Peanut Gallery Lessons from The Book of Proverbs

[SpiritPsalmist]

Iron Sharpens Iron
Prov 27:17-21


17 As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Just as iron sharpens iron, a good friendship will sharpen each other. Each drawing and growing off the other.

The character of true friendship. It should be simple, manly, unreserved; not weak, or fond, or extravagant, nor yet exacting more than human nature can fairly give; nor intrusive into the secrets of another’s soul, or curious about his circumstances. The greatest element in friendship is faithfulness. Friends learn from one another; they form the characters of one another; they bear one another’s burdens; they make up for each other’s defects. The ancients spoke of three kinds of friendship--one for the sake of the useful, one for the sake of the pleasant, and a third for the sake of the good or noble. The first is a contradiction in terms. It is a partnership, not a friendship. Every one knows the delight of having a friend. Is there a friendship for the sake of the noble and the good? Mankind are dependent beings, and we cannot help seeing how much, when connected together, they may do for the elevation of one another’s character and for the improvement of mankind. ~The Biblical Illustrator~​

18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, whoever takes care of his master will be honored.

Those who have put their faith in Yeshua for salvation are his servents. Those who are faithful in doing his work, for he is a good master, will be greatly rewarded and honored. ​

19 As water reflects the face, so a person’s heart reflects the person.

I was just thinking the other day of how my brother and sister and I all had/have the same tendency's toward ridicule, then realized that both of our parents were the same way. As we can look into a mirror to see our reflection and see what we look like, we can also look at others and see the direction in heart that our flesh tends to go when unattended. Staying in close fellowship with God intercepts those tendency's though and can keep them at bay. Like Paul described in Rom 7.
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20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.

The ground can never be filled up with bodies. Much the same with a person who is filled with desire for lust, power, riches, and splender which are never satisfied. This type of person is compared to the ground not being satisfied with all the dead bodies buried in it. ​

21 A crucible is for silver and a furnace is for gold, but a person is proved by the praise he receives.

Just as the purity of silver and gold is proven by the refineer, so is a persons true nature is shown by how they receive praise. Do they let it pass over them without changing or do they become puffed up and strut around like they are important?​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Proper Leading
Prov 27:22-27


22 Even if you pound the fool along with the grain in a mortar with a pestle, his foolishness would never leave him.

One of the definitions of "a fool" is: "One who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding". A person who does not have the knowledge nor the common sense and understanding of what is a good thing to do or not to do. Such as, if you toss the balls straight up in the air they're going to come right back down and hit you on the head.

I like to believe I have some pretty good common sense, however, many times that common sense only came AFTER I did the foolish thing. At least I can claim to have learned from the bad decision, but there are some who don't. They just keep making the same bad decisions over and over and over again and have no understanding of why things come out the same every time.

At some point you would think, that for a believer in God anyway, that they would go to God and say, "Show me what I'm doing wrong", and God is faithful to do so, but many don't even ask God or anyone else. They just continue wandering through life making foolish decisions. And, according to this scripture, eve if you pound all the info they need into them like a mortar and pestle, they will not comprehend it.

It is not a hopeless matter though for the one who desires to be closer to God and know HIM. It is the one who refuses to acknowledge God and accept his need for HIM that will continue wandering and making the most important decision of all which is to accept God and the forgiveness given through the shed blood of His son Yesua. One can be wise in the world yet foolish as a whole by refusing God's gift of all their sins being forgiven.​

23 Know well the condition of your flocks, pay attention to your herds, 24 for riches are not forever, nor a crown from generation to generation. 25 When hay is removed and grass appears, and grain from the hills is gathered in, 26 lambs will provide you with clothing, and goats with the price of a field. 27 There will be enough goats’ milk for food and food for your household, and sustenance for your maidservants.

I know there are many directions these verses can be taken, but what jumps out at me first is, "Pay attention to the needs of the animals you are responsible for." Don't be cruel to animals. You make sure their needs are met before you make yourself comfortable. Don't be abusive and make then suffer. Don't mistreat them for sport. That does not mean that you cannot hunt for FOOD and clothing (needs, not wants), but it does mean that you don't torture the animal that is about to become your food and clothing. The Bible gives specific instructions on killing an animal for these purposes, so don't make sport of it. God considers it evil.

It's also good to note that a man or woman who is cruel to an animal is likely not a good candidate to be your husband or wife.

If you are a pastor/leader, pay attention to the needs of your congregation. That does not mean to be at their beck and call for every whimsey. Be aware of their "NEEDS". Be strong enough to teach them the Word of God. Learn how to delegate. Teach from the scripture. "Subject teachings" are nice but more often than not, the verses being pulled from various parts of scripture in order to teach your "subject" are not as a whole what the sections you're pulling from are talking about. In my opinion, it's a bad example of scripture teaching.

In time, proper teaching and care will pay off and the flock will rise up to the occasion, whatever it may be. Don't be cruel and expect them to know things you have not taught them. That can be applied to parents too.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Prov 28:1-4

1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

A guilty conscience causes a person to be fearful even when no-one is chasing them. They are aware of all the things they've done wrong and are afraid that at any time, someone who knows what they've done will pop up. A righteous person though, they know they've done nothing wrong so they go about their business in peace and not looking over their shoulders for any accusers.​

2 When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a man of discernment and knowledge maintains order.

A country that is evil will have many leaders that continue to lead it astray. A nation that does what is right though, will have stable leadership. ​

3 A poor man who oppresses the weak is like pounding rain without food.

This is illustrated by Yeshua in the parable of the two debters (Lk 7:36-50) See BibleHub exposition here. Another time Yeshua gave a parable on two debtors in Matt 18:23-35. The bottom line with both I think are not only is anyone allowed to oppress the poor, the poor should not oppress the poor. Be merciful. Be fair. Don't oppress those in need, else when you are in need you find yourself being oppressed.​

4 Those who forsake Torah praise the wicked, but those who keep Torah stir them up.

Yeshua said His words, Torah, would NEVER pass away (Matt 24:35). Anyone who teaches otherwise is wicked. (Matt 5:17-20) Do the study for yourself, don't trust others to do it for you and then you just follow whatever they say. It's not about keeping 613 Jewish laws either, not all of those laws apply to every single person. Yeshua boiled it down to two: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, AND love your neighbor as yourself. Find out what those two in action look like. It's you alone who will stand before God and answer to Him.

Stir up that hunger for God's word. It is what lights your path and will keep you from stumbling.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

Above All, Seek God
Prov 28:5-8


5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek Adonai understand it fully.

Those who are evil have no understanding of what justice really is. I believe we see that in our world today, in the government, in our schools, in our work places. There really is very little true justice by those who are obviously not serving God according to HIS ways. HIS ways are not necessarily being lived out by those who claim to be believers either. Scripture says we will know them by their fruit (Matt 7:15-23). It's not "are they doing everything according to what the church says, but are they doing what is in accordance with God's word? I think too, that in America at least, the hands of a true believer are tied in so many ways. A great deal of discernment is needed in order to rule in a Godly way. We can only receive God's discernment if we are fully seeking God.​

6 Better the poor who walks in his integrity than the rich whose ways are crooked.

It's better to walk in God's ways and be poor in the opinion of the world than to be rich but have no morals or scruples. That does not mean that one "has" to be poor in riches but if you have to choose, integrity is far more desirable.​

7 He who keeps Torah is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

The one who keeps God's instructions for a good and happy life is discerning. He brings honor to not only his earthly parents, but to his Heavenly Father. A person who is a glutton for all the riches the world has to offer brings disgrace. Again, it's not about keeping 613 sommandments in the Jewish law, but about loving God with all our heart, mind, and soul, and loving our neighbor as ourself. What does loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind and loving our neighbor as ourself look like? What it looks like is shown to us throughout God's word. Often we overlook it in our quest to finish the reading and get on with our day. Make and take time to search and get to know God thorugh His words to us. It's well worth it.​

8 Whoever increases his wealth by exorbitant interest, gathers it for one kinder to the poor.

Whoever makes a living by unjust means is only gathering up riches to go to someone else when they die. Don't take advantage of the poor and charge an exorbatent amount of interest in order to make your own pockets fuller. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. ​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Continue In Gods Instructions
Prov 28:9-12


9 One who turns his ear from hearing Torah —even his prayer is an abomination.

When we stop yearning for God's word and His ways our prayers become evil. When we stop learning what it is that God desires, we are left with whatever we desire, which are the desires of the flesh. It's one thing when God's word is not available to us, and it's quite another when it's overly abundant to us and we refuse to not listen and to not do.

God says to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, and without our drawing near to Him and abiding in Him and His word, we become heartless, full of our own selves, and think only of what we can do to get more pleasure for ourselves. Never think, "I know all about that already and don't need to continue reading it over again", because that's a clear sign that you don't. ​

10 One who leads the upright astray along an evil path will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will inherit good.

In Matt 5:19 Yeshua said, "Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever keeps and teaches them, this one shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven". It's evil to know what the right thing to do is and not do it. (Jms 4:17) In light of what Yeshua said, it is even worse to teach others to not do what is right. For those who have such easy access to scripture, we don't have to guess at what is right and wrong, it's all written down for us in black, white, and in many Bibles, red. We have no excuse for wandering aimlessly in our spiritual walk with God. ​

11 A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but a discerning poor person sees through him.

While working hard and being deligent has it's rewards, becoming wise in our own eyes is a pitfall. The riche may ascribes getting to where he is due to his great understanding and intelligence. He has lots of self-adoration, and no wisdom. A poorer man though, who has wisdom, will see right through all the bragging and will properly discern what needs to take place.​

12 When the righteous triumph there is great glory, but when the wicked rise to power, people hide.

When the righteous are put in high and authoritative places it brings God's glory to the nation. But when the wicked are in power, if there are some righteous people in power, their hands are pretty much tied to making righteous decisions on behalf of the high place they may be sitting.

The unrighteous don't like it that there is any restraint put on their wickedness and make every attempt to remove the righteous one's. I think we see that today in the American government where we see homosexuals and transsexuals put in power over health and children and where the sons/daughters of high powered people are allowed to harm children and are heavily involved in drugs and catering to America's enemy's and are murdering millions of innocent unborn babies.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory,.... When it is well with them; when they are in prosperous circumstances; when they are countenanced and encouraged by the government under which they are; when they have the free exercise of their religion; and especially when they are advanced to places of profit, honour, and trust, which must make them cheerful and joyful; it is a glory to a land, it adds greatly to the glory of it, and a fine prospect there is of the increase and continuance of it;


but when the wicked rise: to honour and dignity, and are set in high places, and are in great power and authority, which they exercise to the distress of the righteous and all good men:


a man is hidden: a good man; he hides himself, as in Proverbs 28:28; he withdraws himself from court, from city, from company, from commerce, and business, because of the tyranny and persecution of wicked men; and flees to distant places, and wanders in deserts and mountains, in caves and dens of the earth; as some saints, under the Old Testament, did, and as the Church, in Gospel times, fled from the tyranny of antichrist into the wilderness, to hide herself: or, "a man is" or "shall be sought for", and searched out; as wicked persecutors are very diligent to search for and find out such persons that hide themselves, and fetch them out of their hiding places, and cruelly use them.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

Staying Focussed on God
Prov 28:13-18



13 One who covers up his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them finds mercy. 14 Blessed is one who is always cautious,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble.

The one who refuses to acknowledge his sins and seek mercy will not receive it. God has been and always is ready to forgive. Coming to Yeshua as our Savior involves us knowing and acknowledging our sins and asking for forgiveness. Acknowledgement involves turning away from those sins and not continuing in them. When we've done that we can put our faith and trust in the shed blood of Yeshua to cover those sins and and they are no longer held against us. We should always be quick to run to HIS forgivenss, keeping HIS instructions in our heart so that our heart does not harden us against His voice. (1 Jn 1:9) We may stumble and fall here and there, but to take up residense in sin will harden us to His word.​

15 Like a roaring lion or a prowling bear is a wicked ruler over helpless people. 16 An oppressive leader lacks judgment. One who hates unjust gain will prolong his life.

A leader who is oppressive, whether it be in government or the regular work place lacks good judgement. Running the people ragged, threatening them with their jobs if they don't do everything you say, being unreasonable is wicked. It's unjust gain. Hating unjust activity though and working to be a just person will prolong your own life.​

17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder flees to the Pit—let no one support him.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will fall suddenly.

Murder is deliberately scheming and planning to kill someone who is innocent. It is not the killing of an enemy in a time of war or in being attacked and a person defends themselves. The commandment, "Thou shalt not kill" is more properly rendered, "Thou shalt not murder".

The person who has planned and killed an innocent person may try and hide himself but no one should rise to protect him. The one who walks upright though, keeping God's laws ever before him, will be safe. Life happens to all of us and God lets the wicked fall into a pit, but the righteous, although they may encounter bad situations, they will not succumb to it.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

Be Faithful and Consistent
Prov 28:19-23


19 Whoever works his land will be satisfied with food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. 20 A faithful man will have many blessings, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

The person who works hard and diligently at whatever job it is they do to support themselves will have plenty of whatever it is they have need of. That's not to say there will not be difficult times, but keeping at the work will eventually pay off. Don't give up if it takes longer than you think, eventually hard work and diligence will pay off.Unless of course you're trying to do something that is not within God's will for you. ​

21 To show partiality is not good—yet for a piece of bread a man may do wrong.

It is evil to show partiality. If there are two people up for the job the one who is the most qualified for it should get it, not your family member, friend, etc.. There should not be favoratism due to race or gender or any other reason.
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22 A stingy man chases after riches, but does not know that poverty will overtake him.

Chasing after riches, getting involved with every scheme that comes up will only throw you into poverty. I've known a few people who threw thousands of dollars into all kinds of schemes only to have it fall through every time. Risks are not always bad, but doing it over and over and over again, taking risks in futule ventures only made them poorer.​

23 One who rebukes a man will in the end find more favor than one with a flattering tongue.

We should be honest with people. If the girl is tone deaf don't tell her she sings beautiful and allow her to continue on without some training. I remember in high school for one of the programs the drama and choral classes came together. One of the drama girls just could not sing. She tried and tried but could not stay on tune. The choral teacher worked dilently with her though and by the end of the semester she was not Whitney Huston but she could carry a tune.

The point being, don't just tell people what they want to hear. Don't be cruel either. Growing up in my family every little thing seemed to be handled with roughness like a major crime had been commited. I personally wrestle with honesty, kind words and gentleness together. It is more kind to be honest than to let someone continue doing it incorrectly. Don't just roughly and judgementally talk to others though. Be kind. I know in todays overly-sensitive world it can be tough. ​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Don't Follow Your Heart
Prov 28:24-28


24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It’s not a crime,” is a partner to him who destroys.

Generally within a family the belongings of the father and mother will go to the children when the parents pass on. However, some, in their greedyness steal belongings before the parents have passed on. That is considered robbery and that offspring who has stolen has alligned themselves with the destroyer (satan) and in time, without repentence, will become just like those who rob and murder others. Robbing one's parents can be outright or secretive. It can be just taking things or harrassing them until they just let you take whatever it is you want. Be satisfied with what you have and/or buy whatever it is for yourself and stop dishonoring your parents. God does not care about what you think, it's about Him and what His word says. ​

25 A greedy soul stirs up strife, but one who trusts in Adonai prospers.

A person can be greedy in many ways. Greedyness is an intense desire to not just withhold money but to withhold anything. Withholding praise for someone who is helping you or withholding a raise for a deserving employee, etc.. Withholding what you are able to give stirs up hurt, feelings of unworthiness, resentment, etc. within others. One may be doing it purposely or they may not even know they are withholding. Those conditiions may be how someone was raised, therefor, that is how they relate to others. We have the promise from God though that when our trust is in Him, all our ways are prosperous. In my thinking that would include being more generous in all the variety of ways we can be generous.​

26 Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will escape.

The world tells us to, "Follow your heart". But scripture tells us, "Don't follow your heart". Jer 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and incurable...who can know it?" The only way around our hearts fooling us is to continually keep HIS laws before us and walk in them to the best of our ability and when we fall we run straight away to Him for forgiveness and cleansing. The heart and it's feelings are to NEVER be trusted, especially when what it feels is against God's word.​

27 One who gives to the poor will not lack, but one who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

As you are able, always be willing to give to the poor. It does not have to be money, but if you have extra blankets, share. If you have extra food, share. If you have clothing you can give, give it. If you have nothing, be a friend. We don't give to get, but we are promised that when we are willing to give out of what we have, God will make sure our needs are met.

Of course that does not mean there won't be any struggle and or doing without for a season, but we can trust that God will take care of us, one way or the other. If we shut our eyes to the needs we see though, and especially if we are able but we refuse we will suffer more than we need to somewhere down the line.​

28 When the wicked rise to power, people hide, but when they perish, the righteous increase.

One of the more frightening things in life I think is the idea that the wicked will be the ones given power. The wicked in power brings poverty and ruin to the regular people and brings evil on the land. When the wicked are removed though there is great rejoicing and the peole are free from the tyrency of the wicked rulers.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Good Leadership
Prov 29:1-4


One who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

When we stubbornly refuse to correct our correctable errors and just do whatever we please, and we've been corrected several times over the same issue it just is appairent that we are not interested in doing whatever it is correctly. God is patient, but nowhere does scripture say that He allows us to be stubborn indefinately. We will reap what we sow and if we sow stiff headedness that is what we will reap. ​

2 When the righteous thrive, people, rejoice. When the wicked rule, people groan.

When the righteous are in charge the people do well but when the wicked are in charge, the people perish. The wicked plunder everything.​

3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

Loving God and His word is wisdom and brings life and joy in abundance. When we ignore God and His word which brings us all the wealth we need, we are worshipping other gods and are being no better then if we were sleeping with prostitutes, giving ourselves over to them, taking on their ways, their diseases, and their end. ​

4 By justice a king brings stability to a land, but one who takes bribes brings it ruin.

A good leader does not take bribes. They do not put their people in peril in order to gain anything for themselves. ​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Holy Behavior
Prov 29:5-8


5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

Flattery. In this scripture usage, "flattery" is a negative. Using flattery to get what we want from someone is manipulation and is not really a good thing. Genuinely complement someone is one thing but saying things just to get them to do what you want them to is not good. Sales people often use flattery to sell you things you do not need. Genuine complements though are good as conversation starters, or as encouragement. While we need to be aware of where someone is just feeding us with flattery to get us to do what they want, we should not find it it awkward with sincere complements and have a difficult time accepting them. Here is a little video about how to accept/give true complements with grace. (Warning: There are a couple of words used in this video that some might consider a curse word.)​

6 In an evil man’s wrongdoing is a trap, but the righteous sings and rejoices.

The actions of an evil person is a trap to themselves. They are consistently caught up in precarious situations and having to remember the lie they told to one person and another. The righteous person though does not have to try and remember what lie he told who, nor do they have to look over their shoulder to see if they've been caught doing the wrong thing. They are free in their daily walk just to enjoy the day.​

7 A righteous person considers justice for the poor. The wicked one has no such concern.

We are to care about and for the poor. We are to speak up for the poor when they are being treated unjustly. We should never treat them as the dirt under our feet. They are people. While we may not be able to give them all they need, we can give respect. The person who has no concern for the poor is considered by God, to be wicked.​

8 Mockers incite a city, but wise men turn away anger.

Some people are always inciting others to anger by the infomaiton they dish out or the lack thereof. They point out the failures instead of the progress. They portray the final outcome without giving the events that led up to it. Such people can stir a riot within minutes. It's not to say that we should only report events as all sunshine and lollypops but many withhold so much infomation that it gets people all stirred up, and they don't have all the facts. Frequently, I believe anyway, that the news media throughout the world is guilty of such. They give only certain parts of the story, withholding key information, giving false stories and in turn inciting people to anger on things that are totally untrue.

Believers are to be wise and turn away from such behavior...the inciting of and behaving in anger. We should get all the facts and respond in wisdom, not anger.​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Walking In Our Faith
Prov 29:9-12


9 If a wise man argues with a foolish man, he rants or laughs, with no resolution.

I see this pretty consistently on Facebook when trying to reason with those who make it clear they are not believers AND even those who claim to be christian yet their lives do not portray it. One meme I've seen is, "I refuse to do a battle of wits with an unarmed person". That so fits this particular proverb, the foolish person who lacks knowledge in God's Word and does not really know Him, when it comes to actually reasoning, either rants over what God says or laughs. Word to the wise: it's just best to not waste your time with someone whose response is a failure knowing God's word, caring whether they follow it or not, and not being able to reason and critically think. It's best to just speak the truth, then walk away and allow the Father to do the drawing. (Jn 6:44)​

10 Bloodthirsty people hate a man of integrity and seek the soul of the upright.

The unrighteous hates those that are trying to live according to God's word. They will do whatever they can to try and cause the righteous to fall. When we consistently hang around those that hate God it is more likely that the righteous will become more like the unrighteous. The unrighteous will always set things up where the righteous person has to either stick around and participate or stand around looking foolish because they are not particapating, or leave. That's just the way it plays out. In this day and age with everyone having a camera on them, it can be made to even look like you were participating when you weren't. Just be aware.​

11 A fool gives full vent to his temper, but a wise man holds it back.

A wise person who loves God and walks in His ways, learns to control his anger. A proclaiming believer who rants and rails and throws angry fits brings shame to the name of Yeshua. Get in God's presense and let God work that evil bad temper out of you. ​

12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants will be wicked.

If a leader listens to the lies of those he's appointed, his whole management will become corrupt. It is not an insult to verify what your management is claiming so as to keep everything on the up and up. The management who has an issue with being checked on is not to be trusted. ​

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Discipline
Prov 29:13-18


13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Adonai gives light to the eyes of both.

Yeshua said this in a different form: Matt 5:44-45 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous".

The poor and the oppressor of the poor, each is given the same 24 hour day and each has the same ability and invitation to come close to God.​

14 If a king judges the poor with truth, his throne will always be secure.

The ruler who rules fairly and justly, especially over the poor who are not able to afford good attorneys, his kingdom will be secure while he rules. Throughout history and in scripture we have seen those who ruled with fairness and the kingdoms flourished, but when things changed hands and the next ruler was not so fair and just the kingdom began to crumble. ​

15 A rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

A child that is not directed in the correct way to go becomes a disgrace to their parents. Teaching a child to honor God, and love their neighbor by not stealing and mistreating them will train them up in the correct way to behave. They will be prosperous adults who support their families and are giving and loving. If they are just left to their own emaginations they do wicked things to themselves and others. ​

16 When the wicked thrive, wrongdoing increases, but the righteous will see their downfall.

When the wicked are not corrected and they are allowed to just do whatever they want, more and more wicked people just join forces with them. Just a little leven (symbol for sin) makes the whole batch levened. (See Gal 5:9) In God's kindgom there is no such thing as just a little bad. Take note of the unrighteousness in your self (we all have it, read Rom 7) and lay it before God. He is faithful and just to forgive us and guide us in His way. It's a never ending growing and changing for the one who is in total dependence on Him. ​

17 Correct your son and he will give you rest. He will bring delight to your soul.

Correcting our children is vital to us and them. Show them by example...children usually follow what is being exampled, vs what they're told but not exampled.​

18 Where there is no divine vision people cast off restraint, but blessed is the one who keeps Torah.

God's laws are for a good and prosperous life. It's not about following 613 laws, it's about following God and living our lives accordingly. We know the right thing to do by reading God's word. Reading how Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, etc., handled things and how it turned out good or not so good. How does God show us to treat our neighbor? How does God show us how to relate to Him? It's all in there and all the apostles spoke on it in their letters. We have no excuse for not knowing.

Blessed is the one who keeps Torah. The one who casts Torah away loses their divine vision and has no idea how to fix it. ​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

God's Promises To His Children
Prov 29:19-23


19 A servant cannot be corrected by words, for though he understands, he will not respond.

A true servant who loves his master is correctable. A servant who is just there because he has to pay his bills and does not care about his bosses business moves through their duties grudgingly and does not really care whether he does it perfectly or not. He can be told what is correct and even understand, but he does not respond accordenly because he does not really want to be in service to that master.

I see this as applicable to our walk and service to our Lord and Savior. Many want to be saved from hell so they "repeat a prayer" and now claim to be a follower of Yeshua but they don't want to change. They don't want to serve Him in the manner that He calls us to. They are told over and over and over (it's in the Bible) what behavior is not acceptable in the Kingdom of God, but they don't care...they think that their "repeated prayer" saves them from loving enough to obey.

Of course as Paul describes in Rom 7, obedience to Him and not to our flesh is a continual battle. As long as we live we will battle with our flesh and its desires. However, for those who put their total trust in HIM, their love grows more mature and they begin to love their Master so much that they are willing to ignore their own flesh and overcome its demands to do what it wants. Yeshua promises that the overcomer will eat from the Tree of Life. (Rev 2:6-7) That is not promised to the one who claims to be a servant, yet refuses to be corrected by the Master

In scripture we are called servants, friends, children and heirs. We start out as servants and when we are correctable and we obey out of love, we then become friends, and as Yeshua said, those who are my children, obey and they are heirs. Don't be like that uncorrectable servant. (see John 14:23-26)​

20 Do you see someone hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than him.

We can be very skilled and able, but being quick to make promises will be a downfall. ​

21 If someone pampers his slave from childhood in the end he will be ungrateful.

Continuing on the applications to our flesh, when we pamper our flesh and continually give in to its demands it will at some point rise up and overpower us. The flesh is not grateful for what you've already given it, it demands more and more until it destroys. Our flesh is to be our slave, doing what we command it to do, not the other way around. ​

22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hotheaded one commits many transgressions.

I just read a very heartbreaking news story yesterday. An argument over a stimulus cheque turned into a murder scene...a womans boyfriend killed her, his child by her, and several of her other family members. If you have anger issues, get a grip on it immediately. ​

23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will gain honor.

Pride can make people think they are better than others and it can also make people not accept help when it's needed. Either way it's pride and it does nothing good. Don't think you're better than anyone and also don't expect help but don't refuse it when it's needed and it's offered. ​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Making Godly Choices
Prov 29:24-27


24 An accomplice of a thief is his own enemy. He hears the oath but says nothing.

To know the details of a crime and not be willing to reveal it, makes an accomplice.

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible
See here what sin and ruin those involve themselves in who are drawn away by the enticement of sinners. 1. They incur a great deal of guilt: He does so that goes partner with such as rob and defraud, and casts in his lot among them, Proverbs 1:11, etc. The receiver is as bad as the thief; and, being drawn in to join with him in the commission of the sin, he cannot escape joining with him in the concealment of it, though it be with the most horrid perjuries and execrations. They hear cursing when they are sworn to tell the whole truth, but they will not confess. 2. They hasten to utter ruin: They even hate their own souls, for they wilfully do that which will be the inevitable destruction of them. See the absurdities sinners are guilty of; they love death, than which nothing is more dreadful, and hate their own souls, than which nothing is more dear.​

25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but one who trusts in Adonai will be kept safe.

The previous verse made me think of an event that took place in my life when I was maybe 19 or 20. While sleeping, in the middle of the night I heard a crash and looked out my bedroom window which overlooked an ally. I saw a car that had crashed into one of the garages then quickly the driver and passengers got the car parked inside another garage and closed the door to hide it. The next day the police were there checking out the damaged vehicle inside the first garage. I could have told them where the offending vehicle was but feared more the possible retribution of the owner of that car that did the crashing. It wasn't necessarily a good neighborhood and the offenders might be watching me if I talked to the police. I should have told them. ​

26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but from Adonai one receives justice.

Often, favor is sought of the person who has the duty of deciding what happens, but in the end, it's God who decides. We can fool the human but we can't fool Adonai. ​

27 The righteous detest the unjust, and the wicked detest the upright.

The one who loves God and walks in His will and way detests the wicked activity of the wicked, likewise, the wicked detest the uprightness of those who follow God. No matter how innocent the comment of the righteous, the wicked will rant and rage against them.​

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

What Do I Know?
Prov 30:1-4


1 The words of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle this man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal:

Nobody really knows who these people are, but there are many guesses.

Adam Clarke Commentary: The words of Agur the son of Jakeh - The words Agur, Jakeh, Ithiel, and Ucal, have been considered by some as proper names: by others, as descriptive characters. With some, Agur is Solomon; and Jakeh, David; and Ithiel and Ural are epithets of Christ.​

2 “Surely I am more stupid than any man and do not have a man’s understanding. 3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

I think that even when we go to Bible school, and study constantly and grow in wisdom and knowledge, that compared to what God wants to reveal to us about Himself, we still know very little.

We pretty much know nothing about Agur. We don't know who he was, his stature in the kingdom of Solomon, nor his training. We don't know if he was actually unlearned in wisdom and knowledge or whether he's confessing that before God, all his wisdom and knowledge training while not worthless, he is still not knowledgable in knowing God fully. Leaning towards the latter for this post, whatever our stature and training, we should never think we've "arrived". In my opinion, thinking such only showcases our lack of wisdom and knowledge of God, Master of the Universe, our Creator. ​

4 Who has gone up into heaven, and come down? Who has gathered the wind in the palm of His hand? Who has wrapped the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name and what is the name of His son—if you know?

This riminds me alot of Job when Adonai Himself begins to speak from the whirlwind, see Jb 38-42. The bottom line answers to Adonai's and these questions here in Proverbs being, "not me"

There are many today telling us we are children of the King, and we are. There are many saying that our Father owns the cattle upon a thousand hills, and He does. However, compared to Him, we are nothing. We do not have the right to demand anything from Him. That is not to put ourselves down but let's get real here. We stand before the Creator of the Universe and we "demand" that his words to us be handed over? Really? Where in scripture have we seen that before? How about the Prodigal Son. He demanded the Father give him his inheritance NOW.

Yes, I belive we should pray scripture, but first, many of us need to read those scriptures in their context and understand what is actually being said. More often than not, they have nothing to do with what we're saying. Then pray with understanding instead of blind arrogance and false humility.

Yes, we should understand who we are in accordance with our Father God, but even more, we need to understand who HE is. When we rightefully understand who HE is, we won't have any issue with who we are and won't need to continually reafirm ourselves through our songs and sermons. What Yeshua did on the cross was all about us, but living for HIM is not.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Making Requests of God
Prov 30:5-9


5 Every word of God is purified. He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. 6 Do not add to His words, or else He will rebuke You and prove you a liar.

Every single word that comes from the mouth of God is pure.

Every thing that God has pronounced, every inspiration which the prophets have received, is pure, without mixture of error, without dross. Whatever trials it may be exposed to, it is always like gold: it bears the fire, and comes out with the same lustre, the same purity, and the same weight. ~Adam Clarke Commentary~
​

Don't add to what His word says. When sharing God's word, be careful of your explanations that you're not adding ideas that are not written anywhere. It's not bad to have thoughts and ideas of what might be going on, but make sure it's known they are your thoughts and ideas, not necessarily a "set in stone" thing. Don't leave out parts because in your thinking they don't fit with the narrative. Be as open and honest as you can. If you don't know, say so and search it out.

Your conclusions can and quite likely will change over time. Sometimes we find our conclusions were totally wrong and other times, it just expands in understanding. As Paul put it, "we know in part" (1 Cor 13:9) If you find you were totally wrong on something then admit it, seek Gods help in understanding and move on. ​

7 Two things I ask of You—do not refuse me before I die: 8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches, but feed me with my allotted bread, 9 lest I become satisfied and deny You and say, “Who is Adonai?” Or lest I become poor, and steal and profane the Name of my God.

The writer is making two requests. He desires that God will answer him now so that he may live the rest of his life, however long it may be, in serving God according to his requests.

1. Keep all falsehoods and lies far from me. Words of deception, false promises, words of corruption...everything/anything that is not true. "Let me be real God". "Keep me humble so I don't act like a hotshot and cause others to think they have to be like me". "Don't let me act like I'm 'Too blessed to be stressed' and not be real". Show people how to walk like a believer through the stress of life. Don't just put on a happy face and pretend it doesn't exist. Don't put on airs. Don't fall apart, wallowing in self pity but also don't act like you're not going through the same growing pains as everyone else. Walking through the difficult times should not become the "great lie", "fake it till you make it". Walking in faith is one thing, but deception of the wrestling going on is another.
2. Don't make me rich and don't make me poor. He clarifies this request saying that he does not wamt tp become so satisfied that he deny's God, or becomes so needy and poor that he profanes the name of God by becoming a thief. Give me just what I need God, nothing more, nothing less.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Satisfaction
Prov 30:10-16


10 Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you pay for it.

Do not tell lies about a worker to their boss...or anyone for that matter. I had a supervisor who reported to the boss that I had not done something that I was supposed to. I drove a van transporting railroaders to and from their trains and when I picked them up at their hotel I was to get out of the van and go inside the hotel to make sure that all who wanted to go knew I was there.

Well, the supervisor claimed to be sitting in his car watching and claimed that I never got out of the van and actually just stoped and then left again. This particular supervisor was always writing people up for things that were not true so to say I was angry was putting it lightly. Thankfully, one of the desk clerks from the hotel was able to send me a copy of the video camera outside the hotel and there I was getting out and going inside. I sent that copy to the supervisors boss. I'm not sure what happened but the supervisor did back off for awhile.​

11 There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother. 12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, and yet is not cleansed from its filth. 13 There is a generation whose eyes are so haughty, whose eyelids are lifted up disdainfully. 14 There is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose molars are knives, to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity.

I suppose every generation felt that these verses describe their generation. To me it seems to be perfectly describing the current one. Parents are cursed and blemed for every struggle their kid experiences and the reasons for the kids misbehavior. Maybe the parents were actually abusive, however, God's word says we are to honor them. Badmouthing and disrespect is dishonoring. Seek God's help in forgiveness and search God's word for how to honor.

This world is full of those who think of themselves so highly they look down on everyone who has a different opinion from their own. They are consistently thinking evil of others. They cut down others with their words and have nothing nice to say. They look down on the poor and don't do anything to help...and if they do help they make sure the world sees it.​

15 The leech has two daughters: “Give! Give!” Three things are never satisfied, four never say, “Enough!”—16 Sheol, a barren womb, land that is not satisfied with water, and fire that never says, “Enough!”

Acording to the Adam Clarke Commentary, Calmet, the leech is Covetousness and her two daughters are Avarice and Ambition. They are never satisfied, never contented, and never think they have enough. Always wanting more. Their life-statement song is "I Can't Get No Satisfaction".

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Faithfulness to God, Family, and Friends
Prov 30:17-20


17 The eye that mocks a father and scorns obeying a mother—will be pecked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by young vultures!

Honoring our parents is obviously a very big deal to God. (Eph 6:2; Ex 20:12; Deut 5:16; Matt 15:4; Matt 19:19; Mrk 7:10; Mrk 10:19; Lk 18:20)

I think we must understand though that honoring our parents is not just doing whatever their whims are for us to do, especially when we have become adults and have our own lives to live and our own spouse and children. Of course, being under their roof and still dependent upon them makes us subject to what they want from us and we should be respectful toward them and not bad-mouth them...to their face or behind their back.

As adults, we should consider their requests and do our best to fulfill them, however, there may come a point where you simply and firmly and with respect have to tell them you are not able to meet their demands. Some parents never let go and let the child live their own life and I don't consider it disrespectful to be honest and say you can't when you can't.

Being disrespectful though, to their face and/or behind their back will shorten your life.​

18 Three things are too amazing for me, four I do not understand: 19 the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the heart of the sea, and the way of a man with a maiden. 20 Such is the way of an adulteress: she eats, wipes her mouth and says, “I have done nothing wrong.”

There are four things that the writer is amazed with...

1. The way of an eagle in the sky.
2. The way of a serpent upon a rock.
3. The way of a ship in the heart of the sea.
4. The way of a man with a woman.

The skill and cunning moves that bring the success of each is the same (see that "such is" in v20?) as an adulterer, male and/or female. Adultery is a grievous and heinous sin. It hurts not only you but it hurts your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your friends and your collleges. It's a seperating of yourself from God and while you can and should repent and return to God and seek your families forgiveness, it will never be something you will get over.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Lessons From Life
Prov 30:21-33


21 Under three things the earth trembles, and under four it cannot bear up: 22 under a slave when he becomes a king, a fool when he is stuffed with food, 23 an unloved woman when she is married, and a handmaid when she displaces her mistress.

There are four things on the earth which are excruciatingly burdensome on the earth.

1. When a slave is given authority. Giving a slave the authority to rule and dish out punishment has often been found to produce an unprincipled tyrant. This has nothing to do with the color of the slave but with the mind set and principles of the slave given the authority.
2. An overfed fool. A person without common sense and no desire to for intellect or morals, beomg given whatever they desire, will still be stupid and have no principles. They are an annoyance to everyone with the way they act and treat others.
3. A married woman whose husband does not love her. This is a sad situation indeed...married, but the husband does not love her. Can we really judge her because she's ill-tempered and difficult to live with? Husbands, love your wives (Eph 5:25)
4. A female servent who is exalted and replaces her mistress (a woman who has authority, control, or power, especially the female head of a household, institution, or other establishment). Whether the servent is elevated by the death of the wife or whether the husband is unfaithful, a servant being given the authority over the household brings problems. The one exalted generally becomes rude and disrespectful to every one, and is immensely disliked.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible
Here the common element is that of being intolerable, and the four examples are divided equally between the two sexes. Each has its examples of power and prosperity misused because they fall to the lot of those who have no training for them, and are therefore in the wrong place.​

24 Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise: 25 ants are creatures with little strength, yet they store up their food in summer; 26 coneys are creatures with little power, yet they make their homes in the cliffs; 27 locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; 28 a lizard you can catch with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.

There are four things on earh that while they are very small, are extremely wise.

1. Ants. The ant stores and prepares all summer, sleeps all winter, then in autumn and spring live and work off what they stored and prepared. They are very resoursefull creatures and by no means lazy. We can learn a lot from the ant.
2. Coneys.There is speculation as to what kind of animal is being referred to here. Some say rabbits, others say mountain mice. The Hebrew says, rock badgers. The point is, they make their homes in the rocks. I'm reminded of the parable of the wise man who built his house upon the rock and not on sand. When the wind and rain came his house withstood the storm. (Matt 7:24-27)
3. Locusts. There is no king among locust yet they move in large swarms and devour fields of crops, destroying everything they land on. They work together as one. There is no bickering and backbiting. There is not one trying to take the job and responsibilities of the other. Imagine what a body of believers moving in such a way could do to the enemy of the soul if they'd learn the lesson from locusts.
4. Lizards. Some Bible versions say spiders, not sure why. (Bible Hub) To me they are two very differing creatures. Though, they both are small enough to get insde of even a palace. I don't have much of an issue with lizards but I don't like spiders at all.

29 Three things are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: 30 a lion, mighty among beasts, who never backs down from anything; 31 a strutting rooster, a male-goat, and a king with his army around him.

There are four things that are magnificient and dignified in the way they carry themselves.

1. A lion. A lion does not walk with it's head hung low. He retreats from nothing. Its stride is purpousfull and confident.
2. A strutting rooster. The Hebrew says greyhound (Bible Hub). Some Bible versions say rooster and some say greyhound, again two very different creatures, though, the point I think is the "strutting". They may not be "all-that", but they certaintly carry themselves as if they are.
3. A male goat. Marches at the head of the herd, ready to fight any threat.
4. A king surrounded by his army. When a leader is surrounded by his army who are well trained and faithful to him he is confident in their abilities to protect the kingdom. He stands strong and stately.

32 If you have acted foolishly, exalting yourself, or if you have planned evil, put your hand over your mouth. 33 For as churning milk produces butter, and twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.

A blunt way to put it is, "Keep your mouth shut". If you've acted foolishly, or a more common way to put it is, "stupidly", and we all have, or you were planning to do something foolish and evil, but you didn't carry it out, keep your mouth shut. You don't need to tell everyone about it. Confessing our sins one to another (Jms 5:16)is not telling everyone within hearing. In that verses context it's talking about when youve wronged someone, go to "them" and confess your wrong against them. Confess it also to God, repent, and move on, it's not necessary to blab it all over the place. All that confessing to people vs God alone only stirs up anger and produces strife. Zip It!

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Words From King Lemuel
Prov 31:1-5

1 The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:

2 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, 3 do not give your vigor to women,
or your ways to what ruins kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, 5 lest they drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.

Here we are told up-front that the next writings are written by King Lemuel and he learned them from his mother.

"Because King Lemuel is not listed among the kings of Judah and Israel, several theories have been developed to explain the presence of Lemuel in Proverbs 31. In this post, I will review some of the proposals developed by scholars in order to identify Lemuel." ~Dr. Claude Mariottini – Professor of Old Testament~
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The mother warns him of becoming involved with a woman who did not serve the One, true God. By their wicked ways, they brought kings to ruin. She warns him of being too fond of strong drink and drinking so much of it that he'd crave it and if he was always drinking it would take away his ability to think straight. In craving and satisfying our desire for strong drink, he would become a slave to it and he'd forget what he'd previously decreed and then change the rules at a whim and then turn true justice for the oppressed into perversion and the oppressed are made even more oppressed. Note: This behavior is also not fit for a follower/believer in Yeshua. See Eph 5:15-20; Gal 5:15-24; 1 Pet 5:6-12; 1 Cor 6:9-11. ​