1. My
son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a
stranger, 2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou
art taken with the words of thy mouth.
The word “surety” means A pledge or formal promise made to secure
against loss, damage, or default; a security. One who has contracted to be
responsible for another, especially one who assumes responsibilities or debts
in the event of default.[1]
This is talking about becoming involved with someone in such a way
as to either allow your name to be used in place of another person or you have to use another person’s name in place of yours. The danger is that when you have given your
name to another person, you tend to have expectations about their
behavior. If it makes sense to lend a
hand to someone, do yourself and them a favor, sit down, and go over the
expectations ahead of time. This is the
reason we have contracts, to set the rules of behavior.
See, one of the things that takes place in either condition is
that the one that has barrowed has to live according
to the agreement made. Where, if you
were not under the scrutiny of the agreement you would be free to live as you
see fit. This is not strictly about
loans. This is a two-sided warning in
that if you do someone a favor and that favor is by your name, then your name
has been loaned to another. This is fine
as long as the one entrusted is trustworthy of such a
thing as another person’s name. If
someone does you a favor by using his or her name, respect that. Nevertheless, understand the responsibility
that comes with that and work hard to return them their name in good standing.
3. Do
this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy
friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
You should take care of this right away. It will deliver you. Being delivered is a condition of our
conscience. See, if we owe someone something,
we should concern ourselves with it deeply.
In our society however, borrowing and being in debt has become
commonplace. Wisdom brings us to freedom
and being free of debt is one of Her prize liberties.
4. Give
not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
Again, take care of it now!
5. Deliver
thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of
the fowler.
This is talking about when we cosign for someone. Which is when the person who needs something
cannot get it on his or her own reputation or character. This should be a warning to the one
cosigning. If the person were to be of
good character, they should be able to get the things they need without
help. Maybe it would be wise to consider
what it is that the person wants in which requires a loan or service they
cannot gain on their own. Most of us
would say a person needs to have a phone but is the phone not available
now? You might ask why? Was the phone abused? Were there too many long
distance calls?
6. Go
to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8Provideth
her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the
harvest.
On the sandy beaches of the anthill you never see little umbrellas
and lounge chairs or smell sun tan lotion. The ants are always busy doing something
productive. Notice here too, that there
is a time for specific kinds of work, in this case, time to harvest.
9. How
long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
A sluggard is a lazy person and even a lazy person becomes board
with their life and finds themselves tired much of the time. A lazy person will search for any excuse to
get out of doing something. In Proverbs
22:13 "The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets." If we
have this tendency we need to shake out of it and get
busy! One with Wisdom cannot be
slothful.
10. Yet
a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
Be careful how much you allow yourself to like sleeping. There is nothing wrong with falling into bed
at night exhausted from the activities of the day. However, searching your day for times to lay
down and sleep may be a warning sign. I
have found when I become lethargic I need to do
something physical to get my metabolism energized.
11. So
shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and
thy want as an armed man.
If we are lazy and busy sleeping all the time
we will find ourselves held hostage to poverty.
The phrase “one that travelleth” means someone
without a home. They have
to be on the move all the time because they will not work, they just beg
and move on. The word “want” means base
needs like food, water and shelter. The
phrase “as an armed man” gives the sense of eventually, to survive, we would
hold a gun to someone until they gave us these basic needs. Keep in mind, the condition is not due to
being unfortunate but instead being lazy.
It is good to be busy. In
considering the ways of the ant, we have all seen how they are constantly
busy. Seemingly they have no one
directing what they should do, they just do it.
A man of Wisdom will do the same.
When something needs to be done, they do it. In our society we call this “being a self starter.”
12. A
naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
The word “naughty” actually means
worthless or good for nothing and comes from the Hebrew root word meaning
without profit or benefit. Ungodly and evil are even used in Pr. 16:27, “An
ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his
lips there is as a burning fire.” It is not referring to the simple and seemingly
mischievous person as we tend to view as someone being called naughty today. This person
is up to no good and their only motivation is to see that others stumble. The “wicked man” is the same.
The phrase “walketh with a
froward mouth” may be confusing but simply put it means the person walks
around creating distortion and has a certain crookedness about them. This person is ready to take something, which
is partially true, make additions or deletions to their liking. You never know what to believe or what not to
believe. The word “froward” is defined as: habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition [syn:
headstrong, self-willed, willful, wilful][2]
This is Wisdom’s way of telling us that when we are around someone
that is constantly opposing authority or disobedient
they are wicked. Make a mental note on
that fact. This is a weapon in our
arsenal for use in our everyday walk, wake up and use it. Take action and
defend yourself.
13 He
winketh with his eyes, he speaketh
with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
If you follow the guidelines from the previous verse, this is a
perfect example of how detailed Wisdom wants us to be aware of all that is to
be known and understood when it comes to this particular type
of person. This is a further
description of someone who is considered wicked.
When a wicked person winks they do it to
join you to their folly. The wicked
person’s perspective is to “let you in on a little secret” sort of ploy. They will often be identified by their
actions, “he speaketh with his feet” which, if you
watch long and close enough you will be able to see the kind of person they
are.
The phrase “teacheth with his fingers”
is not referring to someone that talks with their hands. The word teacheth
means to cast out or point out and figuratively to shoot. Psalm 11:2 "For, lo, the wicked bend
their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot
at the upright in heart." This
is actually talking about someone that points out
those individuals they are intending to attack.
14 Frowardness
is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he
soweth discord.
“Frowardness” is the act of being perverse, Pr 17:20 “He that hath a froward heart findeth
no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth
into mischief.” Being
perverse in the heart is in direct contradiction to its intended designed. In that it is warring with its condition
there is no sanctity of the mind until the mind becomes vein. Romans 1:21 "Because that, when they
knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain
in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."
Wisdom’s warning to us here is that there is a certain degree of
deception where the mind becomes void of the ability to have understanding
where Truth is concerned. The mind
becomes rooted in the wrong thoughts and purposes because as the heart becomes
more perverse it treasures wickedness.
Take a minute to discern the focus of your thoughts. Look at the positive versus negative
thoughts. Are there more positive than
negative? Are you optimistic or
pessimistic? Listen, it only takes a seed of negativity to ruin the garden of
genuine grade ‘A’ optimism.
15 Therefore
shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without
remedy.
The reason calamity is sudden stems
from the deceptiveness of wickedness.
Think about this carefully for a moment; if you were deceived you would
not even know it. You actually
would be able to ask yourself, “Am I deceived?” You would answer, “No” for the most part
because of the very nature of deceptiveness.
When you finally reach the end and there is nothing but calamity and
brokenness, deception releases its grip because it has taken you to an end with
no remedy.
With Wisdom, She
begs us to come to Her and put an end to our deluded state. It is the only means by which we have any
hope at all of not becoming wicked or froward. As the ant is diligent with its business, we
need to be exercising Wisdom through faith. Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that
cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him."
Here is the list again from chapter 2;
if thou wilt receive
my words (vs. 2:1)
hide my commandments with thee
(vs. 2:1)
incline thine
ear
unto wisdom (vs. 2:2)
apply thine
heart
to understanding (vs. 2:2)
criest after
knowledge (vs. 2:3)
liftest up thy voice for
understanding (vs. 2:3)
seekest her as silver
(vs. 2:4)
searchest for her as for hid
treasures (vs. 2:4)
16 These
six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A
proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An
heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be
swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
If you ever wanted to know what it is that the LORD does not want
us to do, this list is a good place to find each one of them. There are seven items mentioned here, so lets look at each one of them one-by-one.
1. A proud look: This is when someone wears his or her
arrogance outwardly. It is so obvious
when you look at them, they think far too highly of themselves. So much so that it depicts their opinion of
others around them as lowly compared to themselves. The way they walk, the way they talk, they
way they hold their hands, the way they dress, they way they carry themselves
in general. They just ooze with this
rancidness of how they embellish themselves in their mind. Contrast this with what one with Wisdom and
knowledge of God exemplifies, I Peter 5:5-11, (NIV) “5Young men, in
the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe
yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the
proud but gives grace to the humble." 6Humble yourselves,
therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast
all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.8Be self-controlled
and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because
you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind
of sufferings. 10And the God of all grace, who called you to his
eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself
restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the
power for ever and ever. Amen.” I could not resist this
example as it depicts not only the attitude but also the benefits. Now, go spend two minutes in front of the
mirror. Stare at yourself. Which one do you see?
2. A lying tongue: This one is easy, or is it? A lie is a lie if the truth is not fully
revealed. This means that anything
outside the truth should be eliminated.
It would be wise for us to say, “in my opinion” when that is the case to
keep from confusing our listeners by implying we have
all the facts. This also includes
exaggerating or distorting in such a way that if the person were to have been a
witness, they would know you were not telling the story correctly. Look at Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore
putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:
for we are members one of another.” Consider it an honor to be
a truth-teller and in doing so honor the brotherhood of Christians by being
known that way. There is also another
way to lie which results in a lying tongue, look at I John 1:6 “6If
we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do
not the truth:” The point here is that simply trying to stop lying has to
come from within. You may even have to
look deep inside and make a commitment to correct some of those exaggerations
from the past.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood: When I see this, I
picture in my mind these bandits lurking around the corner waiting to kill some
poor unsuspecting person, take all that he has and cover the
evidence. However, Christ had a little
bit more pointed and applicable statement for us to consider. Look here in Matt 5:21-22 “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time,
Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the
judgment: 22But
I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall
be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever
shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” This makes it a bit different and brings it
back to “Attitude” and not actually physically killing someone. If we are even as much as ill willed toward
someone, we need to deal with it as if it were murder and deal with it as soon
as possible.
4. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations: the word “deviseth”
has the sense of cutting in or engraving and at the same time concealing as
well as inventing. Matt 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Pay close attention here too in that it says
heart and not mind. The heart is
motivated toward evil. This is not
talking about a fleeting thought that is runs through the mind and it quickly
kicked out by the heart’s recognition of it being wrong. This is a condition of perpetually trying to
invent wickedness. This would be the
same as the “Frowardness” in verse 6:14, where the heart has become wicked and
all that is in it, is destroying any joy it finds. Notice here again, these abominations are not
simply physical acts committed from delusion but instead attitudes. Attitude is the seed to physical rebellion.
5. Feet that be swift in running to mischief: there is
something interesting about this one because it seems that those involved with
mischief always want someone else to know their mischief and that they invented
it. I remember working in a factory when
I was younger and when someone was going to play a prank on someone
they always wanted someone to come along and enjoy the event. The word “mischief” here is not as we know it
today, it is also translated as wickedness and affliction. This is not talking about a simple prank or
joke. This is talking about a dangerous
place to be and one that on the surface may seem harmless. The laws of our land call them
accessories. In many cases not only the
person that actually did the crime is punished but
those that were there with them. Sometimes
it is difficult to tell who is the one doing the evil or is responsible for the
plot. The reason this is an abomination
to the LORD is the willingness of the heart to be there in the first place.
6. A false witness that speaketh lies:
in a way this refers to number two in this list but not in the same way. The contrast of this is found in Pr 14:25 “A true witness delivereth souls:
but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” Another definitive verse is Pr 12:17 “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” A false witness speaks and fashions
deceitfulness and plays their deceitfulness to their advantage. Taking with them the prisoners of their
wicked perspective. Speak only the truth
in any matter. If you are not clear on
the truth then keep quiet!
7. He that soweth discord among the brethren: I have
personally seen this one in action many times.
This is the condition that takes place when we have a fellow employee or
someone we know and we run up to them and say, “Can you believe what so-and-so
did?” We try to find someone else to see
things our way. Sometimes this happens
right in our own Churches. We run and
tell everyone about some condition of one of our fellow Church members. We are not seeking to remedy the situation we
are just overwhelmed with the information and can’t wait to tell someone. A good rule of thumb here in this one, “if
you are not part of the solution then stay out of it and don’t repeat it to
anyone.” There is another principle in
effect here too if you look closely, sewing discord means you will reap
discord.
My advice is to learn these by number. It may help you to recognize them and any
symptoms of them more quickly.
Any sin committed has a root cause from which it is
motivated. For instance, if you steal
something, the root cause of that symptom could be a proud look or a heart that
devises wicked imaginations or even feet that are swift in running to
mischief. The point here is getting to
the heart condition, which is where sin starts.
Getting to the root of sin is the desire of the LORD because without
understanding the root from which that sin derives its grasp only deals with
the symptoms. Its much like the ole weed
in the flower garden, if the weed is snapped off at the surface it grows back
and often, stronger and more demonstrative.
However, if you dig under the surface and take out the root, that
specific weed is gone. There is relief
to the gardener when he sees the root.
We need to look closely at the things in our lives that we struggle with
and then look at this list to see which one of these root causes is
responsible. Then we can pray for the
right relief. This could explain why
when we pray for relief from a symptom it continues to burden us. Wisdom resides prudently and Her goal is to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness, COMPLETELY! Roots and all.
20 My
son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Now that we have been told the seven abominations, we are reminded
to focus on the instructions of our parents.
The LORD blesses us when we are honoring our parents. Another aspect of this verse is to prick the
conscience of parents. As parents this
is clearly a prodding to instill the right perspective to our children. It is fully the responsibility to clearly
invoke the foundational premises by which our children will form their view of
the world.
21 Bind
them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about
thy neck.
When we touch something hot or cut ourselves with a knife or even
cross a busy street without looking, we are keenly aware of the
consequences. The phrase, “Bind them
continually upon thine heart,” means having the principles of Wisdom at our
core and keenly living in understanding Her instructions.
Wear them openly and hold ourselves accountable so those around us
who may be watching might witness. It is
not enough to say we have Wisdom unless it is demonstrated.
22 When
thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
Wisdom’s seasoning brings forth the banquette of integrity. When our life is led by Wisdom our path is
straight and peaceful. Our walk has
direction and purpose. The right kind of
sleep is full of rest and rejuvenation.
That is how we wake up with vigor and anticipation. Notice the phrase "talk with
thee". The Hebrew word talk is a root word and only used once in Proberbs. It means
to commune or meditate. The best way to
explain it is to say this is our "inner voice" or our "self talk." It's that never ending
conversation we have with ourselves about EVERYTHING!
23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the
law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
“Way of life” is an interesting component of this verse that might
get passed over if you just read this verse and move on to the next. But take time and pause here for a
second. It is not something we are
accustomed to hearing. Being corrected
and chastened our entire lives is not the modern way of thinking. Today there is more coddling
and encouragement handed out for bad behavior than ever. There is always and effort to focus on blame
and to point out circumstances that lead up the horrendous eruption. Blame is a childish game of “Its not my
fault.” Even when we are grown up we are going to continually be corrected. However, be encouraged at this point by the
fact that the correction and reproof you receive is from a loving Father and is
handed to you in the form of Wisdom to them that ask! Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp
unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
If we are growing and our sanctification is progressing, the
reproofs are simple corrections. Our
error is more quickly identified and our repentance is
dealt with at the root and more sincerely.
24 To
keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange
woman.
As we learned in chapter 5, there are many tools of this slayer of
men. I would like to point out that it
is the commandment and the law and the reproofs that keep a man from falling
victim here. But at the same time we need to understand that Wisdom is also pointing out
the tools of this detestable woman is an avenue of responsiveness found in a
man. A man will react to flattery. He may only react deep within himself to
shallow or vein flatteries, but it causes a stirring none the less. The word “flattery” is formed from a Hebrew
root, which has two meanings. One is to divide and another is to be smooth, slippery and
deceitful. As you can see, the choice of
words the LORD chose to use is full of meaning and instruction. Obviously the
purpose of the evil woman is to divide a man from his family and deceitfully
set him on the path to hell.
25 Lust
not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her
eyelids.
These that seek so diligently to bind a man for a time will always
try desperately to whisk away any reasoning.
One method is to appeal to the eye in such a way as to send a
message. That message being one of a
thousand words and all of which are worthlessness. By the design of the LORD a man’s eyesight
becomes that of an eagle when the skin of a woman is involved. It is said that an eagle can read newspaper
print from over one hundred yards. A man
can identify a nice pair of legs from twice that distance. I have often pondered the distance at which
Bathsheba was bathing from King David’s vantage point. By reasoning, him being king that his
residence was of substantial size in height and breadth. That would put him at a substantial distance
and yet he was affected. Bluntly stated,
men if it is not the nakedness of your wife then turn away. Women if there be even the slightest chance
of revealing that which is meant for your husband, cover it up!
26 For
by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the
adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Don’t be fooled into thinking the whorish woman is one of
innocence or ignorance. Her goal is an
existence and one that has some flair to it, which in turn spawns more appeal
to her victims. Her goal is to glean all
she can, especially the conscience of a man.
You see, once her venom numbs the conscience of her victim, he
unknowingly is a slave to her destruction.
27 Can
a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can
one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
This is basically saying, don’t think for a minute you can escape
the judgment or the penalty of this horrid sin.
Your circumstances are not so unique that they grant you any immunity,
in any way, shape or form.
29 So
he that goeth in to his neighbour's
wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
If we look back and consider what we have learned, just in this
chapter alone, the attitude of wanting our neighbor’s wife has condemned us
already. Remember, attitude is the seed
to physical rebellion? Any sin is
rebellion. That is why the LORD hates it
so much.
30 Men
do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his
soul when he is hungry;
As mankind is known to do, he makes excuses for his mistakes. We tend to try to justify ourselves when we
can. This is not talking about
food. In this case the man may justify
his adultery by virtue of his not being fed at home. The thievery comes from taking that which has
been made one with his spouse and giving it to another. The word "soul" is the same word
used in Prov. 6:26 and translated as "life." The condemnation of one
who has fallen into such a vile condition is not a matter of our judgment
therefore do not despise them. It is a
serious matter nonetheless and one to be dealt with by the LORD himself, for
only the LORD knows the heart. Look at
this example found in John Chapter 8:3 – 11;
3
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and
when they had set her in the midst, 4 They
say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that
such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they
might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger
wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So
when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself,
and said unto them, He that is without sin among you,
let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And
again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being
convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the
eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman
standing in the midst. 10 When
Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the
woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine
accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She
said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn
thee: go, and sin no more.
With respect to stealing another man’s possessions, this is not to
say it is ok to steal but instead it is saying that out of the desperation of
hunger if a man is known to have stolen, it is still wrong but not done out of
wickedness but instead necessity.
31 But
if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of
his house.
If every thief were held to this law, there would be far less
thievery. Just think, the evening news
would be headlined with, “Man found guilty and must repay seven cars in order to
make restitution.” Or something like this, “Victim granted entire house!” Make no mistake, those whom have fallen into
the sin of adultery have indeed lost everything. In the mornings when the radio-alarm comes
on, there is a commercial where a man with a convincing voice calls out to men
going through divorce. His words beckon
them to call him in order to lesson the loss and stand up for their
rights. Wisdom is telling us however,
that understanding the gravity of this sin, in definition, will cost us
everything we possess.
32 But
whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth
his own soul.
While in the delusional state of lust the ability to understand is
often distant and fogged by passion. Certainly placing your hand into a fire renders pain and
physical damage but with the soul it is more difficult to see clearly and
consider the results. Wisdom will guard
us from inching our way to disaster.
33 A
wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach
shall not be wiped away.
The woman in the example from John 8 certainly received relief
from condemnation, yet she is still known in her setting as one who fell into
this disgraceful condition. She will
always be known as one who was caught “in the very act.” While we may ponder the embarrassment of her situation we will never loose sight of the fact of what it
was she was doing that brought about the story.
The same is true of us.
34 For
jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not
spare in the day of vengeance.
Wisdom is telling us that in a man who has been robbed of his wife
through adultry, be it by her choice or her
accomplice, his rage will drive him to revenge.
There may come a day where your physical life is brought
to an end due to your lack of understanding.
35 He
will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
This is interesting in that it implies once the recognition of the
previous verse is made clear, there is the focus on remedy by the perpetrator. No ransom or gift will remove the
vengeance. In fact
the one wronged will not even accept the ransom. The word “regard” actually
means to lift, bear up, carry or take.
While the term is used in the negative sense it simply means there is no
consideration of the gift in the first place.
The only restitution and satisfaction of his vengeance is death.