Peanut Gallery Lessons from The Book of Proverbs

[SpiritPsalmist]

Becoming Better People
Prov 17:10-14


10 A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred lashes on a fool.

A word rightly spoken at the right time to a discerning person will make a greater impression and change on them, than trying to beat the foolishness out of them. No amount of beating is going to cause a person who does not understand or is rebellious to change. I think this would apply quite well to our discipline of our children.

In a few previous verses it seems that Solomon says it's ok to "beat" your child in order to discipline him, which I totally do not agree with, at least not in the understanding I have of the word "beat". I think that Solomon, being the wisest of his time, was still a man and just because he said it, does not make it true or the godliest route to take.

Like the rest of humankind Solomon grew in wisdom, he was not foolish at one point then all of a sudden wise beyond measure in all things. There were times where he was increadibly wise, and other times, incredibly foolish. (See 2 Tim 3:16) Moses spoke for God, the Prophets spoke for God, the Apostles expounded on Torah and nothing they said went against Torah, Solomons writings are of his own thoughts on God and His ways. That's my opinion anyway

Here, Solomon says that it's pointless to try and beat rebellion out of someone. There is a better way. I don't think we should argue with a child, but I do think there is a way to reason and teach and discipline a disobedient child without driving them into further defiance and rebellion. I think parents, have to set the example by living it out in their own life plus, throw themselves on the mercy and understanding of the Father in Heaven for help and guidence in this area. One cannot give wise council to anyone else, if they themslves are walking in disobedience.

I think that applies to every situation where instruction is needed.​

11 An evil man seeks only rebellion, and so a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

In the time of Solomon disobedience to the King...any form of disobedience was dealt with in a severe manner. Any subject who did not do what was expected of them from the king, was dealt with by the "cruel messenger", an officer of the king who took care of the matter.

I'm reminded of King David, when God had instructed him to NOT number the people but David did it anyway (2 Sam 24) When God confronted David about it, He gave David a choice of three punishments.

"Of the three choices presented to David, the first two would have involved some level of dependency upon the mercy of man: the warfare, of course, would be as severe as the enemy wanted it to be; the famine would require Israel to seek food from other nations, relying on the pity of their neighbors. Instead of relying on the mercy of any human, David chose to rely on the mercy of God—the pestilence was, after all, the most direct form of punishment from God, and in the plague they could only look to God for relief". ~Got Questions~
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Like us, David had his moments of rebellion and God dealt with it. God has His ways of dealing with each of us in our unrepentant rebellion. That's why it's always important to immediately confess our sin to God and do what is necessary to change our behavior...even if it takes a long time to change. ​

12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to deal with a fool in his folly.

The folly of a "foolish" person brings more calamity to life than a mother bear who's had her cubs stolen from her. A foolish person brings jealousy, hatred, envy, violence, ambition, etc. and there is no end to the destruction that is created. At least with the bear once they have destroyed everything, it's over. With the human fool, it goes on and on and on.

"Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man,.... A bear is a very fierce and furious creature, especially a she bear; and she is still more so when robbed of her whelps, which she has just whelped, and been at great pains to lick into shape and form, by which her fondness to them is increased; and therefore, being stripped of them, is full of rage; and ranging about in quest of them, falls furiously upon the first she meets with. JeromF14 observes, that those who have written of the nature of beasts say, that, among all wild beasts, there is none more fierce than a she bear, when she has lost her whelps, or wants food. And yet, as terrible and as dangerous as it is, it is safer and more eligible of the two, to meet an enraged bear in those circumstances,

rather than a fool in his folly; in the height of his folly, in a paroxysm or fit of that; in the heat of his lusts, and the pursuit of them, in which there is no stopping him, or turning him from them; especially in the heat of passion and anger, which exceeds that of a bear, and is not so easily avoided. Jarchi applies it to such fools as seduce persons to idolatry, whom to meet is very dangerous: such are the followers of the man of sin, who have no mercy on the souls of men they deceive, and whose damnation they are the cause of; and who are implacably cruel to those who will not join with them in their idolatrous worship; the beast of Rome, his feet are as the feet of a bear, Revelation 13:2; and one had better meet a bear than him and his followers". ~John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible~​

13 Whoever rewards evil for good—evil will never leave his house.

Paying evil for kindness gets it's own reward...his life will be filled, continually with evil. Ingratitude is a payment of evil for good. Being ungratful to people for helping you or doing good things for you is a dispicable response. Being angry at God for not doing things exactly as you wanted is ingratitude. Ingratitude will bring only bad your way. Be grateful. ​

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water—so stop a quarrel before it breaks out.

As soon as the pinhole in a dam appears, it must be dealt with immediately. To ignore it will break the dam and homes and land, animals and people will be destroyed. When there is an issue among each other, deal with it immediately. Don't let it fester and grow to where it destroys the lives of all those around you. Also remember that we cannot force change upon others, but we can force change on ourselves. So even if we cannot change them and what they do, we can allow God to change us and what we do. There is that "self-discipline again".

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Seeing As God Sees
Prov 17:15-19


15 Acquitting the wicked and condemning the righteous: both are an abomination to Adonai.

When people break the law they deserve punishment. In many situations today we see the opposite going on...the wicked, those who are breaking the law and destroying other people's property are not being punished and if they do get arrested, they are being released just as quickly. On the other hand, the law abiding citizens, in doing what they are allowed by law to do, they are being arrested and kept in jail. It's all gone topsy-turvy. What is righteous is called evil and what is evil is called good.

Both attitudes are an abomination to Adonai. In HIS law the wicked are not aquitted, (Matt 25:46; 2 Pet 2:9; Matt 25:41) nor are the righteous (those who've put their faith and trust in Yeshua) condemned. (1 Jn 2:29; Rom 5:1-5; 1 Pet 5:10). Remember that part in the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done on earth AS IT IS in heaven"? That's the way it's supposed to be, but right now, lawlessness prevails.​

16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool since he has no intention of acquiring wisdom?

If a person is going after glory and riches and has no intentions of the things of God, any glory and riches he gets is of no eternal use. It's truly a wasted life. ​

17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

At all times, a true friend loves, and when things get tough, that friend is there to be to you the same as a loyal brother. If you've gotten yourself into trouble a true friend won't "cover" for you but they will stand by you and still love you. When problems come and you are in need, they will be there in any way they can. Consider them a treasure from God when you find such a friend. ​

18 A man lacking judgment shakes hands on a deal and puts up financial security for his neighbor.

Only someone lacking in sense commits to financial security for someone else. Sometimes it works out and frequently it doesn't. ​

19 He who loves sin loves strife. One who builds a high gate invites destruction.

As a believer in Yeshua, we hate sin and while we know that we continually partake in it, we also, with continued fellowship with God, begin to loathe it. (Rom 7) In the event that we still love to sin and have no remorse and think you can sin all you want because Yeshua died for your sins, you are sadly mistaken and have not yet truely repented. True confession and repentance brings a loathing for sin.

When one takes great pains to put an elaborate gate or fence or wall around their home it maks thieves wonder, "why"? They believe something valuable is there that they can steal...it's inviting them to come check it out. It's not saying don't do what you need to do to protect your valuables, but don't bring attention to it either.​

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[SpiritPsalmist]

A Good Heart
Prov 17:20-23


20 A perverse heart finds nothing good a devious tongue falls into trouble.

Have you ever known someone who had nothing good to say about any one or any thing? They are misrable themselves and misrable to be around. They don't spend time thinking of God and His ways but instead spend time allowing the enemy of our souls to put his perverse thoughts into their mind and they dwell on it and become devious with their tongues spreading things that are not true. That's why they have consistent trouble. ​

21 Whoever fathers a fool gets grief. There is no joy for the father of a disgraceful son.

The "fool" being referenced continually in Proverbs is not referencing mere stupidity or one who is mentally challenged. It's the person who is willfully wicked. They know what is right but choose to go the opposite way. The child who is like this brings much grief to a their parents. ​

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

If we can have no cheer in anything else, at least we can be cheerful in our relationship to God and all that He is and all that He's done for us. I belive that there is much in life to be thankful for, and being grateful and thankful raises our spirits from out of the dump.

A cheerful heart is good medicine for our bones. However, allowing our spirit to be crushed and remaining in that crushed position will ruin our health. Grief, anxiety, fretfulness, bad tempers, etc., all of these directly affects our health and not for the good. I think most ailments can be directly attributed in starting with where our hearts are resting.

When you feel that depression attitude coming on, purposely change your focus. Listen to upbeat music boasting on the faithfulness of God. Do something beneficial for someone else. Take stock of what you've eaten maybe...frequently certain foods affect our mood. Or maybe not enough or too much sleep. Above all, run to God and seek Him. ​

23 The wicked one receives a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.

The person who uses bribes to pervert the scales of justice is wicked. They are deceptive and of course don't want anyone to know.​

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Talk, Talk, Talk
Prov 17:24-28


24 Wisdom is before the person of understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Wisdom is available to everyone who desires it (Jer 29:13). But for the one whose eyes are in the clouds...they want houses, fame, cars, everything but the understanding of God and His ways. They will never find wisdom.​

25 A foolish son is grief to his father and bitterness to her that bore him.

Again we see the wilfull foolishness of someone bringing grief and bitterness to their parents by their actions. For a believer in Yeshua this should not be. Even if your parents were bad and abusive, you have a command to "Honor" (Ex 20:12; Eph 6:2)​

26 Also, to punish a righteous person is not good, nor to beat up an honorable one for his integrity.

It is absolutely bad to strike out at a leader who has not acted in unrighteousness. To confront a leader whom you think is acting unrighteously you MUST follow the Biblical instructions. To strike and attack, physically and/or verbally, especially without proof and handling it in a Biblical manner is absolute evil. Consult your Bible for the way to handle an unrighteous leader...start with praying for them.

"The spirit of lawlessness, which sought a remedy for real or imaginary ills by striking at princes, was not a strange thing in the times of Solomon. The simple negative in Scripture is often stronger and more significant than the first blush of the expression suggests. It is “not good” to strike princes for equity means that it is absolutely bad. It is “not good” morally, for it is a heinous crime; it is “not good” socially, for it fosters a spirit of restlessness and insecurity; it is “not good” politically, for it fails to establish the peace and prosperity of a nation; it is “not good” spiritually, for in the eyes of the Eternal Judge it is an odious sin. Morally, socially, politically, and spiritually it is a gigantic error, a colossal folly, an abominable iniquity, to strike at princes". ~The Biblical Illustrator~​

27 One with knowledge restrains his words, and a discerning person stays calm.

A wise person who has lots of knowledge learns to restrain their words. People generally get tired/bored with listening to someone who talks, and talks, and talks, giving out every bit of info they have on anything and everyting. In their eyes, they are more informed than anyone else and have nothing else in life to learn. There should also be no angry outbursts. I've had more than one employer who would not even allow you to finish what you were saying before they would be screaming and taking the situation to a place that it wasn't. Shameful. See Jms 1:19; Ttus 1:7. ​

28 Even a fool, who keeps quiet, is considered wise, discerning, if he seals his lips.

LOL Well, that pretty much says it. I think it was Abraham Lincoln who said something to the effect of, "better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." (Jmes 1:26; 1 Thess 4:10-11)

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Walk In Wisdom
Prov 18:1-5


1 One who isolates oneself seeks his own desire; he defies all sound judgment.

In our current situation, at least here in America, many of us are in isolation. Due to reaction to Covid-19, many cannot go to church because the government is not allowing it. There are some who even before Covid-19 could not participate in regular church services due to illness, or no transportation, or not having a church that is of your faith available.

This verse however, is referencing the one who purposely removes themself from fellowship in order to seek out their own desires. They don't want to learn more of God and learn to get along with others, they just want to do their own thing, in their own time, in their own way. A person who seperates and isolates themselves away from friends and family is defiant of God and any sound judgement they maybe had is now out the door.

This is not in reference to one who seeks to be alone with God for a few days or weeks in order to seek God and get their lives back on track, but one who rips themselves away from friends and family indefinately. Think the Prodigal Son who left his family in order to serve himself and party down. ​

2 A fool finds no delight in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

I know several people who only want to share their opinion of what they think I believe and then don't allow me to respond, and if they do allow me to respond, they don't listen and just end up making accusations that are not true. We don't have to accept everything we hear, but at least we should listen and ask questions and get understanding. How else can we convice another that they need Yeshua in their life. Yelling and screaming at them when we know nothing about them, does not work.​

3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with dishonor comes disgrace.

When wicked people come around, even though it may not be spoken, the other people around have only contempt for them. The wicked is characterized and deserviing of shame. ​

4 The words of one’s mouth are deep waters, a fountain of wisdom, a flowing brook.

The words of a wise person is like a deep well. No matter how much you draw from the person of wisdom, you will never run them dry. They are like a water fountain, or a running brook, giving everyone who listens fresh water to drink.​

5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

The wicked often have money to throw around and are throwing out bribes for their wickedness to be ignored. A good judge though will not show partiality to the wicked. Showing partiality toward the wicked is depriving the innocent of justice. It is wicked to cater to wicked.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

Wise Speaking
Prov 18:6-10


6 The lips of a fool enter into an argument and his mouth invites a beating.

In other words, stay out of other people's arguments. ​

7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Foolish speaking. Saying things just to say them. It never turns out well.​

8 The words of a gossip are tasty morsels, going down into one’s innermost being.

Not only should we not gossip ourselves, we should not listen to gossip. Sure everybody likes to tell and listen but the heart of the matter is that it eats away at our very being. It makes us untrustworthy and busybodies.​

9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

If we slack in our work, meaning if we laze around wasting time when we're supposed to be working, we get nothing but waste. We get nothing from not working and we create nothing. ​

10 The Name of Adonai is a strong tower. The righteous one runs into it and is set safely up high.

In the Lord we find complete safety. There is nothing and no one who can tear down the mighty tower of Him. The righteous person runs to Him immediately and is safe.​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Our Mind and Soul
Prov 18:11-15


11 A rich person’s wealth is a strong city or like a high wall—in his imagination.

Only in a rich persons mind does his wealth protect him. It may for awhile give him some leverage, but in the long-run will come crumbling down. Wealth is effective for many things, but it's quite insecure, especially regarding ones' spiritual security. It​

12 Before ruin a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

Ruin is caused by a proud heart and a haughty spirit. One must be humble though in order to experience the honor that is most befitting. I think of Mother Teresa who humbled herself in many ways. Seeking out the weak and needy and giving of herself tirelessly to them. She did not seek fame and fortune yet mention her name and everyone knows who she is and they give her honor.​

13 One who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.

Answering an issue before we've checked it out or going on a rampage and making decisions without giving a person the chance to tell you the whole story, whether you think you know the ending or not, is a shameful thing. I see this happen repeatedly and it creates many misunderstanding, and wrongfull decisions. Listen a person out...even if the ending is what you thought it would be. That's the right thing to do. ​

14 One’s spirit sustains him through illness, but who can bear a crushed spirit?

A hopeful spirit will help us through the darkest of times. When our spirit is crushed, we lose hope. Don't crush the spirit of others, and keep your eyes on God and remain in constant contact with Him so that your spirit does not become crushed. ​

15 A discerning heart gains knowledge, the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

One who is discerning continues to gain in wisdom and knowledge.

"Such as can keep the bird singing in their bosom, and are free from inward perturbations, these by meditating on the good word of God, and by listening to the wholesome words of others, get and gather knowledge; that is, great store of all sorts of knowledge, that which is divine especially, and tends to the perfecting of the soul". ~John Trapp Complete Commentary~​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Honoring One Another
Prov 18:16-18


16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

Though in some instances it might be viewed as a bribe, the person who comes bearing gifts when they come before a person of power get's himself noticed and gets the attention of that great person. I think it's a matter of respecting and honoring. Think of the Magi when they came before Yeshua as a child...they each had a gift to give. Even though in the natural Yeshua was no one of importance, the Magi understood it differently and they were not empty handed.

In Rom 12 we are told to "honor one another". It does not mention stature in earthly terms but in God's Kingdom the only one with high stature is God Himself and when fellowshipping with each other we are to treat each other with high respect, honoring each other. Not to get something in return, but out of love for God. ​

17 He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

There are always many views to the same event. The first person to tell "their side" of the story seems like they are giving the facts correctly, however, when the other side is heard, it seems correct too. We should never take sides until we've heard both sides and both sides are questioned and details are heard. ​

18 The lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.

When arguments could not be settled, it was common practice to "cast lots" or "draw straws" in order to settle the matter. In that matter they were putting the issue in God's hands and let Him settle the matter by means of lots. I'm not saying this is an acceptable way to handle arguments, but I'm not saying it's not either. Both parties would agree that however the lot fell was the final say. Personally, I think that the one's who are arguing need to come to an agreement, giving and taking willfully instead of depending on the casting of lots.​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

How Do We Smell?
Prov 18:19-21


19 An offended brother is more formidable than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

Going just by what this says (there are some differences among the commentators), when we offend a person close to us, whom we are good friends with, the offence becomes a wall that is stronger than a fortified city. Fighting and quarreling between each other puts up bars between us. See Rom 14 on instructions on getting along with each other.

Also a comment to the offended...FORGIVE. You're just as at fault in the offense if you do not forgive and work to get back in right standing with your brother/sister either in the natural or in the Lord. ​

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled—with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.

The words that come out of our mouths are important. They become to our spiritual digestive system the same as if we eat something good and fresh or if we eat something rotten. They either become a benefit to us or they cause vomiting and diarrhea...eating away at us spiritually. Definitely, not a good fragrance to the Lord.

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21 Death and life are in the control of the tongue. Those who indulge in it will eat its fruit.

We can speak death or we can speak life, both are within our control. Do not EVER speak your truth of "you're stupid, you're lazy, you're ugly, you're worthless, you're nothing" EVER. Speak only God's truth, "He loves you, He has a plan for your life, You're beautiful, etc.." Life or death? Don't speak death to yourself either. Speak truth then change what you need to. If you're unloving, then get before God and let Him change you. You're the only one you can work change on, nobody else.

Spiritually, you will either be a sweet fragrance (2 Cor 12-17) to God or you will smell like...well you know. If the smell is bad you can change it. It's only permanent when you refuse to repent and turn from wicked speech.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

God, Our Friend
Prov 18:22-24


22 Whoever finds a wife finds good, and receives favor from Adonai.

It is good when a man finds a wife. Not just any wife though, a good and godly wife. Likewise, it is good for a woman to find a husband, not just any husband, but a good and godly husband.

Men and woman who are giving themselves to the Lord in the manner that He has set forth are good for each other. They are not perfect but they are learning to be. Men submitting to the Lord and treating their wives as Christ loved the church...giving their lives for her. And the wife submitting (NOT like a child submits, as in just doing what they're told, but as a partner who has equal input and follows God as He leads the husband. God will not lead a couple two different ways. See Eph 5:21-33.
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23 The poor request favor, but the rich answer harshly.

Those in need have to watch the tones of their voices when asking for help. An attitude of, "I deserve this" does not go over well. However, those who are not in need can have any tome of voice they wish.

In comparing ourselves to the Lord though, Who created the Heavens and the earth and Who owns the cattle on a thousand hils (Ps 50:10), we all are in need in what He wants to bestow on us...whether it's riches, wisdom, or all the above we are in debt to Him and we treat Him with the honnor and majesty due Him.

He's our Father and friend, but He's not our homeboy and we should never speak of Him or to Him as if He is. We should never treat our relationship with HIM flippantly. We can trust that when we (the poorer) come before Him (the richest) with love, honor, and respect of Who He is and what He's done for us, He will not answer us harshly, as the human rich might.
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24 A man with many friends may be harmed by them, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Our earthly friends may hurt and betray us but in our relationship with God, in our humility and love and devotion to Him, He stands by us closer than even a brother would. An example would be Joseph. All 10 of his older brothers, turned on him, but Joseph put His faith and trust in God and God raised Joseph up as the savior of the land including his brothers when famine came.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Walking Lika A Believer in Yeshua
Prov 19:1-5


1 Better to be poor, walking with integrity, than be a fool whose lips are corrupt.

Rather clear I think . It's better to be poor and walking righteously, than rich and a fool in all walks of life. Not that it's implying that all poor people are walking righteously. I know many a poor person who was a scoundrel...thieving and lying about everything. I've known of rich people too who loved God and used their riches to futhter the Kingdom of God. ​

2 Zeal without knowledge is not good, or to act hastily and miss the way.

How many have jumped on the band-wagon touting the newest medicine, make-up, cleaning product, church doctrine, etc., only to find out later all the bad things that go along with, as well as finding out it does not work as well as touted. Getting all excited about something without checking it out is risky, both naturally and spiritually. ​

3 A man’s folly undermines his way, and his heart rages against Adonai.

Do you run into a lot of roadblocks in your plans? Are you in debt up to the gills but can't understand why? Are things always going wrong? Quick, get befor God and ask HIM to show you what the problem is. Continue to ask until He shows you and then also shows you how to solve the issues. It's not likely the devil, it's you. The decisions you're making are the cause of the problems. Learn wisdom and obedience to God's word and things will begin to improve. Been there, done that, I know.
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4 Wealth adds many friends, yet a poor man is deserted by his friend.

You win the lottery and you have friends and family coming out of the woodwork. Family who never spoke to you before are suddenly claiming you and friends you have not seen since you were a baby. LOL But if you're poor, well, you've been deserted by many of your friends because you're of no use to them. Sad, and true.

Be a real friend, don't desert those in need, ever. If you're able to help then help. If you don't have the monetary means of helping, then at least give your friendship. See Eph 4:1-3.​

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, one who breathes lies will not escape.

Pay attention! If you malisiously lie and deceive, leading others into traps you WILL have the unfavor returned unto you. What you sow is what you reap. See Gal 6:6-10.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Handling Wisdom
Prov 19:6-10


6 Many seek the favor of the generous. Everyone is a friend to a giver of gifts.

Everyone wants to be friends with the talk-show hosts who are always giving away cars, and houses, and vacation trips, and money, and all the many gifts that are given away. It's good to be genersous, and God blesses the generous, but also know that some, if not most of the people hanging around acting like your closest friend will desert you in an instant when the gift-supply stops. ​

7 All a poor man’s relatives despise him—how much more his friends avoid him. He pursues them with words, but they are not there.

When a person is poor and always in need they don't generally have any close friends and/or family that comes around. People want little to do with a poor person I think because they will either feel obligated to share their wealth with them or they themselves are not that wealthy and they don't want to be around another poorer person because they cannot help them out either. Sad. Though, I've seen street people share their pizza with others.

As followers of Yeshua, we should not be stingy and avoid others because they are in need.​

8 One who gets wisdom loves his own soul. One who treasures understanding prospers.

To go after wisdom is a true love of one's self. And, not only getting it but keeping it. The one who treasures the understanding of God's ways and obey's will prosper...not necessarily in "eartly things" but honesty, integrity, mercy, etc..​

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who breathes lies will perish.

This I believe is regarding malicious deception. Lying in order to extract money from others in exchange for something. Bad business deals or breaking friends apart with gossip and lies about another, etc.. Deceipt, just for the sake of causing trouble or making yourself look better, bragging about your skills to get a job when you actually knowing nothing about it, stuff like that willl not go unpunished by God.

As I've shared before, I do not believe to lie in order to save one's life from wrongfull harm falls in this catagory. Like those who hid Jews from the Nazi's during the Holocaust, they were saving lives from the evil and wrongful intent of extermination (death) of innocent people.​

10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool—how much less for a servant to rule over princes!

A foolish person uses wealth to "blow" their money on whatever they see. They buy things they don't need. They feed their wants. It's even less fitting for a servant to gain rule over princes.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged
Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

Delight is not seemly for a fool. A life of luxurious delights sometimes makes wise men into fools; but it makes fools into madmen, to their own destruction. Recreation and pleasure are seemly for a wise man, as a temporary relaxation; but a "rod" of correction is what is most seemly for a fool (Proverbs 10:13; Proverbs 26:3). "Delight" would be prejudicial alike to the sinful fool himself, and to others who might be tempted by his seeming enjoyment to follow his bad ways.

Much less for a servant (for one who is essentially a mean slave in character) to have rule over princes

- over those who in nobility of mind, experience, and sagacity are essentially princes, though depressed by the accidents of fortune. "A servant" answers to "a fool" in the first clause. He who is a slave of his own passions is ill-fitted "to have rule over" those who, as using not "fools," but wise, are better fitted to be "princes" over, than subject to him (cf. Lamentations 5:8). ​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Dealing With Anger
Prov 19:11-15


11 Prudence makes one slow to anger and his glory is to overlook an offense.

Synonyms for Pruence: Austerity, conservatism, diligence, discretion, forsight, frugality, judgement, tact, vigilence, wisdom.

"The only legitimate anger is a holy emotion directed against an unholy thing". ~The Biblical Illustrator~
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Having a bad and quick temper is not anything to laugh about. It's disgraceful to the person exhibeting it. Spending time in God's presence should begin to calm an angry spirit down. When in His presence HE will begin to deal with the things in our heart that need healing and if we let Him, He will change us. ​

12 A king’s wrath is like a roaring lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

The sound of a roaring lion is quite terrifying when you are within its grasp. (Shudder). It's not a "here kitty, kitty" moment. It's the same thing when a person who has power over others becomes angry at them and begins to rant and rave. I've had it happen to me and it's a terrifying feeling.

When the person who has power over us is gracious to us though, their graciousness refreshes our spirit and sets it at ease. While there are steps we can take to control our anger outbursts, only God can change what is going on within us. Take the steps to control, but also seek God for change. ​

13 A foolish son is trouble for his father, and a quarrelsome wife is constant dripping.

Foolish activities, and talk generally not only brings us brouble, but also brings trouble on our families. Learn to walk in wisdom. A wife who is quarrelsom, who's always stirring up trouble, comparing her husband to other women's husbands, and comparing her kids to other kids is compared her to being like a constant drip. Drip, drip, drip. I had a dripping faucet recently, it IS annoying. Lady, if you are prone to complaining about anything and everything, STOP it. You're driving people away from you...of course men can be quarrelsome too and they too should STOP it. ​

14 House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Adonai.

You can get a house and money as an inheritance, but a wise wife/husband comes from Adonai. Pray and seek God's face before you marry. You may be getting a good wise spouse or you may be getting that dripping faucet. ​

15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will starve.

An idle soul...not spending time with God and reading His word brings spiritual starvation. Spending time with God is not you praying and telling God all the things you want Him to do for you. It's talking with Him as He is your best friend. Telling him the things in yourself that you see need to be changed and allowing Him to change them in you. Reading His word to see what it says to "you", not to Cousin Billy and your other friends and family. Reading what God wants you to be like then asking Him to work in you those things. Those "workings in you" will be painful, but so worth it. Don't allow yourself to spiritually starve.

​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Relationships
Prov 19:16-19


16 One who keeps a mitzvah guards his soul, but one who neglects His ways will die.

Mitzvah is a commandment given by God, such as, "Thou shalt not bear false witness", etc.. Divided into two sections (two tablets) one instructs on our relationship with God, and the other, our relationship with each other.

Yeshua brought all the commands to one: "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you" (Matt 7:12). Or, another way of putting it, "Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as you love yourself" (Mark 12:30-31).

All 10 commandments are hanging on that one statement, If you love God, you will have no other Gods before Him. If you love God, you will do your best to obey all the others in relationship to Him. If you love your neighbor, you won't do anyting that will bring harm to them.

The one who keeps the mitzvah that all 10 are hanging on (see Matt 22:34-40) is being a proactive and an alert guard to his soul. But the one who neglects the mitzvah, even just one of them, it is a sign of a crack in the armor somewhere and will bring death on himself when one of satans arrows get into that crack. Do what you can to do what you have to.
​

17 One who is kind to the poor lends to Adonai, and Adonai will reward him for his good deed.

Always be kind to the poor. Don't look down your nose at them. Don't order them to "get a job". You don't know how they got where they're at and there but for the grace of God go you. It may be their fault, but that does not mean you cannot be kind.

If you don't have or don't want to give them cash, buy them food, or blankets, or a pillow. I have a friend who makes sleeping bags for the poor. Be kind. Do what God shows you to do. In doing so it is the same things as if you gave directly to God Himself, and HE will reward you.​

18 Discipline your son while there is hope. Do not set your heart on his death.

Discipline your children. With all their crying and wailing it may be difficult to deal with but if you don't discipline them, they will turn into the type of people that riot in the streets and kill and they will not only experience spiritual death but possibly violent harm that brings death.

I stress agian that discipline does nto mean beating them to the point of death or causing such bodily harm that they end up in the hospital. Ephesians tells us to "not provoke our children to anger" (Ehp 6:4). Plus, in many places it's against the law of the land and your children will be taken away and you will go to jail.

Proper discipline is first led by you as the parent living the way that God commands, then properly and with patience and humility guiding your children. Don't avoid discipline and don't be cruel in it. ​

19 One with great rage will pay a penalty. For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

This seems to be somewhat of a continuation of the previous verse. If you go into a great rage when trying to discipline your children you will most likely reap the opposite of what you are aiming for. Bad tempers bring all sorts of conplications to relationships...home, work, school, church, etc..​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Fear Of God
Prov 19:20-23



20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, so that in the end you may be wise.

It's hard for a lot of people to listen to advice and accept instruction, especially when they did not ask for it. It is a necessary skill though, to at the very least listen. After listening, then one can mull over the advice, take it to the Lord and make their decision.

Some things don't need mulling over though. I was on a bowling team once and I was doing pretty good however an older man on my team kept trying to instruct me on how to bowl better. I was a bit rude to him and that was wrong of me. I still have wrestling with my attitude toward un-asked-for advice. It's not becoming at all.​

21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of Adonai will stand.

As people we make all kinds of plans. They are usually good plans too and well intended, however, it's the Lord who guides our steps and a great deal of the time, actually, most of the time, the steps HE orders take us on completely different routes than what we planned. Of course if we've relied on the guidence of the Holy Spirit our life goes in a way that is better than we planned. Not necessarily more fun or more glamorous, but more blessed by God and fruitful in His ways. Keeping in the counsel of Adonai will keep our feet on the most solid ground.​

22 What is desired in a man is loyalty, and a poor person is better than a liar.

Being truthfull and honest in everyday life is important. Nobody likes a habitual liar, someone who lies about everything; their work, their kids, their spouce, how much money they make, everything. A poor person is better than a liar.​

23 The fear of Adonai leads to life, and he who has it rests satisfied, untouched by harm.

As I've pointed out before, the "fear of Adonai" is not terror, it's respectful and reverential obedience of what He's told us. He's our friend, but he's not our homeboy to be treated like He's there to do all our bidding as we bid. Understanding Who God is and treating Him as such leads us to the life of obedience which leads to wisdom. When we have that "fear" of God we can rest and be satisfied in whatever situation we find ourselves in and while our flesh may encounter some discomfort, our souls will be untouched by harm.
​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Sluggards, Scoffers, and Disgraceful Sons
Prov 19:24-29


24 The slacker buries his hand in a bowl and will not even bring it back to his mouth!

It's a really lazy person that is too lazy to even feed themselve! I've seen people who were sick and unable to feed themselves but not too lazy...that's deplorible. I have seen it in movies where the "royalty" expected someone to feed them. In my opinion that is laziness and just an attitude of expecting others to serve when you should do it yourself, but want to humiliate others. Just my opinion.​

25 Strike a scoffer and the naïve will learn caution. rebuke a discerning person and he will gain knowledge.

There are three types of people mentioned in this verse: The scoffer, the naive, and the discerning.

1. Scoffers, are generally prideful, irrereverant, and cruel. They mock those who are trying to live righteously. They mock religion. They have haughty contempt on those who have differing opinions.
2. The naive is generally someone unsophisticated and simple in mind. They have not experienced much of the world yet and are too trusting of others.
3. The discerning. This is one that has understanding. According to their knowledge and ability they do their best to be just and do right by people.

The “scorner” is thoroughly wrong. The “simple” is potentially wrong. He that “hath understanding” is occasionally wrong, or he would not require “reproof.” It is implied--~The Biblical Illustrator~
​

Correct a scorner and the response is generally scorn, correct the simple and while he may not understand he will at least aim to not do the offense again. Correct a discerning person and they will understand and adjust their behavior and attitude accordingly.

Learning to watch for thise signs in people may save us a lot of frustration in dealing with people. Plus, if we happen to see any of it in ourself, getting before God and allowing Him to change us.

​

26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace!

One that brings shame and discrace upon his family lacked proper discipline.

"It is sad indeed that there should ever be such a son; but in our society today, there are many such sons, large numbers of whom have even murdered their parents. The text here offers no explanation of how such things come about; but a large number of such reprobate children reflect the failure of their parents to discipline them. Parents who rear an undisciplined child rear an animal, not a normal human being, and are kindling the fires of their own private hell." ~
Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible~​

27 My son, if you stop heeding instruction, you will stray from words of knowledge.

If we ever stop listening to good instruction from those who have discernment and know the way we are opening ourself up to being led astray. Don't be so haughty as to think you have arrived and know it all already.

Don't listen and/or dwell on things that are unholy and cause you to consider that "maybe I'm missing out on something". Be careful of what you watch and listen to, and read. If the sinful lifestyle of what you are thinking about is causing you to consider, "maybe it's not so bad afterall", be stern on yourself. Drop it all if you have to and listen and read and watch only what spurs you on toward God and His ways.​

28 A crooked witness scorns justice, and a wicked mouth devours iniquity.

Don't expect an unreliable witness to come to your rescue.​

29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and floggings for the back of fools.

Wicked people deserve the punishment they get. Make sure that you yourself are not part of them. Take an active role in your spiritual growth, God does not guide you as a puppet. You have your own mind and your own inclinitations and while we are to trust God to help us, He won't force us into submission. He gives us the strength to overcome by us putting our trust in Him and actively working to get our flesh under control. The whole book of Romans talks about that. ​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Wine, Quarrels, and Harvesting
Prov 20:1-5


1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is unwise.

My opinion here is that the warning is not "prohibiting", but instructing moderation. I personally don't like the taste of alcohol and generally only drink kosher wine when at someones house for one of God's feasts. At Passover there are four cups of wine during a very long meal, but for me, they are not full cups...usually just a couple of sips are all I have per cup. I've never been drunk and due to my personality, I would probably be the person who would sit and cry, and that does not sound fun to me. LOL

Just so you can see other commentaries on the subject, I've put the link for this verses commentary at Starlight .org to get a varied view of several commentators. I don't think the wine in the Bible was non-alcoholic, however, I also don't think it was of the same alcoholic content that wines today are.​

2 The terror of a king is like a lion’s growl. Whoever provokes him endangers his life.

My short commentary: It's not a good idea to make the boss angry...whether it's mom, dad, or the employer.​

3 It is honor for one to resolve a dispute, yet every fool quarrels.

It is good to resolve an argument as quickly as possible. I think most arguments are due to misunderstanding...misunderstanding of what was heard and what was said. Even if there was not a misunderstanding, don't carry quarrels out like the Hatfields and McCoys. If things cannot be worked out between the parties, then come to some other understanding. See also Phil 4:2-3.​

4 A slacker will not plow in season, so at harvest he looks but finds nothing.

Do what you need to do at the time it needs to be done. If you want tomatoes in the summer, then don't put off planting them when they need to be planted. It's the same with everything we do.​

5 The intent of a man’s heart is deep water, but a man of insight draws it out.

Seek out good advice. Not from those who achieve their knowledge from thievery and deceipt, and corruptive means, but from those who live righteously. Those who have and are enduring and standing strong in their faith. ​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

The Redeemed
Prov 20:6-9


6 Many a man proclaims his loyalty, but a faithful man who can find?

When it comes to being loyal, many people claim it, but when it actually comes down to it, not as many that claim it, do it. It reminds me of the parable about the two sons. (Matt 21:28-32). Their father asked the one son to work in the vineyard, he said he would not, but then did. The other son said he would, but then didn't. Yeshua asked, "which is the son that was faithful"?​

7 A righteous person walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.

A righteous person does not lie, steal, cheat, endanger, etc.. The children of a righteous person are blessed.​

8 A king sitting on the throne to judge separates out all evil with his eyes.

A wise and good king sits in judgement over othes himself, he does not relegate judgement to others. He makes sure to hear cases with his own ears and see with his own eyes instead of relying on what others say. ​

9 Who can say: “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?

Seriously, can any of us say this? But, through the blood of Yeshua shed at the cross for us, and our coming to him in repentance, we are cleansed from all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1:9). Our redemption is in Yeshua.

​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Godly Behavior
Prov 20:10-13


10 Unequal weights and measures—both are an abomination to Adonai.

Cheating is evil. Making something look like there is more there than is and selling it for the full amount is evil. Stuffing the ballot boxes is evil. We are to do things right and fairly. God is in control and will work all thuings out for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28), however, from the human standpoint, we are to act fairly. See Is 33:14-17; Is 56:1; Ezk 18:5-9; Col 4:1; Rom 2:11; Eph 6:9.
​

11 Even a child is known by his actions, whether his conduct is pure and upright.

Children are known by their actions. A wise parent observes and guides them in the right direction and does not allow the inclinations of "gaining" over another by corrupt means and taking over their lives. This is not done by yelling and screaming, and beating...it's done by the parents example and proper and loving discipline, which yelling, screaming, and beating is not proper discipline.
​

12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—Adonai has made them both.

Every good thing that we can possess comes from God. Therefore, we should use our ears and our eyes to focus on the things that will draw us closer to HIM. Remember that song, "Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See"?​

13 Do not love sleep, lest you become poor. Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food.

Short and simple: don't be lazy. Even during this pandemic if you cannot go to work don't laze around the house eating and doing nothing else. Find things to do that benefit you and/or others. Don't allow depression to overtake you either. Get out of bed and find something to do that is not focused on you.​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Adonai's Searchlight
Prov 20:14-19



14 “It’s bad, bad!” says the buyer, but then he goes away and boasts.

One time I was at Pizza Hut and there was a family celebrating one of the kids birthday. There were several kids there with them. They were quite noisy, and were going back and forth rudely pushing their way in front of people getting more pizza and whatever else was on the buffet. Well, the plates ran low and the staff were scrambling to get more clean plates on the buffet when the man started throwing a fit over the low plate supply and the kids were running all over the place and pretty soon the wife joined in the fit-throwing and in a huff they gathered all the kids and walked out of the restaurant....without paying for all the food they had just consumed.

I'm sure they laughed and boasted all the way home how they got all that food for free, and in the process taught their kids how to cheat just as they had just done.

Not acceptable behavior. Don't cheat people out of what is due them, period. ​

15 There is gold and abundance of rubies, but lips that speak knowledge are precious.

There are many things of value in this world, gold, silver, jewels, etc., but there is nothing more valuable than the words of someone who is able to speak the right thing at the right time. See Eph 4:29; Jms 1:19; Eph 5:4; Col 4:6.​

16 Take a man’s garment, who puts up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge, as security for a foreign woman.

Coffman's Commentary says it clear:​

Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible
"Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for foreigners."

This rendition seems to catch the idea here: "Anyone stupid enough to promise to be responsible for a stranger's debts ought to have his own property held to guarantee payment."[12]​

17 Bread gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is filled with gravel.

When we get things by deceipt we may relish in it at first, but later we'll discover the curses it brought down on not only ourselves, but our families too. See 1 Pet 2:1; 1 Pet 2:22; 1 Pet 3:10; Eph 5:6.​

18 Plans are made by counsel, so wage war with guidance.

Rulers should not got to war with other rulers without getting wise council. It is also good to try and work things out with the other ruler that there is problems with. Of course this apply's not only to rulers, but in our everyday lives as well. Don't cut friendships off before weighing everything out. We don't just cut a fruebd off without trying to work things out. See John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible​

19 A talebearer goes about, revealing secrets, so do not associate with a babbler.

Don't be a gossip. Even if what you are telling is truth, to tell it to others who have no need to know it makes you a gossip. We should not even associate with such a person. See 2 Cor 12:20; Eph 4:29; Ex 23:1; James 4:11; Lev 19:16; Ps 34:14 (v 13 in non Jewish/Catholic Bibles).​