* This drawing in public domain is from a book titled "Pious addresses of the heart to God wherein is shown its departure from and return to God in forty seven divine emblems illustrated with copper plates / By a Private Hand.
The image title is "The School of the Heart" and/or "The Weighing of the Heart". This emblem depicts an angel weighing a woman's heart on a balance scale against the Ten Commandment tablets. The image is titled with the Latin CORDIS PONDERATIO, which translates "the weighing of the heart," and is accompanied by the text of Proverbs 21:2. This is the twentieth in a series of 47 emblems published anonymously and adapted from Benedictine writer Benedict van Haeften's Schola Cordis (1629).
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>1. Are we the director of our course?
* Proverbs 21:1 "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases."
* "heart" -Heart is "leb" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "the hand of the LORD" -Poetic form used to convey complete control.
* "he directs" -"Directs" is "nata" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "pleases" -"Pleases" is "hapes" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* Being in a leadership position doesn't mean I am in control. Even if I were a king, in sovereign power and unquestioned authority of all the land, it would not signify that I direct the course of all. The king doesn't even have complete control of their heart. The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD. He controlled the heart of Pharoah by hardening it (Exodus 7:3, 13-14, 22, 8:19, 9:12, 35, 10:20, 27, 11:10, 14:4), Nebuchadnezzar by taking his sanity (Daniel 4:31-32:35), and Cyrus whom he led to conquer and changed his attitude to help on the work of rebuilding the temple (Isaiah 45:1-3; Ezra 6:22).
I am not a king, president, or dignitary of a civilian government. Yet, this proverb is still true to me. The LORD directs my heart like a watercourse wherever he pleases. This does not mean I am not accountable for my thoughts and will. My heart condition and mindset are my responsibility. And the course of my life is in the LORD's sovereign authority. Therefore, I humble myself to the LORD of life with gratitude, respect, and foremost with love for "the LORD has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble." (Luke 1:52)
"Humble yourselves before the LORD and he will fit you up." (James 4:10)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 21:1.
>What is the dangers of self-deception?
* Proverbs 21:2 "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart."
* "right" -Right is "yashar" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "weigts" -Weighs is "takan" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "heart" -Heart is "libba" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "weighs the heart" -Meaning determining its worth and value to him. Should he keep or reject?
* Motives are the intended comprehensive self-investigation that leads to life-saving repentance is the intent of this proverb as it was in related proverbs 14:12, 16:2, and 24:12. Is it possible to self-examine the self-deceived heart? Not without God's intervention. Without God revealing the true intent of my actions I would never know the weight of my heart.
Job humbly prayed, "For what is man's lot from God above, his heritage from the Almighty on high? Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? Does he not see my ways and count my every step? If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit-- let God weigh me in honest scales and he will know that I am blameless-- if my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, then may others eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted. If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor's door, then may my wife grind another man's grain, and may other men sleep with her. For that would have been shameful, a sin to be judged. It is a fire that burns to Destruction; it would have uprooted my harvest. 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?" (Job 31:2-15)
Job asks the Lord to examine and reveal to him his heart's motive. He asks God to reveal other sinful motives and ways. Why does he want the Lord God to weigh his heart? Job says, "For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things." (Job 31:23) He knows that he may have fooled himself that he was not sinning when in fact he was. He considers that perhaps the calamities that befell him are the result of sin, but he believes he has not sinned and wants God to reveal to him if he has deceived himself. Am I the same?
>What is more acceptable than sacrifices to God?
* Proverbs 21:3 "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."
* "right" -Right is "sedaqa" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "just" -Just is "mishpat" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "acceptable" -Acceptable is "bahar" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "sacrifice" -Sacrifice is "zebah" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* Doing right is weighed against the sacrificial system in the Law the Lord gave Israel through Moses. Similarly, in Hosea 6:6 mercy and sacrifice are weighed against burnt offerings. Jesus quoted this to the religious self-righteous while dining for the first time in Matthew's house with other tax collectors and sinners - both social outcasts and bullied people groups. (Matthew 9:10-13) He also quoted this to other legalistic religious leaders when his disciples were picking some heads of grain and eating them on the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:1-7)
I see that if and when I have to choose between doing right to others and following a law in the Bible I should choose what is right and just. The Lord wants me to be honorable and fair in my dealings and actions. I am to interact with others based on facts and sound reasoning. Love is interconnected with being just.
The Lord told his people through the prophet Micah, "With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:6-8) I gain nothing if I offer sacrifices, and then interact with others with malice and hate. (27, 15:8)
>What is the cause of haughty eyes?
* Proverbs 21:4 "Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!"
* "Haughty" -Haughty is "rum" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "eyes" -Eyes is "ayin" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "proud" -Proud is "rahab" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "heart" -Heart is "leb" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "lamp" -Lamp is "nir" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* "sin" -Sin is "hattat" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration).
* Being haughty means being scornfully and condescendingly proud. This is a sin. Pride may appear in many forms. Some of the more common are pride of race, spiritual pride, and pride of riches. Jesus denounced pride in race (Luke 3:8).
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector was directed at those guilty of spiritual pride, the ones who "trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others" (Luke 18:9). The tax collector in Jesus' parable who was humble was justified before God rather than the spiritually proud. " Jesus promised, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:14)
James warns the rich against the temptation to be lifted up with pride because of their wealth. "The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business." (James 1:9-11)
The "lamp" refers to prosperity and life. (20:20) Elsewhere it is also equated to my eyes. (20:27) "Your eye is the lamp of your body," Jesus said. (Luke 20:34) My proud soul is presented to others through my glare. The "lamp of the wicked" is therefore that which they take pride in. This is my secret sin revealed. Self, beware of the hidden that is condemned and so change your ways.
>2. What are diligence and haste and their results?
* Proverbs 21:5 "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."
* "The plans"
* "of the diligent"
* "lead to profit"
* "as surely as haste leads to poverty."
* This proverb falls in line with the many proverbs that praise diligence and the profit it brings, and they condemn laziness as a cause of hunger and poverty (6:6-11, 12:11, 24, 27, 13:4, 14:23, 18:9, 27:23-27, 28:19) Diligence is marked by persevering and painstaking effort. Am I characterized by steady attention and effort?
In years past the concept of slowly building up savings for a future event was known and practiced. People would say, "She or he was industrious." When I was a child starting in mid-summer my mother would put a little money every month into a department store's Christmas savings account. This would soften the financial blow of buying Christmas gifts for my siblings and me come December. I remember this so well because I hated waiting in the long line in the ill-decorated back room with all the other mothers and their children doing as she did.
The building of the temple in Jerusalem took two generations. David gathered building materials in his old age and Solomon started stacking stones until the building was finished. The tedious work of laying one block on another eventually leads to a monument. Being in a hurry leads to the building falling in a day. The Lord willing with education I can do much.
* This drawing in public domain by Holbein, Hans (1497-1543. Totentanz) is from a book titled "Les Images de la mort [de H. Holbein] : avx quelles sont adioustées douze figures ... La medecine de l'ame. La consolation des malades. Vn sermon de mortalité, par sainct Cyprian. Vn sermon de patience, par sainct Iehan Chrysostome ...
The image title is "The Merchant". A skeleton, representing death, visits a wharf and takes a merchant. The 54 images of Hans Holbein's "The Dance of Death" (Lyon, 1538) were cut by Hans Luetzelburger and here appear in the 1547 Latin edition of the work.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>Why is the fortune in verse 6 a deadly snare?
* Proverbs 21:6 "A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare."
* ""A fortune made"
* "a lying tongue"
* "a fleeting vapor"
* "a deadly snare."
* The temptation to do that which is unethical and immoral always exists. Lying usually follows yielding to temptation. Lying to hide sin and avoid punishment is a trait that binds all societies and family groups. No one can say, "I do not lie." Me included.
Lies are told for many reasons. Lies are told for profit. Fortunes have been made with lies. Pyramid schemes Is an example. A pyramid scheme is a business model that recruits members via a promise of payments or services for enrolling others into the scheme, rather than supplying investments or selling products. As recruiting multiplies, recruiting becomes quickly impossible, and most members are unable to profit; as such, pyramid schemes are unsustainable and often illegal. The Ponzi scheme is another profit based on lies. In a Ponzi scheme participants are promised returns on "investments", supposedly into stocks or goods, but which are actually paid for by new investors, while a central leading figure takes a portion as profit.
Such schemes are as this proverb states, "a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare." An international list of just these two schemes, pyramid and ponzi are exhausting and depressing. Sadly even governments have been and still are at least partially based on financial schemes.
Personally, I will guard my financial actions with others. 19:1 states, "Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse." Concerning the quickly approaching day of judgment the prophet Ezekiel proclaimed, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Disaster! An unheard-of disaster is coming... They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be an unclean thing. Their silver and gold will not be able to save them in the day of the LORD's wrath. They will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs with it, for it has made them stumble into sin. They were proud of their beautiful jewelry and used it to make their detestable idols and vile images. Therefore I will turn these into an unclean thing for them." (Ezekiel 7:5, 19-20)
>What is violence the mark of?
* Proverbs 21:7 "The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right."
* "The violence"
* "of the wicked"
* "will drag them away"
* "for they refuse"
* "to do what is right."
>3. What are used to compare the guilty and innocent in verse 8?
* Proverbs 21:8 "The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright."
* "The way"
* "of the guilty"
* "is devious"
* "but the conduct"
* "of the innocent"
* "is upright."
* The way of the wicked is violence. The way of the guilty is devious. They know what is right, yet they choose not to do what is right. The destiny of both will drag them away from the land of the living. They are the goats in Jesus' parable "The Sheep and the Goats". He concluded that parable by saying, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." (Matthew 25:46)
Jesus' righteous are the innocent in these two parables. They are innocent because they profess faith in Jesus. (Acts 20:21; Romans 3:21-26) The innocent choose to live an upright life. The conduct of the innocent adhering strictly to Jesus' teachings.
For me, I have chosen to live by faith in and obedience to Jesus today and every following day. At any unexpected moment, I must be ready to make upright choices, for everyday decision junctures for action will quickly be required. A true response is to be made in and for Jesus and his teaching.
If someone is rude and violent towards me will I turn the other cheek? Will I keep my emotions and demeanor in check? Will I love my enemy? Will I be merciful, just as my Father is merciful? Will I forgive as I have been forgiven? Will I obey not judging because I am not judged? Can I give as Jesus gave to me? Will I seek to remove the plank in my eye and keep my eye clear of its regrowth? Will I live at peace with my neighbor or will I unleash the violence hidden in me? With man these are impossible, but with God all things are possible.
>What is the purpose of the proverb in verse 9?
* Proverbs 21:9 "Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife."
* See notes on verse 19 and 25:24.
* "live"
* "corner of the roof"
* "share a house"
* "quarrelsome"
* "wife"
* Frankly, these three proverbs are the funniest in the entire book. They express the same sentiment about what would be better for a husband if his wife is quarrelsome and ill-tempered. They are saying he should resign to confine his living habits to either the corner of the roof or a desert thus surrendering the rest of the house to his wife for the rest of their married life. What happens when he is thirsty, hungry, and has to go to the restroom? "Oh well, I wonder if my neighbor will allow me to use his range and commode this afternoon? If not I'll have to seek into the fast food restaurant again."
As is usual with proverbs this triad wedlock aphorism is more than what is apparent, especially since they are humorous, even ridiculous.
Roofs in the ancient Middle East were flat. Small rooms were sometimes built on them. Cloth coverings and sides made the roof a tent that contained weather-resistant furniture. (Deuteronomy 22:8; 2 Kings 4:10; Acts 10:9-11, 13) Someone could and did spend time up there in the fair weather months. Families however wouldn't make it a permanent residence because winters are too cold and summers are too hot. The point of the proverbs isn't that a man should allow his marriage to be so dysfunctional and not passionate as to live in solitude.
Though sometimes most husbands want to humorously agree that they should just walk away and hide that is not the point. These three proverbs are saying, "Do not live foolishly. Work it out with your wife. Why is she quarreling and ill-tempered? What is she trying to say when she is like this? What can we do to eliminate the impasse?" Though repeated three times never once does proverbs say how a husband and wife are to work it out. Proverbs 31:11, 23, and 28 give clues. They proclaim that a husband has full confidence in his wife, keeps a respected job and life, calls her blessed, and praises her. Isn't this part of loving my wife as Christ loves me as Ephesians 5:24-25 instructs?
>Why does one crave evil?
* Proverbs 21:10 "The wicked man craves evil; his neighbor gets no mercy from him."
* "The wicked man"
* "craves evil"
* "his neighbor"
* "gets no mercy from him."
* The Hebrew verb for craves and desire is "awa" in this proverb and evil is "ra". Evil is that which is opposed to God and His purposes as Pharaoh and his Egyptian god Ra during the time of Moses, Miriam, and Aaron. Therefore, this proverb states that a wicked soul is one that desires that which is opposed to God and His purposes. Do I have a wicked soul that craves resistance to and combats with the Lord God and thus does not give mercy to my neighbor? (4:16-17, 10:23, 14:21-22)
To answer I could consider my obedience to the Laws given by God through Moses to determine if my mind, heart, will, and imagination are opposed to God and His purposes. However, before the Mount Sinai covenant and its Laws, Pharaoh opposed the Lord God and His purpose as did the wicked people who built the tower of Babel, those who lived before the worldwide flood, Cain who killed his brother, and even Adam and Eve who sinned in the garden. So before the Law are more basic characteristics determining whether I possess a wicked soul.
As the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 5:12-14 "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned-- for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come."
Death declared that they were opposed to God and His purposes even though they did not break God's Law. So what is more fundamental than the Law? Is it sin?
Then the LORD said to Cain before he killed his brother, Abel, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:6-7)
Cain's problem was not sin for sin was merely waiting to enter him. After all, sin is an action that is opposed to God (including violations of the Law) by surrendering to the power of evil rather than God. What did the Lord God see in Cain that he warned him about? What made him angry and his face downcast? This action is enabled by that which is within and Cain and I are to master it. This is what God meant when he said, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." (Jeremiah 31:33) So I have a wicked soul if God is not in me. The solution is to allow God to live in me. Then I will not be a wicked man who craves evil.
II. The Righteous One (21:11-20)
* This drawing in public domain by Holbein, Hans (1497-1543. Totentanz) is from a book titled "Les Images de la mort [de H. Holbein] : avx quelles sont adioustées douze figures ... La medecine de l'ame. La consolation des malades. Vn sermon de mortalité, par sainct Cyprian. Vn sermon de patience, par sainct Iehan Chrysostome ...
The image title is "The Counselor". A skeleton (= Death) kneels below a counselor holding an hourglass, as a beggar approaches the counselor and a demon blows air in the counselor's ear. The 54 images of Hans Holbein's "The Dance of Death" (Lyon, 1538) were cut by Hans Luetzelburger and here appear in the 1547 Latin edition of the work.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>4. Compare the proverb in verse 11 to the proverbs in 19:25 and 19:29. What can be learned?
* Proverbs 21:11 "When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge."
* "When a mocker" -"Mocker" is "lis" in the original Hebrew. (a transliterations.) Refer to the comments on verse 19:25 and 19:29. See notes below on "the simple".
* "is punished" -"Punished" is "anash" in the original Hebrew. (a transliterations.)
* "the simple gain wisdom" -"Simple" is "pethiy" in the original Hebrew. "Wisdom" is Hakam". (These are transliterations.) The simple is not to be confused with the mocker. The simple are teachable. The mocker refuses to change their ways. (1:4, 9:7,8, 13:1, 15:12)
* "when a wise man" -"Wise" here is the same word as "wisdom" in the original Hebrew earlier in this proverb.
* "is instructed" -"Instructed" is "sakal" in the original Hebrew. (These are transliterations.)
* "he gets knowledge." -"Gets" is "laqah" and "knowledge" is "daat" in the original Hebrew. (These are transliterations.)
* From comments on 19:25, "Judgment and punishment are very important to a healthy society and any human organization and group. The result is that the innocent, righteous, and weak are protected from mockers and fools. A mocker is a person who treats others with ridicule or contempt. They frustrate hopes and disrupt order and structure. They are engulfed with and invite hate. Their desire is to see that everyone else is just as miserable and distraught as they are.
The reason a mocker is born is that they have succumbed to their sinful nature. They have followed the stubbornness of their evil heart. (Genesis 6:5, Jeremiah 3:17) The mocker is described in Psalm 73:3-9, "Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth." Surely society must judge and punish them to protect the innocent, righteous, and weak and to prevent others from making the same mistakes. Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence.
>Who is the Righteous One and what does he do? (Ezra 9:15; Isaiah 24:16; Acts 3:14-15, 7:52; 1 John 2:1)
* Proverbs 21:12 "The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin."
* Ezra 9:15 "O LORD, God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence."
* Isaiah 24:16 "From the ends of the earth we hear singing: "Glory to the Righteous One."/p>
* Acts 3:14-15 "You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.
* Acts 7:52 "Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him..."
* 1 John 2:1 "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."
* The Righteous One (man) is one Hebrew word, "Siddiq" referring to one just and righteous person, or rather a specific sinless person. When God dispensed the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter referred to Jesus as the Righteous One. (Acts 3:14) Stephen, before he was stoned referred to Jesus as the Righteous One. (Acts 7:52) Apostle Paul when recounting how Ananias laid his hands on him at his conversion also referred to Jesus as the Righteous One. (Acts 22:14) Jesus is the only Righteous One this proverb prophecy regards.
Jesus, the Righteous One understands and wisely considers the house of the wicked. He knows their heart, mind, will, and intent. He knows why each member of the house does what they do whether by intent or nature. He considers how to approach and deal with each one and the family in the house of the wicked as a whole.
Jesus uses knowledge of the souls in the house of the wicked to both his and their advantage. He brings the wicked to ruin in a most cunning way. While teaching about being watchful and ready for his coming he revealed his secret way of victory. He said, "But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.' (Luke 12:39) Speaking to Moses from the burning bush he said, "I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey..." (Exodus 3:8) Thus, the house of the wicked is ruined by the Righteous One by removing through from it thru grace, truth, and righteousness. I have been rescued.
>What is one way that God interacts with people according to verse 13?
* Proverbs 21:13 "If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered."
* "If a man shuts his ears"
* "to the cry of the poor"
* "he too will cry out and not be answered." -This is not karma as taught in Hinduism and Buddhism. Those false religions teach karma, the total effect of a person's actions and donduct during the successive phases of the person's ezistence, regarded as determined the person's destiny. In short they teach fate and destiny. Christianity does not teach karma for God is in charge, not innate cosmic principles.
* Here is a proverb that is a warning and a promise more than a proverb that needs deep thought and introspection. God is stating through Solomon a way that God interacts with people. Just as Jesus taught us to pray, "... forgive us our debts as we forgive those who sin against us..." here he states, "... if you shut your ear to the cry of the poor, then God won't answer your cry..."
The fate of the rich man in Jesus' parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus clearly backs up this parable. (Luke 16:19-31) So does the unmerciful servant in Jesus' parable the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. (Matthew 18:23-34) The unmerciful servant did not forgive the debt of his fellow servant even though the king relieved him of a great debt. "In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed." Jesus concluded the parable with this warning, "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." (Matthew 18:21-35)
Lovingly helping the poor and forgiving those who mistreat and bully are similar. Do I treat others in love, especially those in need? Do I recognize that God does unto me as I have done unto others? For Jesus tells me, "... in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31) God is pleased with me when I do good to others and share with them too. (Hebrews 13:16)
>5. Compare the proverb in verse 14 to 17:8-9 considering how to interact with difficult people.
* Proverbs 21:14 "A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath."
* Proverbs 17:8-9 "A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds. He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."
* "A gift given"
* "given in secret...a bribe concealed in cloak" -This must be in secret as to show it is not for selfish gain, but for the betterment of the receiver. However, of course the gift is given in hope that it will be for the givers gain.
* "soothes anger... pacifies great wrath." -Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility where as wrath is forceful, often vindictive anger, punishment, and retribution expressed and disposed.
* What can I do if I have angered someone? Can anything be done to pacify great wrath? This proverb says a gift given in secret soothes anger. A concealed bribe pacifies great wrath. Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, "Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:19) It appears gifts and bribery will lead to peace. That is what Jacob did when his brother was coming to him. He sent him many gifts. (Genesis 32)
Teaching of spiritual matters Jesus used earthly examples. One day he revealed what I should do to settle accounts with God. "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny." (Matthew 5:25-26)
When I sin I become an adversary to God. I have nothing that I can offer God except my love and obedience. Yet, I have nothing to offer him that could ease his wrath. However, Jesus will be my advocate if I ask him. He offered the perfect sacrifice that appeased God's wrath. He offered his life. He is the atoning sacrifice that pacifies wrath. Jesus is the gift given in secret that soothes anger.
>What is justice in society and in the Bible?
* Proverbs 21:15 "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."
* "justice"
* "joy to the righteous"
* "terror to evildoers."
* Justice is related to laws. There are man-made laws and there are God-given laws. Man-made laws involve conduct in society, relations, and business. Man-made laws only impose punishment to restrain evil and harm to others and society in general as well as protect the innocent and helpless. Justice is when the guilty are convicted of breaking a law and then punished according to the society's law. When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
Apostle Paul wrote, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience." (Romans 13:1-5)
Paul wrote this under Rome's rule which often punished the innocent and rewarded the guilty. Paul personally experienced his society's injustice and knew others who also had experienced it. Yet he wrote this truth. I learn to obey my society's laws and pray for those in power to be just.
>Is it possible to begin a life of following Jesus and then stray so far from the path to die in our sins? (Luke 8:4-15)
* Proverbs 21:16 "A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead."
* "A man who strays from the path of understanding"
* "comes to rest in the company of the dead."
* The principle is graphically illustrated by Jesus' "Parable of the Sower" and the man who succumbed to the adulteress in Proverbs 2:18, 5:23, 7:22-23, and 9:18.
* If today I decide to walk the way of understanding and wisdom does it guarantee that everything will be easy, good, and right for me tomorrow and every day that follows? No. What if I stray from the path of understanding? What if I decide to go to the house of the adulterous? (2:18, 5:23, 7:22, 9:18) What if I start trusting in myself instead of God? (Psalm 49:13,14) Then, as this proverb guarantees, my path will end and I will rest in the company of the dead.
Thus, Jesus instructs me, "Take up your cross and follow me. If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." (Matthew 16:24-27)
Living every day and every moment the life Jesus teaches is not easy. In fact, I know that if it were not for the Holy Spirit turning me into his temple I would fail. For as Jesus proclaimed when he found his three main apostles sleeping and not praying as he instructed them on the Mount of Olives, "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Matthew 26:40-41, Mark 14:38)
* 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.
>6. How is the love of pleasure destructive?
* Proverbs 21:17 "He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich."
* "He who loves pleasure"
* "will become poor"
* "whoever loves wine and oil"
* "will never be rich."
* This proverb contains the guaranteed result of depleted human practice. Love pleasure => poverty. Love wine and oil => not becoming rich. It is designed to be a warning. Its intent is to keep me on the good and wise path. Amos' prophecy stands, "You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end." (Amos 6:6-7) This proverb is well to follow the previous.
Two questions arise. What to do if not pleasure, wine, and oil? What is the antonym of this mindset and lifestyle? The answer to the second is persistent prudence, productivity, and providence. The answer to the first has different answers depending on my age, stature, and education as well as my personal and provincial faith, hope, and passion.
I search my soul for that which is not a depleted human practice and present these to my Heavenly Father. Someone once said, "The road to my desired destination is full of many steps." This limited truth implies that I walk a chosen life path steady and alone. This human proverb portrays a constant easy stroll in the park or forest. This is not the reality of human existence. Therefore, I seek my Heavenly Father as a necessity and as a life-sustaining surety. He is the pilgrim's progress.
>What is the meaning of the proverb in verse 18?
* Proverbs 21:18 "The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright."
* Proverbs 11:8 "The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead."
* Isaiah 43:3-4 "For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life."
* In Isaiah 43:3-4 the Persians conquered Egypt, Cush and Seba, and perhaps this was a reward or ransom for Persia's kindness to Israel (Isaiah 41:2, Ezekiel 29:19-20)
* "ransom" -Biblically ransom is a redemption from sin and its consequences. A general the definition is the release of property or a person in return for payment of a demanded price.
* Though this proverb is easy to read, I ponder what it means and how to apply it to life. The verse is about barter between two unnamed parties. Two types of people are being bartered. The wicked and unfaithful are being used as a ransom for the righteous and upright. This implies that the righteous and upright were taken captive. Now the thief wants to get rid of them in exchange for something they want. The rightful owner of the righteous wants them back because he loves and greatly values them. The negotiation commenced and a trade was made.
The question remains. Who are the two unnamed negotiating parties? Would the Lord God and Satan barter for people as C.S. Lewis's characters the Lion and the Witch did? Is that what is recorded by the prophet Isaiah? "For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." (Isaiah 43:3-4)
Atonement money as ransom is part of the law given through Moses. Exodus 30:12 states, "When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the LORD a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them." The Lord God wrote through David, "No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-- the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-- that he should live on forever and not see decay." (Psalm 49:7-9)
So God promised through the prophet Jeremiah, "For the LORD will ransom Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they." (Jeremiah 31:11) And Hosea the prophet, "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?" (Hosea 13:14)
What Holy One was used as a ransom? God sent his Son as a ransom for many. Jesus proclaimed, "... the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45) Apostle Paul made it clear, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5) Jesus did not barter with Satan. Jesus mediated between God and men; The Father and the fallen. "... Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant." (Hebrews 9:15)
I am forever grateful to Jesus who bartered on my behalf, giving himself for my redemption.
>7. What defines an ill-tempered wife? (9, 19, 25:24)
* Proverbs 21:19 "Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife."
* See notes on verse 9 above and 25:24.
* "desert" -An empty and land void of vegetation and water, a place of death.
* "quarrelsome" -"quarrelsome" is "midyan" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration) elsewhere translated as "contentiousness" and "brawling".
* "ill-tempered" -"Ill-tempered" is "kaac" in the original Hebrew (a transliteration) elsewhere translated as "grief" and "provocation".
* Frankly, these three proverbs (9, 19, 25:24) are the funniest in the entire book. They express the same sentiment about what would be better for a husband if his wife is quarrelsome and ill-tempered. They are saying he should resign to confine his living habits to either the corner of the roof or a desert thus surrendering the rest of the house to his wife for the rest of their married life. What happens when he is thirsty, hungry, and has to go to the restroom? "Oh well, I wonder if my neighbor will allow me to use his range and commode this afternoon? If not I'll have to seek into the fast food restaurant again."
As is usual with proverbs this triad wedlock aphorism is more than what is apparent, especially since they are humorous, even ridiculous.
Roofs in the ancient Middle East were flat. Small rooms were sometimes built on them. Cloth coverings and sides made the roof a tent that contained weather-resistant furniture. (Deuteronomy 22:8; 2 Kings 4:10; Acts 10:9-11, 13) Someone could and did spend time up there in the fair weather months. Families however wouldn't make it a permanent residence because winters are too cold and summers are too hot. The point of the proverbs isn't that a man should allow his marriage to be so dysfunctional and not passionate as to live in solitude.
Though sometimes most husbands want to humorously agree that they should just walk away and hide that is not the point. These three proverbs are saying, "Do not live foolishly. Work it out with your wife. Why is she quarreling and ill-tempered? What is she trying to say when she is like this? What can we do to eliminate the impasse?" Though repeated three times never once does proverbs say how a husband and wife are to work it out. Proverbs 31:11, 23, and 28 give clues. They proclaim that a husband has full confidence in his wife, keeps a respected job and life, calls her blessed, and praises her. Isn't this part of loving my wife as Christ loves me as Ephesians 5:24-25 instructs?
>Where is there wisdom in saving up for the future?
* Proverbs 21:20 "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has."
* "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil"
* "a foolish man devours all he has."
* Storing up goods for future use is wise. Saving in good times so that when hard times come is the same principle. This was God's direction through Joseph to Pharoah, "This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine." (Genesis 41:36) Proverbs 30:25 wisely points out, "Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer..."
Food is not the only wise thing to save up. Proverbs 10:14 states, "Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin." 2:1 and 7:1 wisdom is, "My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye."
The wisest advice is Jesus's. He promised, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The secret is to determine what is heavenly treasure.
III. The Pursue is On (21:21-31)
>8. What does it mean to pursue righteousness and love?
* Proverbs 21:21 "He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."
* "He who pursues"
* "righteousness and love"
* "finds life, prosperity and honor."
* The Lord God promises that he who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, righteousness, and honor. Pursue means to follow in an effort to capture like a fox is pursued by hounds and a beautiful lady is often pursued by many suitors. The one who obtains the prize has put all of themself in the pursuit. They did not give up, lose hope, nor did their will diminish.
If I am to be characterized as a man who pursues righteousness and love what would that mean? Jesus said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:33-34) So when I pursue righteousness and love I am not concerned with finding life, prosperity, and honor. As backward as that sounds it is true. My eyes should be fixed on the prize which is love and righteousness, not the results of the pursuit. Life, prosperity, and honor are the result, not the goal.
David was a man who was after God's own heart. Is that the same? God is love and righteousness is part of his character. So in pursuing God's heart, David was pursuing love and righteousness. When I pursue righteousness and love I am to practice them today and every day. God promises me, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
>What are the weapon's of the wise?
* Proverbs 21:22 "A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust."
* "A wise man attacks"
* "the city of the mighty"
* "pulls down the stronghold"
* "in which they trust."
* Taking this proverb to mean a battle of wits instead of brawn would not be a stretch for "the wise has great power, and knowledge increases strength." (24:5) Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian congregation, "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)
Every day the battle of truth is waged against my soul. Everyday stories, tales, fibs, and falsities are presented to my mind and senses with the intent to convert, defeat, and destroy. Wisdom of Christ is better than strength (Ecclesiastes 9:16) as the love of God covers over all wrongs. (10:12; 1 Peter 4:8)
Wisdom and knowledge are not meant as a defense. Rather, they are an offensive advantage. The wise in this proverb attacks the city of the mighty. They pull down the stronghold in which they trust. They do so in love and compassion. Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets did not take up physical weapons meaning to maim and kill. Rather, their sword was the word of God and love was their armor. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
As Paul wrote to the Roman congregation, "And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Romans 13:11-14)
"Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding." (23:23) Jesus tells me, "I am the truth..." (John 14:6) Get close to Jesus asking myself, "Do you got Jesus?"
>How can our mouth bring calamity and how can that be corrected?
* Proverbs 21:23 "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity."
* "He who guards his mouth and his tongue"
* "keeps himself from calamity."
* I should guard my mouth and tongue if I want to avoid calamity. I should be as choosy with the words that come out as I am choosy with the food that goes in. I can easily keep dirty food out of my mouth. Why then is it not easy for me to stop dirty words from coming out? The reason it is easy to keep from eating foul food is because I have been practicing and daily working at it since I was an infant. If it smells rotten and looks to be decayed, then I will naturally not eat it. So, it is reasonable to assume that if I continually practice and work at watching my words, then I will eventually and naturally be able to keep my words in check.
Just as I use other senses to determine what I can and cannot eat (sight and smell), I can determine what makes me say something bad before I create self-made calamity. Jesus wisely taught those who spoke words that bring calamity, "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:33-37, 15:16-20; Luke 6:43-45)
So how to monitor the heart before it tells the mouth to speak words of self-filled calamity? Better yet, how to change an evil heart to a good heart so that I naturally speak good words instead of evil words? Hezekiah prayed this during the Passover because many people had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written, "May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God--the LORD, the God of his fathers--even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary." And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people." (2 Chronicles 30:18-20) So, I can turn to God in prayer asking him to purify my evil heart. Then I will be clean.
As Jesus proclaimed, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:31-32) Jesus can make me clean. Then my heart will be guarded and I will be kept from calamity. "...if the Son sets you free (from your evil heart), you will be free indeed." (John 8:35)
>9. Who is mocking the proud and the arrogant in verse 24?
* Proverbs 21:24 "The proud and arrogant man--"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overweening pride."
* "The proud and arrogant man"
* "Mocker" is his name"
* "he behaves with overweening pride."
* The Lord warns me through this proverb and in other Biblical passages about the danger of pride and arrogance. (3:34, 19:25, 29. 21:11) Biblical pride is undue confidence in and attention to one's own skills, accomplishments, state, possessions, or position. The proud are haughty and conceited. The arrogant person expresses their pride.
God gives the proud and arrogant a name, "Mocker." (3:34) God treats them with scorn and ridicule. He declares, "To the arrogant I say, 'Boast no more,' and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up your horns.'" (Psalm 75:4) Why? Because God is in charge. He directs in the way one should go. (21:1; Isaiah 48:17) When trouble and calamity come as it does to all, they will have nothing to boast about. Their pride vanishes like the due in the morning. Their boasts are proved wrong. They are no different than others.
Then, "the righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at him, saying, 'Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!' But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever." (Psalm 52:6-8) I acknowledge like Moses, "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." (Exodus 15:2)
>What does a sluggard crave and what does the generosity of the righteous reveal? (25-26)
* Proverbs 21:25-26 "The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing."
* "The sluggard's craving"
* "will be the death of him,"
* "because his hands refuse to work"
* "All day long he craves for more"
* "the righteous give without sparing."
* What does a sluggard crave? I presume it is anything that others crave. The reason that which he craves for will be the death of him is because he doesn't work enough (if at all) to purchase or trade for it. He craves, but cannot obtain because he is lazy and this poor. When he becomes hungry, as other proverbs state, he will not be able to buy or harvest food. (19:24, 20:4, 24:30, 26:15)
For me, this is a warning and an encouragement. I at times do not want or feel like doing work and/or going to my job. I have some valid reasons to not work. But here I find a valid reason to work. Though work may be hard and a drudge sometimes, it is better than dying because I am a sluggard. Work is not guaranteed to be easy for anyone. In fact, the Lord God told Adam, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19)
One final thought comes to mind. Obeying the great commission is work too. It falls under the words the Lord gave to Adam and his descendants. Jesus tells me to take up my cross and follow him. He did not have an easy life. He also tells me, "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:4-5) Though at times the gospel work is hard, I strive on doing the work of the Father. Retirement is not an option from the work of righteousness.
* Verse 26 is the second half of the proverb that started in the previous verse. Verse 25 is about a lazy sluggard. I take to heart the warning to not be a physical and spiritual sluggard. God enables me and gives me his strength when I ask him to help me live His way and forgive me when I fault like an electrical circuit.
Whereas the first half is how not to live, the second half is the result of what happens when I live as God intends me to live. When I do the work of Him who sent me, God overflows my spiritual and physical vaults, then I am able to give without sparing. He promises that the righteous are prosperous, so they can share with those in need. (Psalm 112:8-10)
As Ephesians 4:7-8 states, "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." And as Psalm 37:25-27 promises me, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever."
>10. What are three different types of sacrifices that can be deduced from the proverb in verse 27?
* Proverbs 21:27 "The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable-- how much more so when brought with evil intent!"
* "The sacrifice" -"Sacrifice" in the original Hebrew is "zebah". A sacrifice can be considered an offering to God. It properly means a slaughter (i.e. the flesh of an animal). The Bible passages in the Law God gave through Moses concerning sacrifices are Genesis 46:1, Exodus 3:18, 5:3, 8:8, 26-29, 10:25, 18:12, 22:20, 34:15; Leviticus 17:3-7, 23:37; Numbers 15:3, 25:2; Deuteronomy 12:6, 12:11, 12:27-31, 18:10, 32:38, and 33:19.
* "of the wicked is detestable" -"Detestable" in the original Hebrew is "toeba". It is also translated as an abomination. It is properly something disgusting and an abhorrence. It is related to idolatry. Therefore, the wicked offers of the wicked is stated to be to God, however, it is to a god (idol) that is defined by humans. The idol has attributes that in not part of the character of the one and only true God.
* "how much more so when brought with evil intent!" -This establishes two types of sacrifices of the wicked. 1) A sacrifice with no intent, 2) A sacrifice with evil intent.
* Anyone can offer a sacrifice to God, and anyone can make sacrifices for God, the sacrifice may be great, and the sacrifice may be small, if it is made with wicked intent, it is not acceptable at all. Such was the case of Cain. His sacrifice was not acceptable, for his heart was wicked. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked. (15:8; Isaiah 1:11-15)
So what of mine? Do I sacrifice for God not knowing I am wrong? I heed the warning of Ecclesiastes 5:1 "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong." And Jeremiah 6:19-20, "Hear, O earth: I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law. What do I care about incense from Sheba or sweet calamus from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please me."
What a sad encounter it would be if the righteous and holy Lord God of the universe were to say to me, "Go away from me. I do not know you. You did not obey my law. You did not love your neighbor. You did not love me. You were not thankful. All your efforts, works, and offerings were detestable."
>Why is it important to determine the validity of the witness according to the proverb in verse 28?
* Proverbs 21:28 "A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever."
* "A false witness will perish"
* "whoever listens to him"
* "will be destroyed forever."
* This is the seventh and final time the book of Proverbs has a proverb concerning a false witness. (6:19, 12:17, 14:5, 25, 19:5, 9, 21:28) Some would say that seven is of significance because seven is considered "fullness" and "completion" in the Hebrew language and the Bible. I find it interesting that these seven contain two pairs that say almost the same thing (12:7 & 14:5, 19:5 & 19:9), and the first half of this one is the same as 19:6 & 9 making their stated truth a trio, just as the God of the Bible is a triune God. The number three is "divine wholeness" and "perfection" in the Hebrew language and the Bible. The triune truth concerning a false witness is a firm prediction of their destiny; they will perish. (See also Isaiah 29:20-21.) The finale, the second half of 21:28, is unique in Proverbs' subject of a false witness.
All English translations sync the translation of "kazab ed abad" in the first half of the proverb. The false (lying) witness will perish. The finale second half of the proverb concerns those who listen. English translations say either they will speak successfully or they will speak eternally (NIV's alternate translation too). The Hebrew noun "netsach" (a transliteration) contains the combined essence of speaking successfully forever. The point is they will not cease to exist because they listen and then speak the truth. They have been a true witness. Proverbs 12:17, 14:5, and 14:25 declare that a truthful witness gives honest testimony, does not deceive, and saves lives. So now in verse 21:28, the Lord God declares through Solomon that they will continue to speak truth without end.
Jesus commissions me and all his followers to be his witness to the ends of the earth. If I remain a truthful witness and do not become a false witness of all the things he said and did, then I will live forever in the Kingdom of Truth with him and all the saints (John 5:8-15, 8:24; Acts 1:8). This is encouragement in a generation where lies often go unpunished and even rewarded.
>11. What do the wicked pretend about?
* Proverbs 21:29 "A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways."
* A wicked man"
* "puts up a bold front"
* "an upright man"
* "gives thought to his ways."
* Walking around with a bold face is for show. I do this to portray a fearless and daring demeanor. I want others and myself to believe I am courageous and in control of fear or even that I have no fear. Yet, is this what is happening inside? No. Circumstances control the wayward soul whether admitted or not. Mustering up courage is not the same as eliminating fear, nor is it as the fool brags, "I use fear. It emboldens me."
Setting up a mental bold front is not the same as being at peace and calm in troubled times. What is the source of a soul's security even when all seems hopeless? This proverb states it is a decent way of life and as the NIV states it, "giving thought to my ways". True decency emanates from faith in God, hope for God, and love of God. For the way of life with these present has the inner presence of God, and this by His grace.
Jesus' instruction to his disciples' reaction on the night he was betrayed, when he revealed to them the evil that was about to happen was, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) I can take heart; that is, have faith, hope, and love because I know that Jesus has overcome the world. When war is imminent, I can take heart. When there is not enough money, I can take heart. When diagnosed with illness, I can take heart. When a loved one has lost a good path, I can take heart. When the righteous suffer, I can take heart. When I am lower than tears, I can take heart. Jesus the prince of peace has overcome.
>What statement is proclaimed about the LORD in verse 30?
* Proverbs 21:30 "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD."
* "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan"
* "that can succeed against the LORD."
* The fact that nothing; no wisdom, no insight, no plan can succeed against the LORD is proclaimed. The LORD is sovereign and controls people and nations. (16:4, 9, 19:21, 21:1) Being sovereign simply means that he exercises supreme and permanent authority. God is absolute. He has absolute right and ability to do all things according to his own good pleasure. (Daniel 4:25, 35; Romans 9:15-23; 1 Corinthians 3:19-20; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelations 4:11)
I am humbled reading passages like this and Romans 9:15-23. I also find hope. If one leader attacks another and I am subject to the devastation of their battle I can call on the mercy of God. Perhaps he will hear me as he did the people of Ninevah during the time of Jonah and free me from death under falling walls. I can cry out to the Sovereign LORD and help his people as Rahab did during Jericho's end. She and her family found safety in the LORD's sovereignty when her neighbors were crushed by falling debris. Comfort exists under the wings of the Almighty. The Sovereign is not without mercy and love.
>Who is in control of all and any battle?
* Proverbs 21:31 "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD."
* "The horse is made ready"
* "for the day of battle"
* "victory rests with the LORD."
* The battlefield's most powerful weapon in Solomon's day was the horse-drawn chariot. It was fast, provided protection, and was lethal. The side with the most struck fear in the foot soldier of their enemy. However, this proverb states that victory is determined by the LORD, not by might, brain, or weapon. Many times God cautions against trusting in horses and chariots for victory. (Psalm 20:7; Hosea 1:7; Deuteronomy 17:16)
Many battles that are not wars are fought. They are internal and external. I could wake up tired and depressed, not wanting to get up and face the day. I could be the victim of wicked people who want to harm and use me. My battle might be to refrain from eating improper foods. My battle could be mental, stuck in thoughts of melancholy and self-pity. My battle could be against physical ailment.
Weapons exist to aid in these battles. However, here I am reminded that victory rests with the LORD. I should turn to him for he promises, "I will show love... I will save them--not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but by the LORD their God." (Hosea 1:7) And he quietly says to me, "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:47)
I can do as David who was surrounded by enemies internal and external. I can cry out in prayer, "Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people." (Psalm 3:7-8)
"A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope." (Matthew 12:20-21)
