Proverbs Study – Lesson 25 (Proverbs chapter 20:21-21:5)
V. 21 This verse may be applied in several ways concerning receiving an inheritance. Sometimes an inheritance can be given without much thought as to how it will affect the recipient. A large inheritance or prized possession given all at one time may not be handled well by the receiver, being overcome by the responsibilities and details that go with it. This proverb may have reference to receiving an inheritance over time instead of one lump sum. This verse can also have application to an inheritance that is gotten prematurely and inappropriately as in the example of the prodigal son. In that parable the son came and asked or demanded his inheritance prematurely which was seen in that culture as extreme defiance and could have carried the penalty of V. 20. An inheritance in that day not only came with material wealth, but also attached to it and connected to it were more important items such as family name and reputation, responsibilities and the most important of all the ‘blessing’ or family blessing. Receiving an inheritance inappropriately in those days had only the lesser value item contained in it being only money.
V. 22 Revenge is sweet they say, but is it really. There is something that is sweeter, but doing it is harder, much harder. God again calls us to a higher place than just existence by telling us to ‘Love your(our) enemies’ and to ‘do good to those who persecute you and hate you’. Matt. 5:44 Joseph had the right attitude. Oh, that we could all be like Joseph in our attitude of payback or recompense. Joseph was not naïve. He understood what others meant by their actions against them. They meant him harm. But, he instead saw a God that was in the process and realized He, God, had a bigger picture than just the evil someone directed at him. He let God sort it out and give the payback. He also waited on God and let Him care for him in the situation which is the second part of this verse.
V. 23 We had already looked at the meaning of this verse when we discussed v. 10 of this chapter. This verse has been repeated in various forms with some variation of application throughout the Proverbs. The Message version puts it this way ‘God hates cheating in the marketplace; rigged scales are an outrage’.
V. 24 James makes this same statement and asks this same question in Js. 4:13-16. The underlying thought is that God directs us down a certain path in life and that the plan for our life is much ‘bigger’ than our understanding is able to comprehend. We make our plans. We set our goals as if they are already done. We choose our path in life, or do we? Could it be that God has a plan for our life and He directs us in that path during our life? We make choices, but… God has fashioned us and He made us to have certain interests, drives and passions affecting our choices, moving down the path of His will. The understanding of this verse can affect our decision making process that we use to approach life and our future in a number of different ways. First, understanding this verse will temper the decisions that we make realizing that God IS in the process and that the outcome of any plans that we make ultimately depends upon His will. If we know this, we realize that our plans by them self will not succeed or prosper. Ps. 127:1 Our desire then is to understand His will and go with it. A second point is that life is often difficult to figure out and we do not know what the next steps are that we need to take. This verse helps us trust in God’s oversight and provision when maybe we do not see an answer, helping us to walk through some of the most complex and/or difficult times of our life. Thinking that we are calling the shots is a walk of pride which God dislikes or hates and acknowledging His Presence and Wisdom in our life yielding to His guidance and direction is a walk of ‘Trust’. In making our plans for the future it is much better to set a direction, letting God reshape our plans as we go, than to have a complete detailed outcome.
V. 25 This verse kind of relates to v. 24 in that we make so many promises not taking into consideration God’s (holy) will for our life. This verse cautions against making a vow before you have carefully considered God’s will in the matter and its inherent details. We tend to do this all the time making our plans, and yet, quite frequently life is tough and difficult, seeming to be more work than it should be. The God’s Word Translation puts it this way ‘It is a trap for a person to say impulsively, "This is a holy offering!" and later to have second thoughts about those vows’. We need to carefully consider what really is God’s will for our day. God has called us to a ‘holy’ life or in other words a life ‘set apart’ to Him. And, yet, most of our days are spent in frustration devouring that which is truly holy to God due to our overloaded schedule. The sad thing is that frequently we tack onto these premature decisions a spiritual cliché or twist making it sound like its God’s will. Solomon is telling us to weigh the matter before making a vow making sure that it fits into God’s plan.
V. 26 It is a wise person that realizes that you can avoid an explosive situation by separating potentially reactive entities far apart and then dealing with their evil intent separately. Scattering reduces the potentially dangerous situation or force so that the situation can be dealt with and put to rest once and for all. In some situations the second part of this verse is extremely important making sure the problem never comes up again.
V. 27 Barnes notes on the Bible makes this comment on this verse:
The spirit of man - The "breath" of Genesis 2:7, the higher life, above that which he has in common with lower animals, coming to him direct from God. Such a life, with all its powers of insight, consciousness, reflection, is as a lamp which God has lighted, throwing its rays into the darkest recesses of the heart. A still higher truth is proclaimed in the Prologue of John's Gospel. The candle, or lamp of Yahweh, derives its light from "the Light that lighteth every man," even the Eternal Word.
Read Jn 1:3-9 God made us different from His other living parts of His creation. Call it conscious or intuition the spirit God breathed into man runs a check on the down deep part of man illuminating areas to us about our self that would normally remain dark and hidden.
V. 28 Truth is a standard that cannot be compromised. But, truth by itself will never be practical when dealing with man. God knew that mercy was necessary to bridge the gap in his dealings with man. So must we understand this when dealing with those around us, especially if we are in an position dealing with people. What keeps a king in power for a long time? Their ability to make decisions on the basis of truth tempered with mercy or kindness. Some of the translations render the word mercy in this verse as kindness. A king can either rule from a position of power or force or they can be known for their fairness, kindness and mercy. Solomon says that they will stay in power for a longer time if they choose mercy as a predominant attribute.
V. 29 A wise person knows their assets and capabilities. There is a difference between the abilities or strengths of the old and that of youth and it is important to know which camp you are in. The strength of the young is their strength. The youth lacks wisdom and experience which can often make a difference in the execution of a task. However, over the years physical strength begins to fade and to get the job done experience and wisdom are needed to make up the difference. It is wise to respect both physical strength in the youth and wisdom and experience in the old. Each has its own place of application. When the task calls for brute strength or lots of energy be sure to look around for the young man built for work. However, when the task at hand cannot be overcome by bruit strength alone look around for someone with a bit of gray in their hair. They will probably know just what to do.
V. 30 This verse seems to refer to the deepness of the wound that often must occur in order for a real change in our nature to happen. It may sound cruel, but in olden days they found out that full compliance, making a permanent change in the very core or nature of an individual was only achieved with deep and often intense pain. A. W. Tozer referrers to this process as a part of our sanctifying process in his book entitled ‘The Pursuit of God’. He refers to a flesh veil that separated us from God. This flesh veil is real stuff and must be removed if we are to have our fellowship reestablished with God. The problem is that this flesh veil is not easily removed and must actually be torn out, a deep and painful process. However, the end result of this deep and painful process is real change in our relationship with God. Where man may use this process to get compliance having selfish motives, God uses it to refine and perfect our nature. Often the most painful times in our life are the most our most productive concerning our growth.
Proverbs Chapter 21
V. 1 There are many instances in the Bible where God moved a king to do something that they did not intend to do. Pharaoh is a good example. Sometimes a king’s heart takes more persuasion than someone else’s heart would, but God does have His ways and can accomplish exactly what He has purposed no matter who He chooses to use for His purpose. If this is true the difficult question for us is why God allows those in a position of power and influence to use their position for evil purposes, or also not to act when they have it within their power to do good. This verse is meant to be an encouragement to us to remember that no matter who is in command in the nations that their heart can be moved for the purpose God has shown us if He, God, chooses. It is also meant as an encouragement to us as we see an evil world system continue to work its wickedness that we can rest in the fact that even though it may seem that things are out of control that in reality they are not. God is still in control, and we can take heart that His ultimate will and purpose will be done.
V. 2 Again Solomon reminds us that it is wise to consult with God about our plans and even the simple things of life. We may be right in what we purpose to say or do, then again we may not have all the details and may be making a bad move. How we feel about something right or wrong does not make it necessarily so. The Bible tells us that man or mankind walks in pride. Our pride often affirms that ‘we thought of it, it must be right,…it is the only way that it could be.’ Or, it may be wrong for someone else, but it is ok for me, I can handle it. However, we can deceive ourselves. This verse may be applied to many decisions in life, but it seems to be more directed toward justifying wrong actions or intent. Solomon reminds us that it is wise to be humble and seek God’s guidance and input for the task at hand or in what we have purposed in our heart. Seeking His will is the Light that helps us to see clearly, not being blinded by our own pride.
V. 3 Doing our duty can often be used to justify other actions that are not pleasing to the Lord. We go to church. We pay our homage. We serve in youth group. We even give to the church. But, God says that He would much rather that we obey Him and walk with Him than do a lot of so called good things that He is not requiring us to do. There was a group of people in Jesus’ day that fit this description. They were called the Pharisees. By what they did most would equate them as super religious people. They worked very hard to obey the letter of the law, but would leave out the spirit of the law. In doing so they would pat themselves on the back as to how much they sacrificed for God, and yet had inconsistencies in their life that God was not happy with and had asked them to deal with. This brings out the point that God desires a relationship that is dependent upon communication and obedience as a lifestyle and is not just dependent upon doing a few good things that we do. It is good to remember that the Pharisees were very involved in church work and yet God’s reprimand was harsh.
V. 4 All of the ways of the proud are offensive to God. This verse denotes that all aspects of man is affected by pride, body, soul and spirit. Pride, like leaven, pervades every part of a man. That is why God hates it so much. In v. 4 Solomon makes reference the outside or outward appearance, the inside…the heart and the very actions of an individual being affected. A wicked or proud heart eventually reveals itself in actions. A proud heart affects every part of a person’s life, even the daily activities such as plowing a field.
V. 5 Perseverance definitely has its benefits. The big things in life materialize by the exercise of diligence. Those with a habit of diligence can be sure that even their thoughts will eventually be realized in a tangible blessing. The problem with diligence is that it takes time. It is a work in progress that comes together a little at a time. It is sure, it just takes a while to get there. The opposite of diligence is doing things quick. The ‘I’ve got to have it now crowd’. You can almost be sure that if it is done hastily that the outcome will have attached to it problems and frequently eventual disaster. Projects or goals attained hastily often have to be redone several times. The old adage a thing worth doing is worth doing right would tend toward diligence whereas the adage measure once cut twice would apply to things done in haste. So often in life you do not get a second chance to make it right. Doing it right the first time may be the only chance you get.
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