Proverbs Study – Lesson 9
This collection of proverbs beginning in chapter 10 begins with the family. In v. 1 he makes the observation that in the family structure fathers and mothers are different. Traditionally, a father and mother look at and function in the family dynamic differently. We won’t go into this in detail right now, but Solomon makes the observation that fathers generally are glad and proud when their offspring does well, but the mother carries her children in her heart all of her life, good or bad. In saying this, this passage reverences the special make up of a mother, being a much stronger person than often given credit for, bearing the weight and burden of the family structure often as an unseen hero.
V. 2 and 3 All the money in the world does not buy you happiness. This is especially true of ill gotten gain. The NIV reads that ‘Ill-gotten treasures are of no value’. Money or treasures that are earned can be used freely with no restrictions. There is a sense of pride when you have earned what you have. And, that which is earned honestly has a higher value and is typically spent wiser. There is a satisfaction and certain pleasure in using that wealth.
Wealth and material goods that have been gotten dishonestly are always dirty and you won’t have the freedom of enjoyment like that which was earned. We sometimes hold the concept that money and wealth is all that we need to get by. But gain that is obtained by cheating, lying, stealing or by dishonest means doesn’t set well. When the event or transaction is all over inside we wish we could just give it back and start over again. But, it is not that simple. The damage is done. Now we have to live with it…for the rest of our lives. It often becomes a weight in our soul and we often end up strangely enough punishing our self for the misdeed. We treat what we got differently than if we had come by it honestly. Solomon advises that it is better to earn and work honestly for what we want. There is something to living with a clean conscious even though you are not the richest person in town. He reminds us in the second half of this verse that being honest and making good choices leads toward life and gives the impression of fullness or completeness. This is something that money cannot buy. He also says in v. 3 that what you have goes farther when you live God’s ways. He tells us that wrong living seems to eat away at the profit leaving little to nothing left in the end. He makes the reference that the Lord actually gets involved casting away the substance of the wicked and caring for the righteous.
V. 4 It is important to manage your money, your time and things that God gives you. It is just the way life works. If you are carefree and careless with what is given you Solomon says that you will probably be in the poor house all of your life. Managing what you have is essential. He also says that productive purposeful diligent activity tends toward wealth. Children need to be taught how to manage their substance and time early in life so that a slacked hand does not become a lifetime habit. Managing life works better.
V. 5 You really cannot plan too much for the future. A wise person is aware of the seasons of life and has worked at planning for the season or seasons ahead of them. We tend to be a push button society and expect to get what we are looking for when we push that button. We tend to spend what we have today…expecting to get credit tomorrow if we come up short. We make no plans for what we know will show up on our doorstep someday believing that things will all work out. Each day that someday gets closer and we are not ready. When that someday knocks we find ourselves not ready for its arrival. The parable of the 10 virgins is a great example of preparation for the future. Matt. 25:1-13 Are you ready?
V. 6-7 remind us of some of the benefits of living a just life. You may think that others don’t take note of your actions, but they do. Those around you know more about you than you think. What they know about you becomes your reputation and it follows you wherever you go. Solomon tells us that even the memory of the just brings pleasure to those who knew them.
V. 8 A wise person is a listener. They have the attitude of ‘I want to know. Tell me.’ They listen to wisdom and work at applying the wisdom that they hear. The foolish let it go in one ear and out the other, making no changes. Life will always hard for the foolish. With them it is always the same foolish actions, not making any changes, routinely getting the same result.
V. 9 A man of integrity has nothing to fear. No matter what the circumstance or turn of events he does not need to be concerned about what will eventually turn up. He has nothing to be concerned about. A person of integrity can proceed with confidence and surety. However, it seems that when you don’t act with integrity the truth generally seems to eventually surface. One may reason that it doesn’t really matter. Who will ever know? But, things tend to come into the open sooner or later. Solomon says that it is better to be honest and act with the habit if integrity then you will have nothing to fear.
V. 10 seems to be telling us to careful of those that wink. The purpose of the wink is questionable and this gesture is often employed by someone that is up to something and has their eye on getting us involved, usually at our expense. Be careful, a wink is usually accompanied by a smile and often by a nod of the head. When you see the wink and the smile together, pay extra attention to the situation and use caution especially if they are winking at you.
V. 8 and 10 make mention of the chattering fool who is found talking endlessly. Trouble is often found in a multitude of words and a fool who chatters not knowing much can really get themselves into a lot of trouble. Prov. 17:28 says that even a fool that shuts his mouth appears to be wise. This is good advice for all of us that play the part of the fool from time to time.
A righteous man adds life and encouragement to other people’s lives, v. 11. The wicked are characterized by terror and violence. The wicked have an agenda for a select few, usually themselves. They speak hurtful, wicked things fueled by greed. However, the words of the righteous are helpful, encouraging and building. It does not matter where he/she is, they bring life to those they meet. The well mentioned in this verse tells us that there is more down inside these people than is on the surface. If we ask them and we are willing to listen they may have the answer that we are looking for in time of need.
V. 12 True hatred cannot be appeased. It is a force that has only one purpose and that is to hurt and cause trouble… at any cost. And, it has not accomplished its goal unless it has caused injury and pain inflicting wounds on its predetermined target. It is often associated with revenge from a perceived injustice. True hatred is only satisfied when enough damage is done. But, love is the balm that heals much strife. Love looks at a person or situation and seeing the wrong that was done asks them self the question ‘what can I do to help or make this situation better’, not retaliating for the obvious wrong that was done. Hatred wants justice on their terms at all costs. Love truly forgives and tries to repair and restore, often at the cost of being unrecognized. When wronged, love forgives quickly, not allowing the seed of hatred to take root.
V. 13 tells us to listen to wise people. Wise people have the habit of speaking wise words. It is unbecoming to someone that is prone to wisdom to speak foolishness. This does not mean that wise people are always serious and stoic. It just means that they are not characterized by foolish words and actions. Those who are void of understanding really do need someone to take charge of their life. If they don’t order their life, someone else has to. In dealing with someone void of understanding a firm hand is frequently needed to direct them for their own good.
V. 14 Wise people are always laying up wisdom for a future day. Good wisdom and knowledge is like a special tool saved for a particular job. It is there ready to fix the problem or be applied to life when the time arises. The fool on the other hand is always one step away from destruction, living on the edge of demise. Their mouth is often the thing that invites trouble and destruction. This is not always because they are verbally antagonistic. You really never know what type of foolishness will come out of a fool’s mouth, getting them into trouble. It is good to note that it is often the wise that come to their rescue.
V. 15 No matter what position you take on the topic of money, Solomon noticed that having some is usually better than not. Being poor has its benefits, but it also has its definite detriments. Solomon would be the first on to tell you that money does not solve all of man’s troubles, but he also he observed how hard it is to get a leg up so to speak when you are poor. Being poor always seems to cost more, and life, being poor, seems to be a viscous cycle. There is always something else to take away the little bit than one may have. Sometimes buying a step up in quality would help, but it costs more…more than you have. It is interesting that Solomon does not seem to offer an answer per se for this situation, but makes an observation of the obvious.
In v. 16 Solomon uses two different words for how money is obtained by two differing approaches of making a living. The NIV uses the word wages describing how the righteous makes a living and uses the word income for the gain of the wicked. The word wages gives the impression of earning one’s income, laboring diligently to make a living. This does not necessarily mean that our labor has to be physically hard. But, it does imply that the righteous are not afraid of hard labor if that is what is called for to make good honest wages. The words income in the NIV and fruit in the KJV in the context gives the impression of easy money brought about by dishonest or crooked practices. Working HARD and being honest does bring to you the necessary things needed in life. For those earning a living, life truly is good. Fast money however has things attached to it that often bring punishment to the receiver, one such example is the law.
Discipline and correction is not an easy thing to receive. It is hard to admit that you were doing something wrong and need to change. All too often our kids want to tell us why they did something wrong instead of listening to the discipline and making the needed corrections in action or behavior. We do this as adults too. The mistake or wrong was obvious, but admitting to the wrong is difficult. Solomon says in v. 17 that the one that heeds correction is wise and gains great benefit in life. It also tells us that those who are willing to receive correction are good examples and lead others in the same direction… toward life. He also says that those who do not receive correction will lead others astray. It gives the impression of accountability to others, not just ourselves.
Have you ever had someone talk to you with a smile on their face, but in your mind you’re questioning that smile because this person in the past has never been your friend. V. 18 tells us to be cautious. The someone who used to act like your enemy who is now acting like your best friend may be putting on a good front and lying to you while they are still holding malice and hatred in their heart. Be careful, they may not have your best interest in mind. It also says in v. 18 that spreading slander is risky and can backfire on you. Slander is usually fueled by anger and/or hatred and meant to injury or hurt. But, Solomon tells us that those who give way to slander are fools and do not realize the sting and backlash from their own actions.
V. 19 reminds us that too much explanation, too much talk, too much sale leans toward inaccuracies and falsehood which is not being honest, which the Bible calls sin. Sometimes we gab and talk just for the sake of talking. Often times too much talking leads to statements that just are not true. We need to learn as James tells us to control our tongue and choose our speech being accurate in what we say. Solomon tells us that in conversation ‘listening’ is as important, if not more so, than what we say. In speaking the truth and watching what we say we will not be caught in inaccuracies and will be esteemed by other as wise.
In v. 20 and 21 it goes on to say that being known for wisdom others will want to hear what we say. They will value our perspective and slant on a particular topic. This is often seen by others asking our opinion on a particular topic. When someone does this to you count it as an honor. They have just given you a compliment and praised you by asking your opinion. The heart of the wicked on the other hand has little to no value at all. There is no wisdom there. In v. 21 it reminds that the righteous, who choose their words have the practical aspect of meeting others needs in a tangible way. But fools cannot even feed themselves and they are always looking to you to make up the deficit. It says in v. 21 that they die for lack of wisdom and while they are alive consume more than their share of goods and services.
V. 22 reminds that there is another ingredient or component in the equation of life. It is one that we often forget. It is God’s blessing. What we get often does come with strings attached. These attachments may be good or they may be bad. We should look for and go after God’s blessing in our life. And, as we acquire material things we should ask the same question..is God in this. Solomon tells us that God’s blessings tend toward wealth and when He is in a situation or thing he tells us that God makes the thing sweet. There is on sorrow added to God’s gift.
V. 23 tells that the folly of the fool is all fun and games to them. Unlike the wise, they just love getting into trouble. V. 24 reminds those who do evil that they should beware. What they do may just come back at them. Those who set a snare need to be careful that they don’t get caught in it themselves. Conversely, the righteous who do not have the habit of taking advantage of others get their desired request…even from God.
V. 25 reminds us that the wicked really do cause pain and destruction. But, Solomon comforts us by reminding us that their whirlwind is short lived. It is best to find a safe place till the storm passes. He also encourages us to invest in a righteous life. The deeds of a righteous person are built on an everlasting foundation that cannot be shaken, nor taken away. Their deeds go on to benefit others for a long time.
v. 26 Sending a lazy person to do a job that is needed to be done right is like pouring salt on a wound. It stings. Trusting a lazy person with the job is like someone blowing smoke in your face and eyes. Sometimes you find yourself in a spot and there is no one else to send, but you know what the end result will be. It will be less than perfect. It will be embarrassing, but you have no choice .A lazy man’s perspective is ‘How can I do the least amount of work and say that I did the job?’. However, on this job you need someone that will think on their feet. Someone that will take care of the details, make the company look good, please the customer. In the end you would be better off not sending them at all.
V. 27-32 speak about making decisions about what to do in daily life having a foundation of fear and respect/reverence for God and His perspective. Bringing God into the picture when making even basic decisions in life can have a profound impact on the type of decisions you make and the outcome of life at the end of the day. V. 27 says that the result of this decision making process prolongs our days, or in other words, we live longer. When making decisions from a self centered perspective Solomon said that he typically observed shorten years of life. It says in v. 28 that those who make decisions from God’s perspective having ‘hope’ of the end product being a good result are most often not disappointed, the end result often being better that expected, making the heart glad. Solomon observed that the selfish person often motivated by greed all too often see their hopes and dreams vanish like a vapor into little or nothing leaving them empty and unfulfilled.
In v. 29 he tells us that God’s way and perspective is a strength and encouragement to the righteous helping them to persevere to reach and obtain the good thing that they are pursuing. But, what is the hope of the workers of iniquity? There is something to believing in what you are trying to do, but when you are striving after empty things, what encouragement is there? This is why evil works are often short lived and come to destruction. This is why Solomon says that the righteous shall never be removed in v. 30. The NIV says that they shall never be uprooted. In the end the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. The parable of the sheep and the goats found in Matt. 25:31-46 is the ultimate and final outcome of this observation that Solomon makes.
V. 31 In the old days a king or someone with the opportunity or power would cut out your tongue if they did not like what you said. How gruesome. Solomon here is saying that someone with a perverse tongue in essence will have their ability to speak removed. In essence their mouth will be stopped. Recently there have been examples of individuals who have not shown respect to judges in a court setting swearing and using profanity who have suffered because of their conduct. They found themselves in a place where they could not be heard. In jail. It is unfortunate that this is not more frequent the case. He goes on to say in v. 32 that the lips of the righteous know what to speak and their lips are not offensive. There is very little worse than a perverse uncontrolled tongue to those who do not appreciate such conversation. The righteous respect others and are always polite and appropriate respecting those that they are with.
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