* This drawing in public domain from a book by Luiken, Jan (1649-1712) is titled "Jezus en de ziel : Een geestelyke spiegel voor 't gemoed : Bestaaende in veertig aangenaame en stichtelyke zinnebeelden : Nevens Het Eeuwige Vaderland en deszelfs vreugde / [Jan Luiken]; in three parts"
The titled is "About the Cleansing of the Soul Through Suffering". Jesus watches as the Soul is completely surrounded by fire. The Dutch artist and poet, Jan Luiken (1649-1712) was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem and composing the poem that accompanies it.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
The cited scriptures are Psalms 19 and Proverbs 17. The motto is "The Soul is resigned and calm in the fire of purification". The accompanying poem is:
No, sweetest Jesus, fountain of love and friendship,
Thou dost not like it, that the poor Soul suffers,
From thee no fire comes; the flames of these pains
Rise from the ground of the cleansed heart,
My inconsistency and natural faults,
Are themselves the kindling of this sharply consuming fire,
And I will not be redeemed nor released,
Until the living fire has consumed its food;
Whether it lasts long or briefly, we console ourselves with the pain,
As otherwise I would never be united with God;
Let it burn as it will, yes let the flames wax,
Until one's self-will shall be completely turned into ash,
Then, at last the fire itself dies like a life,
That totally perished lacks its nourishing food,
O Self-will, which has so long separated me
From God, the highest good, how I shall rejoice
In your downfall, as you must see that after your death
I am in God, my Love, delivered from all distress.
Oh! sweetest Jesus, oh! do fortify me with all thy powers,
As long as this suffering lasts, so that I do not perish.
God's Answer:
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him" (James 1:12).
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
>1. How is peace and quiet obtained?
* Proverbs 17:1 "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife."
* "Better a dry crust"
* "with peace and quiet"
* "a house full of feasting"
* "with strife."
* A house that experiences much arguing knows this proverb to be true. A home of peace and quiet is better than a house with strife, even if that house doesn't have an abundance of food and extravagant decor.
The proverb does not directly say how to have peace probably because the reader is supposed to think about how they add to the quarreling and thus correct their behavior. A starting question is, "Do I show love and respect to the members of my house, especially my spouse?" (15:17)
Hidden in this proverb is a possible cause for the constant petty bickering. The house with plenty of feasting requires more work and time away from the family at home. It also requires more spending money than saving money. A home without a budget will soon have cash flow problems that will result in much quarreling. The number one external cause of quarrels is cash problems.
The core of strife in a home is a spiritual priority problem. The Hebrew word "zebah" in the second half of the proverb means sacrifices and feasting. One of the main types of religious sacrifices was offering a portion of meat to the LORD and sharing the rest with the family. If a married couple doesn't share a right relationship with God through Jesus and the Spirit, then improper priorities will result in discord and belligerence.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:1.
>How would family members respond if a servant was treated as an equal let alone rule to a son and a daughter?
* Proverbs 17:2 "A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers."
* "A wise servant"
* "will rule over a disgraceful son"
* "will share the inheritance"
* "as one of the brothers."
* This prophecy proverb would have been shocking in Solomon's day. No one would even consider their servants anything but subjects let alone ruling over their sons and daughters. Furthermore, nobody would allow them to share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
Yet that is just what happened with Joseph, Jacob's second youngest son. He was sold into slavery by his brothers and was later placed in jail. Yet he eventually became the second-highest ruler in Egypt answering only the Pharaoh. Then Jacob made both Joseph's half-Egyptian sons equal in stature and inheritance with Joseph's brothers.
The reason I say this is a prophecy proverb is because of my previous, current, and future status in Christ. This status is shared by all Gentiles who call on the name of Jesus. John 1:11-13 states, "Jesus came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (That is the Jews.) Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." Through Jesus, I have become a child of God and share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:2.
>What is the nature of a crucible and a furnace as relating to discipline?
* Proverbs 17:3 "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart."
* "The crucible for silver"
* "the furnace for gold"
* "the LORD tests the heart."
* A crucible is a vessel made of a refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for melting and calcining silver at high temperatures. A gold furnace is an enclosure of clay bricks where intense heat is generated by the combustion of coal or wood. Both have such a highly concentrated heat that the silver and gold melt. Dross naturally floats to the top of the liquid metal. The metal is then taken from the crucible or furnace. The dross is removed from the liquid metal. This process is called refining, purifying, and sometimes testing. Refining metal enables its properties to be actualized when in solid form.
Refining silver and gold is equated to the Lord God's work in hearts. He tests souls in a similar way. He places people in situations meant to remove the worthless impurities in their souls. (15:11; Isaiah 1:25; Malachi 3:3) The Lord tests faith such as in Abraham's life. The Lord tests hope such as in Sarah's life. The Lord tests love such as in the apostle's lives. He exposes the motives so that we willingly allow him to remove them (16:2). He searches the heart and examines the mind to reward according to our conduct and what our deeds deserve. (Jeremiah 17:10)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:3.
* This drawing in public domain from a book by Luiken, Jan (1649-1712) is titled "Spiegel van het menselyk bedryf : vertoonende honderd verscheiden ambachten, konstig afgebeeld en met godlyke spreuken en stichtelyke verzen verryke / door Jan en Kasper Luiken"
The titled is "About the Cleansing of the Soul Through Suffering". The silversmith pours silver, which was melted in the burning forge, into a mold that is clamped on both sides by metal bindings. An apprentice uses the bellows to increase the heat of the forge. A second silversmith hammers a silver object on an anvil. The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken (1649-1712) was responsible for drawing this emblem and for creating the motto and poem that follow. Jan Luiken and/or his son Casper Luiken (1672-1708) were responsible for its etching.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
The cited scripture is Proverbs 17:3. The motto is "However noble the material, Still much too coarse." The accompanying poem is:
White silver, too much beloved,
By the heart that is worldly minded,
Thou could not satisfy the hunger
Of the discerning and judging soul,
Whose desire fell upon thy source,
So as to overwhelm itself with riches.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
>2. Why do we listen to only what we want to hear?
* Proverbs 17:4 "A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue."
* "A wicked man"
* "listens to evil lips"
* "a liar"
* "pays attention to a malicious tongue."
* Human nature is to gather around us people who think, talk, and act like us. "A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue." A righteous man listens to virtuous lips; a truth-teller pays attention to an honest tongue. Apostle Paul warned Timothy, "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
What should the righteous do when the lost wicked support their evil beliefs and selfish intentions with dangerous lies and malicious gossip? Jesus taught his disciples, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:4.
>What is mocking the poor and indication of? (5, 14:31; Job 31:13-15)
* Proverbs 17:5 "He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished."
* "He who mocks the poor" -Mock is "laag" in the original Hebrew meaning "to make fun of, to laugh at, and to scorn."
* "shows contempt for their Maker" -Contempt is "harap" in the original Hebrew meaning "to reproach, defy, and insult". "Maker" in the original Hebrew is "Asa" meaning "do, make" deal, and commit."
* Proverbs 14:31 "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
* Job 31:13-15 "If I have denied justice to my menservants and maidservants when they had a grievance against me, what will I do when God confronts me? What will I answer when called to account? Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?"
* The way I react to others is a gauge of my relationship with God. If I mock the poor, then I show contempt for my Maker. Mock is "laag" in the original Hebrew meaning to make fun of, to laugh at, and to scorn. Contempt is "harap" in the original Hebrew meaning to reproach, defy, and insult. The reason for the relationship is that God created both the rich and the poor in his image (22:2; Job 31:13-15) James wrote, "With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." (James 3:9-10)
This does not mean that if I show love, respect, and kindness to the poor then I will be closer to God. Rather, if I love and fear the Lord, then I will naturally show love, respect, and kindness to the poor.
God does not forget how I treat others. (21:13) If I gloat over the disaster of either the poor or the rich, then I will be punished. Jesus revealed this through the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. (Luke 16:20-31) Therefore, I should heed this warning and fear the Lord, draw near to him, and ask him to give me a heart like Jesus who loved both the rich and the poor, the satisfied and the desolate. (Luke 4:18)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:5.
>What is the outcome of being a sacrificial loving and truthful parent? (6)
* Proverbs 17:6 "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."
* "Children's children"
* "are a crown to the aged"
* "parents are the pride of their children."
* To live to see one's grandchildren is a great blessing. (Genesis 48:11; Psalm 128:5-6) This is a state of fact whether it is recognized or not by everyone today. While it is true that for millenniums every human culture experienced this truth just as it did in Solomon's day when this was written, it is less recognized in modern cultures. This is due in part to the modern search for endless sensual gratification. The result is the erosion of society and self-identification.
To experience one's parent's teaching and support in mid-life is a great blessing. (Genesis 47:7) This is a state of fact whether it is recognized or not by most today. While it is true that for millenniums every human culture experienced this truth just as it did in Solomon's day when this was written, it is less recognized in modern cultures. This is due in part to the modern search for endless sensual gratification. The result is the erosion of society and self-identification.
The last word in the Old Testament states, "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, or else I will come and strike the land with a curse." (Malachi 4:5-6) John the Baptist sought to fulfill this mission in his ministry. (Luke 1:17) Israel's culture needed to change, just as modern culture needs to change. Do I want it to change? Or do I go with the eroding flow?
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:6.
>3. Who is the ruler that should apply the proverb in verse 7?
* Proverbs 17:7 "Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool-- how much worse lying lips to a ruler!"
* "Arrogant lips"
* "are unsuited to a fool"
* "how much worse lying lips to a ruler!"
* The person this proverb addresses is anyone who has authority over others. A prince, a noble, a ruler, a supervisor, a manager, a judge, a professor, a teacher, and a parent are to ponder the meaning and application. Do I lie to those under my authority whether in actions or words?
A fool is known to speak crudely and make little sense. So eloquent lips on a fool are as much an oxymoron as the lying lips of a ruler. In God's judgment, a good and proper ruler is one that speaks the truth. Speaking truth is a common subject in the book of Proverbs and elsewhere in the Bible making it a point that God wants me to take to heart and action. The person that lies to those under their authority will lose their respect once their lies are made known
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:7.
>What is a bribe?
* Proverbs 17:8 "A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds."
* "A bribe is a charm"
* "to the one who gives it"
* "wherever he turns, he succeeds."
*
* This proverb appears to endorse giving a bribe as does 18:16 and 21:14. The original Hebrew word "shohad" (a transliteration) is translated into English as "gift, reward, present, and bribe". It comes from the root word "shachad" meaning a donation. The point of a bribe is to pervert the course of justice (17:23) and this is prohibited amongst God's people (Deuteronomy 16:19-20; Isaiah 1:23; Amos 5:12). A bribe turns a person into a fool and corrupts the heart (Ecclesiastes 7:7; 1 Timothy 6:10).
A bribe is something such as money or a favor offered or given to a person in a position of trust to influence that person's views or conduct in a way that should not be done in a just society. There are always victims when a bribe is accepted. The primary victims are the giver and the receiver. They give away their emotions, receive a corrupt body, and lose the respect of the Supreme Eternal Judge. Sure, a third person is always harmed in a bribe, the person who is robbed of justice, health, or property.
Spiritual bribes exist. When a preacher and teacher, a shepherd of God's people do not serve for the benefit of the flock, but for the benefit of their profit. Another spiritual bribe is where God's people accept the comfort of a couch and a closed mouth over obeying Jesus' command to share the good news of salvation. Have I been bribed to put down my cross and accept a couch?
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:8.
>What does it mean to cover over an offense?
* Proverbs 17:9 "He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."
* "He who covers over an offense"
* "promotes love"
* "but whoever repeats the matter "
* "separates close friends."
* Cover over an offense is forgiving someone who sins against me. Forgiving another is often not easy. This proverb gives a reason to forgive. Forgiving someone promotes and seeks love. Furthermore, if I do not forgive and the matter is repeated a mental and emotional rift is established. "Whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."
When I forgive someone who has offended and hurt me I am acknowledging that what they did was not only inconsiderate but wrong. In my soul, I concede, "I am not going to take offense and retribution. I renounce any and all anger and resentment against my tormentor and the damage they did though I have a right to be angry and avenge."
Jesus taught me to pray, "Forgive me my debts, as I also have forgiven my debtors." I would be a hypocrite if I told God this and only wanted the first part to be true. Jesus continued, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:11-12, 14-15)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:9.
* See a drawing to the right by an unknown author is now in public domain. Proverbs 17:3 is cited.
II. Drop the Matter Before... (17:10-21)
>4. When is a rebuke prudent to use and when should one be deliverer?
* Proverbs 17:10 "A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool."
* "A rebuke"
* "impresses a man of discernment"
* "more than a hundred lashes a fool."
* A subtle truth in this proverb is that even the discerning need a rebuke now and then. Even if I have keen insight and good judgment I still need someone to firmly voice fault in my error in word or action. A rebuke expressed with love and fact will subdue me if I am the type that considers the truth, understands it and applies it. If truth doesn't make an impression after several repeats then I remain a guilty fool. More rebukes will only make a fool hate the messenger. (9:7-8) This is why the prophets and apostles were killed. The listeners remained fools.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:10.
>When is a merciless official sent? (11)
* Proverbs 17:11 "An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official will be sent against him."
* "An evil man"
* "is bent only on rebellion"
* "a merciless official"
* "will be sent against him."
* A rebellion is not only an open, armed, and organized resistance to a constituted government. It is also an act or a show of defiance toward an authority or established convention. This proverb defines people who seek rebellion as evil people. Even when we were a toddler learning to walk our parents experienced the rebellious nature in us. Cancer cells of rebellion are in all. Left untreated, controlled, and subdued this cancer can kill.
The evil bent on rebellion and unwilling to relent will find a merciless official sent against them. So David dispatched Abishai and Joab to end Sheba's rebellion against him. (2 Samuel 20:1-22) Solomon gave orders to Benaiah to strike down Adonijah and Joab for seeking to undermine his newly established throne. (1 Kings 2:13-25, 28-34) When Isreal continued to rebel against the LORD he unleashed against them a band of destroying angels. (Psalm 78:49)
The rebellious cells that are a part of my nature can be eliminated before a cruel messenger is sent to punish me. If I allow the Master Physician to apply his blood in me, then the sinful cells will be killed. By his wounds, I have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:11.
>What can be expected of a fool? (12)
* Proverbs 17:12 "Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly."
* "Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs"
* "than a fool in his folly."
* Once upon the frontier time, a young hunter was tracking in the woods when he heard peculiar sounds - yelps and moans that almost sounded human. He followed them to an opening in the canopy where a large tree had fallen. The laying trunk extended what appeared to be several hundred feet into the forest. It had taken down two trees when it fell. At the center of the opening to the blue sky were the remains of a tall splintered stump from which came the yelps. "Was the once proud tree crying in sadness?"
The intrigued hunter climbed upon the laid trunk to get a better view of the stump that sang a dirge. Reaching his apex he noticed that the trunk was hollow. He leaned over to look see what was inside. Surprised was he to see that a black cub had fallen into the tree stump. It was crying for its mother. No sooner had he learned the source of the cries when he heard the approaching quake of the bear robbed of her cub.
Impulsive adrenaline catapulted the hunter that became the hunted into the hollow trunk next to the cub. The mother's thunderous crash shook what he feared would be his coffin. As the attack against the trunk continued and the cub continued its bellowing cries he calmed and deduced his situation. The solution was obvious - push the cub out of the hollow jail. Though he discovered that a bear cub is not easy to hoist, with persistence he eventually was able to reunite the cub with its mother. He was proud and elated by his heroism until a new reality arrived. Who would push him out of the hollow trunk?
"Better to meet a bear robbed of its cubs than a fool (carried away) with his folly."
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:12.
>5. Why is it wise to "turn the other cheek? (13; Matthew 5:39)
* Proverbs 17:13 "If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house."
* Matthew 5:38-42 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
* "If a man pays back evil for good"
* "evil will never leave his house."
* The person who believes this proverb will make it change their life just as any other proverb. (Romans 12:17-21) When I believe that if I do good to another and am repaid with evil and yet continue to do good then I am living this verse.
How can I do this when at times every impulse I have is vengeance? I can when I have faith in God that if they do not repay the evil done to me their evil will cease for God will turn the situation around. Eventually evil will never leave the house of my tormentor. Their troubles will overwhelm them.
Nabal repaid David's kindness with evil. David's initial response was to repay Nabal's evil by attacking him. But when he relented Nabal died, David married his wife and received all of Nabal's belongings. (1 Samuel 25:21) Years later when David repaid Uriah's loyalty by sleeping with his wife and then murdering him to cover it up, trouble never left David's house. (2 Samuel 12:10)
Recently, I have seen God remove from my environment some who I did not repay their evil with evil. Though it is not easy at times I believe God's word, apply it to my life, and see what God will do.
* See a drawing to the right by an unknown author now in public domain. Proverbs 11:13, 12:11, 20:19, 17:14, 25:17, and 27:14 are noted.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:13.
>How might it be possible to appease a king's wrath?
* Proverbs 17:14 "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."
* "Starting a quarrel"
* "is like breaching a dam"
* "so drop the matter"
* "before a dispute breaks out."
* Quarrels and disputes are continued for inconsequential viewpoints. I knew a couple, though married more than forty years, would quarrel each time they drove home about which way was the shortest. The difference was less than a minute, whether her way or his depending on traffic. The retired couple were rather serious as if they had a lot of important things to do when they got home. Another couple though married fifty years found differing reasons why each's books, newsletters, and magazines should be placed in the light stand between their chairs. Though continued for a long time since they bought it and there were many obvious solutions, neither would budge from their reasons.
Spousal feuds like these never have course words or raised voices. Yet, they can last for decades. Are they the sign or cause of a relational separation? Both as this proverb testifies.
A dam holds back a tremendous amount of power stored in the water, a substance we can easily and pleasantly slide our hands into when still. Though a small breach lets the smallest portion of that power through, the water quickly erodes the schism changing it into a devastating breakout. Avoid strife by seeking to reason. Why do I want to win this argument? What drives my ego? What does winning the argument gain? Why is this the only thing we have to talk about? Can I slide my hand into the water rather than let it break out and break apart? Talk to your spouse about why you two keep pecking at the dam. Instead of winning the argument, win a swim in your spouse's love. Surprise them by driving their way home and say, "I will go anyway as long as it's with you."
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:14.
>Why would the Lord detest the two stated in verse 15?
* Proverbs 17:15 "Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent-- the LORD detests them both."
* "Acquitting the guilty"
* "condemning the innocent"
* "the LORD detests them both."
* Acquitting means "to free or clear from a charge or accusation." God does not acquit the guilty. (Exodus 23:7) So how can a Christian say that they are acquitted of all sins? Apostle Paul wrote, "We maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from observing the law." (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16, 3:11, 24) Justify is defined as "to demonstrate or prove to be just, right, or valid." Jesus declared, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)
How then is the law justified when the Son of God sets people free when they have faith in him? Paul wrote, "...Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3) God set in the law that acquits a way for justice to be held. Instead of the guilty dying, Jesus died for our sins. "Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever." (Hebrews 7:26-28)
So God gives me a decision. Be acquitted through faith in his holy Son, Jesus. Or be punished with the guilty.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:15.
>6. What is a good application of money?
* Proverbs 17:16 "Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?"
* "Of what use is money"
* "in the hand of a fool"
* "since he has no desire to get wisdom?"
* My intention and will are the points of this proverb. What do I intend? What is my heart's will? For what I will establishes my intention and my intention is what I seek to fulfill. If I am given money to seek an education to gain wisdom but have no desire to gain it, then I will spend the money on something else. If I am a fool, then I will spend it on something else. (Proverbs 4:5,7) I would be a fool for only a fool does not seek to gain wisdom. (Proverbs 18:15, 23:23) "Wisdom is proved right by her actions." (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:35)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:16.
>What is the practical application of verse 17?
* Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
* "A friend"
* "loves at all times"
* "a brother"
* "is born for adversity."
* A friend and a brother are compared. Or is it that a friend becomes (is born) a brother when their love is displayed no matter the situation or circumstance? This is seen in a few relationships in the Bible, especially in Jesus who stated, "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) And, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)
Apostle Paul wrote the Romans, "...those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." (Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 4:6) Jesus calls me friend and brother.
No matter what Jesus my friend loves me. No matter what comes my way or what I have gotten myself into my brother Jesus is there in my adversity. When someone brings stress into my life such as this morning, Jesus comes to my aid and comforts me. Even when I make a terrible mistake and sin, Jesus my friend stays with me. He listens to my confession and forgives me. I will probably live with the consequences of my error and yet, Jesus will definitely, always live with me.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:17.
>What is the warning in verse 18?
* Proverbs 17:18 "A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor."
* "A man lacking in judgment"
* "strikes hands in pledge"
* "puts up security for his neighbor."
* This proverb, like many other is a warning.
* "Putting up security for our neighbor" and "striking hands" are explained in the comments for 6:3 at FreeBbileStudyHelp.com. That this warning is placed after the proverb in the previous verse is fitting. Though "a friend loves at all times and a brother is born in adversity" one must be very careful when putting up security against someone else's debt, especially security with one's life.
Jesus taught, "Love your God... Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31) And "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:12-13)
The Apostle John wrote to the churches, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." (1 John 3:16) Then he goes on to speak of charity towards other brothers and sister in Christ. However, striking hands in pledge and putting up security for a neighbor is more than charity for it has a risk that can extend consequences through the rest of my life. I am to love my neighbor with wisdom in tack.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:18.
>7. What does it mean to build a high gate in verse 19?
* Proverbs 17:19 "He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction."
* "He who loves a quarrel"
* "loves sin"
* "he who builds a high gate"
* "invites destruction."
* When I love something I am inviting it into my life and being. When I love my spouse she is in my life and being. When I love my children they are in my life and being. When I love God he is in my life and being. If I love a quarrel I invite it into my life and being. Thus, I will also bring its companion: sin. A heated argument can easily become an action I will regret, perhaps for the rest of my life.
Similar to this symbiotic relationship is pride and destruction. Building a high gate is saying to my neighbors, friends, and anyone who sees it, "Here lives a person of wealth and power. I am better than you." A modern equivalent is a person who buys a big pick-up truck even though they seldom use the bed, or a person who wears an expensive line of clothes and shoes. Making a statement by displaying wealth invites destruction according to this proverb, just as someone who quarrels invites sin.
How is this so? Because when people have wealth others seek to steal it and all either resent it or envy it. Modesty is in the nature of God and is a wise life choice. Eventually, hard times come and that expensive truck and tennis shoes won't pay the bills. Then were will my friends be? Far-Away. The pride I displayed pushed them away.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:19.
>What is predicted in the proverb in verse 20 for a perverse heart?
* Proverbs 17:20 "A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble."
* "A man of perverse heart"
* "does not prosper"
* "he whose tongue is deceitful"
* "falls into trouble."
* Proverbs has judgments and predictions based on the condition of the heart. The heart in the original Hebrew is "leb" which can be equated with the center of personality including feelings, will, intellect, and imagination. "The heart is as the heart does," goes an old saying. Thus, a person with a perverse heart does not prosper.
Jesus linked his perverse generation to their lack of belief. A man's boy was possessed by a demon which caused the boy to have seizures and suffer greatly. He brought his boy to Jesus because Jesus' disciples could not heal the boy. Upon hearing this Jesus declared, "O unbelieving and perverse generation..." (Matthew 17:17; Luke 9:41). A relationship exists between a heart that is unbelieving and perversity. If I find one in my heart, I will find the other.
Some are trapped by their perverse heart and despair. At times they tried to stop the lifestyle that they despise, only to find that they are unable to. They find that they cannot control their thinking all the time and their heart eventually does what they know that they will later regret. Often people like this self-medicate unsuccessfully hoping to permanently escape a conscious life. There is hope to change the cycle of despair. The answer is a surrendered relationship to loving Jesus. Jesus promised, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:20.
>How can children become a fool?
* Proverbs 17:21 "To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool."
* "To have a fool for a son"
* "brings grief"
* "there is no joy for"
* "the father of a fool."
* The two factual statements about the emotions a foolish son or daughter brings his father or mother are obvious. No one can deny them. The parent's self-query is, "Can I prevent this or change the course attitude of my son or daughter?"
Apostle Paul instructs fathers, "Do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." (Colossians 3:21) This is to arouse feelings that are unpleasant in the child. He also wrote, "Do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) Exasperate means to make them angry or impatient, to annoy them.
Children are born with characters that can be nurtured into stable mature adolescents and adults or ones that harbor destructive emotions. The child who has not been taught by the parent to bridled emotions and thoughts is often the fault of the parent. The child whose parents are focused on self-gratification and are absent from their life is one that has not practically learned these important emotional life skills. Parents that love their spouse in view of their children are examples of the way to have positive emotions pleasantly affect living as much as when they experience stern love. Actions teach better than words.
Wonder why an adolescent brings grief and no joy? Look to thyself parent.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:21.
III. A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine (17:22-28)
>8. Does the proverb in verse 22 apply to self-medication or medication for others?
* Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
* "A cheerful heart"
* "is good medicine"
* "a crushed spirit"
* "dries up the bones."
* A cheerful (joyful) heart has been the subject of several proverbs (14:30, 15:13,30, 16:15, 18:14) as a crushed spirit has been too (3:8, 12:4, 14:30). More people state they are depressed in recent years. They have an inability to concentrate, insomnia, and feelings of extreme sadness, dejection, and hopelessness. They have a weakened will. Is there something that they can do to dissipate their depression? Is there something I can do to disperse depression from another?
What does it mean that a joyful heart is a good medicine? Will my joyful heart in the presence of someone depressed help them release their depression, or does it mean that a person who is depressed has to find something to be joyful about to escape the disease of their depression? Both are good medicine.
What should not be ignored in this proverb is "a broken spirit dries up the bones." The spirit affects emotions. A broken spirit needs to turn to the only physician that can heal it, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Prayer is good medicine. Pray regularly and keep a prayer journal. In the prayer journal record answered prayers. When depression crawls into the soul look to the prayer journal and see all that God has done.
Many of the Psalms are prayer journals. "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar." (Psalm 42:5-6) BDBD will soon be moving from the Book of Proverbs to the Book of Psalms.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:22.
>What are ways that the proverb in verse 23 true in your actions?
* Proverbs 17:23 "A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice."
* "A wicked man"
* "accepts a bribe"
* "in secret"
* "to pervert the course of justice."
* Human justice no matter the system has a weakness because humans are involved. Humans are susceptible to temptation, including those involved with court systems. Legal systems are tainted when the magistrate says to themselves, "What is in it for me."
Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion displayed this well. People in power were threatened by the truth. So they created charges against him, supplied false and confused witnesses, and excluded justices who knew Jesus was innocent. Then Pilate tried to please everyone so as to improve his political standing instead of acting on justice and the truth. When that didn't work he let the people in power get what they wanted as a bribe for future favor from them. The crowds were willing to believe what was told them because they felt betrayed or were paid to yell, "Crucify him crucify him." Eventually, Jesus, an innocent man was crucified. Human injustice was overruled when Jesus rose from the dead.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:23.
>Where is wisdom so that it may be kept in view? (24; Deuteronomy 30:11-14)
* Proverbs 17:24 "A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth."
* Deuteronomy 30:11-14 "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it."
* "A discerning man keeps... in view" -The original Hebrew word for "discerning man" is "paniym" and can also be translated "before" and "face".
* "wisdom" -The original Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "hokma" which is always translated as wisdom. The first half of this proverb only has two Hebrew words.
* "a fool's eyes wander" -Meaning always seeking fantasies. Such a person is interested in everything except wisdom. (12:11; Deuteronomy 30:11-14)
* "to the ends of the earth." -Meaning everywhere endlessly.
* Since wisdom is directly in the view of the discerning wise person, then I chose to keep my eyes fixed on Christ, the author and perfecter of my faith, my life, and my all. (Hebrews 12:2) People will come and go in and out of my life, but Christ Jesus always remains with me. I will look upon him with my heart and mind and live in him.
I do not need to travel here and there to find the Prince of Peace. I do not need to look in secret places and dig holes in the ground to find treasures. The master of the universe and keeper of the soul is not difficult for me or beyond my reach. The Shephard of Israel is not merely up in heaven so I wonder how to ascend into a higher plain to find him. The Redemption of souls is not beyond the sea or in some far-off land that I must travel to obey.
No. As the Lord declares, "No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." (Deuteronomy 30:14) Jesus promises me, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) "My eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge--do not give me over to death." (Psalm 141:8)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:24.
>9. Why is the theme of the proverb in verse 25 repeated so much? (10:1, 17:21, 19:13, 23:24-25)
* Proverbs 17:25 "A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him."
* "A foolish son"
* "brings grief to his father" -The original Hebrew word for "grief" is "kaac" and can also be translated "provocation, wrath, sorrow, and anger". The Hebrew word for father is "ab".
* "and bitterness to the one who bore him." -The original Hebrew word for "bitterness" is "memer", always translated as bitterness in the KJV and most other English translations of the Bible.
* Proverbs 14:10 "Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy."
>What is the difference between punishment and discipline? When should each be used?
* Proverbs 17:26 "It is not good to punish an innocent man, or to flog officials for their integrity."
* "It is not good to punish"
* "an innocent man"
* "or to flog officials"
* "for their integrity."
* Punishment is not the same as discipline. The former is only for the guilty fool. The latter is for the righteous, but not the fool (17:10). It is not good to punish the innocent. Punishing those who follow God's way with integrity is not wise nor right. Don't punish those who follow righteousness.
Since these are true, I must be careful how I judge. Jesus taught, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 6:42) Do I see clearly? Am I fit to judge anyone but myself? When I do judge be sure I know all the facts and execute judgment according to God's way.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:26.
>10. When tempted the most to speak why is it important to remember the proverb in verse 27?
* Proverbs 17:27 "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."
* "A man of knowledge"
* "uses words with restraint"
* "a man of understanding is even-tempered."
* Considering just how many proverbs are in this book, I have only remembered the one in verse 28 all my life, "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps his mouth shut (silent)." Not saying that I have kept it, but it usually brings up a laugh from someone else. Talk about miss use of a proverb, that would be a good example. Still, I'll probably use that as a joke piece again someday.
Why is that funny? Everyone knows of several times when they should have kept their mouth shut and had everyone at least wonder if they were wise or not rather than speak and let there be no doubt that we are fools. We also know of times when we wish someone else would have kept their mouth shut. I show that sometimes I let my emotions make my discerning tongue waggle and wobble. "A discerning tongue is held."
The proverb in verse 27 defines a tongue of knowledge. It is used with restraint, the reaction of an even temperament. Just when I think I am a decent person the Spirit of God uses a verse like this to show me I am in need of discipline. Not that I want it, but rather that I am still immature and need it. Lord, can I have a recess from this training? Well, once again I leave no doubt about my state of foolishness.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 17:27-28.
>When is it important to keep our mouths shut? (28; Job 13:5)
* Proverbs 17:28 "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."
* "Even a fool"
* "is thought wise if he keeps silent"
* "discerning if he holds his tongue."
* Sometimes it is better to keep the mouth shut. Job stated, "If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom." (Job 13:5)
