v. 21 Prov. 22:15 says that foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child. Some kids never grow up. True foolishness has no purpose but is pleasurable to those who are immature. Folly when you are young is a totally different animal. When you are young most foolishness is practically harmless not being very sophisticated in its application. However, one who practices foolishness gets good at it over time and begins to apply grown up principals to immature actions. These actions have repercussions and consequences. An adult practicing folly does more damage, to others and themselves. A man of understanding realizes the outcome of such actions and instead chooses actions and choices more appropriate and helpful to life.
V. 22 Great ideas need an appropriate delivery in order to succeed. Many good ideas crash and burn without the wise input from others. The just of this verse is to ask questions of wise people that may have the knowledge you seek and you may see more of your good ideas become a reality.
V.23 Words spoken at the right time have a tremendous impact. When you hit on such an occasion you know it. There is a certain pleasure to come up with the right word or phrase at the right time. The inner feeling at the moment can be exuberant. Wise people hit the mark more frequently using the right words at the right time. Words spoken at the right time make up part of the Joy wise people experience during their life making life a pleasure.
V.24 A down life takes little effort. It just happens. Given no effort life surrounds us (Prov. 15:19) and Solomon says will actually lead to the grave. The wise realize this and plan an upward journey not letting life overtake them. Solomon uses the expression ‘the way of life’ saying that it is natural for the wise to naturally take steps to order life. For them looking and planning ahead is the only way to live.
V. 25 Proud people act as if what they purpose will no doubt come to pass. It has to be, they say…I made the plan. Yet, their plan is based solely on their ability and has no dependence upon God. The widow, however, is often seen as completely vulnerable and fully dependent upon God and His provision and protection. In Prov. 6:17 pride is listed as one of the things that the Lord hates. Here in v. 25 we see that the Lord will actually judge the proud bringing destruction upon their dwelling and at the same time being our Provider He will care for the widow in a supernatural way establishing her home and dwelling. Solomon reminds us that it is important to keep God in the equation.
V. 26 How can a person who does not reverence or respect God think thoughts to please Him. In v. 8 of this chapter we saw that the attempted good works of someone who does not recognize God actually offend the Lord. In this verse even their thoughts of self and pride are offensive to God. The thoughts of the pure, however, are enjoyable to the Lord and are His delight.
V. 27 Someone who is greedy for gain will do almost anything to get what they want. They will even go as far as cheating or eventually breaking the law to get what they want. Going to these extremes not only puts them in danger of punishment and retribution, but also puts those near them, who depend on them, in danger also. Someone else that holds to a standard of doing right first, or righteousness, will not fall into this trap. They will not compromise their principals of doing what is right to gain material things. Solomon says that someone that is in it for gain can be bought for a price whereas someone that holds to righteousness as their standard cannot be bought for any price.
V. 28 This was the original request of Solomon when he met God on Mt. Gibeon in 1 Kings 3:2-14. He did not know how to answer the people. His prayer request to God was to be able to give the right answer in difficult and unclear situations. God in granting Solomon’s request gave him wisdom, but did not give him all of the wisdom that he would need at one time. To be sure Solomon was given a special sense about what was right. But, like us at times Solomon had to wrestle through the process of knowing what the right answer was. It is a wise person that does not rush to be the first one to answer when they are not sure of really what the right answer is. It says the righteous, or one that seeks God’s answer for the situation, looks into the matter first to be sure they are giving good advice. I like the way the ‘Good News’ translation renders the second part of this verse. It says ‘Evil people have a quick reply, but it causes trouble’.
V. 29 relates to v. 9 of this chapter, Solomon again stating his experience and divine inspiration that one who does not follow God is not acquainted with or ‘chummy’ with God. Many who are living their own life, not following God, have the perception that they kind of know God and that at least He is an acquaintance of theirs. Here Solomon clearly says that the wicked, or those not following God, are not even close to God. He uses the term ‘far’ away. One who begins to draw near to God begins to understand their need for forgiveness and is approaching God on the right path. Prior to being reconciled to God through His provision in Christ for the forgiveness of sins, He, God, actually considers us an ‘enemy’. This is hard for us to accept, even as a believer. Like Cain, at times we offer Him our best efforts. But, in the book of Proverbs Solomon uses some pretty strong words on coming to God our own way. Here he uses ‘far’ giving the implication that we are ‘not ever close’. In v. 8 he says an unbeliever’s works are an abomination. And, Prov. 28:9 makes it clear what Solomon is saying, it says ‘He that turns his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination’. In this verse Solomon leaves us no room for misunderstanding. Cain found out that God does not accept us on our terms. Like Able we must first receive His Provision for forgiveness, restoring our relationship with Him. Those who come to God on His terms, God hears their prayers. The way is clear. The door is open. Let us come via God’s provision. In coming God’s way let us pray!
V. 30 How we see things makes a difference. Do we see the glass half empty or half full? There are almost always two ways to see things. It is true that the optimist may not see the reality that is about to overcome him, but seeing things as light instead of darkness is almost always more beneficial. The New NIV says ‘A cheerful look brings joy to the heart’. Looking for the good in things when it can be found is the perspective of a thankful heart. God encourages us to be thankful. He also encourages us to encourage others by bringing a good report whenever possible. If we remember the times in our life when we needed an encouraging word and received one we will remember how important it is to encourage others.
V. 31-2 Again Solomon tells us that listening is soooo important! Others have already made the mistakes we are about to make and have experienced the consequences, why would we want to the experience the pain too? Advice that others give can be vital. If we would only listen! It is the foolish that are too proud to listen and too late realize important life saving advice. Solomon says that the wise listened and applied what they hear and are still among the living in the company of other wise people.
V. 33 List what Solomon says in the beginning of this verse as one of your steps for instructions on how to put life together and make it work. The problem with this verse is that far too many of us do not follow the instruction of life given by Solomon. It is important if we seek wisdom that respect and honor be given to God in our daily activities. We also need to mix our day with a healthy dose of fear for who God is. Solomon also states that humility is better than honor. Honor always follows the humble. Lk. 14:11 says that whosoever humbles himself shall be exalted. Those words were spoken by Christ Himself. This approach is opposite the advice the world gives us which tells us to exalt ourself above others.
Chapter 16
Just when you thought that Solomon could not possibly come up with any more proverbial wisdom he pours it on by giving us some of his best stuff. Proverbs 16 starts out with some of the best proverbs found in this book. V. 1 starts out by saying we do not always say what we plan to. Sometimes that works for our benefit, sometimes to our detriment. Solomon reminds us that the Lord is very much a part of our conversation. So often in situations you prepare what you are going to say…hoping that it comes out right. But things change as a conversation or situation unfolds. In difficult situations a conversation could go in different directions depending upon the response(s) we get from others. We prepare our responses, but we don’t know for sure what direction the conversation will go. Solomon here is saying that it is good to prepare our response. Prov. 15:28 says that we should study how to answer. But, Prov. 16:1 is the rest of the story. In our response it is best to remember to let God make it come out just right, guiding us in what we say and how we say it. Letting God guide us in our conversations, especially in those critical encounters can save us time, difficulty and embarrassment.
Relationships are often damaged by well meaning conversation that is not guided by God. In conversation innocent things can be misunderstood and become points of contention or make an idea confusing. So often when it comes time to deliver a speech or speak in a meeting or have a critical conversation with another, we do not know exactly what we are going to say. We have an idea, a basic framework, but the final delivery is yet to be given. Preparing in our heart as best we can, and then going in confidence to give the delivery knowing that God will help shape the final encounter is reassuring. We need to trust God routinely in our conversation. I have found that the application of this verse is extremely helpful and effective.
V. 2 reminds us that we routinely see things from our vantage and our viewpoint. In judging the people Solomon saw a pattern in how one viewed their actions and their perspective. More times than not we think we are right. It is only natural. It’s a part of our nature. But, God might see it differently. Sometimes we might think that God is against us. He is not. God is honest and because He is Just He is fair. But, He is capable of separating out our thoughts and actions as to their intents much better than we are. I believe that Solomon here is saying that it is good to consult God with our plans and ideas to see what He thinks before we execute them. Sometimes a plan executed can cost us a lot and be a big mistake, even when it looked so promising. V. 3 goes on to say just this. When we consult with God, like a trusted friend, He can reveal to us our true intents. He may choose to give us council to modify our plans, to bless our intents or put His kibosh on our well meaning intentions. Listening to His advice can save us from embarrassment and unnecessary repercussions. V. 3 says that if we commit our works to God that our underlying desire will be to yield to His council. Our plans with His input will make for a perfect outcome, solid and established.
V. 4 God is Sovereign, and He is the creator of ALL things! What can man say in response to this? And, the purpose of all of what we see or what exists is there for God, not us. To this I have no reply but to acknowledge it and receive its wisdom. Those who do not fear Him should consider what part they have in this verse. The question that needs to be asked by them is ‘What is the day of evil that is referred to here?’ It sounds like a significant event. In the end God is sovereign and has the final say no matter what we think. Maybe we should consider and take more serious His perspective.
V. 5 Pride takes many different forms. I think that the reason that it says that the Lord hates pride so much is because it is so pervasive and so destructive. It has so many different faces and is functional, in the wrong sense, in so many areas of our life. Here pride takes on the form of arrogance which says that the more that I can get on my side the stronger my position. This type of pride truly believes that if they can get enough of the right people on their side that they are above the law, and if carried to a further extreme, above God. Kings of old have operated on this premise. Politicians in our day do the same. However, this premise does not guarantee success. More often than not those who use this principle see their sure fire plan crumble to the ground, often just before its completion. Satan himself operates on this principle, believing that if he can corrupt and wrangle most of God’s creation on his side that maybe he will have a chance of overtaking God. God sees our intent and will have His way in the end. This verse is meant as a warning to those who are proud believing that numbers guarantee success when their propose and intent is wrong. It is meant as an encouragement to those who do right that even if our enemy outnumbers us it does not guarantee their success and we should precede executing God’s plan.
V. 6 Like drawing infection out of a wound with a poultice so is mercy and truth to iniquity. Iniquity is the poison and truth is the standard or measure where health in a situation should be. Compromising the truth is not the answer to reconciling iniquity. Truth is the goal that cannot be compromised, because as Solomon has already said, Truth is Life. If life is what we seek then maintaining truth as the standard is essential. However, this standard for man is not always easy for us to obtain on our own. Even God is aware of this. Mercy is the suave that heals this wound. In our relations with others it is good to remember that we must hold onto or maintain the standard of truth, but it is also equally as important to exercise mercy in our dealings with others. This is the example of our relationship with God. His standard is what it is. It is TRUTH. It cannot be lessened or the standard brought inferior for anything less would not be truth. But mercy is needed due to our inability to achieve and maintain His standard. In our relationships with others Solomon is saying that we really do nothing to heal a situation by compromising the truth, reducing the standard to situational ethics. It is important that truth be maintained as the standard. However, sometimes the standard is hard to attain and maintain even with the best of honest or sincere efforts. As God saw fit with us, mercy was the only way to help. Both mercy and truth are needed to purge iniquity.
V. 7 You can’t argue with success. A person’s life when lived right offends no one and enhances everyone that is near. Who can argue with that? Doing right is doing right. Throughout this book of Proverbs Solomon has touted the benefits of right living and their far reaching effects. Even Daniel’s enemies searched and could not find one thing they could use against him. With no weapon to use against someone who is doing right their enemies are forced to finally either give up or fabricate something putting themselves at risk of their scheme backfiring. This of course happened to Daniel’s enemies. What enemy does not benefit from true mercy, patience, kindness and love? These are all virtues that someone pleasing God would have. Kindness by itself has a way of wearing down even the meanest of individuals.
V. 8 Money and wealth does not buy happiness. Many things are gained in this world through deception or the application of a ‘little twist’ not being fully honest. The little or lot extra gained at first can taste sweet, but quickly turns sour with remorse because of the remembrance of how it was gained. To make matters worse the thing gained has too much value for it to be discarded or given away in an attempt to lessen the feeling of guilt. Solomon reminds us that even a little taste of something gained in the right way is truly sweet being gained honestly and can have a good flavor that can last a long time.
V. 9 We all have hopes and dreams. We make our plans. Solomon would encourage us to make plans about the future. But, he would add v. 9 to his advice. James echo’s Solomon’s advice in Js. 4:13-7 when he advises those who make plans as if those plans were as good as done. James like Solomon reminds us that life does not always work out as planned. Sometimes it works out better than expected, sometimes not at all as planned. Sometimes the outcome is even disastrous. If we let it, realizing that the Lord is in the process is very reassuring. Whether we end up near our goal or in a totally different place after our best attempt is in reality ok as long as the Lord was in the process. I frequently find comfort in knowing that God is wiser than my plans and that we are working out our plans together. I like to have my input in the process, but I also respect and receive His wisdom. It is wise to realize that God is our partner in the process and it is ok to veer off of the path if that is the direction He is leading.
v. 10 A king or a leader is put there by God for our benefit. This does not mean that we should not question a leader’s motives, or overlook wrong or evil if a leader is clearly leading the wrong direction. But, all too often, side line fans are always hurling stones of opinion at leaders that are put in a position by God who are taking their position and responsibilities seriously. When we hurl criticisms at leaders it may be good to be reminded that God takes their position seriously and has handpicked them for His purposes. It is true that sometimes His purposes include waking us up. But a good king really does depend upon something/SomeOne greater than them. Rom. 13:1-7 tells us to remember that God has put our leaders in their position to protect us and do His work. It is also good to remember that they are men like us, and not flawless. We should not expect them to do any better than we could if we were in their position.
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