Proverbs chapter 15 (part 4) - The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom #Wise sayings of Solomon

Bible study of Proverbs chapter 15, verses 28 to 33. Aided with Matthew Henry Commentary.


28 28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. (Proverbs 15:28) (NKJV)

28 28 The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer,
    but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. (Proverbs 15:28) (RSV)

28 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (Proverbs 15:28) (MIV)

The righteous person is wise and has good understanding. He will think before answering, think before speaking. He is not only slow to anger, he is also slow to answer so that he weighs the various options of answer, and select a most appropriate answer. In crisis situation, he can remain calms and give out good answers, share good plans on how to mitigate the crisis. In situation of contenion with angry customer, he is calm to think of a good answer to pacify the anger, and solve the problem.

On the contrary, the wicked person speaks forth vanity and foul speech. He is fast to respond and answer. When facing an angry customer, he may just refuse to entertain the customer complaint, and say something rash that increase the customer's anger further. In dispute, he will inappropriate things that will fuel the dispute among various disputing parties.

29 29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
But He hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29) (NKJV)

The Lord loves the righteous person, and listens to the prayer and supplication of the righteous. God is a fair, yet biased. God is fair because he blesses the righteous and chastise the wicked. God is also biased for the same reason, he is positively biased toward the righteous and pour blessings upon the righteous. For the wicked, God will be negatively biased having punishment in store for the wicked.

God sets himself at a distance from those that set him at defiance: The wicked say to the Almighty, Depart from us, and he is, accordingly, far fromthem; he does not manifest himself to them, has no communion with them, will not hear them, will not help them, no, not in the time of their need. They shall be for ever banished from his presence and he will behold them afar off. Depart from me, you cursed.  He will draw nigh to those in a way of mercy who draw nigh to him in a way of duty: He hears the prayer of the righteous, accepts it, is well pleased with it, and will grant an answer of peace to it. It is the prayer of a righteous man that avails much.
30 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
And a good report makes the bones healthy.[e] (Proverbs 15:30) (NKJV)

30 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
    and good news refreshes[c] the bones. (Proverbs 15:30) (RSV)
30 

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones. (Proverbs 15:30) (NIV)

Good things that we see with our eyes will bring joy to the heart. Example: parents seeing the children coming back for the family reunion. Example: seeing one's favorite singer, actor or actress. Example: seeing the letter of promotion and salary increase. Example: seeing the new car or dream car.

Similarly, hearing good news also brings joy and gladness. Hearing the news of children doing well in exam. Hearing news of best friend getting married. These are some examples of good news which would bring joy.

31 31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life
Will abide among the wise.
32 32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,
But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
33 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom,
And before honor is humility. (Proverbs 15:31-33) (NKJV)

31 31 He whose ear heeds wholesome admonition
    will abide among the wise.
32 32 He who ignores instruction despises himself,
    but he who heeds admonition gains understanding.
33 33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
    and humility goes before honor. (Proverbs 15:31-33) (RSV)

Characteristics of the wise person:
1)  Be in company of other wise friends.
2)  Listens to rebuke, reproof and correction.
3)  Humble for knowledge and learning, and also a general attitude of humility.
4)  Fear the Lord, love God and obey God's commands.
5)  Take heed of instruction and teaching.

It is the character of a wise man that he is very willing to be reproved, and therefore chooses to converse with those that, both by their words and example, will show him what is amiss in him: The ear that can take the reproofwill love the reprover. Faithful friendly reproofs are here called the reproofs of life, not only because they are to be given in a lively manner, and with a prudent zeal.

Those that are so wise as to bear reproof well will hereby bemade wiser (Prov. 9:9), and come at length to be numbered among the wise men of the age, and will have both ability and authority to reprove and instruct others. Those that learn well, and obey well, are likely in time to teach well and rule well.

The wisdom of those that are willing, not only to be taught, but to be reproved: He that hears reproof, and amends the faults he is reproved for, gets understanding, by which his soul is secured from bad ways and directed in good ways.


Saturday, Feb 15, 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:
27)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.28
28)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.29
29)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.30
30)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.31
31)   http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.32
32)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.33

Proverbs chapter 15 (part 1) - A soft answer turns away wrath #Wise sayings of Solomon

Bible study of Proverbs chapter 15.,verses 1 to 6. Aided with Matthew Henry's Commentaries.


1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. (Proverbs 15:1-2) (NKJV)

1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 2 The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge,[a]
    but the mouths of fools pour out folly. (Proverbs 15:1-2) (RSV)

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (Proverbs 15"1-2) (NIV)

When the other person is angry, a soft and gentle answer can calm down the anger of the other person. Just remain a little silent when the other person is angry and blurting out. When the person cools off a bit, then only reply but do it gently and softly.

On the other hand, if reply harshly to the angry person, this will cause that person to increase in anger. Result will be more yelling, more heated quarrel.

The wise person speaks words of knowledge, good speech that is constructive. The words of the foolish person are of limited knowledge, vain speech, lack of wisdom.

3 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3) (NKJV)

3 3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
    keeping watch on the wicked and the good. (Proverbs 15:3) (NIV)

God can see everywhere, and everyone at the same time. God can see who is bad and who is good. God can see the wrongdoings and the good deeds. God will reward those with good deeds, and punish those with bad deeds.

4 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (Proverbs 1:4) (NKJV)

4 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
    but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (Proverbs 1:4) (RSV)

4 4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 1:4) (NIV)

A good tongue which is wholesome, gentle and soothing will bring good life, meaningful life. Good tongue blesses other people. Good tongue brings favour from God and men. Good tongue that glorifies God will bring about eternal life.

But a perverse tongue will bring lots of trouble, argument, quarrel, discord, and disunity. Perverse will cause unhappiness and tension in life.

A good tongue is healing, healing to wounded consciences by comforting them, to sin-sick souls by convincing them, to peace and love when it is broken by accommodating differences, compromising matters in variance, and reconciling parties at variance; this is the healing of the tongue, which is a tree of life.

5 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction,
But he who receives correction is prudent. (Proverbs 15:5) (NKJV)

5 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction,
    but he who heeds admonition is prudent. (Proverbs 15:5) (RSV)

5 5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
    but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. (Proverbs 15:5) (NIV)

A prudent person will listen to instruction and correction. A prudent is ever willing to learn from mistake and error. A prudent person is willing to correct his mistake. A prudent person is willing to repent and turn away from bad habits and sinful activities.

A foolish person will despise instruction and correction. A foolish person thinks he is right in his own eyes. 

6 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. (Proverbs 15:6) (NKJV)

6 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
    but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. (Proverbs 15:6) (RSV)

6 6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
    but the income of the wicked brings ruin. (Proverbs 15:6) (NIV)

The righteous will continually good income, and store up the excess money. Hence, the house of the righteous contains much wealth and great treasure. But the wicked will be wasteful with his income, and his income from deceitful means and evil ways may not last forever. Income earned through improper means will bring him his own destruction.


Wednesday, Feb 13, 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:
1)   http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.1
2)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.2
3)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.3
4)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.15.4
5)

Proverbs chapter 14 (part 2) - Even in laughter the heart may sorrow #Wise sayings of Solomon

Proverbs chapter 14.

Summary:  The upright person finds favour with God and men. Emotional feelings like sorrow and joy is felt by the individual alone. Greatness of estate of the wicked will reduce, whereas estate of the righteous will steadily increase. Certain activities are deemed norm and acceptable by men, but is sin to God. The good and righteous person is positively rewarded and blessed by God. We must avoid being "simple", easily believing everything we hear. The prudent will investigate and study every detail before making decision. We need to control anger, and avoid making hasty, wrong decisions, and wrong actions which are later regretted. The prudent is glorified for his knowledge. Even the bad guys respect and honour the good and righteous person due to his good deeds.


9 9 Fools mock at sin,
But among the upright there is favor. (Proverbs 14:9) (NKJV)

9 9 God scorns the wicked,[d]
    but the upright enjoy his favor. (Proverbs 14:9) (RSV)

9 9 Fools mock at making amends for sin,
    but goodwill is found among the upright. (Proverbs 14:9) (NIV)

Favour - They find favour both with God and men.

The foolish and the wicked are so hardened in sinful habits and sinful activities so much so that they mock at sin. They laugh off at the sins of other peoples, sins by themselves. To them, sinning which have no bad consequences. They enjoy sinning and have no intention to depart from their evil ways.

The righteous and the upright are doing goodwill among each other, charitable deeds, giving alms, always saying and doing the right things. They find favour with God. Other people also like them for their good deeds.

10 10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
And a stranger does not share its joy. (Proverbs 14:10) (NKJV)

10 10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can share its joy. (Proverbs 14:10) (NIV)

Bitterness - The inward griefs and joys of mens hearts, are not known to any but a man's self.
We do not know what stings of conscience, or consuming passions, torment the prosperous sinner. Nor does the world know the peace of mind a serious Christian enjoys, even in poverty and sickness.

When a person feels emotionally down, such as sorrowful, depressed, grief, only he himself can feel it. Other people can be empathetic or sympathetic, but cannot fill the real pain in the heart of the emotionally down.

Similarly, when a person is filled with joy and gladness, only he himself is able to feel this real joy.  Others can watch, others can be joyful together, but cannot feel the joy in another's heart. As for spiritual joy, it is also individualistic. Spiritual joy is felt by the righteous person who walk in God's ways. He may share the good news, the gospel, but cannot share out the spiritual joy.

11 11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown,
But the tent of the upright will flourish. (Proverbs 14:11) (NKJV)

11 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
    but the tent of the upright will flourish. (Proverbs 14:11) (RSV)

Sin ruins many great families; whilst righteousness often raises and strengthens even mean families

Great families and huge estates will suffer downfall because of wrong deeds, sinful ways, unfair business practices, foolish financial management, wasting of money on carnal and worldly desires.

Families with mediocre income and little assets will also grow prosperous and increase in assets. For doing good deeds and living in righteous ways, they will be blessed by God in their work and business. They will grow in riches and wealth. They will gain honor and respect.

12 12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12) (NKJV)

12 12 There is a way that appears to be right,
    but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12) (NIV)

Right - There are some evil courses which men may think to be lawful and good. The end - The event shews that they were sinful and destructive.
The ways of carelessness, of worldliness, and of sensuality, seem right to those that walk in them; but self-deceivers prove self-destroyers. See the vanity of carnal mirth.

There are certain activities/norms that seem morally acceptable to men, but not acceptable to God. Example: fornication seemed to be ok for boyfriend and girlfriend in love with each other, but to God, this is a sin. Example: telling white lies, misrepresentation of financial accounts, exaggeration of business prospects in the prospectus, seemed to be widely practised, but a lie is a lie, a lie is a sin.The way of ignorance and carelessness, the way of worldliness and earthly-mindedness, the way of sensuality and flesh-pleasing, seem right to those that walk in them, much more the way of hypocrisy in religion. All these may seem right, but is actually wrong in the sight of God.

13 13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow,
And the end of mirth may be grief. (Proverbs 14:13) (NKJV)

13 13 Even in laughter the heart is sad,
    and the end of joy is grief. (Proverbs 14:13) (RSV)

13 13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
    and rejoicing may end in grief. (Proverbs 14:13) (NIV)

In laughter - The outward signs of joy are often mixed with real sorrow.

In merrymaking, partying and clubbing, there is plenty of laughter and seemingly happiness. In wine, women and song, there is plenty of laughter and seemingly happiness. If there is true sorrow in the heart, all the happiness during partying, during drinking, etc. is just temporary.

When the alcohol in blood is diminished, the original sorrow or grief still remains. When the music and the party ends, the sorrow and grief will be back. All the worldly entertainment can only bring temporary happiness.

For true joy, we should live in the Spirit, for the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as per Galatians 4:22-23a. In God alone, can we find true and everlasting joy. Living our life in the principles of wisdom and ways of righteousness will bring us more joy than the worldly entertainment, and substance abuse (alcohol, ecstasy, etc.).

14 14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied from above.[a]   (Proverbs 14:14) (NKJV)

In heart - He who departs from God inwardly. Filled - With the fruit of his ways, the punishment of his sins. Satisfied - From the pious temper of his own heart, which cleaves to the Lord, he shall receive unspeakable comfort.

14 14 A perverse man will be filled with the fruit of his ways,
    and a good man with the fruit of his deeds.[f]  (Proverbs 14:14) (RSV)

14 14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
    and the good rewarded for theirs. (Proverbs 14:14) (NIV)

The backslider in heart has tuned his heart away from God. Backslider could be a faithful believer who has somehow, for some reasons e.g. temptation or grievance, turned away from God. Anyway, the backslider, the perverse  and the faithless are similar in one manner, they are all not living a righteous life. They are living in ways that are contrary to God's commands. They will be negatively rewarded due to their sins and wrongdoings in their lives.

On the contrary, the good and righteous man, is living a life full of good deeds, in obedience to God, is concerned about heavenly/spiritual matters, and will be rewarded and blessed by God. He will be positively rewarded for his righteous and godly ways, and his good deeds.

15 15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.
16 16 A wise man fears and departs from evil,
But a fool rages and is self-confident.
17 17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
And a man of wicked intentions is hated.
18 18 The simple inherit folly,
But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 19 The evil will bow before the good,
And the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (Proverbs 14:15-19) (NKJV)

15 15 The simple believes everything,
    but the prudent looks where he is going. (Proverbs 14:15) (RSV)

The simple - A foolish man. Looketh - He orders his dealings in the world with due circumspection, not considering so much what other men say as what he ought to do.

15 15 The simple believe anything,
    but the prudent give thought to their steps. (Proverbs 14:15) (NIV)

The simple often takes things at face valve. The simple can easy believe other people. When faced with a false prophet or false teacher, the simple can easy sway and believer whatever said by the false prophet/teacher. The simple does not investigate in detail, and can easily jump to conclusion. The simple does not weigh and compare the options. The simple does not consider multiple points of view before deciding.

On the contrary, the prudent person is wiser. The prudent will consider every step, every detail. The prudent will investigate and study the case before making judgement. The prudent will compare the options before selecting. The prudent will make decision based on facts and figures, not hearsay, not gossip. The prudent does not easily believer some gossip, rumour or hearsay.

In these days where social media is popular, we have to be careful with the "news" and "updates" that we read. The news or updates in Facebook, Twitter, WhatApp, WeChat may not necessarily be true or accurate. 

16 16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil,
    but a fool throws off restraint and is careless.
17 17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly,
    but a man of discretion is patient.[g]   (Proverbs 14:16-17) (RSV)

Feareth - Trembles at God's judgments when they are either inflicted or threatened. Rageth - Frets against God; or is enraged against his messengers. Confident - Secure and insensible of his danger.
Foolishly - His passion hurries him into foolish speeches and actions. Wicked devices - One who suppresses his passion, but meditates revenge. Hated - Both by God and men.

16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
    but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. (Proverbs 16-17) (NIV)

The wise person will always fear the Lord, live a righteous life, doing good deeds, obeying God's commands, slow to anger. He will avoid temptations and situations of sin. He will avoid doing anything which is evil in the eyes of God.

But the foolish person does not control himself, subject himself to temptations, allowing himself to partake in wrongful deeds. The foolish person is careless with his life, careless with his speech, and does control his temper. The foolish person gets angry easily, and over-reacts, and do things that he may regret otherwise. When a sinful temptation comes, such as a sexy and beautiful prostitute, he does not restrain himself from her seduction. In a quarrel with his wife, he may angrily chase his wife out of the house, or run away from home, or want to file for divorce. 

To avoid doing foolish things during fits of anger, we must practice self-control to control outburst of anger. In anger, we must control our lips so as not to say things that will be regretted later. In anger, we must curtail our mind and thoughts so as not to make a hasty, wrong decision which is based on anger and not rationale.

Malicious men are justly dreaded and detested, for they are much more dangerous and mischievous to all societies: A man of wicked devices, who stifles his resentments till he has an opportunity of being revenged, and is secretly plotting how to wrong his neighbour and to do him an ill turn, as Cain to kill Abel, such a man as this is hated by all mankind. The character of an angry man is pitiable; through the surprise of a temptation he disturbs and disgraces himself, but it is soon over, and he is sorry for it.

18 18 The simple acquire folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. (Proverbs 14:18) (RSV)

Inherit - They possess it as their inheritance, holding it fast, and glorying in it. Knowledge - The saving knowledge of God and of their own duty.
Sin is the shame of sinners; but wisdom is the honour of the wise. 

The prudent person is given honour and gains much knowledge. The prudent's head is filled with vast, useful knowledge. Because he is willing to learn, keen to learn, receptive to instruction and reproof.

On the other hand, the simple person takes things easy, and is too lazy to learn. He is not interested to know more and to learn more knowledge. With lack of knowledge, a lot of his thoughts and deeds are not based on knowledge and facts. The simple may enjoy hearing gossips and rumours. His lack of real knowledge is the folly.

The simple, who love simplicity, get nothing by it; they inherit folly. They have it by inheritance, so some. This corruption of nature is derived from our first parents, and all the calamities that attend it we have by kind; it was the inheritance they transmitted to their degenerate race, an hereditary disease. They are as fond of it as a man of his inheritance, hold it as fast, and are as loth to part with it.

19 19 The evil bow down before the good,
    the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (Proverbs 14:19) (RSV)

19 19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,
    and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (Proverbs 14:19) (NIV)

The evil - Good men shall have the pre - eminency over the wicked.
Even bad men acknowledge the excellency of God's people

The good and righteous person will be honoured by all, including the bad and wicked people. Because of the good deeds, the good and righteous person will earn the respect of the bad guys too. Good and wise words of the righteous are also pleasant to the ears of the bad guys too.


Saturday, Feb 8, 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 - concise: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/wesleys-explanatory-notes/proverbs/proverbs-14.html

9)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.9
10)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.10
11)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.11
12)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.12
13)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.13
14)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.14
15)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.15
16)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.16
17)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.17
18)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.18
19)  http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Prov.14.19
20)