Proverbs
Our Chief Aim Should Be to Build Others up
The wicked often seeks to destroy other people with their words (v. 6) while the righteous try to encourage those who have been attacked by gossipers and slanders. In the end, the wicked will be overthrown but the house of the righteous will stand (v. 7) because it is built upon …
Children Need to Revere Their Parents
Any who rejoice over the misfortune of others are actually mocking God (v. 5). Since the poor are made in God’s image, as all people are, to mock them is to speak against God. I have known people to rejoice when the group they felt in competition with suffered loss and their gr …
The Value of Wisdom in Producing Health
We are to pay attention to what the author says (v. 20). We are not to let his words depart from our eyes but let them penetrate deep within our heart (v. 21). They will bring life to anyone who discovers their meaning (v. 22). Our heart is to be kept with all diligence (v. 23). We are to guard …
Fools Think Their Ways Are Right
It is sort of surprising to read in verse six that a mocker actually seeks wisdom. It just goes to show you that a lack of desire is not the problem but it is a lack of seeking the Lord. For those who have spiritual discernment knowledge is easily acquired. When you can see that …
Priorities in Establishing a Home
The following topics are discussed in this section: 1. Partiality in judging (vv. 23-26) It is never good to operate on preferences when making judgments of people. To judge between persons based on preference is to turn justice into …
Warning Against the Enticement of Sinners
Now we find a solemn warning against having evil companions. The world is full of evil men who will seek to lure their potential victims from the path of honor and virtue (vv. 10-13). Solomon warned his son not to “consent”. When we lived in youthful ignorance, our gut instinct was always …
How Naive Can You Get?
Solomon brings a shameful scene to us that has been duplicated millions of times since and is as true today as in the days of Solomon. As we read this it is a warning to any young man of the dangers of trusting in his own heart, departing from the instruction of God’s Word …
The Lord Hates Dishonesty And Pride
It is a serious matter when Christians follow the world in dishonest business methods of the day. The Lord hates dishonest scales and is pleased with accurate weights (v. 1). During these Old Testament times many merchants used two sets of stone weights when weighing mercha …
The Title, Purpose, & Motto of the Book
This book is compiled by Solomon, David’s wise, wealthy and famous son who was his successor to Israel’s throne (v. 1). He was David’s 10th son. Its purpose in general is to help us acquire and apply God’s wisdom to the decisions and activities of daily life. Proverbs was written so that you …
Rejoicing for The Wrong Reasons
People who are being taken to death and slaughter probably are victims of unjust oppression rather than guilty people being condemned (v. 11). Some people may claim they are ignorant of others’ plights, but God knows who is guilty of willful ignorance, and He will judge it. We learn here about …