and love the Lord 20. Saving money over time is wise 11 and allows
one to pass this on to the next generation 22. Discipline of a
child or children is part of the training that God call parents to
engage in 24.
Proverbs 14
A wise women builds her house, but a foolish one will tear it down
1. Why does one choose to tear down their own house ? How foolish
is that ! Fearing the Lord is seen by an upright lifestyle 2.
Sometimes it is wise to stay away from those who are foolish
6-7. When one lives by his own ideas, agenda, and standards
to the exclusion of God, this ends in death 9a,12. A wise person
fears the Lord and shuns evil 16, which indicates that there is
right and wrong, good and evil, not a purely subjective approach to
life 12,16,27. The fear of the Lord is also stated in 26-27. Each
will be rewarded accordingly 14. Being quick-tempered has negative
results 17,29. Hard work has profit to it 23. Note: Profit is a
good thing and a reward for hard work, not just talk ! Helping
those in need is also commended by the Lord 31. If our nation or
any nation wants to be exalted, it must pursue true righteousness
34.