1 Whoso
loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth
reproof is brutish.
This
form of the word “instruction” is in the form of discipline and
chastening or correction. This is saying
if you love correction in your life, if you love being disciplined, if you love
the Lord’s chastening, then you love knowledge.
The word “knowledge” means perception, cunning and skill. It is also translated as cunning. Basically
in order to have knowledge we have to love instruction. We have to love being corrected and
disciplined. Without that level of
commitment then we will disappoint ourselves greatly in having expectations and
no results. For instance, if we are driving
to a place we have never been and we get lost, we need to have our path corrected
in order to arrive at our destination.
Sometimes we think we know how to get there or if you are like me and
know a short cut but that route is flawed, it is hard to ask for directions. Wisdom will send instruction in many
different ways. Often we don’t even know
we are headed down the wrong path and She will try to correct us.
You
and I have said more than once, “I wish they would mind their own
business!” Often those situations may
have been reproof coming our way. If we
turn away then we are brutish. The NIV translates
the word brutish as stupid. It boils
down to being willing and in a stronger sense, loving the correction and in
turn then being able to love knowledge!
In fact we cannot even know knowledge until we love chastening, correction
and dicipline.
2 A
good man obtaineth favour
of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
Since
by now we should have the mentality that the purpose of Wisdom within us is in
place, having asked. Then too we should
understand that the principle of Wisdom is a mechanism set in motion by
God. Created for the purpose of order
and principle. We have an incarnate
voice of that Wisdom and those who know not the Lord are not privy to the
voice, only the principles. Their
distinct disadvantage is that there is no forewarning of logic and discipline
to guard them the way we are guarded.
With these forces set in motion the condemnation is the curse of
calamity and a disjoined life.
3 A
man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall
not be moved.
Wickedness
is embedded with a transient philosophy to begin with if you think about
it. From the onset, one of true
wickedness would have to move along or else be discovered. Our first reaction many times when we ourselves
are placed in a position of being uncomfortable is to move to a more
comfortable position. Just make sure
that position is not encroaching upon your commitment to Wisdom.
4 A
virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh
ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
Being
a crown to her husband means she is important and considered part of his
wealth, Genesis 34:29 “And all their wealth, and all their little
ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the
house.” This is the first use of
this word in the Scriptures. The value
placed on a virtuous woman is enormous.
The Bible interchanges the words wealth and virtuous often. As a matter of fact if you were to look up
the word in Strong’s Concordance you would see that it is defined as, strength,
might, wealth and army.
The
conclusion of this verse is fair warning to the seriousness of being a wife
that her husband is ashamed. The bones
are the organs of the body that produce blood cells and when they become rotten
they no longer produce healthy cells.
Leukemia and many other terminal illnesses are directly related to the
bone’s health. Let this also be a
warning to us that the things we allow to go on, or the things we involve
ourselves in have a direct correlation to our health and well being physically.
5 The
thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
Your
thoughts are your own. You have the
ability to contemplate what ever you so desire.
Consider that your thoughts would be naturally accustomed to Wisdom’s
clarity. Through Wisdom, your thoughts
are right. This is not to say we never
fail in the process of learning. Being
committed to learning is where the heart has to be.
The
wicked seek comfort in their own kind. I
have seen on TV where the police raid a house and for some reason it seems
there are always several people in the house.
They hang out together. They
connive together. Mixing with the wicked
is serious business.
6 The
words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright
shall deliver them.
The
words we speak have power. They actually
cannot be taken back. For instance, look
at what happened to Isaac and what he said after he had given (spoken) the
blessing to Jacob: Isaac told Esau the
blessing had been spoken and could not be reversed. Watch your words and use them wisely and
above all make them positive.
7 The
wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
The
wicked are without a house in the sense of establishing themselves because they
are overthrown. “And are not” means they
don’t exist. Conversely, the righteous
have a house or family which is known by their uprightness and integrity as
well as being highly regarded.
8 A
man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse
heart shall be despised.
Ok,
want to know how you know if you are growing?
It says here, “A man shall be commended according to his wisdom:” Have you been commended lately about how you
were insightful or smart about something?
If not, don’t quit. Just make
sure you are not being despised. If you
are not being despised, there is a good chance growth is taking place and your
continued efforts will spark a comment.
God knows when to tell you.
9 He
that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh
bread.
There
are times when we feel that we are above certain things. Sometimes we feel it is better to bend in our
convictions and keep peace. Sometimes it
is better to keep the peace but be sure it is not at the expense of your
convictions. It should also be said here
that it is important to not find yourself at the summit of the wrong mountain. By that, I mean this; you have to be open to
listen. If you are unable to hear with
your heart, those God brings into your life will leave you fruitless. This verse could be summarized by saying,
don’t think too highly of yourself or you will be without those things you
actually need in order to sustain life itself.
10 A
righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but
the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Tending
to those things you have been granted by God is to demonstrate righteousness as
well. Many times we see folks that have
things and then the rust sets in. They
do not tend to them nor do they have ANY regard for the responsibility or from
where they came.
The
wicked have no desire to let loose of even a single thing they find value
in. In the previous verse it says they
end up "lacking bread" in the end.
So then the "tender mercies" here are not of any value and
rest assured the wicked have negotiated to trade something of higher value.
Cruel, right?
11 He
that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread:
but he that followeth vain persons is void of
understanding.
A good
hard day’s work is like therapy. When
you get things done you just feel good inside.
I have noticed when I cut grass I get to thinking about all kinds of
things. Before you know it the yard is
done and I feel great. Not many of us
till the ground anymore for our daily needs but we do work hard all day. Some of us sit in an office and some are
outdoors. This is not saying, go find
some land to till but it is saying the labor will yield satisfaction.
The
word "vain" in the original means empty or worthless. A vain person, having no value, in order to
fashion some sort of justification, tends to want to be told how good they
are. This is not a problem unless you
are the one they snag into having to tell them that all the time. The problem becomes even more of an issue
when the person is not as good as they want to hear they are. Think too of the others that know the person
you are having to lift up is of no value.
It would seem that the "void of understanding" rides openly on
your reputation!
12 The wicked desireth
the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth
fruit.
Seemingly,
now and then, wicked evil fools prosper.
When they do, those whom they keep company with are poised to snatch
anything they can from one another. They
prosperity is short lived and then they are off to the next plot. Notice how Wisdom gleans its fruit. The “root” of the righteous is the
source. It is where they have themselves
planted that feeds them.
13 The
wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out
of trouble.
The
reason the wicked are snared by their lips is simple, think about whom they
talk to and discuss matters. They feed
on themselves.
The
just may find themselves in trouble now and then. Did you see that? Yes, no matter how hard we try (if we are
just) we will occasionally land in trouble.
The hope comes from this principle.
While we have Wisdom and conduct ourselves accordingly, by using
discretion and watching what we say, we will come out of trouble. The reason is that we have not spun a web of
lies and non-truths in our everyday life, which is the snare of the
wicked. Deal in Truth, make it your
mantra.
14 A
man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence
of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
If we
are constantly regurgitating hatefulness and negativity then there are not
going to be many willing to be around us.
If there are not many around us then it is nearly impossible to be fruitful. In Genesis 1:28 “And God blessed them, and
God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth,
and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of
the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon
the earth.” We are actually
commanded to be fruitful. If the things
that come out of our mouths are not for the purpose of being fruitful then we
need to check the condition of our heart.
This verse is also telling us that the ability to be satisfied or filled
with an abundant life is in direct correlation to the things that come from our
lips.
The
word “recompence” means reward or benefit.
This verse simply points out that there is a reward for doing the right
things with your hands. This is true for
our work and our spare time. An example
of this would be like washing your car.
You wash the car and you do an especially good job getting all the
little tough places. When you are done
and the car is dry you hop in and ride around and some even feel like the car
drives better when it is clean. There is
a sense of accomplishment from your efforts.
Unfortunately it is short lived because as soon as it rains the little
spots appear and the grim of the road finds its way onto your car. Now, consider this for a moment. This is a way to make a carwash last
forever. Go and wash some widow’s
car. Do a great job. She will sing your praises to God!
15 The
way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth
unto counsel is wise.
If you
listen to a foolish one for very long you can see how they can come to the
logical conclusions they do. They can
spin their logic in such a way that everything connects perfectly. The problem is their perspective is often
wrong and adding a few facts or a condition of reality nullifies their
thinking. This is why seeking or “he
that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” There is a verse in Romans 1:22, “Professing
themselves to be wise, they became fools.”
It important to seek counsel in matters, even simple matters. Possessing Wisdom does not mean you will
never have to ask questions or seek help, it simply means you have the ability
to discern from a Godly perspective.
16 A
fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth
shame.
Why
does this say “a prudent man covereth shame?” it is because a fool is quick to convulse his
rage and anger. This verse does not say
a prudent man will not have wrath, just that when he does he is able to control
himself. In addition to knowing God is
in control, the prudent man is at peace with himself as well. One other aspect is that when Wisdom dwells
in us She is guiding us along the way, which keeps us from stumbling into
shameful situations to begin with.
17 He
that speaketh truth sheweth
forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Speaking
truth is a way of showing or demonstrating righteousness. It is not the easiest of challenges. Many do not want to hear the truth and the
sad fact is that many in our Churches don’t want to hear the real Truth anymore
either. They want to exit the doors of
the building feeling all pumped up and confident instead of having been touched
by the Potter and changed. If we are not
willing to hear the truth then certainly we are not committed to speaking the
truth. Righteousness has no room for
anything but rightness. Look at verse
22.
18 There
is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but
the tongue of the wise is health.
There
have been times when I wanted to hurt the person I was talking to so they could
feel the pain or understand the condition of my frustration. A carefully placed word or phrase might make
them cringe just enough to impart my condition.
I have learned however, conducting warfare in that manner is not
profitable in any way. Even if I were to
get them to feel my frustration they would seek to avoid it and eventually
avoid me. Bringing words of health to
those around us means our responsibility is far greater then satisfying our
selfish considerations.
19 The
lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a
moment.
When
truth is spoken it cannot change and is established forever. On the other hand, when a lie is spoken its
life as being understood as the truth, will eventually end. So then if the lips of those speaking the
truth will be established and thus the life they lead as well.
20 Deceit
is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is
joy.
The
word “deceit” means treachery. The first
part of this verse is talking about betrayal.
Here is the definition of treachery; 1: betrayal of a trust [syn:
perfidy, perfidiousness] 2: an act of deliberate betrayal [syn: betrayal,
treason, perfidy][1]
I am
sure at some time we have all thought about some calamity that should befall a
person that has wronged us somehow. It
would be a form of justice. This verse
is saying to stop doing that. Make peace
by becoming a counselor of peace. We
should never expect to arrive at peace in every circumstance but being one that
is committed to making truth the key ingredient will in most cases bring
lasting joy.
21 There
shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
This
is not saying the just will never suffer trials or tribulations, this is saying
the just will not fall prey to evil. If
you are a just man and there comes a trial then you may trust that it is not
evil but instead instruction or correction or even better, chastening. Hebrews 12:5 – 11 “5And ye have
forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as
unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint
when thou art rebuked of him: 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every
son whom he receiveth. 7If ye endure
chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for
what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8But
if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards,
and not sons. 9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which
corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in
subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10For they verily
for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit,
that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11Now no chastening for
the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable
fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."
Being
“filled with mischief” as it says here means to be abundantly full. It is almost as though there is no good thing
in them at all. Their concern is for
themselves and their folly because their folly consumes them. The instant you detect this characteristic in
someone flee his or her presence.
22 Lying
lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
These
last four verses have made reference to the “six things the LORD hates and yeah
seven are an abomination.” Remember
Proverbs 6:16 – 19 and the list of abominations? Here is the list again:
1. a proud look
2. a lying tongue
3. hands that shed innocent blood
4. an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations
5. feet that be swift in running to
mischief
6. a false witness that speaketh lies
7.
he
that soweth discord among the brethren
We may find it difficult to
convert to not lying but the penalty is eternal. Look at what John wrote about the “New
Heaven” in Revelation 20:27 “And there shall in no wise enter into it any
thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh
abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which
are written in the Lamb's book of life." The lie is an abomination to the LORD. Living a lie is an abomination, being part of
a lie is an abomination and finally using a lie to profit is an
abomination. The penalty may seem
distant but the severity of the judgment is extensive.
23 A
prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of
fools proclaimeth foolishness.
There
are certain things that just don’t need to be said sometimes. In some cases it is more information than is
needed or the information may have been given to us in confidence. If the information has been given in
confidence then we would not share it with everyone.
In
stark contrast the fool will proclaim all they know and when they do, it will
be for the purpose of their own benefit.
When a fool has information that they themselves can benefit from it
makes no difference what that information may cost. This warning also reminds us to use our
discernment when sharing information. We
need to be wise about what we say and even wiser about who we are saying it to.
24 The
hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
This
verse is basically saying that if we are diligent then we will have those
things we are responsible for under control and well managed. For example if we take care of our yard then
we will have control over the length of the grass and the weeds in the
flowerbeds. If we don’t take care of the
yard then the city may come along and force us to mow and pay a fine or even
worse condemn the whole house.
The “slothful”
being lazy will eventually fall under the weight of the term “tribute”
which actually means work-gang or task masters.
They will be forced to do the work under close supervision. Lack of diligence is synonymous with loss of
freedom.
25 Heaviness
in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
The
word “heaviness” here is a term used to describe extreme stress or
anxiety. We have all had anxious moments
where we were consumed with our own well being.
We may have been waiting to hear news about a loved one. During that time we were completely focused
and when that happens the heart causes our countenance to demonstrate our
condition. That is why those that know
us best come up and say, “Are you ok?”
When the word or news comes that we are waiting for then we are
glad. Even if the news is bad news there
is a form of gladness in knowing what needs to be dealt with.
26 The
righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but
the way of the wicked seduceth them.
This
is an interesting verse because it looks as though it is literally saying that
if we are righteous then we are better than our neighbor. The Hebrew word for “righteous” means
having integrity, equity, justice, and straightness. The Hebrew root word means
upright, just, straight, innocent, true, and sincere.[2] The word “excellent” means to search
thoroughly and seek out or explore.
Basically it is saying then with these meanings someone with
righteousness searches and explores matters more closely than the wicked. That is why it continues with the wicked are
seduced by their ways. We already
understand the wicked are always trying to work their folly. The word “way” in this verse compared
to verse 28 are different in that this one means habit, manner or moral
character. It is the very kind of person
they are that will eventually consume them.
27 The
slothful man roasteth not that which he took in
hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
There
is something about being “diligent” and knowing the value of all that is
accomplished. Many times the “slothful”
have to have things given to them in order to survive. By virtue of the diligent working hard to
provide substance they realize the value and how precious the fruits of their
labor are. I have actually witnessed the
slothful take sustenance, which someone graciously provided, and let it
rot. For the slothful it is a vicious
cycle because they fall into the mentality, “there is always more where that
came from.” There are those who by some
condition may be unable to provide for themselves and so they are in need of
help but this verse is talking about those who have the means but are
unwilling.
28 In
the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
The
word “way” means path so the verse could actually start off, “In the
path of righteousness…” The word Righteousness is the same word used in verse
26. We inherit righteousness through
Salvation which means God sees us as a righteous family member. Galatians
4:4–6; “4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent
forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem them
that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And
because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your
hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” Please
note the adoption here. There is a
distinct willingness on behalf of the Father to adopt and take on all the
responsibility that comes with bringing us into His Family. The fullness of Righteousness is not only
life itself but eternal life and thus “there is no death.”