Proverbs chapter 12 (part 3) - Diligent hands will rule #Wise sayings of Solomon

Proverbs chapter 12.

Summary:  God delights in the righteous who are truthful and trustworthy, and will live for eternity, with peace and joy. God hates the liars and deceivers, who bring upon themselves many troubles and tribulations as a result of their lies and deceit. Worries and anxiety will cause a person to be depressed. Good word, such as encouragement, exhortation, praise, meditation on God's promises, could being joy and cheerfulness. Choose our friends and companions carefully. The diligent will earn much income but the lazy is too lazy even to collect his due earnings. The righteous will have eternal life.


19 19 Truthful lips endure for ever,
    but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
    but those who plan good have joy.
21 21 No ill befalls the righteous,
    but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
    but those who act faithfully are his delight.  (RSV)

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.

21 No harm overtakes the righteous,
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips,
    but he delights in people who are trustworthy. (NIV)

19 19 The truthful lip shall be established forever,
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
21 21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,But those who deal truthfully are His delight.  (NKJV)

Comparison between Righteous and the Wicked:
Righteous: The words of the righteous are lasting, will be remembered forever. The good deeds and good sayings of the righteous are remembered in this world and will be acknowledged in the heaven. The righteous say things and do things that promote peace and unity, and brings joy to himself and other people. The righteous will be save from trouble, with the good speech and good interrelationship with other people. God delights in the righteous who are trustworthy in their dealing with other people.
Wicked: The lies, the false accusation, the deceitful talk, the slander will be finally exposed. Those who deceive and lie will not have eternal life. The life of the wicked is only for a short moment, i.e. in this world only. The wicked has deceitfulness in their hearts, with various kinds of deceitful plots and schemes. Because of the untruthful sayings and doings of the wicked, they will cause many troubles and tribulations to themselves. God hates those who lie and deceive others. Lying and deception are abomination to our Lord God.

Righteousness is a sure protection. If men be sincerely righteous, the righteous God has engaged that no evil shall happen to them. He will, by the power of his grace in them, that principle of justice, keep them from the evil of sin; so that, though they be tempted, yet they shall not be overcome by the temptation.

23 23 A prudent man conceals his knowledge,
    but fools[b] proclaim their folly.  (RSV)

23 23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.  (NIV)

23 23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.  (NKJV)

A wise and prudent person is not proud, and does brag or "show off" their knowledge. The prudent person is humble with knowledge, does not boast that he knows a lot but ever willing to learn and gain more knowledge. The prudent person is eager to learn, unlearn and relearn. The prudent and wise person is earnest about continual learning and lifelong learning.

On the contrary, the foolish person is proud and brags about his knowledge which is rather limited. He thinks that he knows a lot, and is too proud to want to learn more and additional knowledge. He is resistant to new knowledge. From his bragging of his knowledge, other people could see the "lack of knowledge" or "limited knowledge" that he has, hence his "folly."

24 24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the slothful will be put to forced labor.  (RSV)

24 24 Diligent hands will rule,
    but laziness ends in forced labor.  (NIV)

24 24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.  (NKJV)

Those who are diligent, hardworking and work smart will be the leaders, and be promoted to higher positions. Success belongs to the the diligent and hardworking people. Although God promise to bless his faithful and obedient believers, they must also play their part: by being diligent and hardworking.

On the contrary, those who are lazy and slothful will end up being mediocre. Lazy and slothful persons will be fated to work like slaves, manual labour and forced labour. They will find it difficult to rise to higher position, to get higher income, to have a more luxurious life. For those who have the habit of procrastination, they should also beware, lest they fall into the similar trap of laziness.

25 25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,
    but a good word makes him glad.  (RSV)

25 25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,
    but a kind word cheers it up.  (NIV)

25 25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.  (NKJV)

Good words, such as encouragement, exhortation, praise, motivating statements, will cheer up our hearts and make us happy and joyous. Positive thinking, pep talks (self-talk on positive and encouraging matters) will make us happier and more motivated in our life. Peace and joy will fill our hearts.

On the contrary, worry and anxiety over various matters may cause us to feel depressed. Negative thinking and pessimism will also cause us to be depressed. Hence, when a person is troubled with many problems, such as financial problems, relationship problems, death or sickness of loved ones, separation, divorce, retrenchment, jobless situation, he should raise the problem to God, pray to God, giving thanks to God with faith and assurance that God will deliver him from his problems. Trust God always!

It is heaviness in the heart; it is a load of care, and fear, and sorrow, upon the spirits, depressing them, and disabling them to exert themselves with any vigour on what is to be done or fortitude in what is to borne; it makes them stoop, prostrates and sinks them. The cure of it: A good word from God, applied by faith, makes it glad; such a word is that (says one of the rabbin), Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; the good word of God, particularly the gospel, is designed to make the hearts glad that are weary and heavy-laden.

26 26 A righteous man turns away from evil,[c]
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.  (RSV)

26 26 The righteous choose their friends carefully,
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.  (NIV)

26 26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.  (NKJV)

The righteous person should choose his friends and companions carefully. Because friends and companions can influence. If in constant circle of the godly people, there will be positive influence to walk in the path of righteousness. If in constant circle of diligent and hardworking friends, there will positive influence to work hard and work smart, toward bigger success. If in constant circle of positive thinking friends, there will be tendency toward optimistic and positive thinking, hence a satisfying life with much joy and peace.

On the contrary, if in the constant circle of greedy persons always looking at extra income using deceitful or corrupt ways, there will be negative influence towards greed of money using whatever manner (by good or by crook). If in constant circle of gamblers and those who always fantasize about sudden windfall (winning lottery, big gain at speculative stocks, big gain playing commodities, a lucky hand at poker), there will be negative tendency toward thinking of easy money and slothfulness. If in constant circle of the pub goers and womanisers, there will be negative tendency toward drunkenness and sexual immorality.

27 27 A slothful man will not catch his prey,[d]
    but the diligent man will get precious wealth.[e]  (RSV)

27 27 The lazy do not roast[a] any game,
    but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.  (NIV)

27 27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting,
But diligence is man’s precious possession.  (NKJV)

The lazy person is so lazy that after he successful hunts his animal, he does not bother to cook it for food. The lazy person is so lazy that after he had done his service to the customer, or sell his products to the customer, he does not bother to invoice the customer or neglects the collection of payment from the customer. The lazy person is so lazy that he does not bother to collect rental from the tenant.

For the diligent and hardworking person, his greatest asset is his spirit of Diligence. Because with diligence, he is able to earn much income, and gain riches and wealth. Because of his diligence, he is able to provide his family with enough money,  enough food, comfortable house, fulfilling all the needs, and extra money for some wants and wishes. Because of his diligence, he can afford good and rather expensive education for his children.

28 28 In the path of righteousness is life,
    but the way of error leads to death.[f]   (RSV)

28 28 In the way of righteousness there is life;
    along that path is immortality.  (NIV)

28 28 In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.  (NKJV)

In conclusion of this Proverbs chapter 12,
The righteous person who lives a godly life will have eternal life.

Monday, Jan 27, 2014.
Michael Yeap.

NIV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+12&version=NIV

RSV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+12&version=RSV

NKJV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+12&version=NKJV

Commentaries:
19)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.19
20)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.20
21)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.21
22)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.22
23)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.23
24)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.24
25)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.25
26)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.26
27)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.27
28)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.28

Proverbs chapter 12 (part 2) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes #Wise sayings of Solomon

Proverbs chapter 12.

Summary:  Righteous treat their animals kinder than the wicked treat their friends. Work hard and work smart and be rewarded with abundance of money. The wicked covets the ill-gotten wealth of another wicked person. The righteous will earn income with stability. Careless talk gets the wicked into trouble. Do not over-react when angry. Honest witness vs false witness. Tongue can be hurtful like sword, or healing.

10 10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals,
    but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.  (NIV)

10 10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.  (NKJV)

Kindest action of the wicked are cruel in comparison to the least kind action of the righteous.  The righteous treat their animals more kindly than the wicked treat their friends. This is a matter of heart. For the wicked tends to have a wicked heart, having ill intentions. Example: desire to backstab and slander someone in order to "kill" off that someone. Example: to lie and discredit someone in order to climb the corporate ladder and get promoted. Example: desire to deceive and cheat in order to gain extra profit and much money.

A righteous man is not only merciful for his neighbours (friends and relatives), but also to his pet animals and farm animals. This tells the degree of kindness in the heart of a righteous person.

11 11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
    but he who follows worthless pursuits has no sense.  (RSV)

11 11 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies have no sense.  (NIV)

11 11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.[b]  (NKJV)

The person who is diligent in his work and business will be rewarded with much money. Work hard and work smart are important principle of wise living. We must be reminded not to do worthless work/activities which is unwise. Examples: trying to get rich by unsuitable manners, such as lottery, gambling, share speculation. Other examples are wasting of time and energy in sinful interests, for instance, extra-marital affairs, drinking in pubs for hours, karaoke for hours at night.

Those who are devoid of understanding waste time by fooling around with friends, drinking, gambling, playing women, partying, clubbing, etc. Excessive "wine, women and song" is not beneficial. It is noted that we should strike a balance: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

Despite the fact that we need to work diligently, we also need spare some time for relaxing activities (which are healthy and not sinful). Balance is crucial.

12 12 The strong tower of the wicked comes to ruin,
    but the root of the righteous stands firm.[a]
13 13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
    but the righteous escapes from trouble.  (RSV)

12 The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
    but the root of the righteous endures.

13 Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,
    and so the innocent escape trouble.  (NIV)

12 12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will come through trouble.  (NKJV)

The wicked person desires the wealth and power of another wicked person. We must not be like that. We must not covet the wealth and riches gained through improper means (e.g. deceitful schemes, lies, cheating, unfair business practice). We must not covet the power and honour of the wicked person (e.g. triad chief, gangster, loan shark, brothel boss).

By being righteous in our work, we will be rewarded monetarily. We can be earning stable income doing righteous work.

The bad guys get into trouble with their careless talk, e.g. slanders and gossips. Avoid slandering and gossiping. Avoid chatter that stir up conflicts, arguments and quarrels. Avoid talk that sow discord and disunity.  The righteous through their good speech will be at peace with other people. Even when he is in trouble with his angry customer, for instance, the righteous will be smart with his lips to mitigate the situation and calm the customer.

14 14 From the fruit of his words a man is satisfied with good,
    and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.  (RSV)

14 14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
    and the work of their hands brings them reward.  (NIV)

Our speech and work produce us rewards - money and riches. Good speech will bring us many good things: friendship, respect, honour, favour. Encourage others is a fine example of good speech. Praising others for work well done is another example of good speech.

15 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
    but a wise man listens to advice.  (RSV)

15 15 The way of fools seems right to them,
    but the wise listen to advice.  (NIV)

15 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.  (NKJV)

The foolish person looks at things from his own viewpoint only. The foolish person thinks that he is always right. But the wise person is one who listens to counsel and advice of other people. The wise person looks at things from multiple points of view.

16 16 The vexation of a fool is known at once,
    but the prudent man ignores an insult.  (RSV)

16 16 Fools show their annoyance at once,
    but the prudent overlook an insult.  (NIV)

16 16 A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.  (NKJV)

When a foolish person becomes angry, he allows his anger to take control of himself. The foolish person overreacts when angry. Do some foolish action which he would later regret.

The wise person may also angry, but is more prudent and able to control his anger. He will try to keep calm when angry, avoiding hasty reactions. He will decide on the action after he has calmed down from anger. Because actions/decisions during anger may later be regretted.

17 17 He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
    but a false witness utters deceit.  (RSV)

17 17 An honest witness tells the truth,
    but a false witness tells lies.  (NIV)

We should speak truth. We should not be false witness, lying with deceitful intent. Related to false witness, is slandering and backstabbing. All these are output from lips of the wicked. We must be careful so NOT to become a false witness.

18 18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  (RSV)

18 18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  (NIV)

Tongue is very powerful. A slandering tongue can hurt other people like a sword. A tongue sowing discord and disunity can severe the bonds of friendship like a sword. On the contrary, a tongue of encouragement/exhortation can heal a depressed person and make him more optimistic. A tongue of apology can heal many hurts and painful memories.

As righteous believers, we must be careful with our speech. Let our speech be of the beneficial type, one that builds and not destroys, one that encourages and not despises.

Thursday, Jan 23, 2014.
Michael Yeap.

NIV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2012&version=NIV

RSV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2012&version=RSV

NKJV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2012&version=NKJV

Commentaries:
10)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.10
11)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.11
12)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.12
13)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.13
14)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.14
15)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.15
16)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.16
17)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.17
18)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.18
19)

Proverbs chapter 12 (part 1) - Loving Discipline is Loving Knowledge #Wise sayings of Solomon

Proverbs chapter 12.

Summary:  Loving discipline and instruction is loving knowledge. Hating reproof is stupidity. God favours the good people, hates those with wicked plans. Success through righteous ways is more permanent. Good wife is glory to the husband. Prudence is the wise way of life. Spend prudently and live a humble life. Avoid lavish spending and owing debts.

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,    but he who hates reproof is stupid.  (RSV)

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,    but whoever hates correction is stupid.  (NIV)

1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,But he who hates correction is stupid.  (NKJV)

Wise person who loves knowledge will also love discipline and instruction. The person who hates reproof and correction is stupid. To be wise, we must be open-minded to reproof and rebuke because reproof/rebuke can make us improve. We must not be proud and haughty, otherwise our hearts will be hardened to accept reproof and rebuke.

2 2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,
    but a man of evil devices he condemns.  (RSV)

2 2 Good people obtain favor from the Lord,
    but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.  (NIV)

2 2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,
But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.  (NKJV)

God likes and favours good people who are righteous, live a gody life. God condemns wicked people who have evil intentions, schemes of deception, etc. We must not have evil plans/plots in our hearts because God hates it. God hates malicious people with wicked plans against their friends/relatives.

3 3 A man is not established by wickedness,
    but the root of the righteous will never be moved.  (RSV)

3 3 No one can be established through wickedness,
    but the righteous cannot be uprooted.  (NIV)

There are several ways to move up the ladder and establish our career and our business. We can achieve high esteem through crafty and cunning ways. We could be promoted by doing things right and doing the right things. We could also achieve high position by evil means (e.g. bribery, slander, backstabbing, character assassination).

But the preferred way of "climbing the ladder" of success is through righteous means. We should choose the godly way. We should the path of righteousness. We should do the right things, and doing the things right. Strive to do our work well, be good with our superiors, peers, and subordinates. Strive to serve the customers well. By climbing the ladder righteously, our achievement would be more solid, more permanent. Because our success had a good foundation, a strong root.

4 4 A good wife is the crown of her husband,
    but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.  (RSV)

4 4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,
    but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.  (NIV)

4 4 An excellent[a] wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.  (NKJV)

We must appreciate the important of a good, noble wife.  A good wife is the glory of the husband. The person who has a good wife is like the king upon the throne, wearing the royal crown.

Who is a good wife?  Proverbs 31:10-27 says...
10 10 A good wife who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
11 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.
12 12 She does him good, and not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13 13 She seeks wool and flax,
    and works with willing hands.
14 14 She is like the ships of the merchant,
    she brings her food from afar.
15 15 She rises while it is yet night
    and provides food for her household
    and tasks for her maidens.
16 16 She considers a field and buys it;
    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 17 She girds her loins with strength
    and makes her arms strong.
18 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
    Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
    and her hands hold the spindle.
20 20 She opens her hand to the poor,
    and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
    for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 22 She makes herself coverings;
    her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 23 Her husband is known in the gates,
    when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
    she delivers girdles to the merchant.
25 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
    and she laughs at the time to come.
26 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 27 She looks well to the ways of her household,    and does not eat the bread of idleness.  (RSV)

On the contrast, a disgraceful wife is a pain in the neck for the husband. Hence, selecting a suitable wife of virtuous character is very important for a man. Virtues and inner beauty is more vital than beauty and charm, pretty face and sexy body. Beauty will deteriorate as she ages. But inner beauty can last.
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  (Proverbs 31:30) (RSV)

5 The plans of the righteous are just,
    but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
    but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
    but the house of the righteous stands firm. (NIV)

As righteous believers, we must plan what is good, what is just, what is win-win. We must think about whatever which is kind, true, noble, good intent, just. What we think will be what we do. To do good, we must think good.

For those who think good and righteously, their speech will also be good and beneficial to others. Their family and living will be stable.

The wicked who thinks of deceitful plans, and evil schemes, will be doing many evil and sinful things. With wicked thinking, comes speech that are destructive eventually. Slanders, lies, arguments, criticisms will end up in more trouble. Evil doing is abomination to the Lord. The wicked will suffer punishment and condemnation.

8 8 A man is commended according to his good sense,
    but one of perverse mind is despised.  (RSV)

8 8 A person is praised according to their prudence,
    and one with a warped mind is despised.  (NIV)

A person who lives with prudence and wisdom will be praised and commended by other people. On the contrary, the person with perverse heart and crooked ways will be despised by other people. We must live our lives with prudence, good common sense, wisdom and understanding. We must live in righteous ways which are favoured by God and men.

9 9 Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself
    than one who plays the great man but lacks bread.  (RSV)

9 9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
    than pretend to be somebody and have no food.  (NIV)

Prudence is the way of life. It is better to have enough food and necessities, and be humble and low profile, than to spend lavishly to look rich. Spending unnecessary money on luxury home, luxury car, expensive watches and jewellery, high fashion, and owing big debts is foolish financial management. To be wise in financial management, we should be prudent in our expenditures.


Wednesday, Jan 22, 2014.
Michael Yeap.

NIV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2012&version=NIV

RSV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2012&version=RSV

NKJV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2012&version=NKJV

Commentaries:
1)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.1
2)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.2
3)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.3
4)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.4
5)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.5
6)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.6
7)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.7
8)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.8
9)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.12.9
10)