Proverbs chapter 15 (part 3) - Plans fail for lack of counsel #Wise sayings of Solomon

Bible study of Proverbs chapter 15, verses 21 to 27. Aided with Matthew Henry Commentary.


21 21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment,
But a man of understanding walks uprightly. (Proverbs 15:21) (NKJV)

21 21 Folly is a joy to him who has no sense,
    but a man of understanding walks aright.(Proverbs 15:21) (RSV)

21 21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. (Proverbs 15:21) (NIV)

The wise person who has understanding will choose to live a life which is upright, with good deeds. A good and righteous life will bring about riches and wealth, happiness and joy, peace and security, a meaningful life and eternal life.

For the foolish person devoid of understanding will choose to live a life of folly, with many bad and unhealthy activities. Living a foolish life will lead to many problems, troubles, and spiritual death. The foolish person enjoys living a sinful life.

22 22 Without counsel, plans go awry,
But in the multitude of counselors they are established. (Proverbs 15:22) (NKJV)

22 22 Without counsel plans go wrong,
    but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22) (RSV)

22 22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,
    but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22) (NIV)

Plans are more likely to be successful if we take in and consider multiple ideas, and multiple points of view. A wise leader will listen to the advice/counsel and ideas of other people, compare and analyze the options, and eventually decide on the best course of action.

If plans are made on only one person's idea, the plan may or may not be successful. That person has a tendency to think from one point of view only. Hence, it is better to consider multiple points of views, multiple ideas, multiple advices.

23 23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
    and a word in season, how good it is! (Proverbs 15:23) (RSV)

23 23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
    and how good is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23) (NIV)

It is a good thing to be able to give a wise and appropriate reply. This will be a joy and gladness to person who replies, and sweet to the ears for the person receiving the reply. Wisdom in speech is very important as one of the principles of wisdom.

We speak wisely when we speak seasonably: The answer of the mouthwill be our credit and joy when it is pertinent and to the purpose, and is spoken in due season, when it is needed and will be regarded, and, as we say, hits the joint. Many a good word comes short of doing the good it might have done, for want of being well-timed.

24 24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, 
That he may turn away from hell[d] below. (Proverbs 15:24) (NKJV)

24 24 The wise man’s path leads upward to life,
    that he may avoid Sheol beneath. (Proverbs 15:24) (RSV)

24 24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent
    to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. (Proverbs 15:24) (NIV)

The wise and prudent person lives a life leading to eternal life, leading to heaven. His path is away from spiritual death.

 A good man sets his affections on things above, and deals in those things. His conversation is in heaven; his way leads directly thither; there his treasure is, above, out of the reach of enemies, above the changes of this lower world. A good man is truly noble and great; his desires and designs are high, and he lives above the common rate of other men. It is above the capacity and out of the sight of foolish men.

25 25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud,
But He will establish the boundary of the widow. (Proverbs 15:25) (NKJV)

25 25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
     but maintains the widow’s boundaries. (Proverbs 15:25) (RSV)

25 25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
    but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. (Proverbs 15:25) (NIV)

God protects the assets of the lowly citizens because God loves the humble people. God hates the proud person, and will punish the proud by destruction of his business empire, his huge estate, his vast properties. To be blessed by God, we must appreciate God and remain humble. We must not be proud and conceited when God bless us with riches and wealth. If we are blessed with greater riches and wealth as compared to other people, we must be ever so thankful and express our continual gratitude to God, acknowledging God for the blessings, and always remain humble.

The proud, that magnify themselves, bid defiance to the God above them and trample on all about them, are such as God resists andwill destroy, not them only, but their houses, which they are proud of and are confident of the continuance and perpetuity of. Pride is the ruin of multitudes.

26 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
But the words of the pure are pleasant. (Proverbs 15:26) (NKJV)

26 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
    the words of the pure are pleasing to him.[b]  (Proverbs 15:26) (RSV)

26 26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,
    but gracious words are pure in his sight. (Proverbs 15:26) (NIV)

Good thoughts and good words are liked by God. God likes people with pure and noble thoughts, wise and gracious words. Gracious words should be spoken to other people. It is no point to speak good only to God and speak wickedly to other people. For God's greatest commandments are to love our God, and to love our neighbours.

God hates the wicked thoughts of the wicked people. Not only God hates the wrong doings which are already committed, God also hates the evil and deceitful thoughts. Because wrong doings start from the evil heart and the evil thoughts.

The former part of this verse speaks of thoughts, the latter of words, but they come all to one; for thoughts are words to God, and words are judged of by the thoughts from which they proceed, so that, 1. The thoughts and words of the wicked, which are, like themselves, wicked, which aim at mischief, and have some ill tendency or other, are an abomination to the Lord; he is displeased at them and will reckon for them. The thoughts of wicked men, for the most part, are such as God hates, and are an offence to him.

27 27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,
But he who hates bribes will live. (Proverbs 15:27) (NKJV)

27 27 He who is greedy for unjust gain makes trouble for his household,
    but he who hates bribes will live. (Proverbs 15:27) (RSV)

27 27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live. (Proverbs15:27) (NIV)

We must practice fair business practices and ethics in business and work. The person who takes bribes will somehow bias positively toward the bribe giver, hence, breeding an unfair business practice. Other forms of unfairness are also not acceptable. Business practice should be on win-win basis, all contracts and agreements should be fair and win-win for all parties concerned.


Friday, Feb 14, 2014.
Michael Yeap-------------------------

NIV:: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2015&version=NIV

RSV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2015&version=RSV

NKJV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2015&version=NKJV

Commentaries:

20)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.21
21)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.22
22)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.23
23)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.24
24)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.25
25)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.26
26)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.27
27)  

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)