>1. How does verse one use logic to inspire a sobriety live-style?
* Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."
* "Wine... beer" -The original Hebrew word for these two are "yayin" and "shekar" (transliterations). "Yayin" means "to boil up" and "to be in a ferment". Wine in ancient Palestine was made from grapes that can be grown in all Israel to this day. Wine was drank by all in ancient Israel and could be said was encouraged (31:6) instead of water because water, if not boiled contains deadly virus' and harmful bacteria. Some note that ancient wine had less alcoholic content, but this counters the many warnings of drinking to much in the Bible. Any substance which has the same effect of wine and beer can be included in this proverb's warning. The Bible states that wine and beer could be used as part of a typical ancient meal, but not in excess.
"Shekar" in some English translations is "strong drink" implying what is now known as "hard liquor". However, "shekar" is any intoxicating substance. "Shekar" is from a root Hebrew word meaning "to drink deeply" and "to be drunken". Sometimes, like this verse "shekar" is used to distinguish any alcohol besides wine made from grapes (31:4, 6; 1 Samuel 1:15; Isaiah 28:7,9, 56:12; Micah 2:11). Beer in ancient Palestine was made from grain. Some believe it was not as common as wine and others say it was. The Sumerians invented beer in 8000 BC. Ancient tablets have been unearthed showing the original brewers were women. The Sumerians even had a goddess of beer, Ninkasi.
"Shekar" might also refer to something that is smoked instead of drank. Cannabis (and Hemp) is believed to have been common in Eurasia and is known to have been used since at least 5000 BC. Other non-liquid intoxicating substances were used in the ancient middle east. Some state that evidence exists in ancient literature that shows that smoke was caused to pass through water before inhaling. Some have even speculated that "honey" in the term "milk and honey" actually refers to a semi-alcoholic substance made by ancient middle east peoples rather than honey from bees. Others say that it is possible that pomegranate molasses could be made into an alcoholic substance since it is 45% sugar though no evidence of its existence is known at the time of Solomon.
Though some of this is speculative it is well known that both grapes and grain were fermented to turn them into an alcoholic drink at the times this was written and before. It is also well known that sometimes ancient Israelites combined fermented drink with other items like water and spices. Different Hebrew words for these alcohols are used in the Bible to give them distinction from wine and beer.
Alcohol reduces a person inhibition. Humans, through others or society in general usually learn to control the sinful nature. Alcohol reduces self-control.
* "a mocker... a brawler"
* "whoever" -Implied, but not in the original Hebrew text. "Whoever" is added by all English translations, though GW and YLT also use "everyone" and "any" respectfully.
* "is led astray by them" -The original Hebrew word is "shaga" (a transliteration) can also mean "err", deceived", ravished", "wander", "cause to go astray", and "sin (through ignorance)"..
* "is not wise."
* New Testament equivalent warnings are Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Timothy 3:8; and Titus 1:7.
* The effect of alcohol and any substance that alters thoughts and emotions is the warning of this proverb. The more doses partaken the greater the trouble comes. Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. "On the day of the festival, even the noble soul becomes inflamed with wine and join hands with the mockers." (Hosea 7:5) Substances that break down inhibition are not wise and are to be avoided. The more indulgence in one setting and repeated settings bring disaster, shame, and undue burden.
Two considerations are; what to do when one becomes addicted and has brought ruin, and what to do when a loved one has stepped into the same trap? When another has a substance abuse problem I should be sure to not be an enabler of their addiction (Ezekiel 31:11), join a group of souls who have spouses, parents, or children with substance abuse, and pray the the Lord Jesus for salvation from their iniquity. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. " (1 Peter 5:7)
When I am brought to misery by using alcohol and/or drugs I must admit I am powerless over them - that my life has become unmanageable because of my choices. Then I need to believe that God, who is greater than myself could restore me to sanity. Next, I must decide to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understood Him at that time. Then I must make a search and fearless moral inventory of myself, admit them to God, myself, and another human being (the exact nature of my wrongs), asking God for forgiveness and to free me from the mess I have made. This is the beginning of a life turned around.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:1.
>How do most people respond to the roar of a lion in the wild?
* Proverbs 20:2 "A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life."
* "A king's wrath"
* "is like the roar of a lion"
* "he who angers"
* "forfeits his life."
* A king's authority is unwavering and unquestioned. When a monarch gives a command his word is kept. His subjects and military obey his instruction for if they do not they could anger the king and a king's wrath is like the roar of a lion. He who angers him forfeits his life. Those who have authority should be respected for the consequences could be life and death.
Authority supported by power is not always a harbinger of fear and punishment. Benevolent supremacy exists in Christ. A Roman centurion came to the Messiah Jesus stating, "Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." When Jesus stated that he would go with him and heal him the Roman centurion verbally recognized Jesus' authority. The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." (Matthew 8:8-9) Jesus was amazed at his faith. He healed to servant from afar. Jesus' benevolent supremacy is like the roar of a lion. Jesus, will you please roar for me today?
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:2.
>What is the comparison in verse 3 of avoiding strife and quarrels?
* Proverbs 20:3 "It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel."
* "It is to a man's honor"
* "to avoid strife"
* "every fool is quick to quarrel."
* Avoiding a quarrel is honorable. After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight. (God's Word Translation) Jesus confirms the principle of composure while facing hostility. He taught, "Do not resist an evil person." (Matthew 5:39). "Anthistemi" in the original Greek means "resist" and "withstand", not "surrender".
Jesus extends and defines honorable peacekeeping with, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:27-31)
Jesus practically applied honorable strife restraint to his opponents' stubborn personal hostility (toward himself, his disciples, and his teachings). When pride resisted truth by accusing, "You are demon-possessed," (John 7:20) Jesus responded, "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." Though they tried to seize him, no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come (John 7:30)
J. Vernon McGee says, "In this age living by this is impractical. Yet, these teachings will definitely be lived in the next age called the Millennium." Though impractical, through the Spirit of Christ and divine wisdom granted to me, there is a way for me to be like Jesus who lived "resist an evil person"
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:3.
* See a drawing to the right by an unknown author is now in public domain.
>2. What might "plow in season" mean today physically, mentally, and spiritually?
* Proverbs 20:4 "A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing."
* "A sluggard"
* "does not plow in season"
* "so at harvest time"
* "he looks but finds nothing."
* The sluggard is a lazy person who does not plow in season. There is a right and best time for everything and a season for every activity under the sun including a time to plant and a time to uproot. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) The season for plowing is when the ground can be broken up early enough to allow the seed to become a plant that matures by harvest time. In most of the earth, the time for plowing is short. Miss it and at harvest time there will be nothing to eat.
Jesus used the farmer's fieldwork as an illustration of the results of planting seeds in four kinds of heart conditions. (Matthew 13:3-9; Mark 4:3-8; Luke 8:5-8) Paul furthered the concept to explain Jesus' followers' work, "I, Paul planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." (1 Corinthians 3:6) Each has a season to accomplish the work that God has given them.
If I miss the opportunities and responsibilities, what will there be for me when he comes again? I don't want to hear these words, "'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" (Matthew 25:28-30)
I cannot allow myself to be a spiritual sluggard.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:4.
>What is the purposes of a heart mean?
* Proverbs 20:5 "The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out."
* "The purposes of a man's heart"
* "are deep waters
* "but a man of understanding"
* "draws them out."
* The purpose of the heart is another way to say my motives. Every act that I do has a self-possessed-motivator. If I am hungry I eat. If I am tired I sleep. But sometimes I am hungry and tired but do not eat or sleep because I have a desire to do something that is more important to me than eating and sleeping. Laziness has motivations too. I do not get a job because I would rather sit on a couch than work. However, what motivates me often is not this simple. The root cause motivation can easily go unknown as I blame another motivation. I may even blame another saying they made me do it.
My purposes (motivations) are deep waters means that they come from within my soul. Motivators are a mixture of emotions, understanding, beliefs, and character. If I believe water will boil when heated I will set a pan of water on the stove and turn the heat on. Then I will add oats or grits to the boiling water to make a quick meal. The motivation to turn on the stove was a combination of belief and hunger.
What motivates me to do what I do? A person of understanding draws from their soul to determine why they do what they do. Though motives are deep well water, they drop a bucket down the well of self (ego) to determine why they do what they do. I am the cause of what I do, not another. Prayer and meditation are important activities of the righteous because they desire to know the motivations for their actions. Search and reveal to me Lord the motives of my heart that I might be like Christ.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:5.
>What is unfailing love?
* Proverbs 20:6 "Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?"
* "Many a man claims"
* "to have unfailing love"
* "a faithful man"
* "who can find?"
* What is unfailing love? (Hesed in Hebrew. See 19:22.) Many claim to have unfailing love, but what is it? To answer "What is unfailing love?" I need to first know what is love. Is it purely an emotion? Is love an action? Is it physical? Is it mental? Is my spirit involved? Is love butterflies in the stomach as I was told in my youth? All seek to answer the question "What is love?" sometime in their life. Love: all long it all the time. Love: who can understand it?
"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) "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:10-11) "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love." (2 John 1:6)
The way to answer the question "What is unfailing love?" is to practice the love that God revealed through Christ. The way to know what is love is to express love to others as Jesus expressed his love on the cross. Jesus told his disciples on the night he was to be arrested, tried, and the next day die on the cross, "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. You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:12-14)
Unfailing love is to be faithful to the covenant made with another no matter what. A faithful one who can find? A faithful husband who can find? A faithful wife who can find? The faithful one is in the life of Christ.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:6.
>3. How do life-style choices affect our children and grandchildren?
* Proverbs 20:7 "The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him."
* "The righteous man"
* "leads a blameless life"
* "blessed"
* "are his children after him."
* A righteous person leads a blameless life. Thus, the term righteous person (saddiq in Hebrew) is defined in the first half of this proverb. Blameless life (hom in Hebrew) is continued integrity and perfect living as revealed by God in the Bible. The Bible presents how God intended life to be when he created it. To live according to the way things are designed is easier and better than to live as opposed to the way life and nature are designed.
A person who works with wood follows the same principle. Trees are made with grain and structure. To make a sturdy and elegant piece of furniture a master carpenter goes with the grain, not against it. A good carpenter works wood properly by recognizing how it grew and what type of tree it was; whether pine, oak, cherry, or some other wood. He takes note of each piece's knots, twists, and defects and works with them. One could say that such a craftsman is a righteous carpenter.
Living a blameless life, that is according to God's design finds benefit beyond self. Blessed are the children of the righteous. God blesses them. God blesses his people when he bestows on them some gift temporal or spiritual (Genesis 1:22, 24:35; Job 42:12, Psalm 45:2, 104:24, 35) He holds victory in store for the upright. (2:7) "He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge." (14:26)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:7.
>What does "winnows out" mean?
* Proverbs 20:8 "When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes."
* See similar proverb in verse 26 below.
* "When a king" -The first Hebrew word in this proverb is "melek" (a transliteration) translated into English as "king" 2,518 times in the KJV and "ruler" twice in the KJV.
* "sits on his throne" -The second Hebrew word in this proverb is "yashab" (a transliteration) translated into English as "dwell" 437 times, "inhabitant" 221 times, "sit" 172 times, "abide" 70 times, and other similar words in the KJV. "Throne" is "hisseh" in Hebrew, the third word translated as such 127 times.
* "judge" -The forth Hebrew word in this proverb is "duwn" (a transliteration) translated into English as "judgement" 9 times, "cause" 8 times, "plea" two times, and once as "strife" in the KJV.
* "he winnows out" -"Winnows out" is "zara" in the original Hebrew meaning "scatter, disperse, fan, spread, winnow, cast away, compass, and strawed".
* "all evil" -The Hebrew word "ra" (a transliteration) is translated into English as "evil", the most common translation. "Ra" is the name for the Egyptian god.
* "with his eyes" -This phrase in Hebrew is "ayin" refering to the eye and sight.
* The proverb uses a dramatic and harmonized illustration to explain a wise and capable monarch's prosecution. Unlike most other proverbs that use opposing comparative metaphor, this proverb is a factual allegory.
What is it like to be a king sitting on a throne executing justice to a society under his care and responsibility? It is like a farmer winnowing and sifting wheat. Rather than using a farmer's pitching fork, a king uses his wise eyes to separate the guilty from the innocent; bad from the good.
The allegory is common in the Bible concerning the Lord's kingdom. Psalm 11:4-5 states, "The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates." Psalm 1:4 confirms, "Not so with the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away." And Psalm 83:13 harmonizes, "Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind." Hosea agrees, "Therefore they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears, like chaff swirling from a threshing floor..." As does Isaiah 17:13, 41:2, 14-16; Daniel 2:34-35; Jeremiah 13:24; and Zephaniah 2:1-2.
When John the Baptist saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them, "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-18) He of course was referring to Jesus, the King that winnows with his eyes and burns chaff with this breath.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:8.
>What is a pure heart according to verse 9?
* Proverbs 20:9 "Who can say, 'I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin (cleansed from my sin)'?" (NIV, HCSB)
* KJV, ASV, CSB, GW "Who can say, 'I have made my heart clean (pure), I am pure (cleansed) from my sin?'"
* YLT "Who saith, `I have purified my heart, I have been cleansed from my sin?'"
* See 1 Kings 8:46; Job 15:15-16; Psalm 14:2-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:9-12; and 1 John 1:8.
* This is a rare proverb in that it does not make a direct statement nor does it utalize polar opposites comparative to make its point. Rather, it is a question inviting the reader to search an answer.
* The proverb is a personal examination question that is not asking if I have lived a good life or a righteous life. Rather, I am to search my heart to see if I have kept it pure. The relationship between a pure heart and being clean and without sin is apparent with only a little consideration of the wording in this quizzical proverb. Sinning is not an act as much as it is the inclination before the act. Inclinations come from the heart. Have I kept my heart pure, that is with no inclination of sin?
When a group of religious frauds brought a woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus to trap him Jesus asked them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. (Luke 8:7-9) They examined their heart and admitted they are sinful by walking away.
David wrote, "No one living is righteous before you." (Psalm 143:2) Apostle Paul wrote, "There is no one righteous, not even one." (Romans 3:10) Can I who therefore, being one with sin and with an impure heart stand before the one and only Holy God? Only if my sins are atoned for and washed away. Thank God for Jesus who is my atoning sacrifice and for his blood which washes away my sin. And not only I but all who call on his name with sincerity from the heart.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:9.
>What is a modern equivalent of weights and measures?
* Proverbs 20:10 "Differing weights and differing measures-- the LORD detests them both."
* "Differing weights"
* "differing measures"
* "the LORD detests them both."
* See verse 23 for the same point using different wording.
* Weights and measures were used in all ancient cultures to establish that trade was conducted fairly. Human nature is susceptible to getting more from another than what was agreed upon. Putting weights on a scale ensured the trade was as agreed upon. Using a measuring rod did the same. This proverb establishes that the Lord detests cheating.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:10.
II. Wait for the Lord and He will Deliver (20:11-20)
>4. Does a person's actions reveal their heart?
* Proverbs 20:11 "Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right."
* "Even a child"
* "is known by his actions"
* "by whether his conduct is pure and right."
* "Even a child is known by his or her actions..." When a parent interacts with their child they learn their child's character. When they watch their child interacting with others and their environment they learn their child's character. They get a glimpse into their children's soul, whether his or her conduct is pure and right or impure and wrong. Character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
All are born with character. What the child and parent do with the character they receive from God is their responsibility. Parents train their children. Children accept their parents and/or mentor's training.
Character isn't the only factor that drives our life path. Everyone has a place in the world. We are given a character that can be enabled and utilized to reach the potential required for that place in the world. If we ignore it or do not enable it then we will fall short of the goal. As long as there is a future there is hope to reach my full potential.
The place I am at now is part of the destiny I have chosen as God wills. The place where I will be tomorrow depends on the choices I make today as God wills. Today will my conduct be following God and thus have a conduct that is pure and right for a good tomorrow? My actions today will show what I am made of, that is my character.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:11.
>What is taken for granted according to verse 12?
* Proverbs 20:12 "Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the LORD has made them both."
* "Ears that hear and eyes that see"
* "the LORD has made them both."
*
* A hearing ear and a seeing eye are gifts of God. Am I thankful? These are two of the five physical senses. What about the other three; smell, taste, and touch? Am I thankful for these gifts too?
I go through day after day taking them for granted until I loose one. In the last several years I have had several eye surgeries for detached retina and then for cataracts. Before these I wore either corrective eye glasses or contacts. During the treatment for these I became thankful. Why isn't it till the threat of loss comes till I am thanlful?
What of spiritual eyes? Am I thankful for my spiritual eye opening? Or do I think it all because of my brilliance?
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:12.
>What can be done to overcome the temptation to give up on the day?
* Proverbs 20:13 "Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare."
* "Do not love sleep"
* "or you will grow poor"
* "stay awake"
* "you will have food to spare."
* Ever since Adam and Eve's sin blocked access to the Garden of Paradise hard work has been a necessity to meet the basic needs of human existence. Sin curses the earth. Painful toil all the days of life is required to meet the needs of the day. (Genesis 3:17-18)
Hard work is an antidote to poverty. (6:10-11, 10:5, 12:11, 14:23, 19:15, 24:33-34, 28:19) Love sleep = growing poor. Stay awake = food to spare. The early bird gets the worm. The lazy bird will not have the strength to migrate to a warmer climate in the fall. Poverty will come to the idle and constant partygoer when it is too late to do anything about it. (Matthew 24:43)
The formula for abundant food is simple. Why then do I desire sleep and rest over the daily job? Why isn't the obvious logical choice enough to compel me every day to get up early to prepare for the day's work and keep working till the end of the hard exhausting toil? Better yet is to answer, "What need I do to ensure the bread coffer is always full?"
One answer is to have a reason to wake as the sun awakes. Another is to make an early morning habitual repetition so the body moves with little need for heart and mental exercise. Exchange a bad habit with a new good habit. Include in the new morning habit a vital first step. That is; concord the soul with the Author of Strength, the One who took up and endured his cross with its suffering and shame. Eat the bread of life daily to make it through the daily grind. (John 6:48, 51)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:13.
>5. Why do people say things as verse 14 states?
* Proverbs 20:14 "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase."
* "It's no good, it's no good!"
* "says the buyer"
* "then off he goes and boasts about his purchase."
* Bargaining contains the word gain. A negotiated bargain is when each side of a trade seeks to gain something of interest at a best-negotiated advantage. I learned haggling from my mother. She enjoyed trying to get the lowest price for something she was interested in. The ordinary garage sale tenant was not prepared for her bickering skills. The youthful me decided that for her striking a bargain was more fun than going to an amusement park. My mother taught me, "It never hurts to ask."
This proverb is about the art of a negotiated purchase. Stating, "It is not good, It is not good!" is the buyer questioning the quality of the article in order to buy it for less than the advertised price. When the item is purchased the buyer brags of the great bargain they got for something of a more excellent value. Perhaps what the buyer didn't know is that the sticker price was inflated more than what the seller deemed its worth. So the seller brags to his family and friends how they finally found a sucker to buy that old piece of junk.
I have found a surprise satisfaction in something beyond buying at a low price or selling at a high price. The Lord Jesus taught, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) I gain something when I give away freely. Par excellence advice.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:14.
* See a drawing to the right by an unknown author is now in public domain. Proverbs 11:13, 12:11, 20:19, 21:13, 25:17, and 27:14 are noted.
>Is gold and rubies in abundance, or perhaps does the proverb in verse 15 mean something else?
* Proverbs 20:15 "Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel."
* "Gold there is"
* "and rubies in abundance"
* "but lips that speak knowledge"
* " are a rare jewel."
* Speaking knowledge is rare. People think that gold and rubies are rare. Yet, God knows that lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. Just because a person speaks does not mean that they know what they are talking about. Truth is hard to find in any generation, especially today.
How is a person to know that the Bible is truth? How to know that Jesus knew what he said? Study it and put it into practice. If what I am doing now isn't working out well for me, then why not try faith in Jesus? Jesus promised, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9) Moses wrote, "But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29) The Lord repeated the same hundreds of years later. (Jeremiah 29:13-14)
Jesus promised, "Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves." (John 14:10-11) Finding out if he is speaking what he knew is possible by trial.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:15.
>How is a stranger and a wayward woman the same as stated by the proverb in verse 16?
* Proverbs 20:16 "Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman."
* "Take the garment"
* "of one who puts up security"
* "for a stranger"
* "hold it in pledge
* "if he does it for a wayward woman."
* Solomon is giving financial advice to his children in this proverb. He is telling them how to financially deal with someone in debt and on the brink of losing everything. The indebted owes them as well. Solomon gives financial advice on two types of situations for such a person.
Understanding this two-fold advice requires knowing what the Law of God says about taking a pledge to ensure repayment. Deuteronomy 24:10-13 says, "When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not go into his house to get what he is offering as a pledge. Stay outside and let the man to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you. If the man is poor, do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession. Return his cloak to him by sunset so that he may sleep in it. Then he will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the LORD your God."
Now for the first scenario. What if my neighbor owes me a little money and then that person takes up security for a stranger's loan? Now the likelihood that he or she will repay me is at least twice as unlikely. The risk of not being repaid has more than doubled. In that case, Solomon says to take my neighbor's garment as security according to the Law, a rather kind act.
Now the second scenario. What if my neighbor owes me money and then that person foolishly takes up security for a foreign woman. This woman is a stranger to me, a woman who is considered by others to be a wayward woman. A wayward woman is one who changes her mind often and is unpredictable. She is given to perverse deviation from what is desired, expected, or required because she is consumed with gratifying her own impulses or inclinations. Such a woman is at a high risk of not repaying a loan, and therefore a high risk to the person who owns me. My indenter should be held accountable, even to the degree of taking his garment as a pledge.
Jesus flips the table with charity. He says, "If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:29-31)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:16.
>6. When does ill gotten taste sweet?
* Proverbs 20:17 "Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel."
* "Food gained by fraud"
* "tastes sweet to a man"
* "but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel."
* "The short and long-term effects of fraud" is the theme behind today's proverb. Or perhaps it is better to label it, "Only fools live for short-term pleasures while ignoring their long-term effects."
Two lifestyle choices and their consequences are presented though one is not mentioned. The only style conveyed is bread and meat obtained through fraud, deception, trickery, and cheating. The not-enunciated choice is to live honestly and true though it may be hard today; later you will not regret this choice.
Surprising to some and known to most is that the momentary effect of deceitfully obtained food is very pleasurable. Some say, "If it feels good, then it must be good." So, they deceive themselves into ignoring morality and ethics to obtain pleasures. They naively ignore long-term consequences.
Not believed by most and known by few is that the long-term consequences of deceitfully obtained food are forever regretted. The proverb says it is a mouth full of gravel. Stop vice now before it stops me later.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:17.
>When it is wise to take advice?
* Proverbs 20:18 "Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance."
* "Make plans"
* "by seeking advice"
* "f you wage war"
* "obtain guidance."
* Making plans is good. Making plans by seeking advice is better. (11:14) Making plans by seeking advice knowing that God is the one that determines my steps is best. (16:9) This wisdom has been the subject of former BDBD - Proverbs.
However, the second part of the proverb is a new subject to ponder and live, "...if you wage war, obtain guidance". (11:14, 24:6) This is similar to the start of Jesus' parable in Luke 14:31-33. The Master's parable ends at a different threshold.
I am not planning to engage in armed contact with fists, knives, guns, and other man-made weapons. It has been said that the church is waging war against Satin and his army; our weapon being words of truth. Apostle Paul wrote, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Though this is true to an extent considering Jesus' great commission, I find that such thinking draws my thoughts and heart away from loving God and loving my neighbor in word and action.
So how does the proverb concerning obtaining advice before going to war apply to me today? My battle today, apart from 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 is within my soul. (Ephesians 6:11-12) Not that the devil talks to me and the Spirit of God also talks to me and so I must choose. Rather, my battle within my soul today and every day will be a battle with my sinful nature, the nature to miss the mark that God has set for me. His plan for me today is for me to do what is good, right, and beneficial. My nature is to fight against this plan. So this morning and every morning I seek guidance from God from his Word. This is the reason for Bible Daily Bread Devotional.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:18.
>7. How can the untrustworthy be known according to verse 19?
* Proverbs 20:19 "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much."
* "A gossip"
* "betrays a confidence"
* "so avoid a man"
* "who talks too much."
* Confidence is trust and faith in a person. Who do I trust? Am I trustworthy? (11:13) Will I keep secret something that was told to me in confidence? Being a talebearer, that is gossip betrays confidence. Am I a talebearer? Truthfully, I know I am more of a gossip than a confidant. And I have found that most people I have known are just like me.
20:19 is meant to help me know if I can trust someone with a secret. If they have a big mouth always talking, then I can be sure they will not keep a secret. I best not tell them something that will cause trouble and divide people. (16:19, 18:8, 26:22; 2 Corinthians 12:20)
What do I do when my confidence in someone has been betrayed? Take Romans 12:17 to heart, "Do not repay anyone evil with evil Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody." 1 Peter 3:8-9 states, "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:19.
>How is the promise in verse 20 executed?
* Proverbs 20:20 "If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness."
* "If a man"
* "curses"
* "his father or mother"
* "his lamp will be snuffed out"
* "in pitch darkness."
* This proverb is related to the laws, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you," (Exodus 20:12) and "If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother, and his blood will be on his own head." (Leviticus 20:9; Mark 7:10)
What does it mean to curse someone? A curse is a profane word or phrase. To curse someone is to invoke evil or misfortune upon them. It includes swearing at them and damning them. A child who would say these things has committed a serious sin in God's eyes. They have a twisted soul. No matter the sources it is their choice that comes from a heart that does not have love.
Jesus extended the principle. He taught the religious arrogant, "But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that." (Mark 7:11-13)
The Jewish children, when older were to help their parents according to the Law of Moses. Some irresponsible and selfish children didn't want to. To get around the law they would pronounce their possession "Corban". In doing so they claimed all their things were devoted to God (i.e. to the temple). However, it didn't necessarily have to go for religious purposes. Then they would say to their parents, "I don't have to give you anything or help you in your old age because all of my things are devoted to God." Jesus said this is the same as cursing them.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:20.
III. The Lamp of the Lord (20:21-30)
* See a drawing to the right by an unknown author is now in public domain. Proverbs 3:3, 12:10, 20:23, 23:10-11, and 27:18 are cited.
>8. What happens when wealthy parents die?
* Proverbs 20:21 "An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end."
* "An inheritance"
* "quickly gained at the beginning"
* "will not be blessed at the end."
* A puzzle for me is what happens to children when their parents have died. No matter the amount of inheritance there is always strife. The more the inheritance the more the bitter feelings. Up until that time, the children may have been the best of friends, but when money and possessions are passed down small inner disturbing emotions grow and flourish.
Jesus' parable which is often called "The Parable of the Lost Sons" concerns the life and hearts of two sons with their inheritance. The youngest quickly gained his inheritance because he asked for it before his father died. He disrespected his father and cared little for his older brother. However, the blessing proved to be very short-lived and wasn't even a blessing in the end. (Luke 15:11-20)
The older son had not received his inheritance because he did not ask for it like his younger sibling. He received a blessing from his father, though he didn't see it that way. (Luke 15:25-32) He hated his younger sibling and resented his father.
Why the strife and bitter feelings? Perhaps 1 Timothy 6:9-10 contains the answer. "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
An awesome inheritance exists, but few know of it and even fewer find Him.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:21.
>What is needed in order to follow the wisdom in verse 22?
* Proverbs 20:22 "Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you."
* "Do not say"
* "I'll pay you back for this wrong!"
* "Wait for the LORD"
* "he will deliver you."
* Deuteronomy 32:35 "It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."
* Vengeance was God's prerogative according to the Law given through Moses. (Deuteronomy 32:35) This proverb tells me what to do when wronged. I am to wait for the Lord. It also tells me to maintain hope of deliverance.
Waiting is not easy, yet it is a part of my every day. Yesterday I ordered something I needed but was unable to afford till now. Now I am in between. I have to wait for it to arrive. Whether I am patient or not I still have to wait. After I proposed to a beautiful and delightful woman and she said, "Yes" I had to wait till the day of our marriage. When my favorite team is about to play the big game, no matter how much I want it to start now I have to wait in ever-increasing frenetic anticipation till the time comes.
So it is the same when I am wronged. I am to refrain from vengeance and wait for the LORD. This proverb promises me, "He will deliver me." Psalm 37:33-34 promises even though "the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives; the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial. Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it." David when hiding from King Saul said, "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." (Psalm 27:13-14) David did see it and was made King after Saul.
So I wait for the Lord, not take vengeance into my own hands, and rejoice when he delivers me from the proud and arrogant who do not care if I am harmed.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:22.
>Is verse 23 the same as verse 10?
* Proverbs 20:23 "The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him."
* See verse 10 for the same point stated with different words.
* "The LORD detests"
* "differing weights, and dishonest scales"
* "do not please him."
* Leviticus 19:35-36 "'Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity. Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt."
* Deuteronomy 25:13-16 "Do not have two differing weights in your bag--one heavy, one light. Do not have two differing measures in your house--one large, one small. You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. For the LORD your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly."
* The Lord has expressed through Moses that I must be honest in business dealings. (Leviticus 19:36; Deuteronomy 25:13-16) The Lord expressed through Solomon for the fourth time that he abhors dishonest scales. (11:1, 16:11, 20:10, 23) Each time I have considered them in a general sense with slight self-application in 11:1 BDBD. So let me consider what business and financial activities I do on a daily basis. I will determine if I have accurate weights.
I tithe to the Lord. I pay taxes. I purchase food and clothing. I pay for where I live and the furniture in my abode. I pay for utilities such as electricity and water. I save for retirement. I pay for gas for my car and the occasional repair and upkeep of my automobile. I pay for medical needs. I give to charity and give gifts. I pay for entertainment and social gatherings. I set a budget checking money income versus money spent. My income mostly comes from my employer. As I think about daily life I see that most matters involve the exchange of money and goods. So am I honest and fair? Check thy ethics Steve. Do I have confessions and amends to make?
And I should remember Jesus' wisdom, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matthew 6:24) And, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:23.
>9. What is the proverb in verse 24 trying to teach?
* Proverbs 20:24 "A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?"
* "A man's steps are directed by the LORD."
* "How then can anyone understand his own way?"
* Though I plan with contingencies, my plan often goes astray from the known possibilities.
* Proverb 20:24 is a quizzical impeccable truth that cannot be comprehended before it is adsorbed. Walking on a straight narrow path with the largest building in front of my nose is more plausible than an insurgent fathoming the LORD's germane sovereignty. "For what is man's lot from God above, his heritage from the Almighty on high? ...Does he not see my ways and count my every step?" said inflicted Job on the ash heap. (Job 31:2,4) Do I comprehend? Do I accept? Do I live the impeccable truth?
Reading this compelled me to contemplate sister proverbs that proceeded. "To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue." (16:1) "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The LORD works out everything for his own ends-- even the wicked for a day of disaster." (16:3-4) "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (16:9) "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." (16:33) "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (19:21)
I make plans. I have intent. So is it plausible to answer, "How then can anyone understand his own way?" while ignoring, "A person's steps are directed by the LORD."? Can I say, "I make plans with intent, so yes I know my own way?" I cannot when I understand, accept, and live sister proverbs. Did I plan without asking God's leading in time past to be where I am now doing what I am doing now? Is this truly my construct? Am I now what I intended before? No. Absolutely not. I am now what God intended before.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:24.
>What is needed in order to avoid the trap in verse 25?
* Proverbs 20:25 "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows."
* "It is a trap"
* "for a man to dedicate something rashly"
* "and only later to consider his vows."
* How many times have I made a vow rashly saying, "God, if you do this, then I will dedicate this to you?" As this proverb states, it is a self-made trap for later we reconsider the vow. Sometimes such a vow was made hastily and was not carried out. (Ecclesiastes 5:4-7) Much dreaming and many words are meaningless.
Why do I make such vows? Because I want something quickly and/or something that is out of my ability to obtain. However, I believe God will obtain it for me. Then, I made the vow.
Once an Israelite commander, Jephthah made such a vow to the LORD, "If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering." (Judges 11:30-31) He thought an animal would come out. Instead, his daughter came out to celebrate the victory. Jephthah made himself a trap rashly.
"If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth." (Deuteronomy 23:21-23)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:25.
* This drawing in public domain is from a children's Bible titled "A new hieroglyphical Bible for the amusement & instruction of children : being a selection of the most useful lessons, and most interesting narratives, (scripturally 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, a candle, a king, and a wheel illustrate Proverbs 20:26-27.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>When were winnowing and threshing done in Solomon's day? (Isaiah 28:27-29)
* Proverbs 20:26 "A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them."
* "A wise" -The first Hebrew word in this proverb is "hakam" (a transliteration) translated into English as "wise" 122 times in the KJV.
* "king" -The second Hebrew word in this proverb is "melek" (a transliteration) translated into English as "king" 2,518 times in the KJV and "ruler" twice in the KJV.
* "winnows out" -"Winnows out" is "zara" in the original Hebrew meaning "scatter, disperse, fan, spread, winnow, cast away, compass, and strawed".
* "the wicked" -The Hebrew word "rasha" (a transliteration) is translated into English as "the wicked", the most common translation as well as "ungodly". It contains the word "ra", the name for the Egyptian god. It means morally wrong and a bad guilty person.
* "he drives... over them." -the original Hebrew words are "shub" a verb and "neshama" a noun. "Shub" meaning "returning again or turn back or away". "Neshama" is a noun that is elsewhere translated "breath, blast, spirit, inspiration, and souls".
* "the threshing wheel" -"the threshing wheel" is "opan" in the original Hebrew, a noun from an unused root meaning revolve.
* The proverbs in verses 28 and 8 are similar but have some important differences. Both describe one of the main duties of the king, judging. Both either use the farmer's activity of winnowing (8) or threshing (28) as illustrations of his judicial process. Threshing involves separating the grain from the straw by beating or processing while winnowing involves separating the grain from the chaff by using the wind. Verse 28 uses the method of driving a threshing wheel over the harvest to separate the grain from the chaff. The good and the bad go through the separating process together.
Another difference is that verse 8 says a king winnows out all evil. "Evil" is the Hebrew word "ra" (a transliteration); a nonspecific word defining the quality of being morally bad or wrong (wickedness) and thus causing harm, misfortune, suffering, injury, and destruction. Whereas verse 28 says the king winnows out the wicked. "The wicked" is the Hebrew word "rasha" (a transliteration) meaning a morally wrong and thus bad person. They are evil because they live and cause harm, misfortune, suffering, injury, and destruction. Both "ra" and "rasha" are diametrically opposed to the LORD God.
Another difference is that verse 8 says the king is using a part of himself to winnow; his eyes. Whereas in verse 28 he is using a tool; a threshing wheel. The king's eye is depicted as a threshing wheel. The threshing wheel looks like the wheel of a pedal bike except instead of a rubber exterior it has spikes protruding from its perimeter. Both the grain and the chafe go through the threshing wheel. I should not be surprised when a blade of the King's threshing wheel comes.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:26.
>10. What is the "lamp of the LORD"?
* Proverbs 20:27 "The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being."
* "If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body." (1 Corinthians 15:44)
* "I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality." (1 Corinthians 15:50-53)
* "The lamp" -"Lamp" is the nouns "ner", "niyr", "nir", "neyr", "nerah" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration). They are translated as lamp, candle, and light. The meaning conveyed is a luminous object, in this proverb it pertains to the Spirit of the Lord.
* "the LORD" -"YHWH" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration). YHWH is called the tetragrammaton, the Biblical proper name of God.
* "searches" -The verb "Hapas" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "The spirit" -"Neshama" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration). Neshama is translated as breath, blast, and spirit.
* "man" -Adam in the orignal Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "inmost being" -"Heder beten" in the original Hebrew refers something housed in a physical object. It can also be translates "inner chamber, hollow belly". In this proverb it refers to the human soul and spirit housed in the physical body. The Bible teaches that the physical body is the temporary place where our soul and spirit are kept. It is also used in verse 30.
* The proverb in verse 27 has been translated and interpreted in two ways. First as "The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of man; it searches out his inmost being." Second as "The spirit of man is the LORD's lamp; searching all his inmost belly."
Both are as King David and Apostle Paul wrote. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24) "God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 'For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:10-16)
The Spirit of God and the spirit of mankind and their interactions are the subjects of the proverb. My physical body is real. My soul (thought, feeling, will) is real. My spirit is real. Philosophers who deny the reality of body, soul, and/or spirit, saying those who believe in those three are daft, believe as they do because the Spirit of God is not in them revealing the reality and things of the spiritual realities.
I consider it this way. I am on and the world and move about inside its atmosphere. I breathe in the air, drink the water, and eat the food on and in the land. Now say there is an astronaut who has lived their whole life in space between the planets. If I were to communicate to the astronaut my experiences on Earth the astronaut would deny it and say I am stupid because they have never experienced life on Earth nor have the things of Earth in them.
Jesus reveals, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24) "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:5-8)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:27.
>How can a life be made safe and secure?
* Proverbs 20:28 "Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure."
* "Love" -"Hesed" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration). Other translations are mercy, loving kindness, and goodness.
* "faithfulness" -"Emet" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration). Another translation is truth.
* "keep a king safe" -"Nasar melek" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration). Another translations is preserve.
* "love" -"Hesed" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration). The word is repeated in this proverb.
* "throne" -"Kisseh" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration). Another translation is seat.
* "is made secure." -"Saad" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration). Other translations are upheld and strengthened.
* Love, truth, faithfulness, mercy, kindness, and loyalty are a king's character that endears others to be loyal to them. (3:3, 14:22, 16:12, 29:14) They must be strictly faithful to their word, sincere in action, and support truth and mercy. Kings, directors, masters, supervisors, chiefs, and parents most regulated by these virtues have a stable domain. The advantages of living Christ-like far exceed the selfish, unethical, and immoral life choices. Thus, I am encouraged to "not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18) "The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous." (Frederick Douglass)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:28.
>According to verse 29 does everyone have something to respect?
* Proverbs 20:29 "The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old."
* "The glory"
* "of young men"
* "is their strength"
* "gray hair"
* "the splendor of the old."
* Proverbs 16:31 "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life."
* Every four years the world Olympics draws a worldwide crowd for the best athletes compete to see who is the best. The team that wins is celebrated to be the strongest. Their glory is revealed. As these young winning athletes age their popularity fades as fast as their strength.
Athletes get gray hair just as all when we age. In societies past the aged were given daily honor for usually "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life." (16:31) Whether young or old, athlete or not each can find a reason to be proud
However, self-pride will forfeit the game and end a righteous life. "This is what the LORD says: 'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 20:29.
>What is the point of verse 30?
* Proverbs 20:30 "Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being."
* "Blows" -"Habbura", "chabburah", and "chaburah" in Hebrew all mean stripe, hurt, wound, and bruise. (transliterations)
* Isaiah 53:5 "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
* 1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."
* "wounds" "Pesa" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration) is always translated as "wound".
* "cleanse... purge" -"Tamruq" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration) means an object for purification. "Ra" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration) means evil and wickedness.
* "beatings" -"Makka" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration) means wounds and stripes.
* "inmost being" -"Heder beten" in the original Hebrew refers something housed in a physical object. It can also be translates "inner chamber, hollow belly". In this proverb it refers to the human soul and spirit housed in the physical body. The Bible teaches that the physical body is the temporary place where our soul and spirit are kept. It is also used in verse 27.
* The proverb in this verse is a prophecy proverb. A practical application exists, but this proverb is more a prophecy about the Messiah than a practical implementation whether to self or a fool.
* "inmost being" -"Heder beten" in the original Hebrew refers something housed in a physical object. It can also be translates "inner chamber, hollow belly". In this proverb it refers to the human soul and spirit housed in the physical body. The Bible teaches that the physical body is the temporary place where our soul and spirit are kept. It is also used in verse 27.
The practical utilization concerns discipline meaning stern punishment is necessary to restrain evil. Blows, wounds, and beatings are among the worst forms of punishment. Several other proverbs refer to fools whose backs are beaten (10:13, 14:3, 19:29). Yet, even harsh punishment for fools may not change the way of a fool (17:10, 27:22). Furthermore, the last two Hebrew words "heder beten" refers to the spirit in humans. (discussed in verse 27 BDBD). And self-afflicted, or society inflicting a fool cannot cleanse a human's spirit. So, the practical application of this proverb seems lacking.
* "inmost being" -"Heder beten" in the original Hebrew refers something housed in a physical object. It can also be translates "inner chamber, hollow belly". In this proverb it refers to the human soul and spirit housed in the physical body. The Bible teaches that the physical body is the temporary place where our soul and spirit are kept. It is also used in verse 27.
However, the prophecy is fitting. Isaiah 53:5 prophesied, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." 1 Peter 2:24 states, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." This proverb is a prophecy about Jesus the Messiah. His punishment heals my soul and spirit. Thank you Jesus.
