Proverbs Study – Lesson 44 – July 24, 2011– Seacoast Community Church

Proverbs Study – Lesson 44 (Proverbs chapter 29:11-18)

V. 11 When you speak your mind you often live to regret it. Anger spoken in haste cannot possibly hit the mark not having all the facts or details known. He reminds us here that it is a fool who speaks their mind, especially when angry. It says in Prov. 17:28 that even a fool appears to be wise when they do not speak. The main point here is that we do not respond foolishly by speaking prematurely, giving it some time before we answer or commit ourselves waiting until most or all of the details of the situation are know. Details and motives are not always easily discerned and often come to light afterword. Holding our tongue in the moment is wise. After words when the facts are on the table the situation will need wise council found in choice words to a good situation.

V. 12 It is a sad state of affairs when all a ruler wants to hear is lies. When this is the case he is not looking for answers but excuses to do what he wants to do and not what is most prudent. The problem with this approach is that before long all of the king’s advisers are found to be wicked or self-serving saying and doing only what ultimately has benefit for them. When the time comes when truth is needed to remedy a situation there will be no good advice found. It is a prudent thing for us also to seek truth for answers instead of looking for answers that may be more appealing to our pride or selfish wants. Our present culture today seems to want to hear answers that feel good instead of the truth that contains the right answer not always have a good feeling attached to it. If we are not careful, we will end up in the same place as this king, not having any advisers left to give us truth when we desperately need it.

V. 13 This verse seems to be a variation of Prov. 22:2. Different versions render differing definitions of the meaning of the latter individual. Some render him to be a creditor, some render the rich, some render him as an oppressor, or here in the KJV he is rendered as deceitful. It is not entirely clear as to who Solomon meant this to be. In looking at this verse, however, it is good to remember that there are always two sides to an agreement. It is not always that one side is right and the other always the oppressor, for the rich and poor will always need to meet in this world and work out the details for some reason not being able to exist without each other in this world.

First we need to come to terms with the fact that yes, the Lord is the maker of them BOTH. Both parties have terms and aspects of the agreement or purpose of their meeting that are important. Both parties may have just causes and details that must be met and worked through. The same Golden Rule applies to both the poor and the creditor. We know that if it was a perfect world that Solomon would advocate that we, the poor or otherwise, would never become the borrower or the one in need of something in an agreement, for in doing so he made the statement that you become a slave to the lender. But, also knowing that such situations will exist that the agreement involves two people, the emphasis on people, both having obligations and terms inherent to the agreement. However, here, it could be that a possible meaning and rendition of this verse could be that God gives wisdom and insight into dealing with such things if we are willing to work them through. Yes, there is an agreement, but the answer to both parties is not always in the black and white. In other words it may take God’s involvement to work out the details to make this situation work out. There is a way. There is an answer, if the parties are willing to be guided by God. God can illumine their heart giving them the right answers as they work out the details.

V. 14 Fair goes a long way. Here it refers to a king faithfully treating his subjects honestly and fairly. But, the same can be said for us. If we treat our friends and acquaintances justly and honestly we are sure to establish a network of people that will establish our life and existence forever. Treating people this way builds solid relationships that last forever. Whether they are friend or business connection it is hard to resist the request that is fair and just from someone that has proved themselves in the past being found not to have the reputation of taking advantage of others putting other’s needs first. Here it is significant that he mentions judging the poor, for if a king is going to rule unjustly he will usually take advantage of the poor first.

V. 15 Kids need guidance. Left to their own they may find their way eventually, but will suffer mercilessly first having to learn life the hard way. Some lessons learned are hard and need the firm hand of guidance encompassing a variety of methods and means. However, the guidance is meant for a child’s benefit and betterment and not for venting frustration or anger. By making firm decisions in love a child can be spared sometimes a lifetime of pain that could have been avoided.

V. 16 It’s pretty obvious to realize that when the number of bad or wicked people increases then the numbers of wicked acts or transgressions are bound to go up also. But, even though the increase is expected it is still troubling to good people. The righteous know what’s on the way when there is a trend toward a rise in the number of bad people. The crime rate is sure to rise and the rights of good people are apt to be derailed. Not a good scene. But, there are some encouraging words found here telling the righteous to stay true and stay the course saying that if we do that righteous acts will eventually win out seeing the wicked and their acts tumble and fall making it a safe place to live again. The Apostle Paul said it this way, ‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord’, I Cor. 15:58. This is good advice in difficult times!

V. 17 Sometimes some may think that it is too much work to train your child, but this verse tells us otherwise, telling us that in the end it is much more work not to train your child in the right ways of life. Untrained kids are out of control and it takes much more effort and energy to pick up the trail of destruction left behind telling you that they have been there. As kids grow so does their ability to either help or hurt. If trained to help others, treating others with respect and politeness, their presence makes the environment an even better place. However, if untrained, thinking only of themselves, get ready to work, for the trouble, mess and destruction left behind will be more that a parent can bear needing society to help them deal with the outcome. But, a well mannered child he says here is delightful giving pleasure not agony to all that are around them.

V. 18 Solomon here makes a very profound and important statement. The word vision here does not necessarily mean the common meaning of this word meaning something seen. And, it does not necessarily mean a vision or pictured plan for what can be. But, the Hebrew word rendered here refers to a vision or plan as given by God and not necessarily a plan developed by man. There were periods in the history of Israel when they had no direction from God and ultimately the nation fell into disarray not only going nowhere, but the nation became infected, so to speak, and infested with actions and plans that fragmented it and broke it apart. In this verse Solomon was not necessarily referring to a good plan of action formulated by a smart leader. That is not to say that such a plan cannot be helpful and necessary at times. God can be in that plan. But, here he makes the point that ultimately man was made for God and needs His direction and without it man will do himself in and parish. The end of this verse reminds us that God’s vision for man is found in His Law having His Law as the framework for His vision and will for man. He makes the point here that man being created for God is happy when he sees God’s way and input in our life giving us needed direction and guidance.

Proverbs Study – Lesson 43 – July 17, 2011– Seacoast Community Church

Proverbs Study – Lesson 43 (Proverbs chapter 29:1-10 )

V. 1 If you have a stubborn spirit you are destine to ruin. What do you do with someone that will just not listen to reason or good council? It is a habit for them. They are doomed. Someone who once they have made up their mind before they have heard all the facts and will not listen any more to what anyone says has no hope. When someone is stuck in their faulty logic and refuses to even listen any more has no hope. He says here in v. 1 that someone going down this path will suddenly hit a solid wall that they cannot get past meeting destruction. He goes on to say that when this happens there will not be any remedy or help possible to now fix the situation even if they are willing at this point to do something. It is beyond help. The advice here would be to listen to good advice and if it is applicable do not be so stubborn as to not admit the need for help and apply it before it is too late.

V. 2 It’s a balancing act between good and bad rule concerning leaders and government, especially in our judicial system. The more good leaders that are in power the better the environment for the people. The more in power with a self serving perspective the more the people suffer. Good leaders are generally found to be servants of the people wanting to improve the environment providing better options for living for the people. Wicked rulers want to use the people to do and get what they want passing laws and decrees that ultimately benefit them in the end. Good rulers are generally willing to sacrifice their own personal comforts to better the environment for the people at large. It is good to remember that even good leaders need to be encouraged to stay true to their principles while in authority as it is not an easy area to navigate while serving. Praying for our leaders good or bad is essential for keeping the balance of power tilted in the right direction.

V. 3 There are many pitfalls and snares that can derail us in this life, but some are more dangerous than others. Of those that seem to do the most harm and cause the most damage are alcohol, drugs and sexual improprieties. Right from the beginning of the book of Proverbs Solomon makes a point of being careful not to fall into the wrong crowd adopting their ways. Much of his advice deals with staying clear of riotous living including substance abuse and sexual impurities. But, just determining to stay clear of these areas is not that easy. His advice here is to fill the space that could be occupied with bad living choices with wisdom instead, allowing it, wisdom, to be our guard at the door stopping these vises from even getting a start in our heart. Many have good intentions of not adopting such a lifestyle, but lack the wisdom necessary to stay the course. A father who sees their child hunger for wisdom seeking it out and applying it is assured that their child will not only survive, but will thrive. The approach of some parents is to shelter their child from vices such as these, but as important as this is Solomon says that that is not enough. It takes the instruction and application of wisdom to survive this life. Many lack this step and do not make it. He also makes the point that when you get caught up in one of these areas that you can kiss any hope of life and financial stability good-by. I do not care how much you have in the bank it will take everything you have to keep a vise like this going.

V. 4 A king is a man and is made up of the same stuff as any man. When in a place of authority you can be influenced to do almost anything if you are not careful. It is important to establish good principles and guidelines before you get to office if you are going to survive. One such guideline is the establishment of the principle that decisions will be made solely on the basis of right and wrong and not on favoritism or popularity and personal benefit. Making decisions on personal benefit may allow one in power to enjoy their tenure being able to lavish themselves with the perks of office, but will leave a wake of destruction for those to follow to deal with and clean up. A just king using truth and justice as their basis for decisions may sacrifice personal comfort, but will establish a government that will outlast their reign.  It says that when a political official expects gifts or bribes in return for service that others will selfishly run the country through them and eventually will tear down the framework that the government is founded on destroying it.

V. 5 It is true that some people say or do things just because they are sweet or kind. But, beware of flattering words no matter where they come from. Flattering words are hard to resist. They make us feel good and they are easy to believe because we want to believe them. But, consider the source. Flattering words almost always have only one purpose, to get something or influence a decision to favor someone, usually the one flattering. Although he uses the term neighbor here it is likely that he is referring to any acquaintance that has any degree of familiarity to it and not just your next door neighbor. When your neighbor out of the blue shows up treating you extra special or flattering or praising you in some unusual way he says to be extra cautious, not letting it go to your head influencing your decision for you may regret it.

V. 6 Sin has a penalty and a trap built into it that is present but not always seen by the person who attempts it. It is not easily seen when the evil plan is formulated, but it is there none the less, waiting to materialize as the plan unfold. Solomon says that you can count on it. Don’t be fooled. To us it is a warning not to even go there for in doing so he warns that we will get caught. Billy Graham was frequently heard during his messages to say ‘be sure your sin will find you out’. Unexpected things will materialize turning on the evildoer like a flash flood overtaking them suddenly. He reminds us that it is not so for someone making good decisions living a righteous life. He says that living right brings merriment and joy, humming or singing the song that will be found in our heart finding true happiness in life.

V.7 The righteous cannot help but notice when someone is in need. It is who they are. Passing by those that need our help is like denying themselves thinking what it would be like if they were in their situation. However, he says that the selfish people can have those in need right next to them and not even see them. It is if they never existed. As long as it doesn’t affect them the lack or problem does not exist. As a matter of fact a selfish person, designated as a wicked person here in this verse, would even take the little that the poor might have needing it to sustain their life and take it for their own wanting it for pleasure or extra making no difference to their survival or existence at all. Ahab in the O.T. was a good example of this.

V. 8 Words sure are powerful. They can edify and lift up or they can stir up a heap of trouble. As Christians we must be careful what we say and the attitude with which we say things. In this verse it reminds us that with our words and actions we can either help or we can be part of the cause of trouble hurting many. It is good to be reminded that we can be influenced to fuel the flame of contention and because of our influence we can significantly help those who intend to do harm getting caught up in the moment, not thinking first, saying or repeating things that those causing trouble would want us to say. Repeating things that our present day media might propagate could be a good example of this. Our present day media is not always so ‘fair and balanced’ and is often found stirring up contention like mockers in Solomon’s day stating someone’s agenda or opinion, not always reporting the truth or the full story. Trouble makers know how to make trouble not caring who they hurt. In this verse it says that they can do enough damage to affect an entire city. It also says, however, that a wise person can put a stop to this trouble by speaking up at the appropriate time speaking the truth in the right way turning away the intended wrath and trouble saving a city, or a nation for that matter.

V. 9 If you take a foolish person to task or court be ready for a show that is unpredictable. You never know what their response might be. They might be given to fits of rage or may be foolish and take everything as a joke, not realizing the seriousness of the situation.  Pity the judge. They have to try to make some sense out of it all. And, don’t expect a logical normal outcome or verdict putting an end to or resolving the issue completely. Be careful, it could get more complicated then you think possible, especially in a system that could cater to those with foolish ideas the judge possibly having some degree of foolish thinking himself.

V. 10. Bloodthirsty people are not happy unless violence is involved and for some reason they seem to get more pleasure out of perpetrating violence targeting those who do good. Bloodthirsty people seem to thrive on seeing others fear them and what they can do. It is like a sick form of praise or admiration to them, making them somebody. They seem to leave others who perpetrate violence alone. Maybe this is partly because they know the outcome of perpetrated violence knowing that it is only satisfied with senseless bloodshed which may end up to be their own. But, also, desiring to witness violence and bloodshed in someone else’s life, the upright normally give them no pleasure at all, at times seeking out the righteous  hoping to mortally wound their good life with tragedy. Here he tells us to be wise, beware and be careful being prudent to not be caught off guard. He goes on to say that the righteous are sought out for many things naming here being sought out by others that love justice and do good also. As those who seek out the righteous for harm so are there those who seek out the righteous to assist, protect and support them in their time of need. It is good to remember that when we are in need even for our life to look around for the righteous that may be willing to come to our rescue. 

Proverbs Study – Lesson 42 – July 10, 2011– Seacoast Community Church

Proverbs Study – Lesson 42 (Proverbs chapter 28:14-28)

V. 14 Although the bible talks a lot about not being afraid, there are some things that it encourages us to fear. However, the word and meaning of the healthy type of fear would have as part of its definition the word respect and reverence instead of stark boot shaking fear or being afraid. There are things in life that we should be at least cautious of, navigating carefully, being sure that we do not get injured or burned so to speak. Gravity is one of them. So are fire, weather, heights and speed. Frequently the Bible refers to this type of fear and tells us that we should have a healthy respect or fear for these things. But, here in this verse in the KJV it tells us that there is a type of fear that we should always have and if it is continually present then it will actually cause us to be happy. The fear that it is referring to here is the constant respect, reverence, worship and awe that we should have in our relationship for the Lord. Here he makes the point that the casual realization of the Greatness and Vastness of God will not produce this happiness. But, the child of God, that knows the Love of his God and who worships continually realizing the Power and Wisdom and Awesomeness of God finds this type of fear comforting and reassuring knowing that this same Power that provokes caution and respect is the same Power that is over them to protect and keep them and the things important to their life. On the contrary, those that harden their heart toward God must fend for themselves and find it difficult to make life work during the times when life overpowers them falling into troubles that can last a lifetime.

V. 15-6 Give a man a position with little or no accountability and you will see them as they really are. A good ruler in that position will be free to bestow good things on their subjects unencumbered. But, watch out, a wicked person in the same position can be ruthless. No accountability and see how bad it can get. He says here that unfortunately that first and greatest it is the poor that are exploited having no one to come to their rescue. He uses the terms roaring and ranging or hungry to describe the posture of the wicked ruler making nothing and no one safe. This indeed is a bad situation. V. 16 goes on to say that an inexperienced prince is not much better. An inexperienced prince does things that does not make sense often making rash verdicts and decrees that are flawed and basically self centered and selfish. Any action that he takes is to benefit him and is almost always at someone else’s expense. One translation interprets this verse as a young greedy prince that taxes his subjects heavily for his own gain instead of levying a fair tax. It goes on to say that a ruler, young or old, that is not covetous is a good ruler and will usually rule well and long.

V. 17 There are some things in life that if we do we will never forget. In this verse it makes the point that murder is one of them. If this happens the perpetrator will carry the scene and incident in their mind and heart till the day they die. It also makes the point that if this happens the perpetrator will try every means possible to numb or erase the event from their conscious. They will try rationalizing their motive, blame their state of mind or even blame the worthlessness of the victim telling themselves that this person deserved it. Solomon warns us that we should not help them or support them in their quest for justification of their action. In doing so we neither help them or those associated to the deceased. Covering over or unjustly justifying the situation will only make matters worse. God is the only One that can heal a situation like this and denial is not the answer.

V. 18 There is something to be said for living right. First of all, living right has its own immediate rewards. But, it also has benefits that continue to pay off over time. People remember how you treated them in the past when your hour of need comes. God also remembers and rewards the faithful especially when things are troublesome. But, a selfish person who lives only for them self gets little or no help when things begin to fall apart, destruction coming almost immediately.

V. 19 Time spent is time invested. The return depends upon what it is invested in. This verse highlights the wasting of time on worthless endeavors here focusing on worthless relationships, relationships that take you nowhere but down. As a young person in particular it is easy to get caught in the habit of wasting time hanging around with others doing the same thing…just wasting time. The only payoff to this type of lifestyle is poverty. Instead he advises that we invest our time when there is work to be done. There is a season for everything, a time to play and a time to work. In the season of work he tells us that if we waste our opportunity we will lack. But, if we work and invest our labor in the season at hand we will have plenty, having enough left over for a down time when it is time to play.

V. 20 Blessings…what a beautiful word. It has the definition of something extra, something above and beyond what is expected as a normal return for what was invested. He notes in this verse the abundance of extras that comes with and in addition to the works of a faithful person. This is the person that God seems to lavish upon extras visibly seen by those around them. It appears that even though they are full of good works and one may see the payoff for these good works that there are visibly extras that seem to appear out of nowhere in their life that cannot be denied. Contrasted with this is the one that is in a hurry to get rich, cutting corners in honesty and fairness because of their desire to get rich quick.

V. 21 So often in our relations with others we can show partiality to someone else hoping to get a good turn back sometime in the future. However, this verse reminds us that a return is not always a sure thing. This verse focuses on human nature stating that there are many that will not only not remember your good favor toward them, but may actually be found to turn on you for a better offer. He makes that point that human nature is so fickle that some would actually turn on you for surprisingly not much at all. Here he names a piece of bread as the reward. How interesting, but true. When buying friends it is a good thing to remember that friends really cannot be bought.

V. 22 Greed does something to you. If greed is the driving force behind your direction it will not be long before you make a mistake…a big mistake, usually resulting in poverty. Even smart and gifted unique people are destined and guaranteed to fall and loose it all because of taking chances that contain excessive e risk dreaming about the possibilities if this venture comes true. It is called gambling no matter what form it takes. Some would say that ‘life is a gamble’ so what is the difference. But, when given to greed the odds turn dramatically against you and it won’t be long before all of your hard work flies away as you watch it disappearing out of sight leaving you marooned in life. It is true that there is a certain amount of risk in any venture to get ahead in life, but if greed is an ingredient in the proposition you will never be satisfied with the return wanting more and ending up losing it all.

V. 23 A person knows down inside if you are telling them the truth about them even though they may not like it at first. At first they may get angry at you, avoid you or even lash out at you with words that hurt. But, in the end someone needing to hear the truth will come to their senses and thank you for the rebuke. Being told flattering words that may be untrue will never play out in life finding out in time that the advice given was unproductive and in actuality caused more distress in the situation. But, in time truth plays out, and someone looking for real answers will eventually have to come to it that what you said was what they needed or else continue to live with the pain in denial. When they are ready to face the truth they will realize that you had their best interest I mind appreciating your faithful council counting you as a true friend.

V. 24 Good parents do a lot for their children. In raising them they would do almost anything for them. But, there comes a time when children grow up and realize that there is a difference between being cared for and taking on the responsibilities of life for themselves. It is not always realized while growing up that your needs and wants are taken care of by what your parents have earned and is rightfully theirs. When a child comes of age there should be a realization that the things that you had been use to using are borrowed and do not necessarily need to be paid back but are not necessarily yours to take either. Taking something that you have been allowed to use that has not been given to you here is called robbery. Here he says that saying that it is just my parents and therefore I am entitled to it is the same as a thief seeing something that they want and then take it thinking that they have a right to have it just because it is there. This verse in essence deals with the fifth commandment ‘Honor your father and your mother’.

V. 25 A greedy person wants what they want at all costs. They are willing to bend the truth, cheat, cause trouble or even overpower another person to get what they want. It’s all about them and what they want. Here in this verse he compares this to the outcome of someone that is not so dominant and aggressive but instead trusts in the Lord’s leading. He says that the end of the first approach is a fight which has no guarantee of a satisfactory or desirous outcome. But, he says that the second approach, putting his trust in the Lord has a more sure outcome making the outcome full, rich and fat! We either get what we think that we want and end up with strife added to it or we can trust God for our way and end up with peace and exactly what we needed.

V. 26 The heart can be deceptive. It can mislead and lie. Under our guidance it can tell us what we want to hear instead of what we need to know. Knowing this it is foolish to blindly follow our heart without asking it honest and wise questions about where it is taking us. If the answers come back on sound principles our heart may be trusted. But, if our heart does not conform to wisdom then we must be cautious and ask more questions. In this verse he says that wisdom wins out every time as the right thing to do.

V. 27 Giving to the poor has more benefit than just that good feeling. The promise given here is that by giving we get. We do not give to get, but in giving we do not have less than we began with. But, adding it up and tallying the score when it is all said and done we end up with more than we had in the beginning when we first started. He makes the point of those who have a stingy or hard heart when they see a true need that God takes note. He notes that the response for looking the other way and passing by the poor is many curses instead of blessings. Exactly what is meant by this is not fully understood, but it for sure is not good. All good things come with some degree of God’s blessing. To receive a curse is to receive not good but trouble. It also goes on to say that in seeing we do not see a need only, but an opportunity, an opportunity to give and to be given too in return.

V. 28 When wickedness prevails things are bad. So, bad that you want to hide. But, things often do change. It says repeatedly in Proverbs that the wicked shall not prosper and that their time is but a moment allowing the pendulum swing back to the side of good and good government or righteous rule. It says that when the wicked parish that often the righteous fill in the gap making things mush better.

Proverbs Study – Lesson 41 – July 3, 2011– Seacoast Community Church

Proverbs Study – Lesson 41 (Proverbs chapter 28:1-13)

V. 1 Confidence drives a lot of what you do in life. So, too, does fear. Perception is everything. We make decisions that prompts actions and responses to life more on what we perceive to be true than what is actually so. It is not responses to reality that we respond to and act on, but it is all too often responses to our perception of that reality that drives so much of our life. How we see life really does dictate how we live it and what life becomes. This is a good verse to be reminded that our thoughts drive the boat to what becomes actually reality in our life. In this verse he mentions two approaches to life. He does not place life in the two buckets that is often used to designate the two major approaches to life, usually being the positive or negative approach to life. But, instead here Solomon paints a different picture. He says that the watershed to life and how it works out or treats you deals more with our actions or life style than our attitude. It is true that attitude does often determine our actions, but here Solomon highlights the differences in the reality of life which is determined by two lifestyles. He sets down the two lifestyles that there is a wicked or selfish approach to life and a righteous or God perspective approach to life. He says that it is our heart not our attitude that determines the choices that we make and in turn determines how life turns out. In this verse he highlights the point that a wicked heart prompts a wicked lifestyle which leads to a life of FEAR and actions and decisions based on that premise. However, a clean conscious and a heart bent toward trust in God and confidence in His justice and love prompts good actions that are confident and bold as a lion making reality different and what we would term good or positive. The Apostle John put it this way saying that ‘perfect love casts out all fear’. When we come to God with a clean heart we can do nothing but love Him. If we can face God with boldness then what else is there to fear. We can face life in front of us as ‘bold as a lion’.

This leads into our second verse (v.2) which says when a land is full of wicked lifestyles it becomes diseased and sick overcoming any ability or effort to bring stability to it.  When a land is full of transgression it seems to go through leaders like water, even some good leaders, chucking them almost like spewing them out because there is no place for true leadership. There is no answer to wicked living except change. All too often a nation filled with wicked lifestyles will chose more bad leaders evoking more wicked principles in the land which are destine to fail causing their reign to be short lived also. But this verse also says that there is hope even in a nation full of corruption. It says that one man/person can make a difference. It makes the point, however, that if hope is to come it will be based on solid principles and by a man making and executing wise decisions. Things either work or don’t work due to the principles that it is founded upon. The only hope for a nation and a better world is change and the establishing of it on how it functions basing it on better principles. Solomon would say that this world and universe was meant to work well only on God’s principles. A man of understanding and knowledge would know this from experience would work toward making this so. Solomon says that by doing so a nation’s existence is prolonged.

In V. 3 Solomon brings forth an interesting principle in this proverb. At first glance it seems that Solomon is directing this proverb toward the poor. But, this proverb in reality deals with a principle that can affect us on any level of living. The principle is that ‘we only hurt ourselves when we take advantage of other people’. He uses the poor because it is an easy example to identify with. But, this principle and proverb can also apply to those in business, politics, or any aspect of society. This principle deals with taking away something from someone else to make our life supposedly better instead of evoking God’s principle of ‘helping someone else get what they need’ knowing that in doing so we in turn are also benefited.

Solomon observed that everyone takes advantage of the poor. He would probably say that it is obvious why rich or the more advantaged take advantage of the poor. They are an easy target. But, the mystery to him was why the poor also tend to target themselves taking advantage of each other making their life as a group even more severe. He uses interesting words to express the end result of such action saying that the end result is like a broad severe harsh storm that damages an already sparse food supply leaving even less to go around. Even though it is easy to see this proverb in action concerning the poor, it is also demonstrated in many other levels having the same devastating effect. It was witnessed in this country and others during the recent economic meltdown. Although the survival of the basic foundational fabric of the world financial system was threatened, some chose to take advantage of the situation further weakening the system causing it to be even more fragmented and weak pushing it even closer to potential collapse. A collapse in turn would put everyone in peril including the ones that were taking advantage of the very system that they hoped to benefit from. Even pirates, as an example, as selfish and greedy as they were knew the benefit of helping others along the way to accomplish their plans. Other proverbs that might coincide with this proverb are ‘biting the hand that feeds you’ or ‘cutting off your nose to spite your face’. Solomon would say that good business is good business and is not devoid of treating others right. But, he would also take it one step further. He would say that by helping others at the same time when doing business and helping them to better there lives in the end helps all of us.

V. 4 Our actions tell us a lot about what we truly believe and who we truly are. We may say one thing, but in private or in actual life do another. The law referred to here is more in likelihood referring to God’s laws, not just the laws of the land or of a particular nation. God’s Word Translation puts it this way, ‘Those who abandon [God's] teachings praise wicked people, but those who follow [God's] teachings oppose wicked people’. How we live is important. What we do is more important than what we claim or even how we vote. If we ourselves who claim to want righteousness in the land break God’s laws and principles we in practice are supporting those who are establishing poor or wicked practices actually praising them by our actions for doing so. However, it goes on to say that just by our actions and a righteous or good lifestyle we contend with them forcing them to deal with and contend with just and right principles. By being in their world they must encounter us and the principles that we hold and in turn we encounter them and are found to resist the principles, actions and desires that they pursue. This may be one of the reasons God leaves His children in this world for a season before taking them home after their conversion. In Matthew Christ makes the statement that His children are the ‘salt of the earth’. By living out His principles in this world while He has left us here we ‘contend with this world’ making it a better place.

V. 5 Some things seem so clear, but…not to everyone. In dealing with legislation and beliefs and general points of view there seem to be differing opinions as what is right or best. However points of view and opinions even strong or confident ones are not necessarily based on what is right or wrong but are often based on or tempered by need or desire or often greed. When these things get in the way of our decision making process the truth begins to become obscure or even foreign to us. So much so, that we often lose our sense of right, wrong or even justice, not understanding its principles anymore. Here it says that evil men in essence replace justice with their own laws or code becoming a law unto themselves. However, in seeking God and not our own wants and desires we give up our personal convictions and begin to align ourselves with the true standard of justice. In taking our self out of the equation we yield to the truth beginning to comprehend its wisdom, beginning to understand ‘all things’ as they really are…as God intended. Prov. 14:12 says that ‘there is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death’. Living our life seems so right to us yet for all of us the end of our way and our decisions is ‘death’. The righteous search out God and His ways and in doing so we begin to comprehend ‘all things’.

V. 6  Simple pleasures in life most often don’t cost much. In fact, upon observation, it seems that the more things cost the more complex and often burdensome they can become. Here Solomon points out the pleasure and satisfaction that we get from doing the right things. Money can’t buy this. And yet, if it could it would be worth the purchase, it would be worth its weight in gold. He reminds us that sacrificing our principles will get us nowhere that we really want to go. He says that in doing so we end up miserable even though we may be rich. He says that a good conscious and a clean heart can bring more satisfaction than any amount of money that we may gain.

V. 7 We make sacrifices in life. So often we sacrifice long term gains for ‘temporary pleasures’. But, sometimes our decisions to do so are influenced by our association with other people. Here Solomon warns that those who you associate with can influence your final decision, and in fact your general lifestyle. In the end who you associate with and the standards that you hold can make a difference in how life turns out and how it treats you. As it is so often in life we have a choice between two things. Here the offer is between temporary pleasures and effort. This choice begins so early in life and for some reason the offer between choosing between the two never ends. Solomon encourages us to choose the choice that takes effort and leave behind the path of least resistance. He says to get upstream you have to apply some effort and paddle or life will take you where ever it may. It is true that there is something to letting go and going with God, but Solomon is not referring to that here. He says that going with the flow while associated with no plan live for today individuals will end up only in shame and regret.

V.8 In this world it is often greed that drives our business and investment decisions. We are admonished in this verse however to do good business which contains the element of ‘fair’ business instead. Solomon, one of the richest men that ever lived, noticed that quick and ill-gotten gain was fleeting and the gain only temporary. Being opportunistic and taking advantage of others ended up nowhere. He states that over time he noticed that the gain gotten this way seemed to find its way into the bank account of the good businessman that was tempered by generous compassion toward the poor. Logically it makes no sense that you can have more by charging a fair lesser interest rate and giving away part of what you have asking nothing in return. But, when considering the God behind this principle, knowing that He is gracious and generous it makes perfect sense.

V. 9 Some want all that God can offer, but want to give nothing in return. We can tend to expect God to be there when we need Him, but are not willing to give Him our will and life living our life in violation of His Law. In this verse it says that in doing so that we forfeit all connections and privileges that go along with knowing Him saying that even the basic privilege of prayer becomes a curse instead of a blessing. This verse makes the point that when we turn our back on God’s ways we turn our back on God and even the basic privileges of knowing Him, like prayer, are not only denied but are counted against us as an offence. This verse reminds us that we should not approach God so casual. He has a standard required to have a relationship with Him which includes obeying His Law.

V. 10 This verse is a warning to those who have chosen to deny God wanting and working toward having others join them. Some will go to great lengths to entice and tempt the righteous to fall into sin so as to justify their rebellious lifestyle. In doing so, they devise a plan to entrap the intended victim in a trap that even they could not survive intending them total ruin. In doing so they are warned to be careful. They may be the one that gets caught in the snare. (A good example of this proverb is Israel’s encounter with the king of Moab found in Num. 22) The second part of this verse admonishes us to keep the faith and to be wise to avoid such temptations reminding us of the reward for doing so.

V. 11 Being rich necessarily does not make you wise, but it frequently makes you proud thinking you are wiser that you are. Those who are poor, however, who also have learned a few things in life are much wiser than someone who is proud and rich. Being poor often has the effect of making one work a little harder and making them more aware of what’s happening in life. Often this can translate into wisdom when involved in business dealings with others, here mentioning such dealings with the rich in particular. A poor man that has understanding doesn’t take things for granted but asks questions and checks into details before closing the deal knowing that things aren’t always what they seem. Although being poor can make you a target for someone else’s advantage it does not have to be so. Knowing that being poor does make you a target and being wise enough to be prepared for the encounter is a valuable resource when it does occur.

V. 12 There is a difference in environment and spirit when righteous men are rejoicing then when the wicked are in power.  It is like the difference between night and day. When righteous or good people are in power the focus is on doing what is best for the group or society. They may even sacrifice their own personal agenda for the benefit of others. However, when the wicked rule they only look out for their wants, wishes and agenda. The people who have been in this situation before have experienced that when bad people rule those who are visible are the targets of their extortion. They hide in any way possible to not be noticed waiting it out till good people come back in power again.

V. 13 Hiding things that we should get rid of in our life is just plain foolish. It has no value. It only holds us back and gets in the way of progress in life. We all tend to hide things that we are not proud of. Adam did it. So did Eve. Hiding our mistakes and shortcomings has been common to man since the beginning. But, we get nowhere by hiding them, storing them up to pile them up into an odious heap.  But, unless we bring them to God what do we do with them? How do we deal with them on our own? So we all too often cover them and conceal them hoping to figure something out on our own when no good way or ides comes. We find no answer on our own. Yet, sins are like a lot of smelly things. They are so much better at healing and decomposing when exposed to air and sunlight. Covering things like this only allows it to fester. It is interesting, bringing our sins to God’s light is not so bad. At first in the light it appears bad when we see it for what it is, but here Solomon says we find an interesting ingredient necessary for dealing with the problem that only God can bring and give. He says that we find mercy…forgiveness, which is able to deal with and wash away any problem completely. He says that in the end we can go on, free, not carrying the burden that kept us back. He says that in the end confessing and exposing our sins to God will in turn free us up to prosper and grow again.