Devotions on Proverbs: Proverbs 2:12-22 Part A

 

C1 The wisdom that comes from God will do 3 things:

D1 Save from evil people

D2 Save from evil man/woman

D3 Save from God’s judgment and being cut off from the land of the living

C2 Save from evil people

D1 The Hebrew word for save is נָצַל nâtsa. It means

E1 To remain free from slavery of evil people of all types

E2 Step Bible

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to take away, snatch away

1c2) to rescue, recover

1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death)

1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt

D2 These people are described as

E1 Wicked (rebellious against God’s character, worldview, lifestyle, laws, and kingdom).

E2 Perverse speech (blasphemous against God and His ways and lies of all types)

E3 Abandoned the truth and God’s way of life

E4 Lifestyle of darkness

F1 Ecclesiastes 2:14 NIV The wise have eyes in their heads, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both.

F2 John 3:19 CSB This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.

F3 Compare: Colossians 1:13 GNB He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son,

E5 Love doing evil, that is, disobeying God and breaking His laws.

E6 Rejoicing in evil, evil people, evil actions, thus pain, suffering, selfishness, etc. Compare Galatians 5:19-21 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

E7 Instead of straight paths, there is a crooked path. Acts 2:40 NLT Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation! Crooked as perverse, evil, corrupted, etc.

E8 Living in dark ways. Compare: Colossians 1:13 GNB He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son,

E9 Devious. Compare: Proverbs 14:2 NLT Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.

D3 Questions:

E1 How can having God’s wisdom spare us from evil people?

E2 Name some of the ways people are wicked. Give some examples.

E3 How does abandoning truth affect wisdom?

Devotions on Proverbs: Proverbs 2:1-11

 

C1 Note the conditions needed for the result

D1 Depending on how you understand the verses there several of conditions to be meet before there is a result. These are (listed by verb). In summary, we must be willing to listen, pay attention closely, ask diligently, and strongly desire and use effort to find wisdom.

D2 Likewise, the nouns. In summary, we are to know, learn, listen to the words and commands of knowledge and wisdom, to understand the principles and reasons for these words, and to desire them as money and hidden treasure.

C2 The result is to understand the character traits of God and His worldview and lifestyle. The word fear has the meaning that God is judge, and we must give an account of ourselves someday. As believing Christians we have assurance of salvation, because of the ministry of God the Son for us (the Gospel). The judgment seat we face is the Bema seat of Christ where we are judged for rewards [Romans 14:10 NKJV, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15]

C3 Yahweh is the source of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, safety, preservation, and protection. There are conditions—listed above—and the conditions of obeying His rules. These are the rules of His kingdom. These are the rules the He lives by and requires us to obey these.

C4 If these blessings are not enough, we also learn that God’s instructions will give us perception to avoid making bad decisions. We will understand what is right, just, and fair. This is not just a philosophical knowledge but knowledge we can apply to every activity in life. This gift of God also results in finding knowledge and wisdom to be pleasant and enjoyable. Discretion and understanding will protect and guard us. This is because we will make wise choices and decisions instead of stupid choices.

C5 Questions:

B1 How do we learn God’s principles of wisdom, etc.?

B2 How do we live these principles?

B3 How do we encourage and teach others to live these principles?

Devotions on Proverbs: Proverbs 1:8-19

 

B3 Proverbs 1:20-33

C1 Wisdom is personified pleading for those without wisdom to come and learn wisdom.

C2 Being wise in not automatically known.

C3 Parts

D1 Announcement and invitation in Proverbs 1:20-21.

D2 Her message in Proverbs 1:22-33

E1 People naturally love being simple. Proverbs 1:22

F1 Love is to desire and long for hence love in many different applications as spouse, family, friend, ideas, philosophy, etc. In our passage, it seems to refer to lifestyle and worldview.

F2 Simple: The basic verb idea is “be open, spacious, wide,” and might relate to the immature or simple one who is open to all kinds of enticement, not having developed a discriminating judgment as to what is right or wrong. (TWOT 1853a).

E2 Wisdom pleads for all to turn around, stop being that way, learn wisdom. Turn means to turn around, repent, turn from living in simpleness to return to God, etc. Proverbs 1:23 GW Turn to me when I warn you. I will generously pour out my spirit for you. I will make my words known to you.

E3 Rejection of wisdom in Proverbs 1:24-25 has consequences. A foolish past can be changed to a glorious future. Repeated rejection eventually results in lost opportunity to repent. This itself is a consequence of foolishness.

E4 The consequences of rejection in Proverbs 1:26-27. Choosing foolish decisions instead of wisdom leads to sad and painful consequences. It results in calamity, fear, desolation, destruction, distress, and anguish. Proverbs 1:26-27 GNB So when you get into trouble, I will laugh at you. I will make fun of you when terror strikes—27 when it comes on you like a storm, bringing fierce winds of trouble, and you are in pain and misery.

E5 Proverbs 1:28-31 gives the reason for not helping them. They repeatedly rejected wisdom and consequently made bad choices. They can’t blame God for what happened to them.

F1 Proverbs 16:16 GW How much better it is to gain wisdom than gold, and the gaining of understanding should be chosen over silver.

F2 Compare Moses in Hebrew 11:24-26.

F3 A few of the notes from Constable's Expository Bible Study Notes 2016 Edition Thomas L. Constable, Th.D.:

G1 Choices-the wise teachers bring us back to that familiar theme: the choice between wise behavior and foolish, between righteous conduct and wicked, has consequences that boggle the mind. [Note #71: Hubbard, p. 319.]

G2 The fool is one by his own fault, not by fate (vv. 30-31). [Note #72: Kidner, p. 60.] Wisdom laughs at the fool's calamity (v. 26), not because she is hard-hearted but because it is so absurd to choose folly (v. 26).

G3 The figure of laughing reveals the absurdity of choosing a foolish way of life and being totally unprepared for disaster. [Note #73: Ross, p. 910.]

E6 Being simple, that is, foolish always leads to bad outcomes. Proverbs 1:32-33 NCV Fools will die because they refuse to listen; they will be destroyed because they do not care. 33 But those who listen to me will live in safety and be at peace, without fear of injury.

C4 We learn the principle that when God initiates and offers, we do not resist.

C5 Wisdom comes from God, but we must read, study, apply. We will be tested.

C6 How can wisdom help us?

C7 Why do people resist God and His offer to know wisdom?

Devotions on Proverbs Proverbs 1:8-19

 

B3 Proverbs 1:8-19

C1 Here we read the general principle to avoid sin, to avoid seduction of sin by friends, pastors, leaders, politicians, family, etc.

C2 Choices have consequences.

C3 The foundation of seduction is a lie and sinful desire.

C4 The hook of seduction is something sounds too good to be true. This is so in relationships (love bombing), advertisements, salespeople, politicians, job interviews, etc.

C5 Eventually, all becomes known. God knows and will punish sin. Matthew 10:26 GNB So do not be afraid of people. Whatever is now covered up will be uncovered, and every secret will be made known.

C6 Questions

D1 Verse 19 is the summary verse. What is the main principle we must know?

D2 Name 3 applications of this principle.

D3 With reference to the 10 commandments (Exodus 20), what are some of the commandments that are disobeyed in this passage?

A Few Thoughts About Proverbs 1:1-7

 

Chapters 1-9

B1 General Instruction about wisdom

B2 Chapter 1:1-7 Why study Proverbs?

C1 Teaching—note the verbs—to

D1 To know wisdom and instruction

E1 Wisdom is knowing the facts and using and applying them in a godly way

E2 Instruction is obtaining facts

D2 To perceive words of understanding. Rote memory is not enough. We must understand what it means, and how to use it appropriately.

D3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity

E1 These things that we must learn are either worldly or spiritual.

E2 1 Corinthians 3:19 NLT For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, "He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.

E3 James 3:13-18 NLT If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

D4 To give

E1 The simple (naive) prudence.

F1 We must prepare our children, so we must be prepared as Christians to teach these things.

F2 Prudence is knowing and using good judgment/good sense.

E2 The young and inexperienced knowledge and discretion

F1 Discretion is making plans and knowing the best way to achieve that goal. Often these things come from experience of success and failure. We study the Proverbs to learn from others experience. God teaches us how to choose and act wise.

F2 For all, but especially for the young and inexperienced who may be easily led astray.

F3 1 Psalms 19:7 GNB The law of the LORD is perfect; it gives new strength. The commands of the LORD are trustworthy, giving wisdom to those who lack it.

D5 To increase these things in a wise person in what they mean and how to use it.

E1 Further facts and applications

E2 Wise counsel

E3 Proverbs and parables

E4 Sayings and riddles

D6 Summary

E1 Fear of the Lord is beginning of knowledge

F1 Respecting His authority knowing that He can discipline.

F2 Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary:

The grand inference of the whole book.

Fear God—The antidote to following creature idols, and “vanities,” whether self-righteousness (Ecclesiastes 7:16, Ecclesiastes 7:18), or wicked oppression and other evils (Ecclesiastes 8:12, Ecclesiastes 8:13), or mad mirth (Ecclesiastes 2:2; Ecclesiastes 7:2-5), or self-mortifying avarice (Ecclesiastes 8:13, Ecclesiastes 8:17), or youth spent without God (Ecclesiastes 11:9; Ecclesiastes 12:1).

this is the whole duty of man—literally, “this is the whole man,” the full ideal of man, as originally contemplated, realized wholly by Jesus Christ alone; and, through Him, by saints now in part, hereafter perfectly (1 John 3:22-24; Revelation 22:14).

E2 Fools despise wisdom and instruction

C2 Application

D1 We do not have this knowledge and ability to apply it innately.

D2 We must be taught. Psalms 119:130 MKJV The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

D3 We must learn how to assess, understand, and apply to help ourselves and others.

D4 We must continually motivate ourselves and others to achieve more.

D5 It is better to learn from others rather than make a poor choice and suffer the consequences.

D6 Proverbs is not so much about rules as it is about principles that we can apply in many circumstances.

A Few Thoughts on Proverbs 27:17

Proverbs 27:17 NKJV As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

As Christians, we have a large body of wisdom.

• God has taught us through precept and laws.
• God has taught us through people's lives both good and evil.
• God has taught us through people seeking/praying for wisdom. This is especially so in the Bible book of Proverbs.
• God has taught us through the life of His Son, the Lord Jesus, the Son of man and God the Son.
• God has taught us that He will give us wisdom when we ask for it. James 1:5 NLT If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

A harden steel file can be used to sharpen a knife, ax, shovel, etc.

Countenance

• The Hebrew word is פָּנִים pânîym and means face. It is used in many difference ways
  • The face
  • A person
  • A seraphim or cherubim face
  • An animal face
  • The face of the ground, etc.
  • When used with a preposition it indicates a position relative to person, etc.
• Here, it is used for people

Sharpen

• Used to illustrate a truth
• Used to show edification and grow in our Christian life.

How do we sharpen each other?

• Encourage each other to Bible reading, study, and prayer
• Kindly pointing out our errors in life, thinking, actions, etc.
• Thanking each other when appropriate
• Listening to each other
• Finding a solution to a problem together
• Discussing a topic
• Using our spiritual gifts together. For example, one might have wisdom and the other mercy, teaching, etc. We need to be open to each other's gifts.
• Answering questions. For example, I don't understand the problem of evil, but another believer has spent hours on that very topic. It doesn't mean that we have to believe them, but we can listen closely.
• Praying for each other

Some other verses

• Good counsel: Proverbs 27:9 NKJV Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel.
• Encouragement: Isaiah 35:3-4 NKJV Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.
• Encouraging each other to live a Christian life: Hebrews 10:24 NKJV And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
• Encouraging each other when facing difficulties: 1 Peter 4:12-13 NKJV Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

I do not believe the proverb refers to an argument where each person's face shows anger.

Listening versus Offering Opinions

Proverbs 18:2 NIV - Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

How many people do we know that do not fully listen to another person?

People need to communicate to each other.
• Husbands and wives
• Children and parents
• Teachers and students
• Pastors and congregation
• Bosses and those under them
• Leaders and those under them
• Medical professionals and their clients
• Legal advisers and their clients

Understanding
• We must know what the other is saying
• We must clarify what they are saying if we are not sure
• We must be listeners
• Remember that we too have issues
• We are one family (Christian)
• Listening is showing love
• Listening is a virtue
• Listening is showing mercy

Good listeners
• Sit quietly
• Do not stare at the speaker but have enough eye contact that the speaker knows they are listening
• Do not give their opinion
• Do not talk except to clarify
• Do not offer solutions unless asked or absolutely necessary (for example a crime has been committed)
• Do have body language that reflects their interest in the speaker
• Do not judge until they understand what the speaker is saying
• Do not ask for details except to clarify. Example, evil pastors wanting details of sexual abuse or molestation
• Will relisten if necessary. Sometimes what someone tells us is so upsetting, they must repeat themselves.
• Don't gossip. This is private information, unless the speaker requests others know or a crime is committed (which must be reported)

After understanding, then
• Believe them
• Give advice briefly
• Refer as necessary (especially after abuse, molestation, and crimes)
• Pray with them seeking wisdom and comfort
• Offer to help ("How can I help you?")
• Follow up and make sure the person is receiving help

The fool
• Does not listen
• Quickly offering advice instead of listening
• Interrupting with conversation not related to what the speaker is telling them
• Using their cell phone, reading, or doing something else instead of listening
• Interrupt the speaker with their own experience
• Will not believe them
• Accusing them
• Will not refer
• Will not comfort
• Will not offer to help
• Seeks revenge
• Takes advantage of someone when they are susceptible to further damage
• Makes excuses
• In cases of abuse, etc. believes the abuser instead of the abused
• Gossips
• Mocks them
• Insults them

God (Yahweh) is a good listener
• Matthew 11:28 NIV - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
• 1 Peter 5:7 NIV - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
• Romans 8:26-28 GW  At the same time the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we don't know how to pray for what we need. But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words.  27  The one who searches our hearts knows what the Spirit has in mind. The Spirit intercedes for God's people the way God wants him to.  28  We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-those whom he has called according to his plan.
• Luke 6:12 GW  At that time Jesus went to a mountain to pray. He spent the whole night in prayer to God. (So if we need too, we can. If the Father listened to the Lord Jesus, so He listens to us as well).

A Few Thoughts on Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 1:7 NKJV The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

There are 4 things I would like to speak about this evening: Fear, Knowledge, Wisdom, and Discipline.

Fear

B1 The Hebrew word is יִרְאָה yir'ah. It means

C1 Fear and terror as in Jonah 1:10 GW Then the men were terrified. They knew that he was running away from the LORD, because he had told them. They asked Jonah, "Why have you done this?"

C2 Reverential fear as in speaking of Messiah Isaiah 11:2 MEV The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

B2 We who have reverential fear must remember who the Boss is. We all have to give an account to Him one day. 2 Corinthians 5:10 GW All of us must appear in front of Christ's judgment seat. Then all people will receive what they deserve for the good or evil they have done while living in their bodies.

Knowledge

B1 The Hebrew word is דַּעַת daʻath. It means

C1 Knowledge, knowing as in

D2 Hosea 4:6 MEV My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from being My priest. And because you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

D2 1 Kings 7:14 NIV Whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre and a skilled craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him.

D3 Knowing something as facts, skills, and daily life as a journeyman plumber, surgeon, lawyer, etc.

C2 Knowledge of how to act wisely in society and in situations as Proverbs 17:27 YLT One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper is a man of understanding. The NET versions has the sense, the meaning of the passage: Proverbs 17:27 NET The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning.

C3 As Christians, we know that our God is omniscience—all knowing.

B2 The fear of the Lord is the first step. It is the foundation of this wisdom and knowledge. God’s ways are always best—best for individuals, families, businesses, governments, societies, churches, just everything!

Wisdom

B1 The Hebrew word is חׇכְמָה chokmâh. It means

C1 Skill as in Exodus 31:2-5 WEB “Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: (3) and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship, (4) to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, (5) and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of workmanship.

C2 We understand that wisdom is not only the highest intelligence possible (as in IQ) but also in common sense. God is omnisapient—all wise. Example: Jeremiah 10:12 NKJV He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.

Discipline

B1 The Hebrew word is מוּסָר mûwçâr. It means

C1 Correction as an experienced and skilled worker, “You can do that project easier if you…”

D1 It can be physical correction as choices have consequences: Proverbs 22:15 NIV Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

D2 It can involve punishment for crimes: Isaiah 53:5 GNB But because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received.

C2 Instruction, warning, giving knowing, and coaching. Proverbs 10:17 GNB People who listen when they are corrected will live, but those who will not admit that they are wrong are in danger.

B2 Despising (H936) means feeling contempt for and detesting something. Destesting wisdom and instruction leads to wrong life attitudes and choices that corrupts and causes misery to society.

We learn

1. Decisions have consequences. Galatians 6:7 NKJV Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
2. Right decisions lead to a good society, family life, married life, church life, etc.
3. Wrong decisions lead to a corrupt society, crime, discord, dysfunctional families, etc.
4. God teaches the right way Matthew 6:33 NIV But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Things as Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law).
5. God is the source, THE educator for our wisdom and learning, so we need to read and study His word the Bible.

Questions to ask ourselves:

1. Why is God’s way best?
2. How can we learn God’s ways?
3. How can I apply God’s ways?
4. How do we help each other, encouraging one another, and teach each other God’s ways?
5. Are we doing God’s ways in public and private?
6. Ask yourself, as I must ask myself, “Am I doing God’s ways in my thoughts, desires, words and deeds?

Luke 6:40 NIV The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

John 13:13 NIV "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.

John 14:23-24 NIV Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

A Few Thoughts On the Book of Proverbs Part 3

Part 3: Special topics

B1 Proverbs 30

C1 The writer: Proverbs 30:1 NLT The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message. I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God.

C2 Outline

D1 Statements comparing God’s wisdom and Agur’s.

E1 Agur confesses his ignorance: Proverbs 30:2-3 NLT I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.

E2 Agur has some questions that he cannot answer, so he asks God: Proverbs 30:2-3 NLT I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.

D2 Statements regarding what God says: Proverbs 30:5-6 NLT Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

D3 Statements of Agur’s prayer: Proverbs 30:7-9 NLT O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?" And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name.

D4 Statements that are foolish and evil: Proverbs 30:7-9 NLT O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?" And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name.

D5 Statements regarding those who have an evil attitude, heart, and actions:

E1 What they say: Proverbs 30:10-14 NLT Never slander a worker to the employer, or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it. Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother. They are pure in their own eyes, but they are filthy and unwashed. They look proudly around, casting disdainful glances. They have teeth like swords and fangs like knives. They devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity.

E2 What they crave: Proverbs 30:15-17 NLT The leech has two suckers that cry out, "More, more!" There are three things that are never satisfied--no, four that never say, "Enough!": the grave, the barren womb, the thirsty desert, the blazing fire. The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother's instructions will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures.

D6 Statements of things he does not understand: Proverbs 30:18-19 NLT There are three things that amaze me--no, four things that I don't understand: how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman.

D7 Statement of a seared conscious: Proverbs 30:20 NLT An adulterous woman consumes a man, then wipes her mouth and says, "What's wrong with that?"

D8 Statements of things hard to endure: Proverbs 30:21-23 NLT There are three things that make the earth tremble--no, four it cannot endure: a slave who becomes a king, an overbearing fool who prospers, a bitter woman who finally gets a husband, a servant girl who supplants her mistress.

D9 Statements regarding illustrations of wise actions: Proverbs 30:24-28 NLT There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants--they aren't strong, but they store up food all summer. Hyraxes--they aren't powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks. Locusts--they have no king, but they march in formation. Lizards--they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings' palaces.

D10 Statements regarding four things that are impressive to watch as they walk: Proverbs 30:24-28 NLT There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants--they aren't strong, but they store up food all summer. Hyraxes--they aren't powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks. Locusts--they have no king, but they march in formation. Lizards--they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings' palaces.

D11 Statement regarding a need for repentance: Proverbs 30:32-33 NLT If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, cover your mouth in shame. As the beating of cream yields butter and striking the nose causes bleeding, so stirring up anger causes quarrels.

B2 Proverbs 31

C1 The writer: Proverbs 31:1 NLT The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.

C2 The Bridgeway Bible Commentary notes: King Lemuel was probably a non-Israelite from a neighbouring nation, but his mother appears to have been a God-fearing woman who vowed her son to God (31:1-2). The main desire of some kings was to get themselves as much pleasure as possible, chiefly through women and wine. Lemuel is warned that such interests distract a king from his proper duties and result in lawlessness and injustice (3-5). Strong drink deadens pain and dulls the mind. Therefore, among the people who seek after it are those whose distress is so great that life seems to have no more hope for them. The king should not seek after it, for he must have a clear mind at all times, so that he can judge with justice and defend the downtrodden (6-9).

C3 The king is warned to avoid spending his life on women and alcohol. These things ruin kings and in turn ruins nations.

C4 The rest of Proverbs 31 is about this wonderful woman. The point is: Why should the king have many women when he could have one wonderful wife.

C5 Some interpret this passage as patriarchal and amounts to nothing but the wife being a slave who meets all her hellish husband’s needs and wants. This interpretation is very simplistic and wrong.

D1 She is a delegator. She does not do all the work. She is a manager who has the maidservants to do the work. She delegates the works and makes sure it is done.

E1 Proverbs 31:15 NLT She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls.

E2 Another translation: Proverbs 31:15 GNB She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and to tell her servant women what to do.

E3 Another translation: Proverbs 31:15 NRSV She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls.

E4 I understand this verse to teach

F1 She plans the menu and her maidservants prepare the meals.

F2 She plans the day for the maidservants whether working the fields, sewing, making cloth, etc.

D2 She buys, sells, invests and many other tasks. Proverbs 31:16, 18 NLT She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. ... She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

D3 Even though the passage states, “She did this and that,” this means she gets the credit as the manager who delegates.

C6 Having worked with women for most of my career (I’m a nurse), I can testify to the hard work, managing time and family, organizing, etc. I’m simply amazed at all my wife does efficiently, too.

C7 I shouldn’t have to mention that the husband must help with raising the children, cleaning the house, washing dishes, changing diapers, too. I tire of men with 17 inch biceps who are scared to death to get their hands dirty. I shoveled manure in the barn, cleaned old folk, the sick, the children, and whatever else I could do to help. The children worked too. Proverbs 18:9 NLT A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.

Proverbs 31:30-31 NLT Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Ephesians 5:28-29 NLT In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church.

A Few Thoughts on the Book of Proverbs Part 2

A few example verses are given in each major category.

B1 Family

C1 Parents

D1 Proverbs 20:7 NLT The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.

D2 Proverbs 6:20-22 GNB Son, do what your father tells you and never forget what your mother taught you. 21 Keep their words with you always, locked in your heart. 22 Their teaching will lead you when you travel, protect you at night, and advise you during the day.

C2 Marriage

D1 Premarital

D2 Wedding

D3 Sex

E1 Faithful with spouse

E2 Unfaithful

D4 Relationship

D5 Do’s

D6 Don'ts

D7 Some verses for both husband and wife

E1 Proverbs 18:22 NLT The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.

E2 Proverbs 31:26 NLT When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

E3 Proverbs 14:22 NLT If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.

C3 Children

D1 Teaching

D2 Raising

D3 Education

E1 Belief in God

E2 Basics as reading, etc.

E3 Work

E4 Responsibility

E5 Good character traits

D4 Some verses

E1 Proverbs 20:11 NLT Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

E2 Proverbs 22:6 NLT Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

B2 Finance

C1 Money

D1 Attitude

D2 Poverty

D3 Riches

D4 Debt

C2 Work

C3 Some verses

D1 Proverbs 10:16 NLT The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.

D2 Proverbs 27:23 NLT Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds,

D3 Proverbs 28:11 NLT Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

B3 Government

C1 Proverbs 21:1 NLT The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.

C2 Proverbs 21:30 NLT No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.

B4 Addictions

C1 Alcohol

C2 Mind altering

C3 Some verses

D1 Proverbs 20:1 NLT Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.

D2 Changes perceptions and thus people’s action: Proverbs 23:29-35 NLT Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don't gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And you will say, "They hit me, but I didn't feel it. I didn't even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?"

D3 Because one’s sense of judgment is altered: Proverbs 31:4 NLT It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.

B5 Human problems

C1 Anger

C2 Envy

C3 Fools

C4 Happiness

C5 Laziness

C6 Hope

C7 Trials

C8 Truth vs lies

C9 Some verses

D1 Proverbs 24:1 NLT Don't envy evil people or desire their company.

D2 Proverbs 18:2 NLT Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

D3 Proverbs 10:28 NIV The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

D4 Proverbs 30:5 NLT Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

B6 Religion

C1 Proverbs 21:3 NLT The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.

C2 Regarding our prayers and pious statements: Proverbs 12:22 NLT The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.

B7 A great resource is Proverbs Topically Arranged. The Topics are listed with a Scripture tooltip for making it easy to read.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

A Few Thoughts on the Book of Proverbs Part 1

Part 1:Introduction

B1 Author: Solomon, Lemuel, and Agar. The Holy Spirit inspired them.

B2 Purpose: to show the contrast between God’s wisdom and human wisdom.

B3 Why read and study? Proverbs 1:2-6 NRSV For learning about wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight, 3 for gaining instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to teach shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and prudence to the young— 5 let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill, 6 to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles.

C1 For learning

D1 Wisdom (thinking God’s way)

D2 Instruction (correction and training)

C2 For understanding words of insight (skills and attitudes that wise men and women have learned)

C3 Gaining instruction

D1 In wise dealing (behavior)

D2 In righteousness (doing the right thing, thinking the right way, in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds in public and private)

D3 In justice (in deciding cases, making the right decisions)

D4 In equity (evenhandedness, impartiality, treating poor and rich, powerless and powerful, etc. the same)

C4 Teaching the simple (naive, unskilled, inexperienced)

D1 Shrewdness (discretion, forethought, caution, sensibleness)

D2 Knowledge (knowing facts, having experience)

D3 Prudence (having a reasonable plan, purpose)

C5 Increasing in those who have wisdom

D1 More wisdom than before (on how to speak to impart understanding)

D2 Greater skills in life (giving direction and wise counsel)

C6 Other translations

D1 Proverbs 1:2-6 NLT Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.

D2 Proverbs 1:2-6 GNB Here are proverbs that will help you recognize wisdom and good advice, and understand sayings with deep meaning. 3 They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair. 4 They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful. 5 These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated, 6 so that they can understand the hidden meanings of proverbs and the problems that the wise raise.

C7 All these proverbs are to be applied to spiritual life as well as daily life and interaction with people.

B4 The most important is the start

C1 Salvation

C2 Not resisting, not refusing to believe, not suppressing, not rejecting truth, God’s truth, which is perfect truth. Truth is reality, not opinion.

C3 The Fear of the Lord: Proverbs 1:7 NKJV The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

D1 G. Campbell Morgan wrote that there are two kinds of fear:

E1 The fear that God will hurt me; but that is a selfish fear.

E2 The fear that I will hurt Him; a fear founded in love and producing holiness of character and righteousness of conduct. (See Ezekiel 6:9+). (Source)

D2 Personally, I believe there are 2 kinds of fear, too:

E1 Fear of God because of sin: Genesis 3:8 NIV Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

E2 Fear of God because of accountability (for Christians this is the Bema Seat judgment, where we must all give account. It has nothing to do with salvation, hell, heaven, etc. It does deal with rewards).

F1 Judgment Seat (Bema Seat)

G1 Romans 14:10 WEB But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

B2 2 Corinthians 5:10 WEB For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

F2 As Christians, all of our deeds will be tested. This includes private and public, known and unknown, thoughts, desires, words, and deeds: 1 Corinthians 3:12-16 WEB But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; 13 each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is. 14 If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire. 16 Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you?

http://www.swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Bible/Bible%20Charts/Proverbs.htm

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Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

A Few Thoughts on Proverbs 21:21

Proverbs 21:21 NKJV He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

Pursues (follows)

B1 The word pursue (follows) is רָדַף râdaph (Strong’s H7291). It means “to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively (of time) gone by).”

B2 We need

C1 Desire

C2 Motivation

C3 Ability

C4 Strength

C5 Dedication

B3 God’s grace awakens the desire and need. God’s grace will give the ability and strength, and we have been delegated the motivation and dedication.

Righteousness

B1 Is doing God’s will in thoughts, desires, words and deeds.

B2 The Lord Jesus is our example: Hebrews 1:8-9 NIV But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

Mercy

B1 The foundation and motivation for mercy is love.

B2 Showing mercy does not mean forgive and forget.

B3 Mercy is a kindness.

B4 Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)

C1 Mercy because of love.

C2 Even though we deserved death, He gave us life when He raised Jesus from death. This is for us who believed and put our trust into Jesus.

C3 Without God’s grace to initiate salvation, we would have no salvation.

Find

B1 Something that was lost, hidden, not available.

B2 It implies our effort.

B3 God’s grace is necessarily.

Life

B1 We can best understand what life means when we consider what dead is.

B2 Starting human life is important, but the most important choice is eternal life or eternal death.

B3 We find eternal life after being awakened by God’s Spirit and place our trust in Jesus.

B4 The contrast shown; a choice to be made:

C1 Matthew 7:13-14 GNB Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it. 14 But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it.

C2 The choice between luke and fate (Gad and Meni) or Yahweh. Of the Jews, God said: Isaiah 65:11-12 GNB But it will be different for you that forsake me, who ignore Zion, my sacred hill, and worship Gad and Meni, the gods of luck and fate. 12 It will be your fate to die a violent death, because you did not answer when I called you or listen when I spoke. You chose to disobey me and do evil.

Righteousness as already mentioned

Honor

B1 To a lesser extent, it refers to honor and blessings in this life. To Israel God gave the blessings and curses (Deuteronomy 30:19), which are mainly to the things in this life.

B2 To a much greater extent, it refers to the honors and blessings we receive after death (if we are believers). 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.

If God is our shepherd, then Psalm 23:1, 6 NIV The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. ... Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

So let us pursue God and His ways.

John 14:15 NLT If you love me, obey my commandments.