Proverbs chapter 8 (part 1) - Instruction, Knowledge, Wisdom are better than Silver, Gold, Jewels

Proverbs chapter 8.

Summary:  Wisdom is proclaimed, propagated and publicized to everyone at everywhere. Simple and foolish people should learn prudence. Wisdom brings many benefits, rewards and blessings. God promised Riches, Wealth, Money, Prosperity and Honour to those whose live Wisely, loving and honouring God.

Wisdom's Call  (NIV).
The Gifts of Wisdom  (RSV).
The Excellence of Wisdom  (NKJV).

1 Does not wisdom call out?
    Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 2 At the highest point along the way,
    where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 3 beside the gate leading into the city,
    at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4 4 “To you, O people, I call out;
    I raise my voice to all mankind. (NIV)

1 Does not wisdom cry out,
And understanding lift up her voice?
2 2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill,
Beside the way, where the paths meet.
3 3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city,
At the entrance of the doors:
4 4 “To you, O men, I call,And my voice is to the sons of men.  (NKJV)

Principles of Wisdom and Understanding are proclaimed loudly (call out, cry out, raise her voice, lift up her voice) from strategic places (hilltop, beside the road, at road junctions, at city gates, at entry of city, at entrance doors). Wisdom and Understanding are widely propagated and publicized to everywhere. Wisdom and Understanding are taught and instructed to all people, intended for everyone.

Dissemination of this Wisdom and Understanding is not for the angels, but for we human beings. Wisdom and Understanding are prominently publicized. There is no excuse that we do not know or never heard of Wisdom precepts.

5 5 O simple ones, learn prudence;
    O foolish men, pay attention.
6 6 Hear, for I will speak noble things,
    and from my lips will come what is right;
7 7 for my mouth will utter truth;
   wickedness is an abomination to my lips.  (RSV)

5 5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
    you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.[a]
6 6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
    I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 7 My mouth speaks what is true,
    for my lips detest wickedness.  (NIV)

5 5 O you simple ones, understand prudence,
And you fools, be of an understanding heart.
6 6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things,
And from the opening of my lips will come right things;
7 7 For my mouth will speak truth;
Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.  (NKJV)

Simple and foolish people should learn up about Prudence and Understanding.

Output of Wisdom are:
1)  Excellent and Noble things.
2)  Trustworthy sayings.
3)  Saying the Right things. Doing what is Right.
4)  Truth. Speaking what is True.

Wickedness is totally against Wisdom. All forms of wickedness, evil and sins are bad. It is NOT wise to think, say and do according to path of Wickedness. Wickedness can appear in many forms, just as there are many types of sins. Wickedness is an abomination!

8 8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
    there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 9 They are all straight to him who understands
   and right to those who find knowledge.  (RSV)

8 8 All the words of my mouth are just;
    none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 9 To the discerning all of them are right;
    they are upright to those who have found knowledge.  (NIV)

The words of Wisdom are:
1) Righteous and just.
2) Not twisted, not crooked, not perverse.
3) Right and correct. Ability to discern good and evil.
4) Straight, efficient and effective pathway.
5) Upright and the right choice, for the knowing.

In conclusion, words of Wisdom are all good and beneficial.

10 10 Take my instruction instead of silver,
    and knowledge rather than choice gold;
11 11 for wisdom is better than jewels,
   and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.  (RSV)

10 10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
    knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, 
   and nothing you desire can compare with her.  (NIV)

10 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choice gold;
11 11 For wisdom is better than rubies,
And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.  (NKJV)

Value and appreciate Wisdom above money and wealth.
Instruction is worth more that Silver and Money.
Knowledge is worth more than Choice Gold and Wealth.
Wisdom is more valuable than Jewels, Rubies, Diamonds and Precious Gemstones.
Wisdom is more beneficial than our our worldly desires.

12 12 I, wisdom, dwell in prudence,[a]
    and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
  and perverted speech I hate.  (RSV)

Another output of Wisdom are:
1)  Prudence.
2)  Knowledge.
3)  Discretion.
We can see that there are so many virtues that we will gain by living a life of Wisdom.

Fear the Lord, love God, honour God, hating evil....these are the foundation of precepts of Wisdom.

13 13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
    I hate pride and arrogance,
    evil behavior and perverse speech.  (NIV)

Examples of evil which we believers must hate include:
1) Pride and arrogance.
2) Evil behaviour.
3) Perverse and perverted speech. Lies. Slander. False accusation.

14 14 I have counsel and sound wisdom,
    I have insight, I have strength.
15 15 By me kings reign,
    and rulers decree what is just;
16 16 by me princes rule,
   and nobles govern[b] the earth.  (RSV)

14 14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
    I have insight, I have power.
15 15 By me kings reign
    and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16 16 by me princes govern,
    and nobles—all who rule on earth.  (NIV)  

Wisdom is empowering. Wisdom provides the counsel, sound judgement, insight, power and strength for Kings, Rulers, Princes and Noble to reign, rule and govern.  Likewise, as Leaders, we also need to be empowered by Wisdom, which will provide us the sound judgement, insight and understanding, power and strength in our leadership role.

Wise Leader will win favour by his team. Wise Leader will gain much honour and respect from the team. Wise Leader who is guided by precepts of Wisdom will say, plan and do the wise and right things.

17 17 I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me diligently find me.
18 18 Riches and honor are with me,
    enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
    and my yield than choice silver.
20 20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
    in the paths of justice,
21 21 endowing with wealth those who love me, 
   and filling their treasuries.  (RSV)

Wisdom belongs to those who love wisdom and love God, and those who seek wisdom.  Those who love and find Wisdom will be rewarded with Riches and Honour, lasting Wealth and Prosperity. The path of Wisdom is the way of Righteousness and Justice. Those who are righteous and just will rewarded with Wealth and much Money. The end result of Wisdom is better than fine gold and silver, better than Wealth and Money.

How wonderful to live wisely with Wisdom and Understanding?  How great it is to love and honour God?  If we live in Wisdom, loving and honouring God, we will be blessed and rewarded with Money, Riches, Wealth, Prosperity and Honour.

Sunday - Monday, Jan 12-13, 2014.
Michael Yeap.


NIV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%208&version=NIV

RSV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%208&version=RSV

NKJV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%208&version=NKJV

Commentaries:
1)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.8.1-Prov.8.11
2)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.8.12-Prov.8.21
3)

Proverbs chapter 3 (part 1) - Wisdom for the Young; True Wealth

Proverbs chapter 3.

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being (NIV).
Admonition to Trust and Honor God (RSV).
Wisdom for the Young (NKJV).

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
2 2 for they will prolong your life many years    and bring you peace and prosperity.  (NIV)

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 2 for length of days and years of life
    and abundant welfare will they give you.  (RSV)

1 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.  (NKJV)

We must remember what Wisdom teaches us. We must keep God's commands in our hearts. Our wills and affections should be in line with God's commands. This will give us long life, prosperity and peace.

3 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 4 Then you will win favor and a good name    in the sight of God and man.  (NIV)

3 3 Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;
    bind them about your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 4 So you will find favor and good repute   in the sight of God and man.  (RSV)

3 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 4 And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.  (NKJV)

We must have love/loyalty/mercy and faithfulness/truth with us, not forsaking any of it. Love/loyalty and faithfulness must be always in our minds and hearts. Benefit: We will find favour, respect and esteemed by God and men. We will be popular and liked by other people.

5 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.  (NIV)

5 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not rely on your own insight.
6 6 In all your ways acknowledge him,    and he will make straight your paths.  (RSV)

5 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct your paths.  (NKJV)

Believe and trust God in everything, that God has a plan for us. God is Jehovah Jireh, supplying all our needs. We may not understanding sometimes, never mind, just trust God.

In every matter, we submit to God. In everything, we thank God and praise the Lord. When there seems to be no way, God will make a way for us. When we can't see where we are going, God will light up our path. When we don't know where to go, which direction to go, God will set the path for us.

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 4:19) (NKJV)

7 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 8 This will bring health to your body    and nourishment to your bones.  (NIV)

7 7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 8 It will be healing to your flesh
    and refreshment to your bones.  (RSV)

7 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.  (NKJV)

We should be humble ourselves and submit ourselves to God. We should not be too self-opinion, making decisions without seeking God. Honour God, and do not do things that are in contrary to His commands. Do not do evil. Benefits are better health and healing to our physical body, and physical strength.

9 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
    with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
    and your vats will brim over with new wine.  (NIV)

9 9 Honor the Lord with your substance
    and with the first fruits of all your produce;
10 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,
    and your vats will be bursting with wine.  (RSV)

9 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,And your vats will overflow with new wine.  (NKJV)

We should honour God with our wealth, money, and income.  If we do that, our storage (bank account) will be filled with plenty.  If we honour God with our money and wealth, God will bless even more with money and wealth.

10 Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house; and thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.  (Malachi 3"10) (RSV)

We must honour God with our bodies, spirit and our substance (worldly wealth). With our increase, it is rightful that we honour God with a portion of our increase. First-fruits is the concept of tithing.

11 11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not resent his rebuke,
12 12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,    as a father the son he delights in.  (NIV)

11 11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
    or be weary of his reproof,
12 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,    as a father the son in whom he delights.  (RSV)

11 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
12 12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects,Just as a father the son in whom he delights.  (NKJV)

We need to appreciate and learn from God's chastisement/discipline, and God's rebuke/reproof. The reason we are chastised and rebuked is because God loves us.

Each time we face God's chastisement, we need to think about what we could learn from that, and take the necessary actions to correct and rectify.

The True Wealth (RSV)

13 13 13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
14 
14 for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold. (NIV)

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
    and the man who gets understanding,
14 14 for the gain from it is better than gain from silver    and its profit better than gold.  (RSV)

Wisdom and Knowledge is highly desirable and sought after. Having Wisdom and Understanding is even more profitable than money and gold/wealth.

Example: If we have lots of money but do not have the wisdom and understanding, the money will diminish or be lost. If we have moderate amount of money, but we have the wisdom and understanding of financial management, this money will grow incrementally. If we have the wisdom and understanding, we know how best to invest the money in appropriate investments. Hence, having Wisdom and Understanding is better than money and riches, silver and gold.

Another example: Knowledge capital. In this knowledge era, knowledge workers are not paid for their physical strength but for their mental capabilities. System analyst, programmers, web designers are paid for their knowledge, thinking, and mental output. Businesses like consultancy, design, education, are knowledge-oriented enterprises. Hence, having Wisdom and Understanding, and Knowledge, we can make money, get income. Hence, having Wisdom and Understanding can help us generate money and riches, continually.

5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “Thou hast shown great and steadfast love to thy servant David my father, because he walked before thee in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward thee; and thou hast kept for him this great and steadfast love, and hast given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people whom thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give thy servant therefore an understanding mind to govern thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to govern this thy great people?”

10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”  (RSV)

When God asked Solomon, Solomon requested for understanding mind, for wisdom. 
I personally also treasure Wisdom very much. Hence, my son is named Zhi Yuan, meaning the "source of wisdom."  I hope he will be equipped with Wisdom, which will be a good resource for his entire life.

15 15 She is more precious than jewels,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 16 Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
    and all her paths are peace.
18 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;    those who hold her fast are called happy.  (RSV)

We are reminded about the characteristics of Wisdom.
1) Wisdom is precious and rare, more precious than jewels. It is not easy to gain Wisdom. Many are intelligent, but few are wise.
2) Wisdom will bring Long Life, as well as riches and honour.  Especially in this Knowledge era whereby Knowledge capital is at least as important as Monetary capital. Wisdom can increase the Money and Riches. With wisdom, a man can attain esteem and honor among men, also by God.
3) Ways of Wisdom are pleasant and peace. With wisdom, we will often be at peace with other people. Even when arguments do break out, we will be able to pacify the situation and make peace. Wise men are also blessed with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace,.... as per Galatians 5:22.
4) Wisdom is deemed to be Tree of Life.
5) Wisdom can give us true happiness. Wisdom will cause to be positive thinkers, optimists, rather than pessimists. Positive thinkers and optimists are often happy and joyful, in all situations.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 4:22-23) (NKJV)

Stop at verse 18. To be continued the next day.


Sunday, Jan 5, 2014.
Michael Yeap.

NIV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%203&version=NIV

RSV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%203&version=RSV

NKJV:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%203&version=NKJV

Commentaries:
1)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.3.1-Prov.3.6
2)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.3.7-Prov.3.12
3)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.3.13-Prov.3.20
4)