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
Showing posts with label poor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poor. Show all posts
Monday, 10 February 2014
Sunday, 9 February 2014
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)
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)
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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
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)
Thursday, 16 January 2014
Proverbs chapter 10 (part 2) - Wise Sayings of Solomon
Proverbs chapter 10.
Summary: The wise store up knowledge. Wealth of the wise protected and safe like a fortified city. Righteous people works and lives a good life. Control our lips to avoid transgression against other people. Speech of the righteous is esteemed and highly valued, being beneficial to other people. God's blessings includes Riches and Wealth without heavy toil.
Proverbs of Solomon (NIV).
Wise Sayings of Solomon (RSV) (NKJV).
14 14 Wise men lay up knowledge,
but the babbling of a fool brings ruin near. (RSV)
14 14 The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. (NIV)
1414 14 Wise people store up knowledge,
But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. (NKJV)
Wise people loves to learn, and continually learn. Hence, wise people will gather and store up the knowledge. Whatever knowledge we learn may be useful at other time, so laying up the knowledge is good and beneficial.
On the contrary, the foolish hates learning, just love empty talking. In the long term, due to lack of learning, wisdom and knowledge, this would lead to his own ruins. Example of ruins could be poverty. Because of lack of knowledge and the foolish person's laziness, he will run into poverty and mediocrity.
Because of lack of practical wisdom and self control, the foolish person may get involved in immoral sins, lots of extra marital affairs, hence wasting much of his money, time and effort in satisfying his fleshly lusts and fulfilling his high sexual desires. Despite good income, he will waste off his extra money on all these women and ruin himself.
Because of jealousy and greed for power and status, the foolish person may slander and backstab another person. The habit of slandering will make other people hate this foolish person. In the end, he will many friends, thus ruining himself.
15 15 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city;
the poverty of the poor is their ruin. (RSV)
15 15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor. (NIV)
15 15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city;
The destruction of the poor is their poverty. (NKJV)
For the wise and rich/wealthy, his wealth is properly stored and secured as if inside a fortified city. The wise and rich will not buy all his money and wealth all into a single instrument/investment form. The wise and rich will put his money and wealth into various forms such as cash into the current/check account, savings account, and term deposit, stocks and shares, gold, unit trusts, loan stocks / debentures, investment into business, property investment, etc.
For the unwise people may not necessarily have the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to preserve the money they earn, hence causing their poverty.
Reasons of poverty are possibly:
1) Good income but waste it on unnecessary expenses (fleshly lust, carnal/worldly desires, lust of the eyes).
2) Good income but not storing up a portion of income. No planned and continual savings.
3) Low income due to lack of knowledge or lack of skills.
4) Low income due to laziness.
In comparison, wisdom is important. Because the wise people love to learn new knowledge and skills, including financial wisdom.
16 16 The wage of the righteous leads to life,
the gain of the wicked to sin. (RSV)
16 16 The wages of the righteous is life,
but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. (NIV)
16 16 The labor of the righteous leads to life,
The wages of the wicked to sin. (NKJV)
The workings of the righteous will result in godly life, a fuller life in this world, a joyous spiritual life, and eternal life. On the contrary, the workings of the wicked result in a sinful life (various types of sins including wicked sins and milder sins), and spiritual death. Income earned through wicked means (e.g. fraud, evil schemes, cheating, stealing, robbing) when come into the hands of the unwise people may be wasted through pride (luxury car, branded watches) and immorality (prostitutes, adultery).
17 17 He who heeds instruction is on the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof goes astray. (RSV)
17 17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. (NIV)
17 17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life,
But he who refuses correction goes astray. (NKJV)
To be wise, we must listen and take heed of instructions. Learning the instructions and keeping them in our minds and hearts, and doing accordingly is to right/correct way leading to a meaningful and good life in this world as well as good spiritual life.
Living as wise believers, we must also be receptive to reproofs, rebukes and corrections. We must be humble enough to accept reproof. "To err is man, to forgive is divine." We must be willing to humbly admit our weakness and shortcoming. We must not feel offended when reproofed by other brethren, or rebuked by non-believers.
Because those who refuse correction and rebuke due to their pride will not be able to continually improve. Everyone has weakness, shortcomings. Everyone makes error. Be open minded to reproof and rebukes.
Especially for Leaders....If the Leader is making a mistake, the Team member mentions the error and suggest the correction, the Leader must humbly accept the reproof for the sake of himself and the team. If the Leader with huge pride blatantly refused to be corrected and insist on going the wrong direction, he is leading his Team astray, going wrong direction, not meeting the Team objectives.
18 18 He who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and he who utters slander is a fool.
19 19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but he who restrains his lips is prudent. (RSV)
"Concealing hatred" may indicate a person with malicious intent, a two-faced person, a person who hides his likes and dislikes. Lying, fraud, cheating, slandering, false accusation...all these are wicked doings of the foolish people.
Foolish people do not refer to non-believers, but I personally think, folly is also in many believers. Believers who do not live fully in wisdom, righteous and godly ways are living in folly. Wisdom is related to God, folly is related to the Devil.
As believers, we should think: How many percent of the time we follow the Wisdom pathway? How many percent of the time we walk in the path of folly?
When we talk a lot, we have higher tendency to transgress and sin. Lips can be a good, beneficial instrument as well as an evil, wicked weapon. How do we want to use our lips? To sing praises and thanks God? For beneficial purposes to other people? Or to gossip, spread rumours and lies, slander and backstabbing? We must control our lips so that our lips do not help us to sin and transgress against other people. Our lips speak of what is in our minds and our hearts. We need to have noble thoughts and hearts of kindness, so that our lips speak forth good and not evil.
20 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the mind of the wicked is of little worth.
21 21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense. (RSV)
Righteous people speak forth good and beneficial sayings. From the lips of the righteous, the talk is good, noble, true, beneficial to other people. The speech of the righteous is highly valued, appreciated and respected by other people.
As believers walking in godly ways, we must speak what is good and right, so that we can be testimony for God's goodness and demonstrate our wisdom. With wise talk, we will be honoured by others for our ways of wisdom.
On the contrary, the mind and heart of the wicked person is lowly regarded by other people. From a wicked mind and wicked hearts, the lips are fully of lies, slander, and destructive speech. The way of the wicked is leading to spiritual death.
22 22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.[b] (RSV)
22 22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,
without painful toil for it. (NIV)
22 22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it. (NKJV)
God's blessings can make a person rich and wealth without heavy toil. With little effort, yet abundance of riches and wealth...that is the kind of blessings God could pour out on whom he desires to bless.
“And if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.
8 The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns, and in all that you undertake; and he will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you.
11 And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your cattle, and in the fruit of your ground, within the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you his good treasury the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall tend upward only, and not downward; if you obey the commandments of the Lordyour God, which I command you this day, being careful to do them, 14 and if you do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. (Extract of Deuteronomy 28:1-14) (RSV)
To be continued the next day...
Thursday, Jan 16, 2014.
Michael Yeap.
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+10&version=NIV
RSV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+10&version=RSV
NKJV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+10&version=NKJV
Commentaries:
13) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.14
14) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.15
15) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.16
16) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.17
17) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.18
18) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.19
19) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.20-Prov.10.21
20) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.22
21)
Summary: The wise store up knowledge. Wealth of the wise protected and safe like a fortified city. Righteous people works and lives a good life. Control our lips to avoid transgression against other people. Speech of the righteous is esteemed and highly valued, being beneficial to other people. God's blessings includes Riches and Wealth without heavy toil.
Proverbs of Solomon (NIV).
Wise Sayings of Solomon (RSV) (NKJV).
14 14 Wise men lay up knowledge,
but the babbling of a fool brings ruin near. (RSV)
14 14 The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. (NIV)
1414 14 Wise people store up knowledge,
But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. (NKJV)
Wise people loves to learn, and continually learn. Hence, wise people will gather and store up the knowledge. Whatever knowledge we learn may be useful at other time, so laying up the knowledge is good and beneficial.
On the contrary, the foolish hates learning, just love empty talking. In the long term, due to lack of learning, wisdom and knowledge, this would lead to his own ruins. Example of ruins could be poverty. Because of lack of knowledge and the foolish person's laziness, he will run into poverty and mediocrity.
Because of lack of practical wisdom and self control, the foolish person may get involved in immoral sins, lots of extra marital affairs, hence wasting much of his money, time and effort in satisfying his fleshly lusts and fulfilling his high sexual desires. Despite good income, he will waste off his extra money on all these women and ruin himself.
Because of jealousy and greed for power and status, the foolish person may slander and backstab another person. The habit of slandering will make other people hate this foolish person. In the end, he will many friends, thus ruining himself.
15 15 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city;
the poverty of the poor is their ruin. (RSV)
15 15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor. (NIV)
15 15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city;
The destruction of the poor is their poverty. (NKJV)
For the wise and rich/wealthy, his wealth is properly stored and secured as if inside a fortified city. The wise and rich will not buy all his money and wealth all into a single instrument/investment form. The wise and rich will put his money and wealth into various forms such as cash into the current/check account, savings account, and term deposit, stocks and shares, gold, unit trusts, loan stocks / debentures, investment into business, property investment, etc.
For the unwise people may not necessarily have the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to preserve the money they earn, hence causing their poverty.
Reasons of poverty are possibly:
1) Good income but waste it on unnecessary expenses (fleshly lust, carnal/worldly desires, lust of the eyes).
2) Good income but not storing up a portion of income. No planned and continual savings.
3) Low income due to lack of knowledge or lack of skills.
4) Low income due to laziness.
In comparison, wisdom is important. Because the wise people love to learn new knowledge and skills, including financial wisdom.
16 16 The wage of the righteous leads to life,
the gain of the wicked to sin. (RSV)
16 16 The wages of the righteous is life,
but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. (NIV)
16 16 The labor of the righteous leads to life,
The wages of the wicked to sin. (NKJV)
The workings of the righteous will result in godly life, a fuller life in this world, a joyous spiritual life, and eternal life. On the contrary, the workings of the wicked result in a sinful life (various types of sins including wicked sins and milder sins), and spiritual death. Income earned through wicked means (e.g. fraud, evil schemes, cheating, stealing, robbing) when come into the hands of the unwise people may be wasted through pride (luxury car, branded watches) and immorality (prostitutes, adultery).
17 17 He who heeds instruction is on the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof goes astray. (RSV)
17 17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. (NIV)
17 17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life,
But he who refuses correction goes astray. (NKJV)
To be wise, we must listen and take heed of instructions. Learning the instructions and keeping them in our minds and hearts, and doing accordingly is to right/correct way leading to a meaningful and good life in this world as well as good spiritual life.
Living as wise believers, we must also be receptive to reproofs, rebukes and corrections. We must be humble enough to accept reproof. "To err is man, to forgive is divine." We must be willing to humbly admit our weakness and shortcoming. We must not feel offended when reproofed by other brethren, or rebuked by non-believers.
Because those who refuse correction and rebuke due to their pride will not be able to continually improve. Everyone has weakness, shortcomings. Everyone makes error. Be open minded to reproof and rebukes.
Especially for Leaders....If the Leader is making a mistake, the Team member mentions the error and suggest the correction, the Leader must humbly accept the reproof for the sake of himself and the team. If the Leader with huge pride blatantly refused to be corrected and insist on going the wrong direction, he is leading his Team astray, going wrong direction, not meeting the Team objectives.
18 18 He who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and he who utters slander is a fool.
19 19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but he who restrains his lips is prudent. (RSV)
18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips
and spreads slander is a fool.
and spreads slander is a fool.
19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
but the prudent hold their tongues. (NIV)
but the prudent hold their tongues. (NIV)
"Concealing hatred" may indicate a person with malicious intent, a two-faced person, a person who hides his likes and dislikes. Lying, fraud, cheating, slandering, false accusation...all these are wicked doings of the foolish people.
Foolish people do not refer to non-believers, but I personally think, folly is also in many believers. Believers who do not live fully in wisdom, righteous and godly ways are living in folly. Wisdom is related to God, folly is related to the Devil.
As believers, we should think: How many percent of the time we follow the Wisdom pathway? How many percent of the time we walk in the path of folly?
When we talk a lot, we have higher tendency to transgress and sin. Lips can be a good, beneficial instrument as well as an evil, wicked weapon. How do we want to use our lips? To sing praises and thanks God? For beneficial purposes to other people? Or to gossip, spread rumours and lies, slander and backstabbing? We must control our lips so that our lips do not help us to sin and transgress against other people. Our lips speak of what is in our minds and our hearts. We need to have noble thoughts and hearts of kindness, so that our lips speak forth good and not evil.
20 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the mind of the wicked is of little worth.
21 21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense. (RSV)
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of sense. (NIV)
but fools die for lack of sense. (NIV)
As believers walking in godly ways, we must speak what is good and right, so that we can be testimony for God's goodness and demonstrate our wisdom. With wise talk, we will be honoured by others for our ways of wisdom.
On the contrary, the mind and heart of the wicked person is lowly regarded by other people. From a wicked mind and wicked hearts, the lips are fully of lies, slander, and destructive speech. The way of the wicked is leading to spiritual death.
22 22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.[b] (RSV)
22 22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,
without painful toil for it. (NIV)
22 22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it. (NKJV)
God's blessings can make a person rich and wealth without heavy toil. With little effort, yet abundance of riches and wealth...that is the kind of blessings God could pour out on whom he desires to bless.
Who does God like to bless? In Deuteronomy 28 verses 1-14, God promises to bless abundantly those who obey God.
http://micfood.blogspot.com/2013/12/deuteronomy-281-14-blessings-for.html/“And if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.
8 The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns, and in all that you undertake; and he will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you.
11 And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your cattle, and in the fruit of your ground, within the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you his good treasury the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall tend upward only, and not downward; if you obey the commandments of the Lordyour God, which I command you this day, being careful to do them, 14 and if you do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. (Extract of Deuteronomy 28:1-14) (RSV)
To be continued the next day...
Thursday, Jan 16, 2014.
Michael Yeap.
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+10&version=NIV
RSV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+10&version=RSV
NKJV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+10&version=NKJV
Commentaries:
13) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.14
14) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.15
15) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.16
16) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.17
17) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.18
18) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.19
19) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.20-Prov.10.21
20) http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.10.22
21)
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