Proverbs chapter 14 (part 3) - In all toil there is profit #Wise sayings of Solomon

Bible study of Proverbs chapter 14 verses 20-27. Aided with Wesley's Explanatory Notes, and Matthew Henry's Commentaries.


20 20 The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor,
But the rich has many friends.
21 21 He who despises his neighbor sins;
But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. (Proverbs 14:20-21) (NKJV)

20 20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,
    but the rich has many friends.
21 21 He who despises his neighbor is a sinner,
    but happy is he who is kind to the poor. (Proverbs 14:20-21) (RSV)

20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
    but the rich have many friends.

21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,
    but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. (Proverbs 14:20-21) (NIV)

Hated - Despised and abandoned.
Despiseth - That does not pity and relieve the poor.
Friendship in the world is governed by self-interest. It is good to have God our Friend; he will not desert us.
To despise a man for his employment or appearance is a sin.

Friendship in this world is very artificial. If you have lots of money, if could buy your friends gifts, throw a party, buy them food and drinks, you have many friends.

But the poor have few friends. Even his neighbours dislike him, looking down upon him.

The rich may have friends who are not true friends. They may be around for some free food and drinks, for free entertainment. The poor may have fewer friends but these friends are truer because there is no advantage they can get from this poor guy.

Those that are sincere to all friends, including the poor, will be happy and blessed. God looks with favour upon those are good-hearted, those who are good to other people. But the people who are negatively biased toward his poor neighbour, is disdained by God. So let us be nice to our "neighbours", other people around us, rich or poor, great or small.

22 22 Do they not go astray who devise evil?
But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good. (Proverbs 14:22) (NKJV)

22 22 Do they not err that devise evil?
    Those who devise good meet loyalty and faithfulness. (Proverbs 14:22) (RSV)

22 22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?
    But those who plan what is good find[a] love and faithfulness. (Proverbs 14:22) (NIV)

Those who plan what is good will be rewarded with love and faithfulness, loyalty and faithfulness, mercy and truth.  Those who plan and do good to friends and relatives will be loved and appreciated by the friends and relatives, and they will also respond by being loyal and faithful and loving.

23 23 In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter[b] leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23) (NKJV)

23 23 In all toil there is profit,
    but mere talk tends only to want. (Proverbs 14:23) (RSV)

23 23 All hard work brings a profit,
    but mere talk leads only to poverty. (PRoverbs 14:23) (NIV)

The talk - Idle talking will bring a man to poverty.
Labour of the head, or of the hand, will turn to some good account. But if men's religion runs all out in talk and noise, they will come to nothing.

Diligence and hardwork will bring success in career, and success in business, which will bring about more money, riches and wealth. Another person may think of great ideas and ambitious plans, but if he only fantasize about it, if he only talks but takes no action, the reality does not happen and the money does not come in. Idle talk and no action will eventually lead to mediocrity and poverty.

24 24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
But the foolishness of fools is folly. (Proverbs 14:24) (NKJV)

24 24 The crown of the wise is their wisdom,[h]
    but folly is the garland[i] of fools. (Proverbs 14:24) (RSV)

24 24 The wealth of the wise is their crown,
    but the folly of fools yields folly. (Proverbs 14:24) (NIV)

The rich, wise person who use his wealth in wise way, honouring God, giving to charitable causes, contributing to gospel missions, will earn much respect and honour. The rich, wise person will be glorified for his good deeds and his smart usage of his money.

The rich, foolish person, on the contrary, may use his money for unhealthy activities, satisfying the many desires of the flesh, and not managing his finances wisely. Whether rich or not, the foolish person's actions are folly.

25 25 A true witness delivers souls,
But a deceitful witness speaks lies. (Proverbs 14:25) (NKJV)

25 25 A truthful witness saves lives,
    but one who utters lies is a betrayer. (Proverbs 14:25) (RSV)

25 25 A truthful witness saves lives,
    but a false witness is deceitful. (Proverbs 14:25) (NIV)

Souls - Such as are innocent, from false accusations.
An upright man will venture the ( proverbs 14:26-27 ) Those who fear the Lord so as to obey and serve him, have a strong ground of confidence, and will be preserved. Let us seek to this Fountain of life, that we may escape the snares of death.

In the court of law, when a suspect is falsely accused, the truthful witness is honest in telling the truth. This truth as told by the truthful/honest witness may save the life of the suspect.

False witness or deceitful witness is committing sin by telling lies, or biased answers in the court of law. 

A man of integrity will venture the displeasure of the greatest, to bring truth to light and rescue those who are injured by falsehood. A faithful minister, who truly witnesses for God against sin, is thereby instrumental to deliver souls from eternal death.

26 26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge.
27 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:26-27) (NKJV)

26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
    and for their children it will be a refuge.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
    turning a person from the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:20) (NIV)

Fearing the Lord and loving God is like a strong fortress that we could have total faith and full confidence in. Fearing the Lord will help us to live righteously, with good thoughts and speech, good deeds and charitable deeds. We will hence be blessed. Our children will also be blessed due to our good deeds and righteous living. Fearing the Lord is the constant source of a meaningful life in this world and also eternal life. Fearing the Lord will help us to avoid the snare of spiritual death.


Sunday, Feb 9, 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: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/proverbs/14.html

20)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.20
21)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.21
22)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.22
23)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.23
24)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.24
25)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.25
26)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.26-Prov.14.27
27)

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 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)