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 9 - Loving and Honouring God is the Beginning of Wisdom

Proverbs chapter 9.

Summary:  Wisdom and folly both invite all the simple-minded persons to their respective houses. Jesus Christ invites sinners to come to house of wisdom, repent and follow the ways of the righteous. The Devil invites sinners to enter the house of sin, enjoy the pleasures of sin, join the company of the spiritual dead, leading them to hell.

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly  (NIV).
Wisdom's Feast  (RSV).
The Way of Wisdom  (NKJV).

1 Wisdom has built her house;
    she has set up[a] its seven pillars.
2 2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
    she has also set her table.
3 3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls
    from the highest point of the city,
4     4 "Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
5     5 "Come, eat my food
    and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;
    walk in the way of insight.”  (NIV).

4 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    To him who is without sense she says,
5 5 “Come, eat of my bread
    and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 6 Leave simpleness,[b] and live,
   and walk in the way of insight.” (RSV)

4 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
5 5 “Come, eat of my bread
And drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 6 Forsake foolishness and live,
And go in the way of understanding.  (NKJV)

The house of Wisdom has seven pillars. Seven is a sign/mark for completeness and perfection. So the house of Wisdom is entirely strong.

Wisdom organises a feast/party, and sends out her servants to proclaim the invitation. The invited guests are the "simple" people who lacks understanding. The simple and ordinary people are invited to eat/dine and wine with Wisdom, with God. The simple and ordinary are invited to abandon foolish ways, and take the way of understanding/insight.

Christ has been offered as sacrifice for all people. Meat (Christ's body) and wine (Christ's blood) was served at the feast. All sinners are invited to come to God, and live righteously in line with God's commands and teachings.

To be an effective follower, we must shun the unrighteous ways (forsake foolishness, leave simpleness). And walk in the way of insight/understanding.

General Maxims  (RSV).

7 7 He who corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
    and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
    reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 9 Give instruction[c] to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
   teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning.  (RSV)


7 7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
8 8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.
9 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.  (NIV)

It could be rather pointless and ineffective to reproof, rebuke and correct the foolish and unwise people. A mocker/scoffer will hate to be corrected and rebuked.

On the contrary, the wise people have the positive attitude. Wise people will appreciate being rebuked. The wise and righteous will become wiser and more knowledgeable when instructed and taught. Teaching the wise and righteous is fruitful.

We must use appropriate approach when inviting the "simple and foolish" people. Invite with courtesy and open mind. Do not criticise. Do not directly rebuke. Or else the reaction will be negative.

For instance, do not say, "You sinners. Come, and be saved."  The invited persons will think, "I am not in danger, not in captivity. Why do I need to be saved?"  Or the invited person will think, "Who are you to judge me? What sins/wrongs have I done? Don't you also have committed wrongs/sins?" The invited person will feel offended.

Wise people are always humble, always willing to learn more knowledge, to have greater understanding and insight, to be even wiser. Hence, reproof and rebuke of the wise is often welcome by the wise people. Wise people want incremental and continual improvement. Wise people love knowledge, instruction and teachings.

10 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
    and years will be added to your life.
12 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;    if you scoff, you alone will bear it.  (RSV)

10 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 11 For through wisdom[b]your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life.
12 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;    if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.  (NIV)

I interpret "the fear of the Lord" as "loving and honouring the Lord our God" because "Love God" with our heart, mind and soul is our greatest commandment. Fearing the Lord can be mean many things: honour God, be afraid of God, respect God, putting God first. I personally feel "honouring God" will be my one phrase interpretation. Because when we honour God, we definitely will put God as our high if not Top priority, we will respect God, we will obey God.

Remind me of the book "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Steven Covey. One of the seven principles is "First Things First."  As believers, we sometimes need to pause and think: Are we practising "First Things First" in our daily lives? Are we putting our eternal destiny as our top or high priority? Are we putting God first in our livers? Do we remember God everyday or do we remember God on Sundays? Do we thank God for everything or do we thank God when we get a salary increment?

Folly's Invitation and Promise  (RSV).
The Way of Folly (NKJV).

13 13 A foolish woman is noisy;
    she is wanton[d] and knows no shame.[e]
14 14 She sits at the door of her house,
    she takes a seat on the high places of the town,
15 15 calling to those who pass by,
    who are going straight on their way,  (RSV)

13 13 Folly is an unruly woman;
    she is simple and knows nothing.  (NIV)

13 13 A foolish woman is clamorous;
She is simple, and knows nothing.  (NKJV)

Folly, the opposite of wisdom, is illustrated as a foolish, unruly, noisy woman.  In those times, a lady or decent woman was one who was quiet and soft-spoken. So an unruly and noisy woman is hence portrayed as the opposite of a ladylike woman, a foolish woman.

Folly is simple, and contains nothing (no knowledge, no laws, no commands, no teachings, no ethics). Folly is the easy path, just like the path of wickedness, the path of evil, the path of the bad. On the contrary, Wisdom is the difficult and challenging path, which is the path of righteousness and just. Wisdom comes packaged with understanding, insight and knowledge. Wisdom is enhanced by commands/laws, instructions and teachings.

Just like Wisdom is proclaimed, propagated and publicized widely to everyone in the world, similarly folly is also propagated and publicized to everyone in the world.  Jesus Christ invites all sinners to go to Him, repent, and follow His ways of righteousness. The Devil also invites all sinners to follow the foolish ways, simple and easy-going ways, which eventually lead to self destruction and spiritual death.

16     16 "Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
17     17 Stolen water is sweet;
    food eaten in secret is delicious!”
18 18 But little do they know that the dead are there,    that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.  (NIV)

16 16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”;
And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
17 17 “Stolen water is sweet,
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 18 But he does not know that the dead are there,
That her guests are in the depths of hell.[a]   (NKJV)

16 16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    And to him who is without sense she says,
17 17 “Stolen water is sweet,
    and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 18 But he does not know that the dead[f] are there,    that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.  (RSV)

The Devil loves to invite simple-minded people especially those without understanding/common sense, to turn in and enter his house, to go over to his side. The Devil entice people with greed and bad doings.  Examples could be greed of money and riches, gambling, betting, lottery, stealing, robbing, coveting other man's wife, and the various forms of greed. Adultery, fornication, extra marital affairs, unethical use of other people's money, bribery are some of the "bread eaten in secret." The Devil tempts in very crafty and subtle manner, just like the serpent tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden.

"Bread eaten in secret is pleasant."  There are many thieves who stole, but did not get caught, or did not get convicted and sent to jail. Robbers robbed and gain money and wealth of others, yet they did not get caught, and were not punished. Adulterers who slept with other men's wives continued their illicit affairs without being punished nor chastised.  The Devil tells the sinners, "Look, you sin, and you gain. You have nothing to lose. You don't get punished. You sow evil, but your harvest is still plenty." Punishment awaits those evildoers at the gate of hell.

The simple-minded people who follow the ways of folly, the ways of the Devil, are walking among the spiritual dead, and eventually will end up in hell.

Tuesday, Jan 14, 2014.
Michael Yeap.

NIV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%209&version=NIV

RSV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%209&version=RSV

NKJV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%209&version=NKJV

Commentaries:
1)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.9.1-Prov.9.12
2)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.9.13-Prov.9.18

Proverbs chapter 2 - The moral benefits of Wisdom

Proverbs chapter 2.

Summary:  How to gain Wisdom? Various Benefits of Wisdom. Deliverance from Wicked Men. Deliverance from Adulterous Woman. Walk in way of Goodness, in path of the Righteous.

The Moral Benefits of Wisdom.

1 My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
2 2 turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
3 3 indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
4 4 and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 55 then you will understand the fear of the Lord    and find the knowledge of God.  (NIV)

1 My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 3 yes, if you cry out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
4 
4 if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures;
5 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord    and find the knowledge of God.  (RSV)

How to acquire Wisdom?
1) Accept the words of wisdom in out heart and mind.
2) Store/treasure up the commands of wisdom.
3) Listen attentively to wisdom.
4) Emotionally involved in the understanding of wisdom.

To what extent shall we acquire wisdom?
1) Keenly, seriously and zealously desire for wisdom. Hunger for wisdom.
2) Search for wisdom as it is money and wealth (silver and treasure), something precious and important.

What is the end result of wisdom?
1) Primarily, the fear of the Lord.
2) Secondarily, the knowledge of God.
In conclusion, loving and honouring God is the main Wisdom.

6 6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 7 He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 8 for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.  (NIV)

6 6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
    he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 8 guarding the paths of justice    and preserving the way of his saints.  (RSV)

Why is Wisdom related to "fear of the Lord"?
Primarily,
Because the Lord gives wisdom,
and God's words are source of knowledge and understanding.

Secondarily,
God helps the upright to have Success and sound wisdom.
God protects those who walk in integrity and blamelessly.
God guards the path of those who are just.
God protects the way of his faithful believers.

9 9 Then you will understand what is right and just
    and fair—every good path.
10 10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 11 Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you.  (NIV)

9 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice
    and equity, every good path;
10 10 for wisdom will come into your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11 11 discretion will watch over you;
    understanding will guard you;  (RSV)

What are the benefits of Wisdom and fearing the Lord?
1) Understand what is right/righteous, just and fair.
2) Understand every good path.
3) Wisdom is in our heart. Our feelings are in line with wisdom.
4) Knowledge fills our soul and mind.
5) Our discretion and understanding will protect and guard us. 


12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
    from men whose words are perverse,
13 13 who have left the straight paths
    to walk in dark ways,
14 14 who delight in doing wrong
    and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 15 whose paths are crooked
    and who are devious in their ways.  (NIV)

12 12 delivering you from the way of evil,
    from men of perverted speech,
13 13 who forsake the paths of uprightness
    to walk in the ways of darkness,
14 14 who rejoice in doing evil
    and delight in the perverseness of evil;
15 15 men whose paths are crooked,    and who are devious in their ways.  (RSV)

12 12 To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things,
13 13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;
14 14 Who rejoice in doing evil,
And delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15 15 Whose ways are crooked,
And who are devious in their paths;  (NKJV)

What is another benefit of Wisdom and fearing the Lord?
Wisdom will deliver us from the way of the evil / wicked men.

Who are the evil/wicked men?
1) Those who speak perversely.
2) Those who forsake/abandon the way of uprightness/righteousness. Those who deviate from the straight/correct path.
3) Those who walk in ways of darkness.
4) Those who delight in doing evil. Those who enjoy wrongdoings. Those who delight in pervousness of evil.
5) Those who are crooked in their ways.
6) Those who are devious in their way of life.

1616 Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
17 17 who has left the partner of her youth
    and ignored the covenant she made before God.
18 18 Surely her house leads down to death
    and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 19 None who go to her return
    or attain the paths of life.  (NIV)

16 16 You will be saved from the loose woman,
    from the adventuress with her smooth words,
17 17 who forsakes the companion of her youth
    and forgets the covenant of her God;  (RSV)
16 16 To deliver you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words,
17 17 Who forsakes the companion of her youth,
And forgets the covenant of her God.  (NKJV)

What is another benefit of Wisdom and fearing the Lord?
Wisdom will save us from the adulterous, loose. immoral woman.

What are the characteristics of the Adulterous, Loose, Immoral woman?
1) Seductive words. Seductive and wayward.
2) Flattering speech.
3) Divorced or separated from her husband.
4) Forget the covenant of God.
5) Ignored the marriage vows/covenant made before God.

What is the result of fooling around with the Adulterous/Loose/Immoral woman?
1) Leading to spiritual death.
2) Not attaining the path of spiritual life.

20 20 Thus you will walk in the ways of the good
    and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 21 For the upright will live in the land,
    and the blameless will remain in it;
22 22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
    and the unfaithful will be torn from it.  (NIV)

20 20 So you will walk in the way of good men
    and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 21 For the upright will inhabit the land,
    and men of integrity will remain in it;
22 22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,    and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.  (RSV)

20 20 So you may walk in the way of goodness,
And keep to the paths of righteousness.
21 21 For the upright will dwell in the land,
And the blameless will remain in it;
22 22 But the wicked will be cut off from the earth,
And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.  (NKJV)

In conclusion, what is the greatest benefit of Wisdom and fearing the Lord?
Wisdom will cause us to walk in the GOOD way, in the path of the RIGHTEOUS.

What is the result of that (walking in GOOD way, in path of the Righteous)?
We will live and remain in God's promised land. We will enjoy the blessings God has promised. We will blessed with countless blessings. We will be blessed with abundance, fruitfulness, success. We will be blessed wherever we are, wherever we go. We will be blessed in everything we do, everything business we venture into, every job we undertake.

Saturday, Jan 4, 2014.
Michael Yeap.

NIV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%202&version=NIV 

RSV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%202&version=RSV

KJV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%202&version=NKJV 

Commentaries:
1)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.2.1-Prov.2.9
2)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.2.10-Prov.2.22