The Proverb For The Day

 

 

1:26-28, “I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. ‘Then they will call on Me, but I will not answer; they will seek Me diligently, but they will not find Me’.”  The context is God pleading with men to receive wisdom, but men continue to reject Him and live-in sin. The significance of the passage is that, after a certain point of perverse refusal, God no longer pleads and strives with men. The consequences of a life lived without God is grave! He permits sin to do its own sad work in the soul, and to produce its own natural results in life; he removes his restraining hand and suffers them “to eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices” (ver. 31). There is a point of no return! Pastor Gary ><> 

30:15-16 “The leech has two daughters-- Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, four never say, ‘Enough!’ The grave, the barren womb, the earth that is not satisfied with water-- And the fire never says, ‘Enough!’” Things in nature that are never satisfied are describing the unsatisfied human heart. The human heart is arrogantly moving as it yearns for something more and better than anything it currently has. The human heart is not slowed by consciousness, or limited by time or quantity, it is always crying “Give” me more! Nothing that is worldly, or human can satisfy a man’s heart (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). The human heart was created for the highest and best, and we will never be satisfied with anything less than God Himself. Everyone can find God through faith in Jesus Christ and in Him find satisfaction! Pastor Gary <>< 

29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” The proverb is dealing with religion and politics giving the consequences of what one looks like without the other. I know that our government wants the righteous (Christ followers) to stay out of their way, and at times the righteous wants the government out of its way. But righteousness (Christ’s) is to influence politics; it is to be the leading factor in holding the standard by which all political actions are to be judged. There is no standard today. Everyone stands on his own platform and it has become incorrect to correct that which is wrong. Righteousness should leave no region of life untouched. For the righteous to withdraw from politics is to hand that important region of life over to the devil. How much longer will we have to groan? Pastor Gary ><> 

28:13, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Covering is often used to hide sin, but it will not cure. Covering is only dress up. It’s like putting a band-aid on skin cancer or clothing over a disease. In fact, we cannot prosper from under the covering. But mercy will come as we admit, confess, and forsake our sin. This allows God to get to the sin and do His work through the blood of Christ. He forgives and has mercy on those who confess and forsake their sin. Confession is only complete by forsaking the sin, if not it is mockery. Someone said, “We’re sorry and repent, and then go on from day to day, just as we always went.” Just remember God will not be mocked. The sin that you try to cover God uncovers, but the sin you confess God covers with His mercy! Pastor Gary <>< 

27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” The friend that cares and has your best interest at heart will tell the truth even though it might wound you. We all need friends that are willing to turn us away from temptation, warn us about our conduct which benefits us in our character. This friend does not delight in saying unpleasant things but rather delights in what the wound could produce. This is a friendship that is rare but needed for all who want to reach his or her highest potential. We could not find a better friend than one that would dare to wound us. Hebrews 12:5-6 reads, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens…”  The motivation for such wounds should always be love. Seek friends that love you and listen to them! Pastor Gary <>< 

26:23, “Smooth talk from an evil heart is like glaze on cracked pottery.” You do realize that not everyone tells the truth when they talk, don’t you? In fact, they did not even intend to tell the truth. But they were hoping that you would believe them to be true. Smooth talk leads to dishonest schemes, and how often we are warned about such tricky. At the root of all such schemes is an evil heart with an evil intent. Smooth talk is false words with the intent, to gain our trust, heighten our expectations, and then boom! By such smooth talk, our money, friendships, reputation, and happiness are seriously endangered. Someone said a long time ago, “If it sounds too good to be true it usually is.” Beware of flattering words they are usually the bait for schemes! Just remember even a cracked pot can look good with enough glaze! Pastor Gary <><

25:6-7, “Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great; For it is better that he say to you, ‘Come up here,’ than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.” The conceited tend to exalt them-selves and they will be embarrassed! They assume they have earned the right to stand with great men and even show up uninvited. They refuse to see a blemish in their character, and arrogance in their attitude. It is better to be mentioned and promoted as great by others. People that are great do not usually recognize it themselves, but if they do hopefully someone will put them in their place. The conceited will be humiliated. Note To be lowly minded has a far better position than to exalt self and be embarrassed in the presence of the “invited great.” Wait for your invitation! Pastor Gary <>< 

24:17-18 “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.”  One only needs to look at the New Testament to find a similar truth, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). It is most unlike Jesus and a sin when we rejoice in our enemy’s failure, defeat, and even their suffering. And it is also a sin to inflict injury on them by our own hand. Our impulse on the wicked side is to strike those who strike us, and cheat those who cheat us. But in doing so we are being influenced by sin and under the control of the same evil as our enemy. We were made to love and pity, help, and bless and to do otherwise is a sad departure from the intentions of Christ. Christlikeness is most obvious by the way we treat our enemy. Pastor Gary ><> 

23:22-25, “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice.” The call is to childhood obedience and to listen is equivalent to obey. We also find the exhortation to comprehend all the teachings of his parents. Hold on to the truth, don’t sell it, exchange it for worldly gain, sensual enjoyment, or allow it to be argued away by false reasoning. Truth, wisdom, and understanding endures and proves itself in all spheres both moral and intellectual. Now with such a child any parent can rejoice and be glad. But disobedient children break the hearts of their parents! Pastor Gary <>< 

22:24-25, “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” How bad it is to lose command of ourselves and act or speak with a rough, mean, and loud voice when we consider: First it is wrong. God gave us the ability to control ourselves but when we allow ourselves to be irritated and provoked to anger, we fail to fulfill our heavenly Father’s purpose. Second, it exhibits folly. It shows that we are not wise the way God intended us to be. Folly shows again how soon and how easily we can be overcome and lead from the path of wisdom! And lastly it leads to evil. We are never at our best when we are angry. Our judgment, and mental facilities are disordered, and we will act and speak in ways that bring regret! Anger breeds anger, so why make such a person our teacher? Pastor Gary ><> 

21:23, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” Silence is golden! Less talk, less trouble. But how many guard the mouth? James 3:2-12 teaches about the power of the tongue and the challenge to control it. The tongue controls more of us than we realize. It is so small, but when out of control it can do un-repairable damage. Marriages, friendships, and business partnerships have been destroyed because people refused to guard their mouths. When the guard is off duty, anything can come out of our mouths. Just because we think it, we don’t have to say it! Remember the tongue reveals what’s in the heart. If you find yourself always apologizing for what you say, your mouth is out of control. Keep the guard on duty and save yourself a lot of trouble. Pastor Gary <>< 

20:19, “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore, do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” They tell all; therefore, they make bad councilors, accountability partners, friends etc. They want to get to know you to obtain and tell what you know. They will let out any secret entrusted to them, so be careful about what you say. Listen to some great statements about this principle. “When I utter a word, it hath dominion over me; but when I utter it not, I have dominion over it”, “The silent man hath his shoulders covered with the garment of security”, and “I have been sorry for having spoken, never for having kept silent.”  With those who reveal secrets, walk deceitfully, and open wide their mouth, do not associate. Maybe when the talebearer is abandoned completely, he or she will abandon such evil practices! Pastor Gary <>< 

19:22, “What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar.” Kindness is what we do not only in words but also in deeds. Kindness reaches out with a helping hand, or a charitable gift. Kindness is a characteristic that every person should display although all do not. Kindness makes for good friends, strong relationships, and honest dealings. Acts of kindness make people more desirable than those without it. Note the last part, “and a poor man is better than a liar.” A poor man who would give willingly, but has nothing, is marked better than the man who could give yet says he has nothing to give. The poor man’s intent is valued as kindness, but the other man is marked as a liar. We can all engage in acts of kindness, even those without much, and we all should. We do not have to be rich to be kind! So, why lie about our possessions! Pastor Gary ><> 

18:15, “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”  Knowledge is the theme, and acquiring it is the goal. In fact, the heart and the eyes are used for reaching the goal. Knowledge provides a clear perception of facts, truth, and duty. Knowledge is not what we talk about, but it is what we are to talk with as we preach or teach God’s word, or any other subject. Knowledge is what we need to bring about change, make an investment, or even enter a healthy relationship. I needed to change the battery in my phone the other day and the first thing I did was get knowledge (you tube) because without it I would have destroyed that which I set out to fix. Ignorance is the opposite of knowledge and when we refuse to get knowledge, we make life harder and more difficult. We do not have to live without knowledge but so many choose to. Why? Pastor Gary ><> 

17:10, “Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.” The wise man is easily taught but even after a hundred blows the fool never learns. For the wise man a rebuke causes him to stop and consider what he is doing. He calls into question not the rebuke but his own actions. He accepts criticism and disapproval as useful, realizing they could be just what are needed for self-improvement, and greater achievements. If the criticism and disapproval is unwarranted, he is wise enough to know it and he will simply ignore them! Next time someone rebukes you, consider is there a lesson to be learned, and a course correction to be made. Don’t be like the fool even after a hundred blows he still has no wisdom. Think about the possibilities that a rebuke could bring. Pastor Gary <>< 

16:22, “Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly.” Understanding is knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, and to have it is the source for life. They have understanding because they know the Lord, trust Him, and seek Him. When trouble comes, they know what to do, when hurt comes they know where to turn, and when someone needs correction, they know what to say. Don’t misunderstand wisdom’s confidence for conceit, but rather consider their vast experiences in life as help. But even those with this much understanding fall short of correcting fools. The fool not only refuses the teachings of the wise, but they even consider them silly. Therefore, the foolish make misery for themselves and are deprived of happiness. Seek understanding and experience true life! Pastor Gary <>< 

15:21, “Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly.” We are told here why foolish people enjoy the way they live, they lack discernment. The answer to the question, “how can they live like that?” is found here. They lack discernment therefore they don’t see how alcohol, drugs, smoking or any other vice is ruining their lives. And it’s a two-way street, they can’t understand you and you can’t understand them. They see no need to change, and you see every reason too. For the upright it’s not judgement toward others, it’s an understanding of what will happen if foolishness continues. There will always be conflict between the foolish and upright! And as difficult as that might be sometimes it is best to walk away from the foolish but always pray for them. They need discernment! Pastor Gary ><>

14:5, “A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies.” The truth we find here is obvious, but the problem is finding out which one is the liar. It’s important to distinguish between the two, especially in a court of law where you need only faithful witnesses. Without faithful witnesses the wrong person could end up in jail and the guilty set free. The false witness’s testimony is worthless but only when you find out its false, until then someone could spend time for a crime they did not commit. It’s sad to say but false witnesses can always be bribed to tell a lie. They stand behind products that don’t work, in courts and swear on the Bible, and in congress making empty promises. But one day they will stand before “The Faithful Witness” (Rev.1:5) and their lies will be exposed and punished! Pastor Gary ><> 

13:20, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Never underestimate the power of friendship! The friend of the wise will be wise, but the friend of the fool will be destroyed. By our association we are made or ruined. We listen, watch, or read and by doing so we are influenced. Our ideas, behavior, and character, good or bad, are learned from others. Someone said, “As the mind goes the man follows.” The hardest person to change is you, but the first way to accomplish that is to walk with wise friends. Not only can friends influence you, but you can influence them. Therefore, influence them for good, righteousness, and purity. Say no to any influence that is ungodly. For some, it’s time to find new friends, wise friends that love the Lord and that will make you wise and influence you spiritually. Pastor Gary <>< 

12:14, “A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man's hands will be rendered to him.” A man’s words and work are important; his words can bring satisfaction and his work can bring reward. A man’s words and works are like seeds and if they are wise, pure, and kind, they will bring forth the fruit of love, favor, and respect. But those who talk one way and live another are a very confusing example about how to live. And they are usually angry, unhappy, and very difficult to satisfy. We no doubt choose how we live but just remember we will produce fruit accordingly. There is always harvest time and, like it or not, the only fruit that a person brings in is the kind which he planted. The way to produce something different is to plant something different. Planting season will soon end! But harvest season meets us in eternity. 

11:7, “When the wicked die, their hopes die with them.” 9-11 will always be a very real part of our lives and for now so will wickedness. But the text here warns us that when the wicked die all their hopes die with them. When the terrorist stepped out into eternity that day, nothing they were promised was waiting for them! In fact, nothing they hoped for was there. That day they faced the recompense of God (2 Thess.1:8), which is everlasting destruction. Paul explained the duration and extent of what is elsewhere in Scripture called “hell.” First, it is forever, thus it is not a reversible experience. Second, destruction means ruin and does not involve annihilation, “the things your heart desired have all escaped from you…You will never get them back” (Rev.18:14). Life provides reversible experiences because of repentance, but in death there is no such thing. Pastor Gary ><> 

10:23-25, “To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted. When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation.” The reader can see again the contrast between the fool and the wise. Their actions always separate one from the other. There are some reality shows that lean on the side of such foolishness. There are movies where “evil is like sport”, and it is called entertainment. Evil people are plotting their next evil action and we seem to never know where they will strike next. We may not be able to stop evil, but we can put our faith in God, and one day He will send “the whirlwind…but the righteous has an everlasting foundation.” Desire righteousness! Pastor Gary ><> 

9:12, “If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone.” Wisdom and foolishness each carry their own personal rewards. A man’s money and land may be divided among family and friends, but not his wisdom. You might have been influenced by his wisdom, but you cannot inherit it. Wisdom is something every man must receive for himself. Wisdom is an attribute of God and a grace given to men. Christ is the one-word description for Wisdom. If you choose Him, you are wise for yourself. Someone said, “God has no grandchildren only children.”  But if a man scoffs at God’s wisdom he will bear the penalty of sin alone, which is eternal death. And as wisdom might influence for good, foolishness influences widespread evil and bad consequences. A man’s first duty is to God, therefore be wise for yourself. Pastor Gary <>< 

8:33-34, “Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” Wisdom has called out offering instruction to all who will listen. We are to hear with the intent to obey and apply the teacher’s instruction. Wisdom will be the outcome of such action. And wisdom produces happiness, “Blessed is the man.” The idea suggests an eager student waiting at the school door for the teacher’s appearance and instruction. The student is eager to learn in order to live life skillfully. Maybe his eagerness for wisdom now is the result of a sinful life, and past failures. With such instruction, he can avoid the temptations that had called him away from wisdom and into sin. He may not be able to start life over, but he can repent and live by wisdom now. The daily application of wisdom keeps a man happy! Pastor Gary <><

7:10-12, “And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. She was loud and rebellious; her feet would not stay at home. At times she was outside, at times in the open square, lurking at every corner…” (Read on). All 27 verses are the unfolding tragedy of temptation leading to moral deception. The temptation of the harlot’s attire and heart is filled with lust. Her activity was loud, loose, and looking, she knows what she wants and so does any that sees her. She can’t be missed and that’s her goal. She has set the trap and she is the bait – her victim will be kissed, reasoned with, and invited to her bed, and promised pleasure beyond his wildest dreams. He does not realize that his sin will one day be exposed and that his dreams will become nightmares! Reason tells you to go in, wisdom tells you to run away, which one will you listen to? Run! Pastor Gary ><>

6:6-8, “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.” In this age and land much room has been made for the sluggard. There are those who truly need help, for example those who are temporarily looking for work or those who have physical or mental disabilities. But the text is exposing those with bad character, and bad habits of living off a system that was set up to help with temporary and other needs. We find here rebuke and instructions; look to the ant and what he does instinctively, and without any intelligent guide or instructor. We ought to do more than an ant, sense we are endowed with reason and have friends, family, and the Divine teacher to direct and encourage us. Go to the ant and learn, not the government and assume! Pastor Gary ><> 2

5:18-19, “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be enraptured with her love.” Here we find the images of a faithful wife. She is the husband’s fountain; property of such was highly esteemed. In comparison, the wife is the husband’s peculiar delight and property, the source of pleasures of every kind, and the faithful source of the family. She is the wife of his youth, the one to whom the husband has and will be devoted to all the days of his life. She is also compared to a loving deer or gazelle. There are numberless uses of these figures in Arabian and Persian poets. The beautiful eyes, delicate head, and graceful carriage of the creature, all point to similes of his wife! There are no false pleasures in the bosom of a faithful spouse. Rejoice with your wife! Pastor Gary ><> 

4:10-12, “Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.” The father wants his son to not only hear but also to receive and apply his instructions. Because it’s only the doing that brings the blessings, a longer life and the power to avoid the temptations of evil (V.14). The father includes the past and future teachings, the way that leads to life, and how important it is to stay on the wisdom way. If the son walks in the ways of his father, he will walk in right paths. Instruction will provide direction if application and obedience is achieved. The son’s daily walk will not be hindered, nor will he stumble over conflicting interests. His circumstances will not control him, wisdom will! Pastor Gary ><> 

3:33-35, “The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.” Which is it that you desire the blessings of the wise or the scorn of the wicked? There are three characteristics of those whom God blesses. First, just, they do what is right to others honestly, fairly, and considerately. Second, humble, they are aware of their own failures and unworthiness. And last wise, they have the attitude of inquiry towards God, desiring truth, knowledge, and doing His will. God will give them grace, bless their homes, and exalt them in the end. But the wicked reject the counsel of God, yield to sin, and scoff at sacred things. God will scoff at them, curse their homes, and hold His hand against their hopes. Shame will be their legacy! Pastor Gary ><> 

2:1-5, “My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” If we search and make wisdom our goal, we are promised reward (v.5). The search for wisdom starts out with a willingness and eagerness to receive (Vs.1, 2), a watchfulness to keep, and a perseverance to continue (v.3, 4).  With wisdom, we will fear the Lord, and find knowledge to know Him. And to know Him is eternal life (John17:3). The pursuit of wisdom engages the heart, soul, and mind, brings joy, and leads a man to Christ and Christlikeness! Pastor Gary <>< 

 

 

31:22-25, “She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.” I like how John Phillips outlines these verses. He writes, “The model woman: how respected she is.” Her personal appearance (v.22), the idea woman will always wear her fine cloths with an unconscious grace and a total lack of flashy pride. Her public applause (v.23), her husband was well known and understood that he owed much to his wife for his present greatness. Everyone knew that applause for him was applause for her too. Her popular approval (v.24, 25), her garments and sashes where her trademark and many would seek to buy them. A great model to follow! Pastor Gary ><>