Better a Little With...
Comments for Study 15

Memory Verse: 7

Questions

Outline

I. The Eyes, the Tongue, and the Lips (15:1-9)

* This drawing in public domain from a book by an unknown author is titled "Taferelen der voornaamste geschiedenissen van het Oude en Nieuwe Testament en andere boeken, bij de heilige schrift gevoegt / door de vermaarde kunstenaars Hoet, Houbraken, en Picart getekent, en van de beste meesters in koper gesneden, en met beschrijvingen uitgebreid." Abigail kneels before David and his host. Engraved by Pieter Sluiter (or Sluyter; 1705-1771) from the design of Gerard Hoet (1648-1733). Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.

>1. Can words be more powerful than the sword? (1)

* Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

* "A gentle answer" -The original Hebrew is "rak maaneh" (a transliteration) meaning "tender, gentle, and soft answer".

* "turns away wrath" -The original Hebrew is "shub hema" (a transliteration) meaning "turn away or against fury and wrath"

* "a harsh word" -The original Hebrew is "esek dabar" (a transliteration) meaning "grievous and sorrowful word and action". Dabar is used a lot in Proverbs making words spoken one of the main themes of Proverbs. James 3:4 stated that the tongue is a small rudder that turns a large ship (our life).

* "stirs up anger." -The original Hebrew is "ala ap" (a transliteration) meaning "offer, up, and bring anger and wrath".

* Me in a bad mood and in the right situation will bring forth harsh words that stir up anger in another which I will regret later. A gentle answer is easier when I am in a good mood in easygoing circumstances. But I have limits that prove that I am always in need of divine assistance.

Gideon's answer to the angry Ephraimites when they asked, "Why have you treated us like this?" is a good example of a gentle answer turning away wrath (Judges 8:1-3). He complimented them. Jesus' answer to Pilate's question, "What is truth?" is also a good example (John 18:38). He said nothing.

Nabal's answer to generous David when he asked Nabal for kind assistance and while reminding Nabal that he had been righteous towards him, his servants, and his possessions is a good example of a harsh word stirring up anger. Nabal's wife's answer to David who was going to attack Nabal is a good example of wise gentle words turning away wrath (1 Samuel 25:7-34). David's repent included these words, "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me."

Lord God paint my tongue with the sugar of your Spirit.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:1.

>How is verse 2 good advise on how to present news, whether good or bad?

* Proverbs 15:2 "The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly."

* "The tongue of the wise" -The original Hebrew is "lashon hakam" (a transliteration) meaning "tongue and language of the wise and cunning."

* "commends knowledge" -The original Hebrew is "daat yatab" (a transliteration) meaning "knowledge that is well, good, and pleasing."

* "the mouth of the fool" -The original Hebrew is "peh kesil" (a transliteration) meaning "mouth, commandment, and edge of the foolish."

* "gushes folly." -The original Hebrew is "naba iwwlet" (a transliteration) meaning "utter, pours out, and sends forth folly."

* The Christian Standard Version translation presents the first half of this proverb like sitting in a comfortable easy-chair, "The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive..." The Hebrew word for attractive is "yatab" which can also be translated as "well", "good", "pleasing", and "merry". Who doesn't admire a teacher who commands knowledge to the point where they make learning pleasing? The difference between a good teacher and an unpleasant one is presenting in spirit and truth.

Jesus is this kind of teacher. "The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee." (Mark 1:27-28) "Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today." (Luke 5:26) Teaching is a way to worship God. Pleasant easy-chair teaching is a gift of God.

Jesus taught the Samaritan woman by the well, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24) Teaching is a way to worship God. Pleasant easy-chair teaching is a gift of God.

When I walk into a congregational service a time comes when the musicians say correctly that it is time to worship God in song and hymn. Sometimes the music is off-key and off-beat fools gushing folly rather than a blessed harmonic stanza. Yet, music time is not the only time the tongue of the wise commends knowledge. The adults teaching the young can also be "yatab". My everyday speech can also be "yatab". Lord, make BDBD, FreeBibleStudyHelp.com, and the programming language I write for those pages become "yatab".

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:2.

>What might God be looking for as he eyes both the good and the wicked?

* Proverbs 15:3 "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good."

* "The eyes of the LORD" -The original Hebrew for LORD is "YHWH" which is short for Yahweh, the Israelites considered the covenant name of God in the Old Testament. YHWH comes from the Lord's conversation with Moses at the burning bush. (Exodus 3:14)

* "are everywhere" -The original Hebrew is "maqon" (a transliteration) meaning "place, home, room, and whatsoever."

* "keeping watch" -The original Hebrew is "sapa" (a transliteration) meaning "watch, behold, and look."

* "on the wicked and the good." -The original Hebrew for "wicked" is "ra" (a transliteration) meaning "evil and wicked" implying a person's being. The word for the Egyptian supreme god is "Ra". The original Hebrew for "good" is "tob" (a transliteration) meaning "good, better, and best" implying a person's being.

* "The Lord's (Yahweh's) eyes are everywhere..." starts this parable. God does not miss anything. When I was young there was a funny saying, "My mother has eyes in the back of her head," meaning when I was doing something she disapproved of, she knew it whether she could see it or not, she would let me know. This verse isn't exactly saying this. It continues, "...keeping watch on the wicked and the good."

The proverb is not stating that the wicked and good have the same reaction. Nor that God's action is different for each. Rather, the action is the same and the reactions can be the same.

The Lord's eyes are everywhere. What is he looking for and at? For the wicked, he is the Father who is looking to see if his child will turn to him as the father is Jesus' parable, The Prodigal Son. Then the Father shouts in joy, "'For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:24)

For the good, "tob" in the original Hebrew meaning "doing good", he is watching to protect, lead, teach, correct, provide, and bless as a good father does. He is like the father to the other son in Jesus' parable, The Prodigal Son. The Father corrected and instructed, "'My son you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'" (Luke 15:31-32)

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:3.

* This drawing in public domain from an English Bible (Selectrions) published in 1796 is titled "A new hieroglyphical Bible for the amusement & instruction of children : being a selection of the most useful lessons, and most interesting narratives, (scriptural arranged) from Genesis to the Revelations : embellished with familiar figures & striking emblems elegantly engraved : to the whole is added a sketch of the life of our Blessed Saviour, the holy Apostles, &c. : recommended by the Revd. Rowland Hill ..." Each page has illustrations to replace major topical items in the passage. In this case, eyes, a tongue, and lady justice illustrate Habakkuk's call for justice. The passage cited is Habakkuk 1:13 where the prophet incorrectly states that the Lord God's eyes are too pure to look on evil. Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.

>2. What is the tree of life? (4)

* Proverbs 15:4 "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

* "The tongue that brings healing" -The original Hebrew for "tongue" is "lashon" (a transliteration), the same word in verse 2. The original Hebrew for "brings healing" is "marpe" (a transliteration) meaning "healing and remedy."

* "a tree of life" -The original Hebrew is "es hay" (a transliteration) meaning "tree, wood, and stick." The meaning to the Israelites goes beyond the literal translation as Hebrew is a language of visual imagination and poetry. The phrase "tree of life" would give the Israelite the vision of the garden of Eden with the tree of life in the middle, a tree of healing and sustaining and extending a person's physical body's life.

* "a deceitful tongue" -The original Hebrew for "deceitful" is "selep" (a transliteration) meaning "perversity". The root word for "selep" is "calaph" meaning "distortion".

* "crushes the spirit." -The original Hebrew for "spirit" is "ruah" (a transliteration) meaning "wind" and "breath". "Ruah" is used for the Spirit of God and the spirit of humans.

* The Tree of Life is alluding to the physical tree found in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9) and in the Paradise of God (Revelation 2:7, 22:2,19). The words I say to others can be healing (12:18). They can be life. Since Jesus is the author of life (Acts 3:15) I can learn from him what it means to have a tongue that gives healing and life. Actually, thinking about this verse more why not tell them about Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

"My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle: Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me-- those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-- the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-- that he should live on forever and not see decay... This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings... But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself." (Psalm 49:3-15)

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:4.

>What is disciple and why is it good to heed it?

* Proverbs 15:5 "A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence."

* "A fool" -The original Hebrew for "fool" is "ewil" (a transliteration). It is used 26 times in the Old Testament.

* "spurns his father's discipline" -The original Hebrew for "discipline" is "musar" (a transliteration). It is used 50 times in the Old Testament meaning "correction, instruction, and chasten." Its origin is "yacar" meaning "a warning and an instruction."

* "whoever heeds" -The original Hebrew for "heeds" is "shamar" (a transliteration). It is used 468 times in the Old Testament.

* "correction shows prudence." -Prudence means "careful management." The original Hebrew word is "aram" (a transliteration).

* A good Father will find the need to discipline his children even though it is hard and not pleasant (Hebrews 12:7-10). A prudent child will respond well to a Father's discipline even when it is hard and not pleasant.

Discipline takes several forms, meanings, and methods. The Spirit leading Jesus to 40 days of temptation in the desert is a form of discipline. It was not pleasant nor easy, yet needed at the start of his public ministry.

Jesus sending out the 12 apostles and then the 72 disciples was a form of discipline. It was challenging and required faith, yet needed as preparation for when Jesus would ascend into heaven.

Jesus disciplines me to. "...God disciples me for good, that I may share in his holiness." (Hebrews 12:10) Perhaps these continual computer and internet connection problems are a form of his discipline. I shall not spur my Father's discipline.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:5.

>What is the difference and similarities to treasure and income? (6)

* Proverbs 15:6 "The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble."

* "The house of the righteous"

* "contains great treasure"

* "the income of the wicked"

* "brings them trouble."

* What do the righteous consider great treasure? What income do the wicked seek? What do I treasure? What do I collect? When I read the word treasure in this parable the thought of money and possessions came to mind. I do not have much.

Jesus taught, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This was a summary to his teaching about not storing up treasures on earth, but in heaven. (Matthew 6:19)

As I thought some more about the proverb in verse 6 I thought about where I spend my time, money, and attention. I was trying to determine what I treasure. I have a job where I spend eight hours five days a week to make money to pay the bills. I cook, eat and sleep. In the early morning I write BDBD blog. Much of the rest of my time I spend working on the website FreeBibleStudyHelp.com and BDBD podcast. I also enjoy the company of a special woman. Sometimes I watch TV.

Then I thought, "Do I treasure God and my relationship with Jesus?" Is that my heart's income? The commandment says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." (Deuteronomy 6:5)

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:6.

>3. How does spoken knowledge influence society? (7)

* Proverbs 15:7 "The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools."

* "The lips of the wise "

* "spread knowledge"

* "not so the hearts of fools."

* A society rises or falls based on who is teaching and what is being taught. When wisdom is taught a society rises. When foolishness is taught a society falls. "The lips of the wise spread knowledge, not so the hearts of fools." Just what is wisdom has always been a matter of opinion in human societies. What a person and a society believes does not change the fact that God is the keeper and dispenser of wisdom. The Lord speaks the truth (Isaiah 45:18-19). Jesus often said, "I tell you the truth..."

I can spread knowledge when I learn from Jesus and am filled with his Spirit. Then my lips will be the lips of a wise man. I want to spread the truth that Jesus taught.

Lord, I want a seraph to fly to me with your live coal taken with tongs from the altar and touch my mouth saying as was said to Isaiah, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." (Isaiah 6:6-7) Then I want you to enable me to spread your knowledge to society.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:7.

>How are sacrifices and prayers similar and different?

* Proverbs 15:8 "The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him."

* "The LORD"

* "the sacrifice of the wicked"

* "the prayer of the upright pleases him."

* The proverb assumes the righteous have a regular prayer life.

* Both the upright and the wicked can be and often are religious. Just because I offer sacrifices doesn't mean that I am upright in the Lord God's eyes. The wicked also offer sacrifices. The LORD detests the sacrifices of the wicked. Niccolo Machiavelli's political treatise "The Prince" is about justifying immoral and irreligious means to obtain glory and survival and many follow his guises. "The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable-- how much more so when brought with evil intent!" (21:27)

Though often the upright only has enough to offer prayers to the Lord, the prayer of the upright pleases him. (8) "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice." (21:3) Jesus told the Pharisees, "...go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13) Hosea 6:6 which Jesus quoted continues, "...and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings."

So I need to ask myself, "Am I relying on religious practices for justification while continuing wicked living or does my justification through Jesus' blood compel me to do what is right and just? Am I seeking God's favor through religion while seeking my own benefit? Or does my faith compel me to love and mercy?" Is it time to let God change my heart and for me to change my ways? No time like the present.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:8.

>How can a person gain God's attention in a good way? (9)

* Proverbs 15:9 "The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness."

* "detests the way of the wicked"

* "he loves those who pursue righteousness."

* God is not a vague force with no feelings or emotions.

* I want to gain the Lord God's attention in a good way. I want God to love me as a good father loves their favorite child. This proverb tells me how. First, since he loves those who pursue righteousness I will pursue righteousness. Second, since he detests the way of the wicked I will avoid the way of the wicked. Third, I will gain an understanding and knowledge of what he considers righteous pursuit and what he considers the way of wickedness.

Paul's first letter to Timothy says, "But you, man of God... pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness." (1 Timothy 6:11) Righteousness goes with godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Jesus taught about these. Studying his teachings with a Bible Daily Bread Devotional, with Free Bible Study Help, during a weekly worship service at a Bible teaching church, and while meeting with other Christians will help me keep my eyes fixed on the pursuit of God's righteousness.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:9.

II. To Welcome Death and Destruction (15:10-21)

>4. What awaits the rebellious?

* Proverbs 15:10 "Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die."

* "Stern discipline"

* "him who leaves the path... he who hates correction"

* "will die"

* Jesus' first disciples and the apostles were known as the "Way" (Acts 9:2, 22:4,, 14, 22) after his resurrection and ascension into heaven before and as much as they were called "Christians" (Acts 11:26, 25:28). Choosing to be a Christian is accepting and adopting the way to live as taught by Jesus and the apostles. The way is a path. Jesus defined it this way, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road (way) that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road (way) that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

The proverb in verse 10 is a warning and hope to the Christian who leaves the way (path). "Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path..."

Jesus is my good and great Shepherd (Matthew 9:36, 25:32, 26:31; John 10:11). His rod comforts me. The rod of a shepherd has many uses including prodding a strayed sheep back onto the path to green fields and quiet waters. Jesus loves me and though I stray he will lead me back to the narrow way.

People whether called pasture, shepherd, priest, bishop, or leader should pay attention that they do not believe they are God's rod. Many sheep have been driven further away from the narrow path by people who believe they are the hand of God's discipline. "...he who hates correction will die."

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:10.

>What are Death and Destruction? (11)

* Proverbs 15:11 "Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD-- how much more the hearts of men!"

* "Death" -"Sheol" (a transliteration) in the original Hebrew is translated into English as either "hell", "grave", "pit", or "death". "Sheol" occurs 65 times in the Old Testament.

* "Destruction" -"Abaddon" (a transliteration) in the original Hebrew and Greek is translated into English as "destruction" in all occurrences in the Old Testament. It is associated with Hades and destruction. Its root is the Hebrew verb "abad" (a transliteration).

* "lie open before the LORD" -meaning accessible. The Lord knows everything that is happening everywhere.

* "how much more the hearts of men!" -The Lord God knows what everyone is thinking all the time.

* "Death and Destruction" in the NIV is from the Hebrew words "Sheol and Abaddon" (a transliteration) in the original Hebrew. The KJV translated them as "hell and destruction" leaving the incorrect impression of the place of the wicked after their physical body dies. That is why most translations keep the original Hebrew. Still, I am left to ask, "What are Sheol and Abandon that lie open to the Lord?"

The prophet Job separated the two while saying the same thing as Solomon. "Death is naked before God; Destruction lies uncovered." (Job 26:6) Shoel is the place of the dead, the nether realm of the disembodied spirits. Hades in Greek is used in the New Testament. So, not even the grave, the nether realm, is inaccessible to God. David wrote, "If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." (Psalm 139:8) "Depths" there is "Shoel" in the original Hebrew.

The proverb's meaning is simple. Since God is everywhere, even in the place of the dead, then he knows everything everyone thinks all the time. Not only does he know my thoughts, but he knows the heart's motivation behind the thought. God knows me better than I know myself. Knowing this should be the beginning of wisdom. Knowing this should bring to the wicked fear of the Lord that leads to salvation from destruction.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:11.

>How is verse 12 like verse 5?

* Proverbs 15:12 "A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise."

* "A mocker"

* "resents correction"

* "he will not consult the wise." -Stubborn pride.

* The theme of the proverb is also in verse 5.

* One of the attributes of a mocker is destructive self-pride. Such a person will not consult the luminous truth of the wise. They resent correction. Even when disaster sweeps over them like a dark whirlwind, they will not accept the advice of the wise and spurn their rebuke (1:28-30, 10:8, 13:1). Even if God were to consult them to the way of peace and serenity a fool would subject himself to a hundred lashes than accept it (17:10).

Though I may believe that I am not a mocker with destructive self-pride the truth of the matter is that the seed is in me. More so the fact is that until I surrender myself to the love and fear of the Lord the seed is a full-grown plant with all kinds of poisonous fruit. I am grateful that though I was a rebellious mocker the Lord kept pursuing me till I entered his glorious light. By God's grace, I cut down the tree of self-pride to let his light shine on me. I was humbled by the power and love of God.

However, new sprouts of self-pride shoot up from the roots. So the Lord God corrects me. I seek the consult of the wise before me by reading their writings first and foremost in the Bible. Then also other men and women of God since them. I have learned that it is wise to remain humble before the wisdom of God.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:12.

>5. What is a heartache and can anyone escape a life without one?

* Proverbs 15:13 "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."

* "A happy heart makes the face cheerful"

* "heartache crushes"

* "the spirit" -"Ruah" (a transliteration) in the original Hebrew is translated into English as "spirit", "wind", and "breath".

* "Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'" (Matthew 26:36-38; Mark 14:33-34) "...being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." (Luke 22:44)

"...by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." (KJV, ASV) "...an aching heart breaks the spirit." (WEB) The last several months I endured some unexpected physical pain. Some of it was anguishing pain and none that I want to endure again. What would I do if I knew terrible physical pain was coming, pain that I could avoid but resolved to go through because of love and obedience?" What if I knew that after nearly 24 hours of torcher that included crucifixion, I would die? ...by grief of heart my spirit would be smitten. (YLT)

Though Jesus' spirit was broken because he knew what he was about to be subject to he did not walk away from it. How? He prayed. He believed. Can I do the same? I am just like the disciples. I would disobey Jesus and not pray. I would sleep. I hear Jesus tell me, "'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.'" (Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38) Truly a great temptation is coming. Am I ready?

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:13.

>Is seeking knowledge easy?

* Proverbs 15:14 "The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly."

* "The discerning heart seeks knowledge"

* "the mouth of a fool feeds on folly."

* The words said is one of the main themes of Proverbs. These proverbs' intent is to discover the root cause of poor words spoken, the broken heart and mind. The hope of the author is that the listener may learn the need and seek the cure found only in God redeeming the heart.

* The heart of one person is compared to the mouth of another. The first seeks knowledge and is called discerning. The second feeds on folly and is called a fool. The fact that I have to seek knowledge implies several truths. First, I am not born with knowledge. Though I am born with instincts and pre-hard-wiring with character, mostly I do not know the world I am born into and how I am to live in it. For example, I must learn to roll over, sit, stand, walk, and run.

Secondly, I have to seek knowledge and that takes effort; dedication, faithful, courageous, and persistent effort. As a baby such effort lead to me mastering rolling over, sitting, standing, and walking. Mastering these included many bumps and bruises. I often remember when my son was three feet tall and growing he would run around the room as I worked at a desk on what became FreeBibleStudyHelp.com. Often he would stop at my desk to check up on me. One day he rather abruptly realized that his height had to be lowered when he ran up to my desk if he wanted to avoid a bump on the head. A toddler seeking knowledge obtains it one way or another.

Third, the need to seek it implies that knowledge is often not readily found. This truth is not because knowledge hides. Rather, I am slow to recognize it and often too stubborn and proud to learn. I am thankful that I did not live in ancient Israel under the Mosaic law when I was a teenager. I would surely be dead for it says, "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. They shall say to the elders, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a profligate and a drunkard." Then all the men of his town shall stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid." (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) Humbly learn the truth or be purged on judgment day.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:14.

>Why is all of the days of the oppressed wretched? (15)

* Proverbs 15:15 "All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast."

* "All the days"

* "of the oppressed are wretched"

* "the cheerful heart"

* "has a continual feast."

* Is life merely a matter of perspective? Better put, is the way I experience life a matter of the way I perceive it? The "oppressed" are people that are "afflicted" in this proverb meaning that they are troubled in their mind and heart. This type of person believes that the world is against them, God does not love them, and everything happens to make them feel miserable. They are never satisfied and can always find a burden to carry in their heart and something to complain about. They live every day wretchedly and really don't want it any other way. They find a peculiar satisfaction in making themselves accept that they are always miserable.

Is the way I experience life a matter of the way I perceive it? Is the ability to be cheerful mine? Is the lighthearted and bubbly sibling of the oppressed miserable child able to make lemonade out of a lemon? Or are they unwilling to accept reality? It is possible to see and experience the good in anything, but can that turn spoiled food into a continual feast? If the answer is yes as this proverb states, then I need to ask, "How can I be like that?"

Apostle Peter wrote to the oppressed congregations, "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9) And the writer of the oppressed Hebrews directed, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:2-3)

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:15.

>6. Does fear of the Lord ensure monetary prosperity? (16)

* This drawing in public domain from a book by Luiken, Jan (1649-1712) is titled "Het leerzaam huisraad : vertoond in vyftig konstige figuuren, met godlyke spreuken en stichtelyke verzen / door Jan Luiken" The title is, "The Chest". According to the attendant scripture (Proverbs 15:16), the wealth gathered into a treasure chest is no substitute for the fear of God and all the good that brings. The poem accompanying this illustration notes that a steel chest with all its locks and keys is mere vanity compared to the treasure chest of the soul, which is secure even through death. The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken (1649-1712), whose initials are at the lower right, was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem and wrote the accompanying poem. Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.

The motto is "Yet, it can't hold it.". The accompanying poem is:

* Proverbs 15:16 "Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil."

* "Better a little" -Monetary.

* "the fear of the LORD"

* "than great wealth with turmoil."

* The proverb in this verse combines two popular subjects in the book of Proverbs: fear of the LORD and wealth. The two at first seem opposed to each other. Upon closer examination, a lot about the two are revealed. First, fearing God is in degrees. One can have a little fear of God just as one can have faith in God as small as a mustard seed.

Second, great wealth does not guarantee peace of heart and mind. Great wealth often included turmoil, especially for those who do not have even a little fear of the LORD. The wealthy fool as defined in the Bible always worries about two things: losing what they have and not having enough. Since neither can be solved outside of fear and trust in God such people often have great inward trouble.

Third, fearing God does not guarantee great wealth all the time as some preach. If that were true then I would have to reconsider the lives of Jesus, the apostles. They were so poor they had to eat raw wheat allotted for the poor. And then the troubles of most of the prophets (Hebrews 11:36-38). Yet, I believe the truth stated in 3:9-10, "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:16.

>How is love and happiness related? (17)

* Proverbs 15:17 "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred."

* "Better a meal of vegetables"

* "where there is love"

* "than a fattened calf with hatred."

* The theme of this proverb is similar to the previous proverb.

* Love and hate can change anything. Love can make a simple meal into something wonderful. Hate can make a feast unappetizing. The proverb here implies that the meal has more than one person and assumes that several family members are sharing a meal. "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred." My mother would often say, "You can choose your friends, but you cannot choose family." However, I can choose to practice love even when I do not like a family member's life choices.

Jesus once prophesied, "I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." (Luke 12:49-53) Choosing Jesus as Lord and Savior may start a family baptism of fire.

When I did just that some forty years ago my mother was not at all happy and my siblings thought I was strange. I prayed for them for many years. Eventually, I saw my father and older brother turn to God and God flew me one thousand miles to see my sister living in Texas be baptized. I look forward to a day when we share a loving meal together, especially those of us still living before one of us passes. Persistent prayers change a disaster meal into a feast.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:17.

>Is it possible to remain calm in during a quarrel? (18)

* Proverbs 15:18 "A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel."

* "A hot-tempered man"

* "stirs up dissension"

* "a patient man"

* "calms a quarrel."

* Patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that Jesus sends to his people (Galatians 5:22-23). That is to say that a person with a personal love and respect relationship with Jesus is given the Holy Spirit who endows on a person the ability to be patient if they so desire.

A benefit of being patient is given here. I can calm in a quarrel. Quarrels are part of any and all relationships. The quarrel may be as simple as two people not having the same will and desire to do something. One wants to do one thing and the other does not or wants to do something else. If I am not patient, then I will get angry and create and escalate the disagreement till it becomes a conflict or even a fight; a downright shouting match with angry body movements and evil eyes. Later regrets and bitterness fester that could end a relationship that once had great love and passion. This is the nature of fallen mankind.

The nature of the Holy Spirit is not this way. Therefore, if I get into an enraged conflict then I need to stop, ask for permission to momentarily remove myself, do so, move my emotions and thoughts to the Spirit, and submit to His nature. Easier said than done. But not impossible to the person of God. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:24-25)

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:18.

>7. Who blocks the way of the sluggard?

* Proverbs 15:19 "The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway."

* "the sluggard"

* "The way... is blocked with thorns"

* "the upright"

* "the path... is a highway."

* A sluggard lifestyle and its trappings are well defined in Proverbs (6:6, 9; 10:16; 13:4; 15:19; 19:24; 20:4; 22:13; 24:13; 26:13-16). A way of life has the same meaning as the path of life that someone chooses. A sluggard is a lazy person whose lifestyle blocks them like thorns block a pathway. No one would walk down a path that has many sharp long stiff thorns. Such a path would cause a person to stand idle not moving ahead, nor to the side, or even to backtrack. I would just stand or sit and not go anywhere.

My grandfather's dairy farm had thorn trees. I can tell you that they do indeed bring sharp pain and blood. The cows would never walk into one. I would not climb one; at least not a second time. What keeps a sluggard from cutting down thorn trees? Why not change lifestyles? Why not leave the old and walk the path of the righteous that is a highway? What causes a person to have will?

The solution is to not cut down the tree from the trunk. The solution is to cut off one thorn-covered branch at a time. Start at easy-to-reach goals and execute them. Build up one small habit at a time. The road to your destination is covered with many individual foot imprints, not one giant leap. Small successes are the individual foot imprints that reach your destination.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:19.

>How are the lives of children and parents united even though they may be apart?

* Proverbs 15:20 "A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother."

* "A wise son... a foolish man"

* "brings joy to his father"

* "despises his mother."

* Yet another proverb in this chapter dealing with the parent child relationship. Being that the beginning of the book of Proverbs is a father addressing his children makes sense that many proverbs in the book would concern a parent and child relationship. However, another hidden these in the book of Proverbs is God the Father addressing his children, the human race.

* Sadly, a child can be taught to despise their father and/or mother. This callous and cruel act can be accomplished by someone they look up to whether a peer, family member, teacher, the other parent, and/or society. The result is often harmful to the child and the execution of this education. A child trained to despise even one parent, research shows, is much more likely to end up isolated, have poor self-esteem, a tendency to depression, low academic performance, mental health problems, and a high rate of addiction to alcohol and drugs. Over 30 percent of surveyed parents believe they are being alienated from their offspring by the other parent, especially during divorces.

Hope exists for all three members involved, but it is not without will, decisions, effort, and especially prayer. "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27) "Pray continually." (1 Thessalonians 5:17) "He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; he saves them from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth." (Job 5:15-16)

Since God our Father is able to turn around those who are estranged from him, then surely there is hope for our children to turn their hearts back to their parents. I can become a peacemaker with the power of God. As the angel told Zechariah, "And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers (the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous) --to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17)

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:20.

>What is a straight course presented in verse 21?

* Proverbs 15:21 "Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course."

* "Folly"

* "delights a man who lacks judgment,"

* "a man of understanding"

* "keeps a straight course."

* The proverb is a variation of the one in 10:23. "Folly delights a man who lacks judgment..." here is "A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct..." in 10:23. "...a man of understanding keeps a straight course" here is "...a man of understanding delights in wisdom" in 10:23. A fool to God is a person who lacks judgment. Fools do find delight, though the subject of their amusement is evil conduct. Such is the way of the sinful nature in all.

The person of understanding also finds delight, though the subject of their amusement is wisdom in the kingdom of God and the straight course. Abraham rejoiced at the thought of Jesus' day and was glad. (John 8:56). The large crowds listened to Jesus with delight. (Mark 12:37) These were wise.

What do I delight in? Is it folly or a straight course? A good way to know what is folly and what is sensible is to ask and answer the question, "If Jesus were with me right now would he delight in this?"

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:21.

III. The Lord is... (15:22-33)

>8. Why is accepting sound advice wise?

* Proverbs 15:22 "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

* "Plans fail for lack of counsel"

* "with many advisers they succeed."

* The theme is community working together to better society. This theme is not addressed much prior. Seeking the best advice among a crowd is not easy, but better than the advice of one.

* The point is clear. Seek counsel and advice because you are not as clever and wise as you think you are. The principle is so important variations of it appear in three other places in the book of Proverbs (11:14, 20:18, 24:6). Stubborn obstinate pride doesn't succeed as often as a humble amenable heart.

The advent of the printing press in 1426 by Johannes Gutenberg began the fast and extensive sharing of knowledge that has multiplied greatly with the invention of the personal computer, the internet, and the world wide web. Many had believed at the beginning of the last century that things were going to get better for all mankind with so much sharing of information. People were seeking and getting all kinds of advice. Things did look like they were improving until WWI and WWII proved that with many advisers we can exceed at anything including vast devastating wars.

So now I can find all kinds of advice on my cell phone, my computer, my TV, my radio, and even from the lady cleaning my teeth yesterday. Much counsel can be obtained and most counsel obtained is not good and some are downright nasty. Sometimes I don't discover which are nasty until I am awash in nasty. Where can I find wise counsel?

"Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe... to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." (1 Corinthians 1:20-21)

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:22.

>How is giving a reply related to our ego?

* Proverbs 15:23 "A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word!"

* "A man finds joy"

* "in giving an apt reply"

* "how good is a timely word!"

* The proverb goes along with the ones in verse 5 and 12. They involve the interaction of parent and child.

* If someone asks me for advice or is seeking an answer to something in their heart and mind I find joy when I answer. According to this proverb everyone does. Whether my answer is good or bad, true or false, right or wrong, timely or not doesn't matter. I am still happy to reply. The joy is because this act of respect pumps my ego.

However, this verse gives me advice in its second half. "How good is a timely word!" The original Hebrew "dabar et tob orah" (a transliteration) literally means "word time good way". My reaction to a request for assistance should be to give the right words at the right time. So how is a person like me who isn't as wise as Solomon to know what good word to reply and when to say it?

Ask the Lord as Solomon did! Isaiah 50:4 says, "The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." After asking the Lord as Solomon did I am to receive instruction from the Lord. This is why I do BDBD ever since I became a Christian in the mid-1980s to this very day.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:23.

* This drawing in public domain from a book by Luiken, Jan (1649-1712) is titled "De Bykorf des Gemoeds : Honing zaamelende uit allerley Bloemen / Vervattende over de Honderd konstige Figuuren ; Met Godlyke Spreuken En Stichtelyke Verzen, Door Jan Luiken" The title is, "The Ivy: Help Yourself". A man contemplates a tree trunk that is totally covered with ivy. On the background left a village and a horse-drawn cart. On the right, a farmhouse with a façade that is covered with ivy; in front of the farmhouse are several people and farm animals, including pigs. The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken (1649-1712), whose initials are at the lower right, was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem, as well as for the poem that accompanies it (below). The attendant Scripture text is Proverbs 15:24. Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.

The motto is "Everyone who grows on the Earth, Should hold on to Heaven". The accompanying poem is:

>How is the grace of God related to life decisions?

* Proverbs 15:24 "The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave."

* "The path of life... going down to the grave."

* "leads upward for the wise to keep him"

*

* What happens when I die? Is there life after physical death? Two questions that unite. The answers are many. The Bible has two answers. This verse speaks of both; "upward" and "downward to the grave" ("maal" and "sheol matta" in Hebrew).

Sheol is deep within the earth (Ps. 88:6; Ezek. 26:20; 31:14-15; Amos 9:2) and was entered by crossing a river (Job 33:18). Sheol is pictured as a city with gates (Isa. 38:10), a place of ruins (Ezek. 26:20), or a trap (2 Sam. 22:6; Ps. 18:5). Sheol is sometimes personified as a hungry beast (Pr. 27:20; Isa. 5:14; Hab. 2:5) with an open mouth and an insatiable appetite. Sheol is described as a place of dust (Ps. 30:9; Job 17:16) and of gloom and darkness (Job. 10:21). (Holman Bible Dictionary.)

Paradise is the name of the upward place referring to an enclosed wooden park. All three New Testament occurrences (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 12:4; Rev. 2:7) refer to the abode of the righteous dead (heaven). The Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) used "paradise" to translate the Hebrew words for the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2:3. Paradise is the proper name of heaven.

The wise go to Paradise upward being saved from the dark gloom of Sheol beneath. What do the wise know and believe? It is not what, but who they know. Jesus proclaimed, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) To the man on the cross next to him who ask for forgiveness and remembrance Jesus promised, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise." To his people Jesus said, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 'To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'" (Revelation 2:7)

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:24.

>9. What can be learned about the LORD in verse 25?

* Proverbs 15:25 "The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact."

* "The LORD tears down"

* "the proud man's house"

* "he keeps the widow's boundaries intact."

* A surveyor's task to mark land boundaries has existed from modern-day to many millenniums past including in Solomon's day. When modern surveyors find a property's boundaries they place metal stakes in the ground to mark the corners. In Solomon's day, they either placed a large stone in corners or a large pile of small stones. No one can illegally move corner markers set by a surveyor without punishment. (22:28; Deuteronomy 19:14; Job 24:2; Psalm 68:5)

What if a society's leadership is corrupt and they move or demolish boundary stones? What is there to do when some in a corrupt society have no way to seek justice? Such was often the case in Israel's history, especially for widows. Even though the law of the Lord protected all including widows, at times Israel and Jewish leadership ignored or changed the Lord's laws. They derived ways to circumvent the law as Ahab and Jezabel did. (1 Kings 21)

Hope exists for the Lord "keeps the widow's boundaries intact." Though I may lose that which is mine momentarily, the Lord in the end will eternally restore that which he has promised and established. "For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found." (Psalm 37:9-10) "So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line...'" (Isaiah 28:16-17)

1 Corinthians 15:57-58a promises, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:25.

>Can the LORD know everyone's thought all the time? (26)

* Proverbs 15:26 "The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him."

* "The LORD detests... are pleasing to him."

* "the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure"

*

* The Lord God, Yahweh knows what everyone is thinking all the time. Nothing that can or cannot be done will stop this truth. He knows my thoughts and from where they spring.

The Lord Jesus has emotions and values. He detests or finds pleasure in a person's thoughts. Pleasure and despise are considered two of the core dimensions of emotion. Emotions, and how they're expressed, are tied deeply to personality.

Why does it matter if God, the creator and owner of the universe knows my thoughts and can either find pleasure in or detest my thoughts. Because he will either draw me closer to him or send me farther away. "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior." (Psalm 24:3-5)

So my thoughts are mine and mine alone. They are not anyone else's. Therefore, the consequences are mine alone. Do not be fooled by the pride of religion. I am accountable for all the thoughts in my head.

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:26.

>How does greed bring trouble to those around us? (27)

* Proverbs 15:27 "A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live."

* "A greedy man"

* "brings trouble to his family"

* "he who hates bribes will live."

*

* A bribe is receiving something for self so that another may get away with injustice. (Deuteronomy 16:19-20) Bribery is also giving anything of value with the intention of influencing one in the discharge of his or her duties. (1 Samuel 12:3) Both the giver and receiver are guilty. Most wealthy are only different than the poor in that they have the means to bribe, the poor would most likely be involved in a bribe if they had the means to.

Is there such a thing as spiritual bribes? Is saying to God, "I will do this if you do what I want," a spiritual bribe? Yes. Yet, God cannot be bribed. I cannot buy God's favor. I have nothing to buy God's favor anyway because he owns all and what little I have to offer he can obtain without me. Yet, mostly God cannot be bribed because it is not in his character. "A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live."

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:27.

>10. What does verse 28 imply about the relationship between our heart and our words?

* Proverbs 15:28 "The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil."

* "The heart"

* "the righteous weighs its answers"

* "the mouth of the wicked gushes evil."

* The mouth and the tongue and the words that come from them have been the subject of several proverbs. (10:19, 21, 31-32) The words I speak come from the heart whether good or evil. The righteous know to be careful in what is spoken and weigh answers.

I do not always do this. Even though one hundred times I weigh my replies and each time give a good answer, it is the one more time that I gush forth the evil that is remembered. No one gives a righteous answer all the time except Christ. If anyone says they are perfect and can never sin, and I met a few who said that then they are not considering the occasional evil that gushed from their mouth.

Jesus said in a parable of servants and talents. "His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant!'" (Luke 19:22) Jesus concluded another parable with this, "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:13-14)

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:28.

>Whose fault is it that when the LORD is either far or near?

* Proverbs 15:29 "The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous."

* "The LORD is far from the wicked"

* "he hears the prayer"

* "of the righteous."

*

* The Lord is holy, holy, holy. The wicked chose to be unholy. They do not listen to God and his wisdom though he cries out to them all day. (1:20-33) They turn away from his love. They make excuses for not turning to him. The LORD is far from the wicked because that is where they want to be. They say, "God and I have an agreement. He lets me do what I want and he doesn't get involved in my life."

The Lord is holy, holy, holy. The righteous seek God and his wisdom. They listen to his voice. When they call to him God hears them. They say, "God made a covenant with me. He said to me, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'" (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 12:25)

To those who asked, "If you are the Christ, tell us plainly," Jesus replied "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." (John 10:25-30)

Listen to the above comments on Proverb 15:29.

>How does my mood affect those I love?

* Proverbs 15:30 "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

* "A cheerful look"

* "brings joy to the heart"

* "good news"

* "gives health to the bones."

* This proverb gives joy to the heart because of two words, "good news"; in Hebrew "tob shemua" and in Greek "gospel". The good news concerning Jesus' death and resurrection is indeed health to the bones. The cheerful look of the saved does bring joy to the heart. I am reminded of the joy on the face of a young girl arising from the baptismal water last Sunday. The joy is all because of Jesus and what he did on the cross, walking out of the grave, and into the heart.

Though I enjoy the benefits and blessings of the gospel my face does not always have a cheerful look. Even Jesus wept (John 11:35). Though the tears flow the company of a friend quietly sitting with me is a comfort to my soul. Jesus in me brings joy for he is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) He says to me, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15)

Jesus my friend sits with me in my tears and in my joy.

>11. How can a rebuke be life-giving?

* Proverbs 15:31 "He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise."

* "He who listens to"

* "a life-giving rebuke"

* "will be at home among the wise."

* Listening to a like-giving rebuke is not the same as hearing. Though this point is merely a difference in the definition of words the point is still true. The original Hebrew word "shama" implies giving careful attention, diligent obedience, and firm belief in the rebuke. The opposite of this proverb is found in 3:11, "do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke." The opposite is despising and resenting a life-giving rebuke.

The result of listening to a life-giving rebuke is being at home among the wise. This is not only that the wise listen to life-giving rebukes as I would, but that they live together with the LORD God their Father "because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." (3:12)

After Jesus saved the woman caught in the act of adultery she told her, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." (John 8:11) This was a life-giving rebuke.

When the young rich man who loved money asked, "Rabbi, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Jesus' rebuke was life-giving. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21) The young man went away sad for he resented the life-giving rebuke.

Today and every day I must choose to listen to Jesus' life-giving words and thus live with his majesty or walk away.

>How can discipline improve? (32)

* Proverbs 15:32 "He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding."

* "He who ignores"

* "discipline"

* "despises himself"

* "whoever heeds correction gains understanding."

* A reason to ignore discipline is because it doesn't feel good. This follows the old refrain, "If it feels good do it," and another, "If it doesn't feel good it must not be good for me." These excuses stem from a blind belief that the body knows what is good and what is not good for it while ignoring the fact that the brain is capable of logic and reason which is the control of the body. My brain with reason can come to know that "he who ignores discipline despises himself. but whoever heeds correction gains understanding."

Pride is a main component to ignore discipline. Though self-discipline is at my disposal, discipline through a mentor is often more effective. However, pride can keep me from heeding discipline coming from a mentor. The sports player that believes he is smarter than his coach will not play well on a team. The team suffers and loses against their well-disciplined opponent.

My coach is my Lord Jesus. His discipline is presented in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is my instructor and mentor. He is the counselor that Jesus sends to me. I am wise to heed his discipline and correction. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (1:7) Jesus tells me, "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of Truth." John 14:15-17a)

>What does verse 33 teach about fearing the LORD?

* Proverbs 15:33 "The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor."

* "The fear of the LORD" -One of the main themes and reasons for maturing in the book of Proverbs. (See comments for 1:7, 29; 2:5; 9:10; 10:27; 14:27; 15:16; etc.) The concept established in the Bible and especially in Proverbs is specific and a complex emotion. "Fear" here is more than being afraid, but does not exclude it. "Fear" here is more than awe of God, but does not exclude it. "Fear" here is more than strong respect, but does not exclude it. The original Hebrew word "yira" means exceeding dread, one aspect most Christians today will not accept when it comes to their relationship with the LORD God.

* "teaches a man wisdom" -Fearing the LORD has natural reactions that are good and needed. Some believe that loving the LORD and fearing the LORD conflict each other. The truth is they compliment each other.

* "humility comes before honor." -A concept that doesn't make sense to the world and some Christians, especially the Biblical definition of this phrase. That is one of the reasons some Christians do not understand fear of the LORD.

* A fundamental need to begin a proper relationship with the LORD God is to fear the results of sin.

* A motivator to keep from sinning is knowing that he is in charge and expels judgment to his people. (1 Peter 4:15-18)

* Some Christians believe that they have stopped sinning, can never sin no more, and therefore have no need for fear of the LORD. They do not and cannot mature in the LORD without accepting that the wrong thoughts they have is theirs and theirs alone and those thoughts come from the sinful nature in them. Such people therefore do not understand why the Bible speaks so much about fearing the LORD.

* Both fearing the Lord and loving the LORD can and should reside in a mature relationship with the LORD God. Both are motivators in Christian living.

* Whenever I read about the fear of the Lord while going through Proverbs such as in this verse I remember an event about five years ago. While living in North Carolina I went to a men's early morning breakfast Bible study. An assistant pastor lead the study. One morning he rather abruptly and forcefully asked, "What is fear of the Lord?" I was shocked at his tone wondering if he was sincere or opening up a Biblical discussion. His face answered me. No one answered. I wanted to say something, but being a slow waker I didn't want to get into a debate so early. He said, "I am serious. I want to know. I do not understand it." Silence answered his beseech.

Since that event, several other Christians have expressed similar confusions including preaching pastors. Some redefine the meaning of verses about "fear of the LORD" and "fear the LORD" like today's BDBD; "The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom...," or another way is, "Wisdom teaches the fear of the LORD..." The answer to the meaning in part lies in the second half; "...and humility comes before honor." Apostle Peter was blunt while stating the same, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)

Accepting and taking responsibility for all my actions even those not in God's will I fear the LORD's wrath, humble myself, and ask for grace wanting not to sin anymore. I know full well that grace in Christ will come as does consequences for my foolish ways. Surely, I love God and know that he loves me. I know his love allows the consequences to come. It is discipline. So my response is to always fear the one that I also love and trust. Do not have spiritual pride.