Proverbs 30-31

What does it say?

Proverbs 30 - It is the Son of God who ascended into heaven and descended, gathers the wind in his hand and established everything. What is the name of the son of God? Agur knows that the words of God are true and asks two things of Him: To keep deception and lies from him and to not give him either riches or poverty but exactly what he needs to live to keep him from evil. There is a kind of man who curses his father and mother, who thinks that he is noble, and who devours the needy, Leeches are always wanting and never giving. These four are always wanting more: Sheol, the barren womb, dry earth and fire. There are four things that Agur does not understand: the flight of the eagle, how a snake gets on a rock, how a ship floats and the love of man for woman. There four things that shake the earth: a slave who comes to power, a fool who is satisfied, a woman who gets a husband, and a maid servant who supplants her mistress. Four small things that are very wise: ants, rock animals, locusts and the lizard. Four stately things: the lion, the rooster, the male goat, and a king with his army. If you have exalted yourself or plotted evil stop because this will only result in strife. 

Proverbs 31 - King Lemuel’s mother taught him not to give his strength to women and other things that destroy kings, like drinking; he needs to be concerned righteous judgment and defended the rights of the weak. She teaches him what a worthy woman looks like: she takes care of her household, her servants, brings in earnings, gives to the poor, she clothes her household for winter, she clothes herself with the things that she makes and also sells them to others, she is strong and dignified, she teaches her children to be kind, and she is never idol. Do not chase after outwardly beautiful women but seek for a wife a woman who loves the Lord.

What does it mean?

Jesus is the Son of God for he ascended to heaven and descended, the Father has given all things into his hand and all things were created through Him. All of these are attributed to Jesus in the Prologue, John 1:1-18 and John 3 during his discourse with Nicodemus and John the Baptist’s testimony. There is good reason that Jesus said it is difficult for the rich to enter into the kingdom. Not being in need can keep you from prayer. However, being poor can cause you to steal from your neighbor. It is about loving God with all of ones heart, soul and mind; also, loving ones neighbor as one’s self. It is evil to curse father and mother and take from those in need. Are you always taking and never giving? Death always takes and never gives. If you are always taking and never giving you are like death. The way a man loves his wife is beautiful. Marriage is given from above. Observing the smallest creatures is an interesting thing to do. They do not have the ability to reason, yet they do what needs to be done for their community. Why do people who have reason not do what is best for the community? Powerful things are able to strut about and for good reason, who can challenge them? But is your power dependent on the strength of others? Then why are you so proud? Womanizing and drinking are distractions. One’s concern needs to be for others. The godly woman takes care of everyone and everything in her home. The best wife that a man can have is one who loves the Lord.

What shall I do?

I know that Jesus is the Son of God from the eye witness testimony of the apostle John 1-21 and the testimony of the Holy Spirit. (Jn.15:26,27) For this reason, my personal evangelism is to promote the reading of John’s book, so others may know Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. I have more than I need; therefore, I shall be careful to keep my eyes on the Lord and not become proud or walk about stately. I shall be concerned with the needs of those around me and not be distracted by vain things. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful wife who loves the Lord. She has a deep concern for our household and for our children though they have grown. I am thankful for the wife God has given me. I could have no better than Darlene. 

Proverbs 27-29

What does it say?

In this section, I usually write single sentences, summarizing each paragraph into individual thoughts. However, most Proverbs are given as individual thoughts. Therefore, until the text returns to larger thoughts in paragraph form, I will begin by answering, What does it mean?

What does it mean?

We have no idea what is coming. Praising oneself is just silly and not worth anything but to be acknowledged by others without seeking it is good. It is better to be rebuked than ignored. It is good to be careful as we walk through this world. We should always be kind and consider the others situation before greeting our friends. It is impossible to constrain people who are contentious. Men need other men to help them in this life. Whatever is in a persons heart will eventually be revealed. People always desire more than what they have. You need to care of the things that God has given you and this requires your attention. When a person has done something wrong they are worried all the time that someone is going to find. If observe the commandments of Jesus Christ, you will be at conflict with the world. It is better to be righteous than rich. If you are not following the Son, do not expect the Father to hear your requests. Do not hide the things that you have done wrong; confess what you have done wrong and never do it again. Use the time that God has given you wisely. It is best to always be truthful with people in every situation. The Scriptures make it very clear, “Do not trust your heart!” Instead, your mind and do what is wise. People who give to those in need do not have want because their concern is for others and not for themselves. Continually seeking physical pleasure is a waste of wealth and life. A government that is just is a stable government but a corrupt government will come to an end. We should always be concerned for the weakest amongst us. It is wise to hold your temper. God created everyone and we do well to remember that. Children should not run the household but in many homes the child gets his own way. Always be slow to speak or you may regret what you have said. Do not rejoice with unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth. 

What shall I do?

I do not know what the day ahead of me will bring; therefore, I shall not boast in anything but the Lord Jesus Christ. I shall not rush ahead but walk carefully throughout this life. There are people around me hurting and I do not know it. No matter how I may feel at the moment, I need to consider the other persons situation and speak kindly to everyone but not with a loud voice. Though I am a shy man, I desire community because we need each other. I shall not be envious of what others have. I shall take care of what God has given me. If I have wronged anyone, I shall confess what I have done and seek to never do it again. Should I be truthful or risk hurting someones feelings? It depends on the situation. I shall not evaluate anything with my heart but with my mind. Being lead by emotions causes all kinds of problems. I shall make decisions based in wisdom with understanding. I shall care for my neighbor but speak and act with wisdom and with understanding.

Proverbs 24-26

This morning I read and wrote comments on Proverbs 24-26.

Proverbs 24

By wisdom and understanding men are able to accomplish things. Without these we plod through life without making plans or knowing where we are going. We cannot live life alone. If we do not know something it is wise to take counsel from the knowing. If you know that something devious is happening, the right thing to do is to speak and take action. Men and women across the world are headed for death. They stagger through life on their way to slaughter. We have the words of life so preach the gospel. When your enemy falls, do not rejoice because this is not pleasing to the Lord. It would be better if he had come to repentance. We should fear God and the king. All authority has been given by God. Paul understood this even in the context of the Roman government which oppressed the people. There is wisdom for rulers. Rulers should not show partiality in judgment. Doing so will anger the people and make his ruling much more difficult than it needs to be. The right thing to do is to love our neighbor with what we say about them to others and in our actions. Never take vengeance against your neighbor. Leaving things undone to rest a little longer causes things to build up. It is much more difficult to clean up a large pile then to continually through away your trash. 

Proverbs 25

It is not right for men to exalt themselves. It is God who places men on the thrown. All glory and honor belongs to the Lord. It is better to plead with your neighbor privately because once the matter becomes public you might be embarrassed. This is how Jesus said to deal with a matter. Use your words wisely. There is a right time to say everything and there is a wrong time. There is a right time to rebuke someone and wisdom understands the right time. This negates speaking in anger. Sweets are good in moderation but to many sweet things will make you sick. Visiting ones neighbors occasionally is good but never think that you have the run of the place and are free to come and go as you please. People who lie against their neighbors are horrible. We should always be kind to our enemies because this is the way of the Lord. If your enemy returns evil for your doing good it is to his own demise, God will judge him. When you find out that people have been talking behind your back does it not change the way you feel, then do not talk secretly about others. There is no glory in seeking glory. True glory is given.

Proverbs 26

There is a way to answer a fool but the right way is not the way that he speaks. Arguing with a fool honors him because it gives the appearance that he might have a point. We should learn from our past mistakes and not repeat them. Do you believe that your idea is best? Are you willing to listen to others? A wise man has ears to listen because he understands that he does not know everything. The proverbs have much to say about the lazy man and it is always negative. If two men are arguing do not become involved or you may become injured. Some people like to stir up trouble. This is the reality in the world that we live in but a wise person is in control of their emotions. 

Proverbs 22-23

This morning, I am writing my thoughts as I read Proverbs 22-23. These are general proverbial sayings on life and conduct. Many of the sayings are only applicable in the historical-cultural context in which they were written but much of them are applicable in my life today. It is on these I will be making comments as they apply in my context.

Proverbs 22

I once had a good name in the CVICU. I had a reputation with the other nurses as the go to guy when they had question about care and the physicians trusted my judgment. I recently went back to the unit after being gone for 1 1/2 years. There had been a total turnover of the nursing staff. The physicians have been replaced on the unit by nurse practitioners and Physician assistance. Not many no me, so I feel as though my good name has been lost. Yes, a good name is more desirable than gold. God is the maker of us all; therefore, all should be honored no matter their financial status. It bothers me that my hospital holds the wealthy patients in high regard, putting them in special rooms and other amenities. Is it true that if you train up a child in the way he should go that he will never depart from it? However, raising a child today is difficult because you are not the only one raising your child. The culture is raising your child. It is true that the rich rule over the poor and the borrower becomes the lenders slave. Who are the leaders in America but the rich because they are the ones who can offered an election campaign. When you borrow many, you are working to pay interest to the lender; therefore, you are the lenders slave. A person should be learning all the days of their lives. The word of the Lord teaches us, so that we may know and trust the Lord. I receive the word of the Lord daily as if I am overseas and I long to hear a word from home. Many people like to stir up trouble and you will find many trouble makers today on Facebook and Twitter. Some of the post there, are meant to capture you into anger. Whatever your profession, do it well!

Proverbs 23

Some seek after wealth all the days of their lives only to die and someone else spend it. I watched this happen with my father. I have done a great deal of open-air preaching in the past, and Lord willing would like to do so again. Wisdom says not speak in the hearing of the fool because he will despise the wisdom of your words. Wisdom in this is to not argue with those who want to argue. This does nothing but distract from telling people about Jesus Christ. There are many sayings in these proverbs about disciplining a child. We should never be envious of what those who are not following the Lord have in the present world. This world is coming to an end and all who follow the Lord are rich in the grace of God. We have a future but the way of the wicked will be cut off. The last seven verses are a prohibition against drinking. My father was an alcoholic and his father before him. My brother was an alcoholic and drug abuser. I have seen the damages that drinking can cause; therefore, I want no part with it! It pains me when someone stands in the pulpit and defends drinking alcohol. Yes, it causes me a great deal of pain!

Proverbs 19-21

This morning I am reading Proverbs 19-21 and these are my thoughts. The proverbs before contrasted the righteous and the wicked but these proverbs are general sayings on life and conduct. 

Proverbs 19

It is good to be wealthy because you will have many friends and bad to be poor because you will be separated from friends. This is true to the extent that a rich man is generous and gives gifts. There is much written against lying in the proverbs. The 9th commandment: “You shall not testify falsely against your neighbor” is understood as a general prohibition against lying. We should be gracious to the poor because doing so is giving to the Lord.  We should always be kind and truthful, both of these are the way to live life and conduct ourselves everyday. 

Proverbs 20

It is not wise to be a drinker. There has been much debate about this in Christian life because Jesus and his disciples drank wine. The difference is strong drink and intoxication. A glass of wine with a dinner is not a problem but drinking regularly to feel a buz is a problem. It is difficult to distinguish between the truly poor and the sluggard. I am continually thinking about things but not much has come to be. Not a single person on the earth is without sin. I can confidently say this without knowing you because the word of God says that it is so. However, I do not know what you struggle with unless I know you. The Lord hates lying and swindling. The entire advertising system is set up on these, not to mention coveting. You might think it a good idea to steal but it never is. Nurses gossip about other nurses and this always causes decent on the unit. The Lord has said and this proverb agrees that we should not repay evil with evil but should wait on the salvation of the Lord. My entire life has been ordained by God. I do not know what will occur in the future. I can surmise future events based on past events but I walk through life not knowing what lays ahead. A young man’s glory is his strength and the honor of old men is their gray hair. If this is regarding wisdom gained with age I understand but otherwise what good is grey hair. I have lost much strength and my head has become very grey. I hope I have become wiser because my strength has wained. 

Proverbs 21

Everyone thinks “I am right.” We are little gods. The Lord knows our hearts and there are none righteous. I must walk humbly before the Lord at all times. Lying is a continued theme in these proverbs and is always spoken against, whether it be a false witness or in business. Many a man has understood that it is difficult to live with a contentious woman. However, why is this woman so contentious? Perhaps it is something that I have done or not doing. We should hear the cry of the poor and help them but how am I to distinguish between the truly poor and the sluggard? It is difficult to find trouble when quite but speaking the wrong words can often lead to disaster. I think that this is the reason for being quick to listen and slow to speak. The sluggard desires good things but is not willing to work for it but the righteous gives and does not hold back. Why are men different? Why is one man a hard worker who gives and another a sluggard who takes? 

Proverbs 16-18

This morning, I will be reading Proverbs 16-18 and making comments while I read; however, I will not be commenting on every verse but on those which apply in my life. All of these texts are single thoughts contrasting the upright and the wicked.

I have thought what I was doing was for my neighbor but it was actually done for my own glory. The scripture says the Lord made the wicked for the day of evil. I confess that this is difficult. Yes, I would rather be poor and walk in the way of Christ than be rich and evil. Sanctification is an interesting things because it is man thinking and God directing his steps. Rulers are established to deal out justice. Wisdom and understanding are the most valuable things on earth. When I have been most vulnerable to fall was when I was prideful. We think that we know what we are doing, “I got this!” However, we are like children who need the guiding hand of a Father and the word does that. It is for hunger that a man works and it is for the good of the people. Being slow to anger is better then might because it is difficult to be slow to anger and ruling ones spirit takes a great deal of strength. It is often the case that the poor are mocked and it is always a bad thing for the Lord made both the rich and the poor, all bear the image of almighty God. Seek love and let go of your hard feelings towards your brother and do not allow those feelings for being wronged in the past affect your relationship in the present. We have to let go of past hurts. Once the dam holding back our anger breaks it comes out as a flood and nearly impossible to contain. I have experienced this and even while yelling and stomping my feet I thought, “Stop it!” and was not able to do so. A judge should judge all matters according to the law and not his prejudice. Raising children is difficult and adult children are even more so, when they are going their own way. It can cause a father and mother grief. Having a cool spirit and being slow to anger and holding ones tongue seem to be held in honor in these proverbs. You cannot sound foolish if you keep quite. Fools want to be heard. There are also many proverbs regarding right judgment, not showing partiality towards the wicked, nor to condemn the righteous. Whispering is done quietly but can really cause a great deal of trouble or it can be a good thing. Our words really matter. When not sure which path to take, run to the Lord, He is always safe. It is easy to trust in large bank accounts but these do nothing for your health, both the rich and the poor die. Do you ever think about your next argument rather than listen to your opponent, I know that I have and this is not good. Once you offended someone it is difficult to win them back; therefore, it is better not to offend at all. If you are to give advice, way out the consequences; ask, is it worth offending my neighbor over? The most powerful thing that we have is our words. We can build someone up with our words or we can crush them. It is prudent to use our words wisely. It is true that a wife is a good thing. My wife is the best thing in my life. 

Proverbs 10-15

Today, I will be reading Proverbs 10-15 and making comments on the text a chapter at a time. This section transitions to general proverbial sayings.

Proverbs 10 

These are general principles to live by and this chapter contrast the righteous and the wicked. Do you want to live a long life and do well before God and men? Then do what the righteous man does and not what wicked men do. These are general principles for life and not hard and fast laws but generally speaking what is said is what normally will occur. 

Proverbs 11

This chapter continues to contrast the righteous way of life and the wicked way of life; however, in this chapter the result is one of love rather than prospering physically as was the case in chapter 10. Live a life that honors the Lord and love ones neighbor is the righteous way. Live dishonorably and hating ones neighbor is the wicked way. Each will receive a just reward.

Proverbs 12

A man who daily reads these proverbs does well because this is the beginning of knowledge. These proverbs continue to contrast the righteous and the wicked; however, with regards to the mouth. Listen to righteous council and do not listen to the council of the wicked.

Proverbs 13

This chapter begins with a wise son receiving discipline from his father and concludes with a loving father disciplining his son. The righteous receive and give discipline but fools despise discipline. Discipline is not abuse. I think that some are confused. What they call discipline is actually abuse. If it is done in anger then it is likely not discipline but if done in love with an intent to teach, this is discipline. 

Proverbs 14

As I read these proverbs contrasting the righteous and the unrighteous social media comes to mind. The sayings of the righteous bring joy but the sayings of the wicked strife.

Proverbs 15

What our society needs is instruction for wisdom. Proverbs is very eastern; therefore, not used in western thinking. Our thinking is reactive rather than proactive. It would be good for a man to have these proverbial sayings in mind, so that he will think wisely before saying or doing anything at all.

Proverbs 7-9

Proverbs 7:1-5

The father loves his son and instructs his son to treasure his commandments and his teaching. He speaks to him of making wisdom his sister and understanding his close friend.

Proverbs 7:6-23

A scene is describe in which an adulterous woman entices a young man to her bed. She describes the situation being one where he could not be caught; however, it will cost him his life. Sin always leads to death.

Proverbs 7:24-27

The father tells his son to not let his heart be turned aside to lusts because the house of lust is the way of death.

 Proverbs 8:1-11

Wisdom speaks truth and hates wickedness. The good son should desire wisdom above all the treasures of the earth.

Proverbs 8:12-21

To live wisely is to live prudently, not making any hasty decisions. A good ruler will govern prudently. Keep in mind at all times to fear the Lord is to hate evil, pride, arrogance and the perverted tongue. Cursing is not to be in the mouth of those who fear the Lord.

Proverbs 8:22-31

Wisdom existed with God before anything was created and God created everything with wisdom. This sounds a great deal like the way John describes the Word in his prologue. (Jn.1:1-18)

Proverbs 8:32-36

We have transitioned from the father saying to the son, “Listen to me,” to wisdom saying to the sons, “Listen to me.” The man who listens to wisdom is blessed but the one who sins against wisdom injures himself. This sounds a great deal like we have transitioned from the old covenant to the new covenant. From observing and external law to being lead by the Spirit. So, a man can be lead by the Spirit or by the flesh.

Proverbs 9:1-6

Wisdom sends out her maidens to evangelize. This is reminiscent of the disciples being sent to make disciples of all nations. Therefore, Jesus Christ is wisdom in human flesh and the apostles are his servants sent out into the world to make disciples. 

Proverbs 9:7-12

It is dishonoring to try an correct someone who mocks and is derisive. Trying to reprimand the wicked will only get insults. However, a wise man is willing to listen and will love you for it. If you have ever preached in the public square you will know that this is true.

Proverbs 9:13-18

It may seem like a good idea to steal but all sin results in death. It is foolish to take things that do not belong to you. 

Proverbs 4-6

Proverbs 4:1-9

A good father teaches his son wisdom and encourages him to acquire learning all the days of his life. My earthly father encouraged me and my Heavenly Father more so. 

Proverbs 4:10-19

Wisdom is to walk righteously and not walk the path of wicked. The wicked seek to harm men and want others to take part in their wickedness. Men like this should be avoided because to walk rightly, most times will lead to a long and prosperous life. 

Proverbs 4:20-27

He writes as a father to a son and encourages attention to his words. A man pen these words but under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; therefore, this should be understood as a letter from our heavenly Father. He says to watch-over our heart, do not lie to others and keep your eyes from lusts. If I had walked in this way during my youth I would not have the regrets that I now have but praise be to God for turning me to the way of Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 5:1-6

Sin may look good to the eye and even feel good for a while but it always leads to death. It will crush you and hurt everyone around you. I thought that my secret sin (lust) hurt no one but it caused me to be angry.

Proverbs 5:7-14

Sin is not priceless. Sin cost money no matter what the sin is; whether it be drinking, drugs, pornography or adultery, etc.  Lusts are the cause of debt and sin the cause of bankruptcy. 

Proverbs 5:15-23

There are many advantages to marriage and there are several purpose for which God gave marriage but one of the advantages and purposes for marriage is sexual desire and satisfaction. Desiring ones wife and being satisfied with her is good and is a path of life. One of the purposes for the marriage bed is to keep us from sin, so be satisfied with your wife, all of the days of your life.

Proverbs 6:1-5

Men are not trustworthy! In fact, if you vow to pay if your friend defaults then your friend is less likely to pay. People that need surety to go into debt need such because the debtor did not believe that they would pay to being with. Unless you are prepared to pay the debt do not do it and if you already made the guarantee, get out of the deal as quickly as possible.

Proverbs 6:6-11

It is interesting that the Father begins to speak about the sluggard here. I have meet many a sluggard and they are always in poverty unless they find someone else to pledge surety. However, I am lazy in many ways. 

Proverbs 6:12-15

Do not trust the person who purposely causes trouble. In the world of nursing this often happens amongst coworkers.

Proverbs 6:16-19

Causing trouble is one of the seven things that God considers an abomination. Abomination: “Something that deeply offends. Often describes something that offends God and his standard of holiness.” (ESV Global SB Notes) 

Proverbs 6:20-35

Stealing a man’s wife is the worst thing that you can do. Marriage makes the two one. Adultery tears the one apart. Once a man has his spouse torn away from him irrigable damage occurs and there is great pain involved. Steal a man’s property, he will be angry and want compensation but sleeping with his wife is to take his heart. 

Proverbs 1-3

Proverbs 1

No matter your age, you can learn knowledge and discretion, and if you are wise you will listen and increase your learning. The fear of the Lord is beginning of knowledge because it will keep you from being enticed by sin. Listen to wisdom because if you do, the Lord will bless you and keep you but if you do not, if you ignore good advice the Lord will forsake you. 

Proverbs 2

If you seek for wisdom, as you would a treasure, then you will recognize the reason for fearing the Lord and you will know God. The Lord gives wisdom to those who listen to Him; if your heart is upright, wisdom will be pleasant to your inner most being and will deliver you from the way of evil. Sin always leads to death but the path of wisdom is the upright path, the way of life.

Proverbs 3

Listen to wisdom all of the days of your life and do not lean on your own understanding but trust the Lord, for He is wisdom. You may think in your mind that it would be wise to hold on to funds but the Lord has said to give and has promised to bless the giver. God is our heavenly Father and He disciplines His children. There is nothing more valuable on the earth than wisdom and understanding. Everything that you see was created by wisdom; therefore, to live in this creation wisdom and discretion are needed to keep you from falling. It is wise to do good for your neighbor and it is unwise to do harm to your neighbor. Do you want to be blessed of the Lord, then follow the wise path and stay away from violence. 

It is by wisdom and understanding the God founded the earth; therefore, to live best in the world that God created we must seek wisdom and understanding. The Lord Jesus Christ is wisdom incarnate. Yesterday, I was thinking about what Jesus taught His disciples regarding greatness. The world measures greatness by whoever makes it to the top of the pile and lords it over the most people but greatest in the kingdom of God is measured from the bottom of the pile, whoever humbles himself and serves his neighbor. (Lk.22:24-27) Jesus Christ is Lord and He did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many. (Mk.10:45) The occupation that the Lord has given me is nursing. I believe that nurses, though we are highly educated, we are servants and this brings the most glory to Jesus Christ. Wisdom says, “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant.” (Mk.10:43)