Sayings of The Wise
March 29, 2019
Commentary
To be wise is to be under God’s “seeing eyes” of protection (v. 12). To be unwise and treacherous, even in what one says, is to be on a path that will end in frustration. The lazy person has all kinds of excuses for not wanting to work (v. 13). When no dangers or difficulties exist, he imagines them; and where they really do exist, he exaggerates them to such a degree that they seem to be insurmountable. It is also easy for a lazy person, with lots of time on his hands, to fall into immorality (v. 14).
The word “foolishness” means stubbornness (v. 15). Discipline will help to expel that kind of attitude. The rod which is a spanking is necessary to correct this type of attitude and if not used will result in rebellion and very serious problems in the future. “The rod” applied firmly and in love will ensure the child’s proper moral development.
To try to accumulate wealth by taking advantage of the poor will eventually bring such a man to poverty (v. 16). Also, the person who tries to obtain favor by giving gifts to the rich will come upon bad times. For a time, he may seem to prosper; but his end will verify the truth of God’s word. The exhortation given is to pay attention, listen and apply this teaching to your heart (v. 17). It is God Himself who is mapping out the way in which His children should walk. Reasons given for the exhortations are given (vv. 18-19). Memorize and be able to quote them because they will encourage people to trust in the Lord. The main reason this counsel is given is so the learner can give reliable answers (vv. 20-21).
Application
It is so easy to be a hearer and not a doer. How many times has God spoken to me in a message and I failed to do anything about it? I constantly need to be looking for ways that I can put into practice the things that God is challenging me with.
Proverbs 22:12– 21 (NET)
12 The eyes of the Lord watched over a cause, and subverted the words of the treacherous person.
13 The sluggard has said, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the middle of the streets!”
14 The mouth of an adulteress is like a deep pit; the one against whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.
16 The one who oppresses the poor to increase his own gain and the one who gives to the rich —both end up only in poverty.
17 Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my instruction.
18 For it is pleasing if you keep these sayings within you, and they are ready on your lips.
19 So that your confidence may be in the Lord, I hereby make them known to you today—even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 to show you true and reliable words, so that you may give accurate answers to those who sent you?
Illustration: A Child Picks Two Quarts of Raspberries
A mother sent her child to pick a quart of raspberries. Reluctantly he dragged himself to the berry patch. His afternoon was ruined for sure. Then a thought hit him. He would surprise his mother and pick two quarts of raspberries instead of one. Rather than drudgery his work now became a challenge. He enjoyed picking those raspberries so much that fifty years later that incident was still fresh in his mind. The job hadn’t changed. His attitude had. (Dynamic Preaching, June, 1990).