Teaching (no posting) Lessons from The Book of Proverbs

[SpiritPsalmist]

Walk In Wisdom
Prov 18:1-5


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Wise Speaking
Prov 18:6-10


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Our Mind and Soul
Prov 18:11-15


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Honoring One Another
Prov 18:16-18


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[SpiritPsalmist]

How Do We Smell?
Prov 18:19-21


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God, Our Friend
Prov 18:22-24


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Handling Wisdom
Prov 19:6-10


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Dealing With Anger
Prov 19:11-15


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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[SpiritPsalmist]

Relationships
Prov 19:16-19



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Fear Of God
Prov 19:20-23



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

The “scorner” is thoroughly wrong. The “simple” is potentially wrong. He that “hath understanding” is occasionally wrong, or he would not require “reproof.” It is implied--~The Biblical Illustrator~
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Correct a scorner and the response is generally scorn, correct the simple and while he may not understand he will at least aim to not do the offense again. Correct a discerning person and they will understand and adjust their behavior and attitude accordingly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[SpiritPsalmist]

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[SpiritPsalmist]

The Redeemed
Prov 20:6-9


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[SpiritPsalmist]

Godly Behavior
Prov 20:10-13


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

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

Children are known by their actions. A wise parent observes and guides them in the right direction and does not allow the inclinations of "gaining" over another by corrupt means and taking over their lives. This is not done by yelling and screaming, and beating...it's done by the parents example and proper and loving discipline, which yelling, screaming, and beating is not proper discipline.
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12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—Adonai has made them both.

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

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

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

Adonai's Searchlight
Prov 20:14-19



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coffman's Commentary says it clear:​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walking In His Ways
Prov 20:20-30


20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in utter darkness.

Cursing a father or mother was a capital offense under the law of Moses (Ex 21:17; Lev 20:9; Matt 15:4). Since God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever, we can assume that in His eyes it has not changed. To curse the instruments of your being is wickedness.

I think there are many ways we can curse our parents, such as the way we talk about them. Do we refer to them as crazy, or ignorant, or lazy, or any number of other descriptions that are derogatory? Be careful with your words regarding your parents. The way we talk to them. Do they make us angry and then we lash out with hateful, spiteful words? Learn to control your anger and your tongue. Literally, your life depends on it. (Eph 6:2; Ex 20:12) Even if they are/were abusive and did horrible, horrible things to you, be careful with your words and actions of them and toward them.

21 An estate acquired quickly in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.

Money and titles gotten by unjust means may be sweet at the beginning, but in the end, will turn rotten to the bones. You may cheat your way in, but the whole shenanigan will be cursed by God.

22 Do not say, “I will pay back evil!” Wait for Adonai, so He may deliver You.

Do not seek to exact revenge on anyone who has purposely hurt you, God will do that for you.

23 Unbalanced weights are detestable to Adonai, and dishonest scales are wicked.

Here's those unbalanced scales again We are not to deal dishonestly with others. Be upfront with our dealings. If you're selling a used car or bicycle, or whatever, be honest about what, if anything, is wrong with it.

24 A man’s steps are directed by Adonai. How then can anyone understand his own way?

How in the world can we trust our own evaluation of things? The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord. (Ps 37:23)

25 It is a trap for one to say rashly, “It is holy!” and only afterward to consider his vows.

It's foolish to promise something, and then after promising it, check out to see if you can actually do it. A promise is a holy thing before God, breaking it is not taken lightly.

26 A wise king winnows out the wicked. He turns a threshing wheel over them.

A good leader is able to separate the good people from the wicked. Yeshua will do this when we stand before him (Matt 25:31-46)

27 The spirit of man is the lamp of Adonai, searching all his inmost being.

God has given each of us a mind that is enlightened by God when we seek HIM with all our heart, mind, and soul. We have everything we need in order to tell the difference between what is good and what is evil.

28 Lovingkindness and truth preserve the king, but his throne is upheld by lovingkindness.

A good leader is led by lovingkindness and truth. Deal kindly with people, even if they don't deserve it.

29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.

When we're young we glory in our strength and beauty and rely upon that to get us through whatever, but when we are older, it is our gray hair/oldness, that shows that we have (hopefully) gained insight and wisdom from the errors of our youth.

30 Blows that wound scour away evil, and beatings purge the innermost being.

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible
Note, 1. Many need severe rebukes. Some children are so obstinate that their parents can do no good with them without sharp correction; some criminals must feel the rigour of the law and public justice; gentle methods will not work upon them; they must be beaten black and blue. And the wise God sees that his own children sometimes need very sharp afflictions. 2. Severe rebukes sometimes do a great deal of good, as corrosives contribute to the cure of a wound, eating out the proud flesh. The rod drives out even that foolishness which was bound up in the heart, and cleanses away the evil there. 3. Frequently those that most need severe rebukes can worse bear them. Such is the corruption of nature that men are as loth to be rebuked sharply for their sins as to be beaten till their bones ache. Correction is grievous to him that forsakes the way, and yet it is good for him, Hebrews 12:11.


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[SpiritPsalmist]

Adonai Weighs the Heart
Prov 21:1-6


1 A king’s heart is like a stream of water in the hand of Adonai; he directs it wherever He wants.

The hearts of the leaders are guided according to God's plans. They have choices and can plan and scheme, but God's plans are never thwarted by what they decide. See Rom 8:28-30; Phil 2:12-13; Eph 1:7-12; Jms 1:16-18; Eph 2:8-10; 1 Cor 10:6-13; Rom 8:12-17; Jon 16:12-17; Matt 6:31-34; 2 Tim 1:8-10; Phil 1:3-8.
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2 All a man’s ways seem right in his own eyes, but Adonai weighs the heart.

We all think we're doing what seem's right to us, but Adonai see's our heart and see's whether we are planning good or evil. He knows our intent behind all that we do. See Matt 5:8; Heb 4:11-13; Matt 12:34-37; Matt 15:16-20: 1 Tim 1:3-7; 1 Pet 3:1-7; Phil 4:4-7; Jms 4:13-17.​

3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Adonai than sacrifice.

It's is better in Adonais's eyes that we do what HE says is right and just over making sacrifices to try and appease Him when we've done wrong. When we knowingly do the wrong thing, and think we can do a bunch of nice things to make up for it, it is not satisfactory to God. He wants us to do what He's said. See Rom 12:14-21; Rev 19:11; Matt 23:23-24; Rom 3:21-26; Gal 6:6-10; 2 Cor 6:14-18; Rom 13:1-7.​

4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the lamp of the wicked is sin.

It is wickedness to think we are better than someone else. God hates pride and arrogance. If you see this trait in yourself, get before God quickly and let Him work it out of you. See 1 Jon 2:15-17; Phil 2:1-5; Matt 18:2-5; 1 Jon 2:3-6.​

5 Plans of the diligent surely lead to gain, but all who are hasty come only to loss.

Be deligent and faithful at your goal and you will gain, but if you get in a hurry, cut corners, get sloppy and are mean and rude it will only be a loss for you. See Gal 6:6-10; 1 Cor 15:56-58; 2 Pet 1:3-11; 2 Tim 2:14-21; Jms 1:12-15.​

6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is like a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.

When you get money and things by lying, it is death to your soul. Lying to gain riches is wickedness. See Col 3:5-11; Eph 4:25-32; Rev 21:6-8.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

The Violence and Ruin of The Wicked
Prov 21:7-11


7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to act justly.

I'm reminded of Haman and how he had carefully laid out plans to destroy the Jewish people but everything he tried against Mordecai backfired. In the end, he was hung by his own gallows that he had built to hang Mordecai on. See Est 7. The Story of Esther.

Bottom line: the plans of the wicked will backfire, if not upfront, in the end. ​

8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright.

A wicked persons plans are crooked and go in all sorts of directions in order to set other people up and entrap them. A righteous person though, is straight-forward and to the point. As born-again believers we are to walk in honesty and sincerity, not in deceit and lies. See 2 Cor 1:12-14; 1 Pet 2:1-5; Rom 12:9-13; Tius 2:6-8.​

9 It is better to live on a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

Ladies, don't be quarrelsom. If you don't agree then take it to the Lord. Husbands, don't just tell your wife what is happening, discuss it with her. Listen to her views and consider them, taking it to the Lord. If she is dead-set against something then maybe consider and pray about for a longer period of time. Depend on God to do His changing of her and/or his mind. Making your home a misrable place to live, whether you're husband or wife, is not the answer and will destroy your family. See Eph 5:21-33; 1 Cor 7:1-16.​

10 A wicked soul craves evil—his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

A wicked person seeks out bad things about others. "Inquiring minds want to know" is more like "evil minds want to know". If you are not part of the problem, or the solving of the problem, it's none of your business.​

11 When a mocker is punished, the naïve become wise. When a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible
The simple may be made wise by punishments on the wicked, and by instructions to those who are willing to be taught.
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IOW Pay attention and learn from the errors of others and be agreeable to learn from those whom walk in wisdom themselves. See Phil 4:8-9; 1 Cor 4:6-16; 1 Cor 11:1; Phil 3:17-19; 2 Thess 3:6-9; 1 Tim 2:8-11; 2 Tim 3:14-17.
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[SpiritPsalmist]

Learning The Walk
Prov 21:12-16


12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, throwing the wicked down to their ruin.

Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible
This proverb states that a wise man, living after God's commandments, may, by his own personal observation of what happens all around him, be able to see all the proof he needs that wickedness is a tragic disaster to all who adopt it as their life-style.
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It is good to observe and learn from the errors and the righteous successes of those around us in the world, not to judge and condemn but to know what "To Do" and what NOT" to do".So many rich and powerful people and their families are in failure. Some are deep in illigal activity and bring evil to themselves and their families while others are hard workers and successful and do good.

All the events, good and bad, written for us in the scriptures is to learn what is good and what is evil and to know what the right direction for us to go is: 2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for restoration, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that the person belonging to God may be capable, fully equipped for every good deed.​

13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, will also cry out but not be answered.

This seems pretty straight forward. Whatever means you have to help the poor, help. If you have money, give money. If you have food, give food. If you are able bodied, serve food in a soup kitchen, or make blankets, or whatever. See 2 Cpr 8:1-15.​

14 A gift in secret soothes anger, and a bribe given secretly, fierce rage.

When we give gifts, especially in an attempt to appease someone's anger, we should not do it with great grandeur but in secret.

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments
Proverbs 21:14. A gift — Bestowed on a person offended and angry with us, as the following words show; in secret — That is, given in secret, which makes it more acceptable; for gifts openly given savour of ostentation in the giver: and cause some shame to the receiver; pacifieth anger — Removes all resentment, and conciliates love; and a reward in the bosom — Secretly conveyed into the bosom; strong wrath — Will extinguish that wrath which was thought implacable.​

15 Doing justice brings joy to the righteous, and terror to those who do evil.

The righteous are joyful when justice is done, however, to those who do evil, it is a display to the utter ruin of evil.​

16 Whoever strays from the path of wisdom ends up in the congregation of the dead.

We all have an obligation to follow God's instructions. In choosing wickedness over righteousness we show where our heart is. If we have truly repented of our sins and turned from our wicked ways, we desire to do what is right. If your attitude is, "Yeshua/Jesus forgave me, and I can live as I please and still go to heaven", you have hugely missed the boat. A person who has truly repented, desires to do what is right and while they know they will never attain perfection, they still aim for it. The person who does not care about hitting the mark, shows comtempt for what Yeshua did on the cross for us and I would venture to say is not really born-again. See Heb 6:4-8.

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