Teaching (no posting) Lessons from The Book of Proverbs

[SpiritPsalmist]

Our Refuge and Our Fountain of Life
Prov 14:25-27


25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is treacherous.

Being truthful as a witness is important. When there is an innnocent person being accused of something that you witnessed and you know they are not guilty as charged and your being truthful in what you saw is vital to that person who needs your testimony to save them from punishment they do not deserve. In the event the person is guilty, then we are to be truthful in that as well.

The only time it is acceptable to God to not be truthful is in situations like in the Holocaust...where innocent people are being hunted down for their being Jewish or Christians, or some other un-godly reason. God's instructions are to not "endanger the life of your neighbor" (Lev 19:16) and telling the authorities where you saw them hiding so the authorities can arrest and/or kill them is evil. We are to not "bear false witness AGAINST our neighbor" nor are we to "endanger our neighbors life".

Other than that specific type of situation where the lie will save an innocent life truthfulness is vital. A person who cannot be trusted in their words is a pitiful person. They cannot be trusted and even if they are telling the truth, they've lied and made up stories so many times that they are not believed. ​

26 In the fear of Adonai one has strong confidence. It will be a refuge for His children.

Treating Adonai with the high respect that is His and He deserves brings a confidence in His mercy and goodness. We can know with certainty that when God sais it, He means it and unless we get in the way with our own schemes, what He said will happen without a hitch. When we walk in awe and respect of Adonai, our children will see and learn to put their confidence in HIM too. ​

27 The fear of Adonai is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.

In our high reverence of God there is life...not just a little trickle but a whole fountain. Our reverental trust in HIM keeps the fountain flowing. It's when we begin to treat HIM with flipancy that the fountain begins to dry up. Don't ever treat God like He's just your "buddy". Here are some of God's attributes that show we ow HIM more respect than we often give HIM. Walking in reverential fear (respect) of God keeps us from falling into the snares of sin.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Citizens of Adonai's Kingdom
Prov 14:28-30


28 A large population is a king’s glory, but lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.

A king who had a a large amount of people freely serving and living their lives, happy and joyous make the king quite popular. It is obvious by the joy of the prople living and working there that the king is a good king and he treats them well. People's from other lands want to come and live there and be under his rule in his kindom. But if one visited a kingdom where there were not many who lived there and those who did were poor and lived in squalor, and the visitors were treated poorly, no one would want to live there.

This of course could be applied to many differeing situations: bosses and their employee's, parents and the way they run their families, city's over their residents, etc..

It can also be applied to the believer in Yeshua and their citizenship in the Kingdom of God. Happy and blessed are the people whose God is the LORD! See Ps 144:15. We bring great honor to our God by serving HIM faithfully and joyfully and will be a draw via the Holy Spirit of others to join us in the Kingdom too. HE's a good God and gave HIS only Son so that any who believed could have eternal life with HIM (Jon 3:16-17).​

29 One who is slow to anger shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one exalts folly.

Patience is a virtue. One who is patient and does not blow up (whether outwardly OR inwardly) at the slightest or even biggest failure of others show themself to be an understanding and wise person. Not that foolishness is accepted and ignored but angry outbursts where we curse at and rip apart others with our words and/or our actions is just not to be part of who we are. Those who act in such ways and riot and are destructive whether in word or deed, only show how foolish and debased they are. Such behavior would definetely be the cause of your personal kindom losing supporters. ​

30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.

Physically speaking, remaining calm is healthy to our body. Putting our faith and trust in Yeshua and that He will take care of us brings calmness to our body and spirit. He knows what we need before we do and will be with us in whatever situation we are in. Envy of what we don't have though (physically or emotionally) is rottenness to our bones. It brings on stress, high blood pressure, etc., which bring on heart problems, and a number of other ailments. A heart that is happy and puts it's trust in the Lord is healthier than when it doesn't.

When Yeshua left He told the disciples, "don't be afraid, I am giving you shalom" (Jon 14:27). Not just any shalom of course but His shalom. Shalom that does not come from the world but comes directly from Him. As we learn to draw close to Him and lean on His will and ways we will grow deeper in His shalom and find that peace that surpasses all human understanding (Phil 4:7)

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Kindness and Hope In Adonai
Prov 14:31-32


31 The one who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.

Kindness toward others who are poor is commanded. It's not to be our version of kindness either, it's to be God's version. Our version of kindness is giving to the poor but then watching and waiting to see how they spend what we gave them. Some people want to call that responsibility over "their" money. The problem though, is once we give it, it's no longer ours.

If we think it's still ours to control where it goes, then we did not really give it. Giving it means we are no longer holding any strings to it. If God told you to give, then you give...no strings attached, no watching to see if they buy something with it that we disapprove of.

If we give to someone because they told us they needed bus fare and instead that person buys booze with it, I can understand the irritation. Perhaps next time, you can just buy them the bus ticket instead of handing over money. Or if you're standing in line at McDonalds and someone asks you for money to get a hamburger, buy the hamburger and add any other itmes the person may like. Be creative but by no means should we make the person "beholden" to us.

I know today's pay system works differently but when someone is first hired and they do not receive their fiest paycheque for 2-4 weeks, it puts that employee in a real bind. It may be the way the world works but I think it's deolorible and oppressive to make a person work for 2-4 weeks before they receive the moeny they've earned. They need it now, not a month from now. (Deut 24:14-15) I don't know what to suggest, but a godly employers should find a way to get around that some how so that no person in your employ is going without food and shelter because they are waiting for delayed pay. Just my opinion. ​

32 The wicked is brought down in his calamity yet the righteous has a refuge even in death.

When the wicked die they die with no hope...only eternity without God...nothing buy hopelessness.

However, a person who has put their faith and trust in Yeshua for the forgiveness of their sins has a place of refuge when they are in need, be it physically and/or spiritually, and/or emotionally. God is ever-present, giving comfort and refuge only HE can give. When a person who has put their faith and trust in Yeshua dies, they still have great hope. They have hope of eternal life with Adonai in HIS Kingdom. In the death of a righteous person they are removed from evil, they enter into Shalom (Is 57:1-2). Whether we live or die, we are assured that we belong to the Lord (Rom 14:8). In death we are at home with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8).

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Wisdom In Our Actions
Prov 14:33-35


33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning, and even among fools she is known.

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

Observe, 1. Modesty is the badge of wisdom. He that is truly wise hides his treasure, so as not to boast of it (Matthew 13:44), though he does not hide his talent, so as not to trade with it. His wisdom rests in his heart; he digests what he knows, and has it ready to him, but does not unseasonably talk of it and make a noise with it. The heart is the seat of the affections, and there wisdom must rest in the practical love of it, and not swim in the head. 2. Openness and ostentation are a mark of folly. If fools have a little smattering of knowledge, they take all occasions, though very foreign, to produce it, and bring it in by head and shoulders. Or the folly that is in the midst of fools is made known by their forwardness to talk. Many a foolish man takes more pains to show his folly than a wise man thinks it worth his while to take to show his wisdom.
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I'm reminded of the reality show Survivor. Several times, a character would find an idol or some other special atvantage and at some point they would share the information with another. I'd be screaming at the TV saying, "No, you don't tell anyone, they will use the info against you". And, sure enough, the person they shared the info with would use the knowledge of them having the idol against them. One person even connived the giving of the atvantage to their self by helping to vote the person who had it out.

In today's world it seems that airing everything about yourself is popular. All your personal and private thoughts and actions are just flung out there for everyone to see and then we wonder why we get hurt when others don't praise us for it. It's wisdom to keep some things to yourself.

We need to be cautious even when sharing something that God has told us personally. Many things God tells us are for us (you) only and our (your) sharing it only brings criticism and ridicule and with that, discouragment of whether God really told you or not. I'm reminded of the time I shared with some Pastor friends something God had shown me regarding my continuing in the faith. I was surprised that they took offense to it. They responded with, "well, my son did that as he grew up and he's not still serving God. Why would God do that for you and not him?"

Not to say we cannot brag on God, but some personal insights just need to be kept to ourselves. ​

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

I'm reminded of a song I learned in Kindergarten: "There was a little girl, who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead; and when she was good, she was very, very good, and when she was bad she was horrid". LOL The things that sometimes come to my memory during these studies make me laugh. Hopefully they will cause you to remember and apply the points made. As a Kindergartner, I remember not thinking very highly of that little girl with the curl. The times she was good did not mak up for nor undo the way she was when she was horrid.

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

Note, 1. Justice, reigning in a nation, puts an honour upon it. A righteous administration of the government, impartial equity between man and man, public countenance given to religion, the general practice and profession of virtue, the protecting and preserving of virtuous men, charity and compassion to strangers (alms are sometimes called righteousness ), these exalt a nation; they uphold the throne, elevate the people's minds, and qualify a nation for the favour of God, which will make them high, as a holy nation, Deuteronomy 26:19. 2. Vice, reigning in a nation, puts disgrace upon it: Sin is a reproach to any city or kingdom, and renders them despicable among their neighbours. The people of Israel were often instances of both parts of this observation; they were great when they were good, but when they forsook God all about them insulted them and trampled on them. It is therefore the interest and duty of princes to use their power for the suppression of vice and support of virtue.
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We cannot demand that everyone else around live righteously, especially un-believers since they are only doing what un-believers do, but we can demand righteous behavior from our selves. Be good, not horrid. ​

35 The king shows favor toward a servant who acts wisely, but his wrath is on one who is disgraceful.

Wisely choosing the right person for the job will go to the person who acts wisely. A person of sound judgement, merciful when mercy is needed and firmness when firmness is needed. Choosing someone with a hard disposition, who relishees in their authority and who just looks for things to write people up for will bring the business (kingdom) crashing down.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

Using Our Inside Voice
Prov 15:1-6


1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

I grew up in a household where there was a lot of yelling. In order to be heard above all the clamor one had to yell. It's not an easy thing to get rid of when you enter the regular world and you don't realize that you're talking to everyone louder than most and they think you're yelling at them and become offended. Answering softly is one thing then answering softly and not having it come across snidly is another. I also have a dry sense of humor. I'm learning mostly that it's probably best that I don't answer at all than to say something and have my tone of voice come across in harshness when I did not mean it that way. Then again, sometimes I did mean it that way , so an attitude check is in order.

Mild words, gentle expressions, delivered with kindness and tenderness, humility and submission; these will work upon a man's passions, weaken his resentments, and break and scatter the storm of wrath raised in his breast, just breaking forth in a very boisterous and blustering manner; so high winds are sometimes laid by soft showers. Thus the Ephraimites were pacified by Gideon's mild answer; and David by Abigail's very submissive and respectful address. ~
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible~ (See Judge 8 and 1 Sam 25)​

2 The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.

"This is very difficult to know: - when to speak, and when to be silent; what to speak, and what to leave unspoken; the manner that is best and most suitable to the occasion, the subject, the circumstances, and the persons. All these are difficulties, often even to the wisest men" ~Adam Clarke Commentary~
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The knowledge that we have on anything, is to be treated with wisdom. It's not wise to just blurt out everything we know. I have two different friends who are what some might say "know-it-alls". They come across as knowing everything there is to know about everything there is to know. One is just being informative and works their extra info into the conversation and is not putting anyone down. The other though, will completely shut the conversation down with, "why are you telling me this, I know all about it already". In their opinion their knowledge on the issue is way more accurate than anyone else's. They correct everything a person says, even to the pronouncing of a word. Very, very irritating. ​

3 The eyes of Adonai are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.

There is nothing that anyone, good or evil can do without God knowing it...nothing. We think that no one see's us, but God see's all, and we will reap what we sow whether we sow to righteousness or evil. (Gal 6:7-8) ​

4 A healing tongue is a tree of life, but a deceitful one crushes the spirit.

When we speak we are to always speak words that will bring life to the hearer and not death. Telling someone they are crazy or stupid or idiots (some do this to their children or their elderly parents ), is not be be found in the vocabulary of a believer in Yeshua. See Eph 5:1-20.

Build a person's spirit up, don't crush it. Being honest with someone should not crush the life out of them and degrade them. ​

5 A fool despises his father’s discipline, but one who accepts reproof is smart.

It is a wise person who does not try to ignore the short-comings that a trusted friend may point out to us, or what they may even see in themselves. The Apostle Jacob (James Hebrew name) compared it to (paraphrased), "Looking in a mirror, seeing the dirt on your face, then walking away without cleaning it off" (Jacob 1:22-25). When the advise is wise, good, and profitable, it is a good thing to accept it and apply it to yourself. ​

6 The house of the righteous has great wealth, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

Tje referemce tp, "Great wealth" is not only or limited to money and things like jewels, land, clothes, shoes, etc.. The house of the righteous is rich in integrity. They may not have more than what they need, but they definetely have all they need and are satisfied with what they have. The household of the wicked though, may have lots of money and jewelry, cars, etc., but they lack in integrity. They stress themselves out trying to get the riches they have. They are stressed about being robbed, and having their things stolen. If they don't have these things, they're constantly stressing about how to get them. They get themselves in debt by being discontented with what they have. They are continually discontent, even when they have more than they need.


The bottom line is always to put our faith and trust in Yeshua. Through Him is the only way to be righteous. It's only through Him that we are changed into the people He can live with. Be incouraged that we all are in the same situation. None of us have arrived...even Paul knew that he was not perfect at it all (Phil 3:12-16). We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:6-7).

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Growing In The Lord
Prov 15:7-12


7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.

The wise person devotes themself to knowledge on life in general and on the things of God. They freely share the info and are a blessing to the hearers and not a burden. We should freely share in order to bless and be careful to not be like my one friend that I shared about yesterday who corrects and informs on everything to the point of burdon. My friend is by no means wicked, she loves God and applies what she understand to her own life, but just like the rest of us needs the skill of properly dispersing her knowledge without putting others down in the process.

A wicked person has no understanding nor do they care or apply the ways of God to themselves. As believers in Yeshua, we are not automatically wise, it is a learning/growing process for our entire life. By the end of our earthly life we will likely never "arrive" yet we are to be found by Him to be at least working toward it and running that race to win it.​

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Adonai, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

I'm reminded of Cain and Abel here (Gen 4:1-7). Cain became a worker of the ground, a farmer, and Abel became a Shepherd. It came time for them to offer offerings to the Lord and Cain brought from his produce and Abel brought from his flock. Scripture says that God looked favorable upon Abels offering but did not look at Cain's with favor. Cain became angry and depressed and was moping around over this rejection from God regarding his offering. God came to Cain and asked him, (paraphrased) "why are you all down and depressed? If you would do the right thing, your spirits will be lifted, but if you refuse to do what's right, sin is crouching at the door ready to claim you. You must overcome it".

We don't find the instructions for offerings given to them in the scripture but obviously God had given them instructions. Instructions which Abel followed, but Cain refused. Cain gave an offering but it was not what God had asked for so HE saw Cain's offering as done in rebellion and not obedience. Somehow Cain had allowed bitterness to begin to grow in his heart and it showed through his offering. God warned him that if he would do it the way HE'd instructed him to, his bitterness and depression would be lifted and also, if he continued to refuse, that which was behind his rebellion would overtake him. Of couse we know that Cain did not overcome, but allowed sin to overtake him instead.

The point is, our obedience and attitude toward obedience to God and HIS instructions for us to live righteously, matters. Because of Yeshua, we are saved by grace through faith, and obedience to HIS will and ways, shows that we are believers in Yeshua. Begrudgeing obedience is not good either though. Obeying God because we love Him is what HE asks for, not doing it because we think it saves us...it doesn't. But, it is a sign that we are (James 2:18). It's a continual growing and learning process. As we fall in love more with Him, it's inevitable that we grow in love and obedience.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

The Joy of The Lord
Prov 15:13-17


13 A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

I think this is just a simple observation of how the way we "feel" shows up in our face. When a person is happy their face is lit up. They're smiling and laughing, and there is hope for a good future. When a person is sad, their face kinda sags, there is less color, their voice is lacking vitality and they look as if they've lost hope.

Whether we've had something wonderful happen or whether the rug has just been pulled out from under us we generally cannot keep it from showing on our face. I think though, that even during sad events, letdowns, and disappointments, those of us who have put our faith and trust in Yeshua always have hope. See Neh 8:10.

He is our refuge and strength. Having HIS joy gives us the strength needed to overcome. We have someone whom we can cling to and cry on His shoulder and we feel His comfort. True joy is not always being giddy and unaware of your circumstances but a contented settling in our spirit that we are in the palm of His hand and we have nothing to fear. We can feel sadness but we who have put our faith and trust in Yeshua have confidense in him. See Matt 9:1-2.​

14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.

A person who seeks after the wisdom of God will have a heart that knows what they need to be doing and is not lazy in doing it. This does not just apply to spiritual things but every day life as well. They plan ahead and don't wait until the last minute when the things they need are now hard to find and cost an arm and a leg when they do find it. A discerning heart also does not just believe the rumors. They check for the facts and don't speak their opinions without doing so.

Never become satisfied in your knowledge of HIM. Always seek and search for more. I'm reminded of Paul's sermon in Athens where he said, when God created the nations HIS intent was that "they were to search for Him, and perhaps grope around for Him and find Him." (v27) See full sermon in Acts 17:22-31.​

15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

There are many heartaches in this life on earth for both the just and the unjust. A life without Yeshua only coupounds the issue. There is no hope. Because of God's love and care for us though, we have nothing but hope. Yes, bad things still happen, but we have hope of getting out of the bad. We have all of our sins forgiven and we have hope of living eternally with Him in His house. That alone should cause a cheerful heart.

We should also encourage each other in the faith. We are not to judge each other in the situations that are being experienced. We are to lift each other up and help where we can. See Rom 14:13-18.​

16 Better is little with the fear of Adonai than great wealth with turmoil.

It is better to have just a little food and a small house and a relationship with God than to be wealthy and have continual problems with no relationship with God and have no hope. We are not to worry over our needs. God is our supplier. See Matt 6:31-34.
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17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened ox where there is hatred.

It is better to have just vegetables to eat if the people you are sharing it with love each other, than to have a huge feast with all the meat you like where everyone hates each other. Whatever situations we are in we are to love one another. See Phil 2:1-5.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

Good Reactions
Prov 15:18-23

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.

This is pretty straight forward, if we have a bad temper and fly off the handle at the slightest little thing, it's our own fault that there is strife in our life. A quick tempered person not only lives in strife but they are often the cause of it. However, one who is slow to anger is the calming agent of a quarrel.

It is not always easy to remain calm but for me, the more time I spend in the presense of the Lord, the more He calms me down. Then when someone does or says something that would normally upset me, I notice the infraction, but have a calm reaction. In the past I've had people get upset at me because they thought I should have a bigger reaction and their opinion was that I was just to dumb to realize the seriousness of the situation, but I had fully put it in God's hands. I knew I had done all that I could do as a human and that God was in control. God always came through for me, and those who had judged me, were dumbfounded.​

19 The way of the slacker is a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Slackerds always have a million reasons why they cannot do what they need to do. They imagine all kinds of things that could go wrong so they just do nothing. More often than not they actually do encounter many of the things they fear, but it's due to their lazyness. The good worker though, uses the obstacles thrown in their path to get ahead. I'm reminded of the story of a donkey who fell into a deep hole. The farmer tried and tried to get the donkey out of the hole but he couldn't. Finely he gave up and just began to shovel dirt into the hole to bury the donkey alive. However, the donkey, with each shovel of dirt that came down stepped on top of it and soon the very dirt intended to bury him, was what became his way out. He didn't just lay there crying about the situation.​

20 A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person despises his mother.

"Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise)" (Eph 6:2). This is easy for the one who have a wonderful relationship with their parents, but not so easy for those who do not.

As an adult, honoring does nto mean jumping to their every whim...some parents can be very demanding and also be huge problems between their children and their children's spouces. We can find ways to honor without being manipulated by them.

Most important of all, don't despise them. They did give birth to you and clothed you and fed you. And even if they did'nt do so well in that department, still don't despise them. Forgive and live your life in a better way, serving God and learning to be good parents yourselves. ​

21 Folly is joy to one who lacks sense, but one with discernment walks straight.

Sure a partier has fun all the time, but generally become poor due to lack of sense in holding a job and being a good parent. A person who discerns right from wrong and when it's time to party and when it's time to work will be successful in his indeavors. ​

22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

It is good to seek advise from others who are successful. If you're going to go into the coffee business then get with other people who have been making coffee and seek their thoughts and advise. It's not wise to jump into things without checking it out before you jump. You will avoid a lot of failure.​

23 A person has joy in an appropriate answer—how good is a timely word.

What an incouragement it is when someone speaks the right words at the right time. Not a lecture, not a snide remark, not judgement, but a word of of incouragment and direction. ​

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Remaining Humble
Prov 15:24-33


24 The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to Sheol.

The road that leads to life is the higher road. Staying on the path that God leads you on will never lead you to trouble. That's not to say that one does not encounter trouble along the way but that staying on that road and not wandering off in another direction will not lead you to destruction.​

25 Adonai tears down a proud man’s house, but He maintains the widow’s boundary.

A widow is always portrayed as the extreme type of poverty. The widow is more safe under the protection of the Lord than a proud, rich man is in his own strength. I am not a widow, but I have experienced and many have witnessed the Lord's deliverence of me in situations that were bleak. Several stood in judgement of me, but in my total dependance on God He delievered me. ​

26 Evil thoughts are an abomination to Adonai, but pleasant words are pure.

God knows the thoughts of all. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination and out of their mouth spew wicked things, words and plans of destruction. The thoughts of the pure though seek only to build and lift up. Their words bring life and joy.​

27 One greedy for gain troubles his household, but whoever hates bribes will live.

A greedy person is a distressing person to be around. Think Scrooge, a person so called after the Dickens character Ebnezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. He was mean and cruel, unfriendly, and put down everyone he talked to. A greedy person burdens his whole family and gets down on them if they reach out in kindness. They are always concerned about their own selves and if it's going to take anything from them. They don't share unless it's to benefit themselves in some way, offering only as a bribe. Such actions bring only death in spirit, and physically. ​

28 A righteous heart thinks before answering, but a wicked mouth blurts out evil things.

A righteous person thinks before he answers. Not like the political debates where they say whatever comes to their mind and then try to cover it by saying,"it's just politics". If we blurt out things that we have no intention of following through with we are wicked. We are to think befroe we speak and answer with wisdom and thoughtfullness, not lies and tales.​

29 Adonai is far from the wicked, but hears the prayer of the righteous.

Adonai does not answer the prayers of the proud and the wicked. If they are not wiling to humble themselves before Him why should He listen to their prayers of greed and haughtyness. It is when we humble ourself before God that God responds and when we pray in accordance with His word hears our prayers.​

30 Bright eyes bring joy to the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.

It's a delight to see the light of joy in the eyes of others. We should rejoice with others when good happens to them and not be a downer to their spirit. Some people get upset when things work out for others when it didn't work quite the same for them. A righteous person, even in their own troubles can rejoice with others. ​

31 One whose ear heeds a life-giving reproof dwells among the wise.

It is good to follow correction that will save us lots of trouble in the future. We should not be too proud to at least listen, pray, and consider what we are told...become wise in the process.​

32 Whoever avoids correction despises himself, but whoever heeds reproof acquires understanding.

When we don't even allow others who've "been there, done that" to give us advise we acting hatful toward ourselves and don't want to succeed enough to learn to avoid the pitfalls of others. When we listen we gain understanding.​

33 The fear of Adonai is the discipline of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Properly viewing Adonai as our Creator and our God is important. Being humble before God and others, treating Him with honor and glory that is HIS alone and not being disrespectful and treating Him like Hes our "homeboy" brings discipline, wisdom, and honor.​

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[SpiritPsalmist]

The Plans of Adonai
Prov 16:1-6

1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the tongue’s answer is from Adonai.

The preparations of the heart in man - The Hebrew is לב מערכי לאדם leadam maarchey leb, which is, literally, "To man are the dispositions of the heart; but from the Lord is the answer of the tongue." ~Adam Clarke Commentary~
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We can ask of God whatever we desire, however, God will answer in accordance with His will and plans for our life. I personally don't believe that just because we desire something does not mean it's God's will to work it out that we get everything we ask for. Jacob said in Jacob (James) 4:1-3 that we have not because we ask not and also when we do ask we ask amiss (meaning what we've asked for is not in accordance with God's word). In Ps 37:3-6 it says, "Delight yourself in Adonai and He will give you the delights of your heart". Do you see that qualifier? When we delight in God, putting Him as the ONLY ruler of our life then the things we desire will be according to His will and then He will give us what we desire. ​

2 All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but Adonai weighs the motives.

We are often blind to our own faults. We can see ourselves as seeking God with all our heart and then ask for something and not get it and then be upset with God wonding, "well I'm doing everything right, so why is God not answering me the way I'm asking Him to?"

To "delight in God" is to come to a place where we are thinking of nothing BUT Him. Where we are resting in His love and hearing His voice in our heart and relishing in His delight in us...the one's Who's only begotten Son's blood covers our sins and makes us holy before Him. See Zeph 3:17.

That does not mean that we get nothing else done in our lives. It's not a "too heavenly minded to be any earthly good". It's out of our relationship with Him that He flows over into all our other relationships and responsibilities. We find there is more than enough to go around.
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3 Commit whatever you do to Adonai, and your plans will succeed.

Whatever we do, commit it to God. God will show you what it is you need to do and what you don't need to do. Often times we just take on too much. Don't be quick to commit to things. And, don't be quick and pushy to try and commit others to things when it's just too much for anyone. Today's world is so busy that people have no time to even think much less actually do all that they are trying to do. Don't be too busy and don't be too lazy. Your plans will succeed when you commit them to Adonia from the beginning. ​

4 Adonai works everything out for his own purpose—even the wicked for a day of disaster.

God has a plan for each of us. For His children (those who have put their faith and trust in what His Son, Yeshua did on the cross) it is a plan of good and not evil (Jer 29:11). Again, "a plan for good" does not mean that life will be all sunshine and lollypops but that "all things will work out for good for them who love God" (Rom 8:28-30). For the wicked though, the plan is destruction.​

5 Adonai abhors all the proud in heart. Be assured, they will not go unpunished.

No matter what the wicked person does to try and avoid distruction (other than putting their faith and trust in the shed blood of Yeshua to cover their sins) will not be successful. God hates wickedness and it will be punished.​

6 By mercy and truth is iniquity atoned, and by the fear of Adonai one avoids evil.

By God's mercy of sending His son to pay the debt for us and His truth that there is no possible way that we could do it on our own, and by our putting our faith and trust in Adonai and accepting His gift of eternal life we are saved. That is the only way to avoid distruction.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

Adonai's Guidance
Prov 16:7-12



7 When one’s ways are pleasing to Adonai, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him.

We are not required to be perfect in order for Adonai to be pleased with those who have put and continually put their faith and trust in the shed blood of HIS Son, Yeshua. There is no need for paranoia that in the event that we fall short, because we will, that our Father is going to cast us out of His Kingdom. The very fact that we desire Him, and we desire to do what is pleasing to Him (obedience), and continually come before Him and aknowledging our failure and seeking His help is pleasing to Him. See Rom 7:21-25.

It's an attitude of "I'm forgiven and I can live as I please" or running away from Him when we fail that it is not pleasing to Him. It's not an "angry" displeasure, it's a sad displeasure. He so wants to have a relationship with us. It's when we walk in close fellowship with Him, and choose to walk in His ways and run to Him when we fail, and seek to do better that Adonai's intense desire to help us is manifest. HE is so overcome with our running to Him for saety that even those who hate us and seek to harm us will not be able to follow through with all their wicked plans.
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8 Better a little with righteousness than much income without justice.

As many of the Proverbs point out, it is better to be content with the little we have than to be continually seeking more. See 1 Tim 6:6-10. It is better to live in a righteous manner and have just enough to get by on than to have more than enough and live unrighteously. ​

9 The heart of man plans his course, but Adonai directs his steps.

We make our plans, we have our life all planned out and we're gonna do this and that and go here and there and then life happens. We can plan all sorts of things but it's God who does the directing. If we try and force all our plans into place, and it's not God's will, we will become all manner of frustrated and angry and bitter. Not a good look for anyone.

Seek God, make plans, live, and know that if things don't go exactly as you planned, there is nothing that will stop God's plans for you. Even in the event of life just happening, and things seem to be going really bad...HE works all things together for good to them that love HIM (Rom 8:28). Hang on to Him, don't let go, cling to Him. Put your hand to the plow and don't look back. See Luk 9:62.​

10 An oracle is on the lips of the king—let his mouth never be treacherous in judgment.

The pronouncements of a just king are righteous and Adonai certainly is a just King. The plans He has made for each of us and the way that He directs our feet when we're following Him closely are just and righteous. They may not be exactly what we had/have planned, but we can trust in our Heavenly King and Father. His goal is to train us up as son's and daughters who are properly dressed for His Kingdom. See Matt 22:1-14.​

11 Honest balances and scales are Adonai’s. All the weights in a bag are His handiwork.

All the weights in God's bag are balanced. He is not a cheater and does not want us to be cheaters eather. God will not use evil to guide our steps. If the means of our getting where we want to be are evil, it's not God. See Matt 4:1-11. ​

12 Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings, for a throne is established by righteousness.

God abhors wicked rulers. God's throne is established in righteousness and He expects that those He's given authority to practice it too. ​

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Adonai's Delight
Prov 16:13-19

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. He loves those who speak honestly.

A great and righteous king takes pleasure in truth and justice and those who speak and act on it. Adonai takes great delight in us when we speak and act righteously. Those who have put their faith and trust in Yeshua are made righteous through Him, however, our speaking and acting upon that righteousness takes time and perseverence. God is delighted when we make the efferts necessary to seek His ways and to act upon them. It does not make us more saved, but it's a visible proof eminating from us that we are.​

14 A king’s fury is like messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it.

With an earthly king, just as quickly as he can be pleased, he can become displeased and send a person to their death. Our Heavenly King though is not so fickle. Scripture does show us though that He is displeased with unrighteousness. While we are made righteous though the blood of Yeshua, it is expected that we allow His righteousness to work in us every good work and that change comes to our speach and actions. A wise person will submit to His ways.​

15 In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor like a cloud of spring rain.

A kings subjects, when it is obvious on his face that he is pleased with them, brings great releaf to their spirits. The same with our Heavenly King, when He see's us actively attempting to obediently follow Him, He is delighted and in Hiis delight, His favor on us is like a cloud of spring rian, refreshing our souls and lifting our spirits. Our obedience is not rigid adherence but rather a serving at the pleasure of the King. ​

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.

It is better and wiser to go after wisdom than going after money. If you can do both, that's great, but if you can't, choosing wisdom is the better of the two. ​

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil. He who guards his way protects his life.

An upright person will avoid evil. Example would be our current Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence. He loves his wife and he loves God. He is not willing to comprimise his relationship with either. He was mocked by many in the world and even some "Christians" for his refusal to be alone with any woman other than his wife because even if nothing evil happened, he is not willing to even give the appearence of evil and infedelity.

A wise person will not even put himself into position where it can even look bad. He's guarding and protecting himself.​

18 Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

When we allow pride to make us think we are better than someone else, or when we are too proud to admit to someone we have wronged that we were wrong, we are setting ourselves up for destruction. Of course there are many ways in which a person can be prideful and not dealing with it in ourselves (self disciplining) will bring us down. As a song says: Always be humble and kind.
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19 Better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to share the spoil with the proud.

It is better to live among the poor than to be rich and sharing the spoils of wicked gain. Which, I'm wondering, if we are rich in money, it is still better to live with the lower class and not put ourselves among the rich and mighty and share in the spooils with the proud...just a thought.

It's not bad to be rich, just that generally, the rich are proud and haughty and think more highly of themselves than they ought.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Insight and Wisdom
Prov 16:20-26


20 One prudent in a matter will find good. Blessed is the one who trusts in Adonai.

"The true way of dealing wisely here is believing in Christ, trusting him fully". (C. H Spurgeon.)
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I can't add much to Spurgeon. Trust and obey, for there's no other way. ​

21 The wise in heart is called discerning, and sweetness of lips increases persuasiveness.

Being wise in our heart is to know ourselves in the ways that we fall short and also having the reverential fear of God and doing what is necessary to bring ourselves in line with HIM. There is sweetness on the lips of those who are able to persuade and instruct others. ​

22 Insight is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly leads to the discipline of fools.

A person who follows the word of God will avoid many errors in life. The foolish person just does whatever he wants without thinking and finds themself in trouble frequently. ​

23 A wise man’s heart teaches his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

When a wise person speaks it is out of the knowledge of his own heart and its fallings short. Their words are in good judgement and persuavesive. ​

24 Pleasant words are honeycomb—sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

It's always right to use pleasant words...not words of sarcasism, insult, hate, etc.. Pleasant words are healing to the heart, soul, and the bones. ​

25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Lots of paths look and sound right but if we have not sought the Lord and His ways before we started down the path, we're quite likely to find it leads to the tunnel of an oncoming train. Know the LORD, know His word, and obey it. There is no other way to not meet with disaster.​

26 A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger drives him on.

When a person is hungry enough they find a way to earn their keep. The person who doesn't is just lazy. My cousin was telling me of a friend who had gone overseas and encountered the homeless people on the streets there. These people were not just sitting and begging though, they would keep the outside of the shops they were in front of clean. Of their own accord, they would sweep and pick up trash, wash windows, etc.. As a result the shop owners would give them things they needed. Hunger is good. It incourages us to work.​

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Slow To Anger
Prov 16:27-33


27 A wicked scoundrel digs up evil, and on his lips is a scorching fire.

Wicked people search and scrounge for evil, even devising it when they cannot find it with all the digging. On their lips are a fire of lies that will, in the end, consume them.​

28 A perverse person sows strife, and a gossip separates close friends.

A person who sows strife is perverse. They are not people just being different, they are purposely going against the norm in order to stire things up. A person who gossips, seperates close friends by telling everything they've heard, whether it's true or not. Gossipping is evil, and so is listening to it. ​

29 A violent person lures his neighbor, leading him down a path that is no good.

A violent person is not just someone who goes into rages of hitting and throwing, and burning things down like we're seeing in our streets right now in America. The instigators are also violent. Even though they are not out actually doing it themselves, they are telling others to act out what they say. It is also violence to portray situations in a wrong manner, to make them appear as what they are not. They are full of unbelief in God's ways and they blaspheme what is Holy. They take pleasure in twisting righteous activity and intentions into appearing as unholy. They are deceitful and those who listen to them, are led down a destructive path.​

30 One who winks his eyes schemes deceit, one who purses his lips is bent on evil.

The one who devises ways to bring deceit to those he is around is wicked. They are always planning and scheming to try and cheat others. They are bent totally on evil.​

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory, found on the path of righteousness.

Gray/white hair is a crown of glory IF found on the head of a righteous person. There is nothing worse, in my view, than and old man or woman who is bitter over their life and who is still indulging in the ways of the flesh. However, the gray/white haired person growing older in the ways of the Lord are a delight to all they come in contact with. The older person of rughteousness expounds in words of wisdom and helps in leading and guiding othes down the righteous pat. ​

32 Better to be slow to anger than a mighty warrior. One who controls his temper is better than one who conquers a city.

It is much easier to subdue the neighbor who is an enemy than the enemy within your self. Self-discipline is difficult and we must learn to practice it. Being a great warrior who conquers a city is easy compared to conquering a spirit of anger...but it's not impossible.​

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but their very decision is from Adonai.

There is nothing that happens in our life that God has not decided should happen. In the life of a believer, whatever happens in our life is used to work it all together to form us to look more like HIM.

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[SpiritPsalmist]

The Refiner's Fire
Prov 17:1-4


1 Better is dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.

It is better to have only a dry, crusty loaf of bread to share with your family who loves each other and gets along in peace than to have a huge, fancy feast with people who are all arguing and bickering with each other.

What a sad thing to have our family meals upset with fighting and hateful words and activity toward each other. I don't remember any bickering at our table, but I do remember the sarcastic words said to each other, especially between my parents. I would much rather have gone by myself to eat in peace and allow my food to digest properly. Sending a child off to school in the mornings with hateful words toward them, often times while they are eating breakfast and reminding them of all the mistakes they made the day before is unacceptable.

If this type of activity takes place in your home at meal time, or any time really, do what you can to change it. Stop being so petty toward your family. Stop creating arguments. Start loving them as scripture instructs us to. You can't change them, but you can change yourself, and allow God to work in you Himself.

See the teaching from Ephesians here. What Paul is saying in Ephesians does not just apply to people outside of our families but our families especially.​

2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance with the brothers.

A good and faithful servant may get the inheritance over the son who is disrespectful and a disgrace to his family. ​

3 A crucible is for silver and a furnace is for gold, but Adonai tests the heart.

The fining pot is for silver - When silver is mixed, or suspected to be mixed, with base metal, it must be subjected to such a test as the cupel to purify it. And gold also must be purified by the action of the fire. So God tries hearts. He sends afflictions which penetrate the soul, and give a man to see his state, so that he may apply to the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning, to destroy what cannot stand the fire, to separate and burn up all the dross. ~Adam Clarke Commentary~
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Just like silver and gold is tested for impurity by the fire of the furnace so Adonai tests the hearts of those who have put their faith and trust in Him. It's not a test like in school where you give correct answers to the questions, but it's a test of our character. Not so much for God to find out where we're at, He already knows, but for us to see where we're at and to improve our quality and fitness for the Kingdom of God.

In our submissing to His "fire" of cleansing, the stuff that keeps us from being as righteous as we are called is removed. Until we see Him face to face there will always be dross to be removed from our heart.
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4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips; a liar listens to a malicious tongue.

An evil doer enjoys listening to bad reports of other people...they even help make them up.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

Respect
Prov 17:5-9


5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker. Whoever rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

We are not to mock the poor and insult them because in doing so, we are insulting God, their maker. Remember we reap what we sow. If we sow mocking and insulting, we will reap mocking and insulting. No jokes or snide remarks about the homeless person, no mocking at their situation, none, nada, nyet.

Don't make fun of the mentally and/or physically handicapped and teach your children to not make fun of them as well. Don't make fun of those who are different from you. In doing so you are mocking their Maker...GOD. Just don't do it. Period.

We are not to rejoice over the bad things that happen to people, even our enemies. We are to rejoice for the Lord delivering us out of their hands, but we should not rejoice at their downfall. ​

6 Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly and the glory of children is their parents.

When your children are raised up and they walk in the ways of God and in turn train up their children to walk in the ways of God, they are a crown of glory to not only their parents but their grandparents. Their pride and joy, the apple of their eye. ​

7 Arrogant lips are not fitting for a fool, much less lying lips for a ruler.

How pointless it is for a person to talk as if they know everything there is about everything there is yet act in foolishness. To talk all high and mighty, yet have no demonstration of it as reality in their own life. Just as pointless is a ruler, or leader to try and make themselves look grander by telling lies. ​

8 A bribe is a charm in the eyes of its owner. Wherever he turns, he succeeds.

The Amplified Bible put's it this way:

Prov 17:8 "A bribe is like a bright, precious stone that dazzles the eyes and affects the mind of him who gives it; [as if by magic] he prospers, whichever way he turns".
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For a wicked person who has something of value, it is often used like it's a magic charm in order to get their way. A bribe, "If you give me or tell me what I want, then you can have this", and they dangle it in front of the person and tempt them into telling things that can hurt or takes away from someone else. ​

9 Whoever covers up an offense seeks love. Whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.

It is a good thing for a persn to not continually bring up the offenses of others, especially when you have already discussed it with them and they are working to overcome it. Also, repeating the matter to others who were not part of the initial situation then the repeater is guilty of gossip and the seperation of friends. Unless it's a matter of life or death directly involving the person whom you're telling, then don't tell.
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[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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Comments, Questions, Observations, and Insights can be made in the link below.

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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)
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Comments, Questions, Observations, and Insights can be made in the link below.

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