Proverbs chapter 15 (part 1) - A soft answer turns away wrath #Wise sayings of Solomon

Bible study of Proverbs chapter 15.,verses 1 to 6. Aided with Matthew Henry's Commentaries.


1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. (Proverbs 15:1-2) (NKJV)

1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 2 The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge,[a]
    but the mouths of fools pour out folly. (Proverbs 15:1-2) (RSV)

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (Proverbs 15"1-2) (NIV)

When the other person is angry, a soft and gentle answer can calm down the anger of the other person. Just remain a little silent when the other person is angry and blurting out. When the person cools off a bit, then only reply but do it gently and softly.

On the other hand, if reply harshly to the angry person, this will cause that person to increase in anger. Result will be more yelling, more heated quarrel.

The wise person speaks words of knowledge, good speech that is constructive. The words of the foolish person are of limited knowledge, vain speech, lack of wisdom.

3 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3) (NKJV)

3 3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
    keeping watch on the wicked and the good. (Proverbs 15:3) (NIV)

God can see everywhere, and everyone at the same time. God can see who is bad and who is good. God can see the wrongdoings and the good deeds. God will reward those with good deeds, and punish those with bad deeds.

4 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (Proverbs 1:4) (NKJV)

4 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
    but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (Proverbs 1:4) (RSV)

4 4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 1:4) (NIV)

A good tongue which is wholesome, gentle and soothing will bring good life, meaningful life. Good tongue blesses other people. Good tongue brings favour from God and men. Good tongue that glorifies God will bring about eternal life.

But a perverse tongue will bring lots of trouble, argument, quarrel, discord, and disunity. Perverse will cause unhappiness and tension in life.

A good tongue is healing, healing to wounded consciences by comforting them, to sin-sick souls by convincing them, to peace and love when it is broken by accommodating differences, compromising matters in variance, and reconciling parties at variance; this is the healing of the tongue, which is a tree of life.

5 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction,
But he who receives correction is prudent. (Proverbs 15:5) (NKJV)

5 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction,
    but he who heeds admonition is prudent. (Proverbs 15:5) (RSV)

5 5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
    but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. (Proverbs 15:5) (NIV)

A prudent person will listen to instruction and correction. A prudent is ever willing to learn from mistake and error. A prudent person is willing to correct his mistake. A prudent person is willing to repent and turn away from bad habits and sinful activities.

A foolish person will despise instruction and correction. A foolish person thinks he is right in his own eyes. 

6 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. (Proverbs 15:6) (NKJV)

6 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
    but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. (Proverbs 15:6) (RSV)

6 6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
    but the income of the wicked brings ruin. (Proverbs 15:6) (NIV)

The righteous will continually good income, and store up the excess money. Hence, the house of the righteous contains much wealth and great treasure. But the wicked will be wasteful with his income, and his income from deceitful means and evil ways may not last forever. Income earned through improper means will bring him his own destruction.


Wednesday, Feb 13, 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:
1)   http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.1
2)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.2
3)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.3
4)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.4
5)

Proverbs chapter 14 (part 2) - Even in laughter the heart may sorrow #Wise sayings of Solomon

Proverbs chapter 14.

Summary:  The upright person finds favour with God and men. Emotional feelings like sorrow and joy is felt by the individual alone. Greatness of estate of the wicked will reduce, whereas estate of the righteous will steadily increase. Certain activities are deemed norm and acceptable by men, but is sin to God. The good and righteous person is positively rewarded and blessed by God. We must avoid being "simple", easily believing everything we hear. The prudent will investigate and study every detail before making decision. We need to control anger, and avoid making hasty, wrong decisions, and wrong actions which are later regretted. The prudent is glorified for his knowledge. Even the bad guys respect and honour the good and righteous person due to his good deeds.


9 9 Fools mock at sin,
But among the upright there is favor. (Proverbs 14:9) (NKJV)

9 9 God scorns the wicked,[d]
    but the upright enjoy his favor. (Proverbs 14:9) (RSV)

9 9 Fools mock at making amends for sin,
    but goodwill is found among the upright. (Proverbs 14:9) (NIV)

Favour - They find favour both with God and men.

The foolish and the wicked are so hardened in sinful habits and sinful activities so much so that they mock at sin. They laugh off at the sins of other peoples, sins by themselves. To them, sinning which have no bad consequences. They enjoy sinning and have no intention to depart from their evil ways.

The righteous and the upright are doing goodwill among each other, charitable deeds, giving alms, always saying and doing the right things. They find favour with God. Other people also like them for their good deeds.

10 10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
And a stranger does not share its joy. (Proverbs 14:10) (NKJV)

10 10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can share its joy. (Proverbs 14:10) (NIV)

Bitterness - The inward griefs and joys of mens hearts, are not known to any but a man's self.
We do not know what stings of conscience, or consuming passions, torment the prosperous sinner. Nor does the world know the peace of mind a serious Christian enjoys, even in poverty and sickness.

When a person feels emotionally down, such as sorrowful, depressed, grief, only he himself can feel it. Other people can be empathetic or sympathetic, but cannot fill the real pain in the heart of the emotionally down.

Similarly, when a person is filled with joy and gladness, only he himself is able to feel this real joy.  Others can watch, others can be joyful together, but cannot feel the joy in another's heart. As for spiritual joy, it is also individualistic. Spiritual joy is felt by the righteous person who walk in God's ways. He may share the good news, the gospel, but cannot share out the spiritual joy.

11 11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown,
But the tent of the upright will flourish. (Proverbs 14:11) (NKJV)

11 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
    but the tent of the upright will flourish. (Proverbs 14:11) (RSV)

Sin ruins many great families; whilst righteousness often raises and strengthens even mean families

Great families and huge estates will suffer downfall because of wrong deeds, sinful ways, unfair business practices, foolish financial management, wasting of money on carnal and worldly desires.

Families with mediocre income and little assets will also grow prosperous and increase in assets. For doing good deeds and living in righteous ways, they will be blessed by God in their work and business. They will grow in riches and wealth. They will gain honor and respect.

12 12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12) (NKJV)

12 12 There is a way that appears to be right,
    but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12) (NIV)

Right - There are some evil courses which men may think to be lawful and good. The end - The event shews that they were sinful and destructive.
The ways of carelessness, of worldliness, and of sensuality, seem right to those that walk in them; but self-deceivers prove self-destroyers. See the vanity of carnal mirth.

There are certain activities/norms that seem morally acceptable to men, but not acceptable to God. Example: fornication seemed to be ok for boyfriend and girlfriend in love with each other, but to God, this is a sin. Example: telling white lies, misrepresentation of financial accounts, exaggeration of business prospects in the prospectus, seemed to be widely practised, but a lie is a lie, a lie is a sin.The way of ignorance and carelessness, the way of worldliness and earthly-mindedness, the way of sensuality and flesh-pleasing, seem right to those that walk in them, much more the way of hypocrisy in religion. All these may seem right, but is actually wrong in the sight of God.

13 13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow,
And the end of mirth may be grief. (Proverbs 14:13) (NKJV)

13 13 Even in laughter the heart is sad,
    and the end of joy is grief. (Proverbs 14:13) (RSV)

13 13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
    and rejoicing may end in grief. (Proverbs 14:13) (NIV)

In laughter - The outward signs of joy are often mixed with real sorrow.

In merrymaking, partying and clubbing, there is plenty of laughter and seemingly happiness. In wine, women and song, there is plenty of laughter and seemingly happiness. If there is true sorrow in the heart, all the happiness during partying, during drinking, etc. is just temporary.

When the alcohol in blood is diminished, the original sorrow or grief still remains. When the music and the party ends, the sorrow and grief will be back. All the worldly entertainment can only bring temporary happiness.

For true joy, we should live in the Spirit, for the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as per Galatians 4:22-23a. In God alone, can we find true and everlasting joy. Living our life in the principles of wisdom and ways of righteousness will bring us more joy than the worldly entertainment, and substance abuse (alcohol, ecstasy, etc.).

14 14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied from above.[a]   (Proverbs 14:14) (NKJV)

In heart - He who departs from God inwardly. Filled - With the fruit of his ways, the punishment of his sins. Satisfied - From the pious temper of his own heart, which cleaves to the Lord, he shall receive unspeakable comfort.

14 14 A perverse man will be filled with the fruit of his ways,
    and a good man with the fruit of his deeds.[f]  (Proverbs 14:14) (RSV)

14 14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
    and the good rewarded for theirs. (Proverbs 14:14) (NIV)

The backslider in heart has tuned his heart away from God. Backslider could be a faithful believer who has somehow, for some reasons e.g. temptation or grievance, turned away from God. Anyway, the backslider, the perverse  and the faithless are similar in one manner, they are all not living a righteous life. They are living in ways that are contrary to God's commands. They will be negatively rewarded due to their sins and wrongdoings in their lives.

On the contrary, the good and righteous man, is living a life full of good deeds, in obedience to God, is concerned about heavenly/spiritual matters, and will be rewarded and blessed by God. He will be positively rewarded for his righteous and godly ways, and his good deeds.

15 15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.
16 16 A wise man fears and departs from evil,
But a fool rages and is self-confident.
17 17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
And a man of wicked intentions is hated.
18 18 The simple inherit folly,
But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 19 The evil will bow before the good,
And the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (Proverbs 14:15-19) (NKJV)

15 15 The simple believes everything,
    but the prudent looks where he is going. (Proverbs 14:15) (RSV)

The simple - A foolish man. Looketh - He orders his dealings in the world with due circumspection, not considering so much what other men say as what he ought to do.

15 15 The simple believe anything,
    but the prudent give thought to their steps. (Proverbs 14:15) (NIV)

The simple often takes things at face valve. The simple can easy believe other people. When faced with a false prophet or false teacher, the simple can easy sway and believer whatever said by the false prophet/teacher. The simple does not investigate in detail, and can easily jump to conclusion. The simple does not weigh and compare the options. The simple does not consider multiple points of view before deciding.

On the contrary, the prudent person is wiser. The prudent will consider every step, every detail. The prudent will investigate and study the case before making judgement. The prudent will compare the options before selecting. The prudent will make decision based on facts and figures, not hearsay, not gossip. The prudent does not easily believer some gossip, rumour or hearsay.

In these days where social media is popular, we have to be careful with the "news" and "updates" that we read. The news or updates in Facebook, Twitter, WhatApp, WeChat may not necessarily be true or accurate. 

16 16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil,
    but a fool throws off restraint and is careless.
17 17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly,
    but a man of discretion is patient.[g]   (Proverbs 14:16-17) (RSV)

Feareth - Trembles at God's judgments when they are either inflicted or threatened. Rageth - Frets against God; or is enraged against his messengers. Confident - Secure and insensible of his danger.
Foolishly - His passion hurries him into foolish speeches and actions. Wicked devices - One who suppresses his passion, but meditates revenge. Hated - Both by God and men.

16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
    but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. (Proverbs 16-17) (NIV)

The wise person will always fear the Lord, live a righteous life, doing good deeds, obeying God's commands, slow to anger. He will avoid temptations and situations of sin. He will avoid doing anything which is evil in the eyes of God.

But the foolish person does not control himself, subject himself to temptations, allowing himself to partake in wrongful deeds. The foolish person is careless with his life, careless with his speech, and does control his temper. The foolish person gets angry easily, and over-reacts, and do things that he may regret otherwise. When a sinful temptation comes, such as a sexy and beautiful prostitute, he does not restrain himself from her seduction. In a quarrel with his wife, he may angrily chase his wife out of the house, or run away from home, or want to file for divorce. 

To avoid doing foolish things during fits of anger, we must practice self-control to control outburst of anger. In anger, we must control our lips so as not to say things that will be regretted later. In anger, we must curtail our mind and thoughts so as not to make a hasty, wrong decision which is based on anger and not rationale.

Malicious men are justly dreaded and detested, for they are much more dangerous and mischievous to all societies: A man of wicked devices, who stifles his resentments till he has an opportunity of being revenged, and is secretly plotting how to wrong his neighbour and to do him an ill turn, as Cain to kill Abel, such a man as this is hated by all mankind. The character of an angry man is pitiable; through the surprise of a temptation he disturbs and disgraces himself, but it is soon over, and he is sorry for it.

18 18 The simple acquire folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. (Proverbs 14:18) (RSV)

Inherit - They possess it as their inheritance, holding it fast, and glorying in it. Knowledge - The saving knowledge of God and of their own duty.
Sin is the shame of sinners; but wisdom is the honour of the wise. 

The prudent person is given honour and gains much knowledge. The prudent's head is filled with vast, useful knowledge. Because he is willing to learn, keen to learn, receptive to instruction and reproof.

On the other hand, the simple person takes things easy, and is too lazy to learn. He is not interested to know more and to learn more knowledge. With lack of knowledge, a lot of his thoughts and deeds are not based on knowledge and facts. The simple may enjoy hearing gossips and rumours. His lack of real knowledge is the folly.

The simple, who love simplicity, get nothing by it; they inherit folly. They have it by inheritance, so some. This corruption of nature is derived from our first parents, and all the calamities that attend it we have by kind; it was the inheritance they transmitted to their degenerate race, an hereditary disease. They are as fond of it as a man of his inheritance, hold it as fast, and are as loth to part with it.

19 19 The evil bow down before the good,
    the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (Proverbs 14:19) (RSV)

19 19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,
    and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (Proverbs 14:19) (NIV)

The evil - Good men shall have the pre - eminency over the wicked.
Even bad men acknowledge the excellency of God's people

The good and righteous person will be honoured by all, including the bad and wicked people. Because of the good deeds, the good and righteous person will earn the respect of the bad guys too. Good and wise words of the righteous are also pleasant to the ears of the bad guys too.


Saturday, Feb 8, 2014.
Michael Yeap.

 NIV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+14&version=NIV

RSV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+14&version=RSV

NKJV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+14&version=NKJV

Commentaries:
Wesley: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/wesleys-explanatory-notes/proverbs/proverbs-14.html
Matthew Henry - concise: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/wesleys-explanatory-notes/proverbs/proverbs-14.html

9)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.9
10)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.10
11)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.11
12)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.12
13)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.13
14)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.14
15)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.15
16)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.16
17)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.17
18)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.18
19)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.19
20)

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)