Proverbs chapter 14 (part 1) - Leave the presence of a fool #Wise sayings of Solomon

Proverbs chapter 14.

Summary:  Wise woman will manage well the affairs of her family and household. The person who fears the Lord lives in righteous lifestyle. A faithful witness will be truthful but a false witness is full of lies and falsehood. Do not mix around with foolish people because we cannot gain knowledge from them. The prudent will think and make decisions in life using wisdom.


The wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish pulls it down with her hands. (Proverbs 14:1) (NKJV)

Wisdom[a] builds her house,
but folly with her own hands tears it down. (Proverbs 14:1) (RSV)

The wise woman builds her house,
    but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. (Proverbs 14:1) (NIV)

Buildeth - Maintains and improves her family and estate.Her hands - By her idleness or sin.

The wise woman and good wife is diligent and hardworking, taking good care of her husband and children, is a positive contribution toward the happiness, love, joy and peace in the family and household. She wisely uses the money for the household expenses.

On the contrary, the foolish woman with many foolish acts and talks may end up wasting away money, causing strife and disharmony in the family, causing many arguments and quarrels with relatives. The family and household is not well taken care of. There is lack of love, joy, peace and harmony within the family. Her laziness and idleness is also problematic.

2 2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord,
But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. (Proverbs 14:2) (NKJV)

2 2 He who walks in uprightness fears the Lord,
    but he who is devious in his ways despises him. (Proverbs 14:2) (RSV)

2 2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,
    but those who despise him are devious in their ways. (Proverbs 14:2) (NIV)

The person who fears the Lord, who loves and honours God, will live a righteous life, a godly life, saying the right things, thinking the right things, doing the right things. But the person who despise God, who ignores and neglects God will live in ways that are not right in the eyes of God, spending their time and energy fulfilling carnal and worldly desires, lusts of the eyes, fleshly lusts.

3 3 The talk of a fool is a rod for his back,[b]
    but the lips of the wise will preserve them. (Proverbs 14:3) (RSV)

3 3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,
    but the lips of the wise protect them. (Proverbs 14:3) (NIV)

3 3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,
But the lips of the wise will preserve them. (Proverbs 14:3) (NKJV)

A rod - His insolent speeches as they are like a rod, offensive to others, so, they make a rod for their own backs

The proud is deemed to be foolish. With pride, there will be proud boasting, proud bragging, conceited speech. Pride makes a person thinks he is right in his own eyes, this is similar to a foolish person. Pride will bring about adverse impacts, such as discord, disfavour, making mistakes and not willing to correct them.

4 4 Where there are no oxen, there is no[c] grain;
    but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. (Proverbs 14:4) (RSV)

4 4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
    but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. (Proverbs 14:4) (NIV)

The crib - The stable is empty of food for cattle, and much more for man. In the same sense cleanness of teeth is put for famine, 4:6 .The strength - By their labours, or by diligence in husbandry, which then was principally managed by oxen.

With the strength of the ox, with suitable work equipment, with suitable work knowledge and work skills, a person can earn a decent income. Industrious labour and diligence is important for one to make a living, to do well at one's career, to be successful in one's business.

5 5 A faithful witness does not lie,
But a false witness will utter lies. (Proverbs 14:5) (NKJV)

5 5 An honest witness does not deceive,
    but a false witness pours out lies. (Proverbs 14:5) (NIV)

A faithful and honest witness will tell the actual story based on his true knowledge, what he has seen or heard. He will answer truthfully without bias, without fear of favour.

On the contrary, a false witness may distort the actual truth, or tell a lie, or a slander, or frame somebody else. False witness is biased, could be bribed. False witness is willing to lie or tell a partial truth.

6 6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it,
But knowledge is easy to him who understands.
7 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. (Proverbs 14:6-7) (NKJV)

6 6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,
    but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
7 7 Leave the presence of a fool,
    for there you do not meet words of knowledge. (Proverbs 14:6-7) (RSV)

6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

7 Stay away from a fool,
    for you will not find knowledge on their lips. (Proverbs 14:6-7) (NIV)

Findeth it not - Because he doth not seek it aright. That understandeth - That is honest and pious.

The foolish person is a scoffer and mocker of wisdom. He may seem to want to increase knowledge, but he resists learning new knowledge. We are advised not to be in companion of the foolish persons because we will not acquire any knowledge or constructive ideas from these people. Do mix around and befriend the foolish people.

On the contrary, the wise person who has understanding could easily learn new knowledge and new skills. The person with understanding has the positive attitude for learning.

To those who understand aright, who depart from evil (for that is understanding), the knowledge of God and of his will is easy. The parables which harden scorners in their scorning, and make divine things more difficult to them, enlighten those who are willing to learn, and make the same things more plain, and intelligible, and familiar to them.

8 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,
But the folly of fools is deceit. (Proverbs 14:8) (NKJV)

8 8 The wisdom of a prudent man is to discern his way,
    but the folly of fools is deceiving. (Proverbs 14:8) (RSV)

8 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,
    but the folly of fools is deception. (Proverbs 14:8) (NIV)

His way - Consists not in vain speculations, but in a diligent study of his duty, and of the way to eternal happiness. The folly - The wit of ungodly men, which is really their folly, is employed only in finding out ways of deceiving.

The prudent person will exercise his wisdom to ponder upon his life, his ways. He will discern and make decisions based on his wisdom.

On the contrary, the foolish person is deceiving himself and others in many aspects of his life. The folly is making the wrong decision in his life, such as fulfilling sexual desires will bring happiness, which is a self-deceiving thought.

.
Friday, Feb 7. 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

Concise & Summary:
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/proverbs/14.html

Verse 1 A woman who has no fear of God, who is wilful and wasteful, and indulges her ease, will as certainly ruin her family, as if she plucked her house down. Verse 2 . Here are grace and sin in their true colours. Those that despise God's precepts and promises, despise God and all his power and mercy. Verse 3 . Pride grows from that root of bitterness which is in the heart. The root must be plucked up, or we cannot conquer this branch. The prudent words of wise men get them out of difficulties. Verse 4 . There can be no advantage without something which, though of little moment, will affright the indolent. Verse 5 . A conscientious witness will not dare to represent anything otherwise than according to his knowledge. Verse 6 . A scorner treats Divine things with contempt. He that feels his ignorance and unworthiness will search the Scriptures in a humble spirit. Verse 7 . We discover a wicked man if there is no savour of piety in his discourse. Verse 8 . We are travellers, whose concern is, not to spy out wonders, but to get to their journey's end; to understand the rules we are to walk by, also the ends we are to walk toward. The bad man cheats himself, and goes on in his mistake. 

Commentaties:
Wesley: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/wesleys-explanatory-notes/proverbs/proverbs-14.html

1)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.1
2)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.2
3)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.3
4)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.4
5)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.5
6)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.6
7)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.7
8)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.8
9)

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