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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Commentaries:

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

Proverbs 14 (part 4) - Envy is rottenness to the bones #Wise sayings of Solomon

Bible study of Proverbs chapter 14 verses 28 to 35. Aided with Wesley's Explanatory Notes, and Matthew Henry's Commentaries.


28 28 In a multitude of people is a king’s honor,
But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince. (Proverbs 14:28) (NKJV)

28 28 In a multitude of people is the glory of a king,
    but without people a prince is ruined. (Proverbs 14:28) (RSV)

28 28 A large population is a king’s glory,
    but without subjects a prince is ruined. (Proverbs 14:28) (NIV)


The king is glorifed when his kingdom has a big population. A great leader is one who has a lot of followers. Without followers, a manager or a leader is not deemed to be a leader.

29 29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding,
But he who is impulsive[c] exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29) (NKJV)

29 29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
    but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29) (RSV)

29 29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,
    but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. (Proverbs 14:29) (NIV)

Exalteth - Heb. lifteth up, like a banner, makes it known and visible to all men.

The person who is patient and slow to anger, is somebody who when anger will not take hasty reaction which is unwise and later regretted, and not say something rash which will be later regretted. Be slow to react when angered, this way shows that the person is an understanding and wise person.

Try to understand the other party. Do not be so angry. Try to understand the reason the other party is causing the anger.

The person who is hot tempered will react very fast when angered. Hasty speech, hasty reaction may cause a greater tension, a bigger argument, a quarrel, or even a fight.

30 30 A sound heart is life to the body,
But envy is rottenness to the bones. (Proverbs 14:30) (NKJV)

30 30 A tranquil mind gives life to the flesh,
    but passion makes the bones rot. (Proverbs 14:30) (RSV)

30 30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
    but envy rots the bones. (Provebs 14:30) (NIV)

A good and peaceful heart and calms emotion will bring goodness to the body, and health. Envy and jealousy is a negative emotion causing much stress, and affects our health negatively.

31 31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker,
But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy. (Proverbs 14:31) (NKJV)
His maker - Whose image the poor man bears, by whose providence he is made poor, and who hath declared himself to be their protector and avenger.

31 31 He who oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,
    but he who is kind to the needy honors him. (Proverbs 14:31) (RSV)

31 31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
    but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. (Proverbs 14:31) (NIV)

If we are kind to the needy and the poor, we are honouring God. Whenever we honour one of the lesser people, we are honouring God. We should be charitable toward the needy and the poor. Whoever oppress or take advantage of the poor people, he is giving no respect to God because God created all people, rich and poor. Whoever does not give face to the poor people, God's creation, is not giving face to God.

32 32 The wicked is banished in his wickedness,
But the righteous has a refuge in his death. (Proverbs 14:32) (NKJV)

32 32 The wicked is overthrown through his evil-doing,
    but the righteous finds refuge through his integrity.[j]   (Proverbs 14:32) (RSV)

32 32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
    but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God. (Proverbs 14:32) (NIV)

The wicked is brought down because of punishment for his wickedness. The wicked may lose his life, may lose his riches and wealth, may lose his power and honour, may lose his health, all because of his bad doings. 

The righteous person will always trust God and seek refuge in God. Even in dangers, in disaster, in ill health, in poverty, the righteous will persist in his trust in God. Even death will not shake his trust and believe in God Almighty.

33 33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding,
But what is in the heart of fools is made known. (Proverbs 14:33) (NKJV)
Resteth - Is laid up and hid there. In the midst - In the heart. Made known - They will publish in all times and companies.

33 33 Wisdom abides in the mind of a man of understanding,
    but it is not[k] known in the heart of fools. (Proverbs 14:33) (RSV)

For the wise person, he doesn't boast of his wisdom, or show off his knowledge. He keeps his wisdom and knowledge in the heart. Wisdom is to be used in life, not something to show off or to brag about.

For the foolish person, he may brag about the limited knowledge that he has. The fact that a person tries to show off his wisdom and knowledge is indeed folly.

34 34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34) (NKJV)

34 34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
    but sin condemns any people. (Proverbs 14:34) (NIV)

Justice in a country, equality between people of all races and religions, equality between men and women, integrity in the society are all good practices that will exalt a country. The country will be respected and honoured by people and by God.

On the contrary, if the people continually sin against God and men, and forsake the commands of God, these people will be chastised and punished for their evil doing. But God will forgive if the people turn back to God again and repent.

35 35 The king’s favor is toward a wise servant,
But his wrath is against him who causes shame. (Proverbs 14:35) (NKJV)

35 35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,
    but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully. (Proverbs 14:35) (RSV)
Shame - Both to himself, by his foolish management of the king's affairs, and to the king who made so foolish a choice of a servant.

35 35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,
    but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully. (Proverbs 14:35) (NIV)

A manager naturally likes staff who can perform their work well and wisely. A boss likes the employees who are work diligently and wisely. But the manager and the boss will be angry with the staff who does work that is shameful, for example, sending a wrong invoice to customer, sending wrong goods to customer, poor service to customer resulting in a complaint.



Monday-Tuesday, Feb 9-10, 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
27)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.28
28)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.29
29)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.30
30)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.31
31)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.32
32)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.33
33)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.34
34)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.35

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)