Tag Archive | Book of Proverbs

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 161

Jun10

Day 161.  Reading Proverbs 22 – 24.

Read Today’s Scriptures.

WHAT truths have you learned about God, His Word, everyday living, or God’s Sovereignty from Solomon’s proverbs so far?

Proverbs 22.

Insights to ponder—

  • Your good name is better than getting rich.
  • God makes both the rich AND the poor.
  • One who borrows is a slave to the one who lends (so watch out about too much debt on your credit card!)
  • Don’t be friends with an angry person because you’ll learn to be angry, too. (The same goes for one who swears, tells off-color jokes, is malicious, rude, or mean, etc.)
  • (Humor) An excuse for not going to work for the lazy person is, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the street!”
  • Train your kids in God’s ways and His Word.
  • Don’t be afraid to spank your kids when they act foolishly.

Then Solomon says, “I’ve written for you 30 sayings (chapters) of counsel and knowledge.”  Why did he write this book? “So your trust will be in the LORD.”

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Proverbs 23.

There are some interesting pieces of advice from King Solomon in this chapter about dining with wealthy, powerful, or influential people. 

  • Use restraint in eating their delicacies (they may be trying to bribe you).
  • Don’t assume they are “treating” you because they like you, for they are probably inwardly calculating how to trap/use you.
  • “Eat and drink!” your host may say, but desist. You’ll end up vomiting if you eat/drink too much (and how will that look?).

Solomon also expands on the relationship between parents and children.

  • Don’t be afraid to spank your children as a part of their discipline.  They won’t die, though their yells may sound like it.
  • Children should listen to and respect their fathers and mothers when they are old.
  • Children, be wise and righteous so your parents will be glad and rejoice over you.

Then Solomon writes seven vivid (humorous if it weren’t so sad) verses about what happens to a person when they get DRUNK.  (Do we really want to look, act, and feel that way???)

  • Wounds without cause, red eyes, it’s smooth going down but with a serpent’s sting at the end.
  • Seeing strange things, speaking vile words, staggering, dizzy, numb.
  • And when they awake? Proof of addiction.  “I must have another drink!

(I wonder if Solomon observed this or experienced it.)

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Proverbs 24.

Solomon built his own palace and the Temple of God. He watched, read the plans his father drew up, and organized the building materials. (TOMORROW, WE WILL SEGUAY TO 1 KINGS AND 2 CHRONICLES FOR A FEW DAYS TO READ ABOUT THAT GREAT WORK.)

Meanwhile, in this chapter, he speaks of other building projects.

  • Verse 27.  He advises getting your fields in order (fences, plowing, and planting) first and then building your house.
  • Verses 3-4.  Solomon compares spiritual education to building your house.  “Wisdom is a house built, and by understanding, it is established; and by knowledge, the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”  
  • Knowledge = the facts of God’s truth,
  • Understanding = the meaning of the truth,
  • Wisdom = the application of the truth.

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I love verses 13-14. “Eat honey, for it is good. The drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Wisdom is like honey to your soul. If you find it, there will be a future and a hope.”

This reminds me of the words of Solomon’s father, David, in Psalm 19, speaking of the wisdom (all the law) of the Lord. “More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”

(Do I seek for that sweetness of God’s Word and truth?

Do I desire His wisdom, understanding, and knowledge like a taste of honey? 

LORD, oh, help me to long for Your word and to “devour” it constantly.)

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Solomon also writes about our responsibility to help others in physical or spiritual distress.

  • Proverbs 24:11-12.  “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay man according to his work?”

Many prophets in the Old Testament warn about the responsibility of being a watchman and telling others about approaching disaster.  Jesus’ brother, Jude, urges this too.

  • Jude 22-23, “And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”

Salvation should not mean complacency. Love for our Lord and others (friend or enemy) should always guide us.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 154

Jun3

Day 154.  Reading Proverbs 1 – 3.

Read Today’s Scriptures.
What truth about God stays in your mind?

Everyone loves reading the Book of Proverbs. It contains Biblical theology, helpful hints, funny illustrations, wise sayings, truth … and a few contradictions.

The verses are meant to be general truths, not ones to “claim” in particular life situations.

(Example: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (22:6), is certainly great advice for parenting, and it will help to keep a child on the “straight and narrow” to teach him the principals of God.  But it is not an absolute guarantee or promise of what WILL happen.)

Proverbs 1.

This chapter announces —

  • the author – Solomon, son of David, king of Israel.
  • the purpose – to become wise in godly living and learn discernment.  (Remember Solomon’s great gift of WISDOM from God.)
  • the theme – “The fear of the LORD.”

He speaks as a wise father to a son about many things in this chapter: Caution about sinners enticing him to sin and mischief.  The example is vivid. “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without reason…”  “we’ll find precious goods…”  “Throw in your lot with us: we will all have one purse.”

The wise father sternly advises against these miscreants. “Do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths.”

Then, “wisdom” speaks in the first person, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple.”  And there are dire results for ignoring or rejecting “wisdom” as well as rewards. “Whoever listens to me will dwell secure, and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

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Proverbs 2.

Notice the “IF” and “THEN” statements in these words from Solomon to his son.

  • IF you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you…
  • IF you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding…
  • IF you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures…
  • THEN you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
  • THEN you will understand righteousness and justice and equity.

Verses10-22 gives all the blessings and protections of possessing this wisdom.

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Proverbs 3.

This chapter contains some very well known and loved verses and blessings.

  • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight (direct) your paths.”
  • “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will be bursting with wine.”  (See also Malachi 5:10-11 about this.)
  • “Blessed us the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious that jewels, and NOTHING you desire can compare with her.”

There even a few “commandment.”

  • Do not be afraid…
  • Do not withhold good…
  • Do not plan evil…
  • Do not contend with a man…
  • Do not envy a man…

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 160

Jun8

   Day 160—We are in the sixth month of Bible reading.  We are continuing to read in the 16th book in the Bible, PROVERBS.  

 Day 160 – Proverbs 19 – 21. (More wisdom & truth from Solomon)

Specific topics are placed randomly in Proverbs. Here are a few from these three chapters.

Wives. 

19:13-14 “A foolish son is a ruin to his father, and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain. House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”   21:9, 19 “It is better to live in the corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.”

Slander, false witness.

19:5, 9, 28  “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.”  “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.”  “A worthless witness mocks at justice and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.”    20:19 “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets: therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.”  21:28  “A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.”

Sloth and sluggards.

19:15, 24  “Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.”  “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.”  20:4, 13  “The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will see at harvest and have nothing.”  “Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.”   21:25  “The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.”

Wealth, Generosity, and ill-gotten gain 

19:4, 6, 17  “Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friends.”  “Many see the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.”   “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed.”   20:17  “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward, his mouth will be full of gravel.”  21:6 “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.”

Man’s plans and God’s purposes.

19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”  20:22 “Do not say, “I will repay evil,” wait for the LORD, and He will deliver you.” (Romans 12:19)  21:31 “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD>”

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 159

Jun7

   Day 159—We are in the 6th month of Bible reading.  We are also reading the 16th book in the Bible this week: PROVERBS.

 Day 159 – Proverbs 16 – 18. (More of Solomon’s words of wisdom)

Chapter 16 shows God’s sovereignty in many of its proverbs. 

Verse 1 – “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.”    Verse 4 – “The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.”    Verse 9 – “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”    Verse 33 – “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. 

Look to God first in your ways and plans, and he will bless you.

Verse 3 – “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”   Verse 7 – “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”    Verse 20 – “Whoever gives thought to the Word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.”

Sweetness in gracious speech.

Verse 21 – “The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” Verse 24 – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

“Gray hair is a crown of glory…“

Verse 31a

Chapter 17 contains some very familiar sayings.

Verse 1 – “Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting and strive.”

“Grandchildren are a crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”

Verse 7

Verse 9 – “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”

Verse 17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Verse 22 – “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Good words are described, and bad words are illustrated by the fool in Chapter 18.

‘The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.”    “A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a breathing.”   “A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.”    “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.”   “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”    “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”  (Verses, 4, 6 – 8, 13, 21)

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

Verse 22

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 154 & 155

Jun3

    Day 154 & 155—We are in the 6th month of Bible reading. Praise God! Today, we are also reading in the 16th book in the Bible: Proverbs. 

(Note: SUNDAY’s and MONDAY’s readings are combined.)

    Day 154 – Proverbs 1 – 3 (Solomon’s proverbs, many written by him or in his style, but all perhaps “compiled” by him.)

The purpose of Proverbs: 1. To KNOW wisdom and instruction, 2. to UNDERSTAND words of insight, 3. to RECEIVE instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity, 4. to GIVE prudence to the simple, and knowledge and discretion to the youth.

The theme of Proverbs is “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” (Verse 1:7, and also concluding the book in verse 31:30)  “Wisdom” is more about practical skills in living well in the fear (reverence and awe) of God in a way that honors both Him and others.

There are several speeches from a father to his son in these chapters. 

1:6. “Hear, my son, your father’s instructions, and forsake not your mother’s teaching….”

1:10. “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”

2:1. “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you…”

3:1. “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” 

3:11. “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of His reproof…”

3:21. “My son, do not lose sight of these – keep sound wisdom and discretion and they will be life for your soul…”

In several sections, “wisdom” speaks as a person, sounding very much like God. (See 1 Corinthians 1:30).

1:23. “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.”

1:28-29. “Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD…..”

1:22. “But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

A favorite and often repeated wisdom is in 3:5-6. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

I all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

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    Day 148 – Proverbs 4 – 6 (These chapters continue with a father’s warnings and instructions to his son.)

Chapter 4.  The father urges his son to “Get wisdom; get insight…”  “Keep hold of instruction; do not let her go; guard her, for she is your life….”    “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”   “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.”

Chapter 5.  Here, the father begins to warn and caution his son about adultery and the temptress.  “For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end, she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death…..”

He advises his son to be true to his own wife. “Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.”   “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe.”

Chapter 6. Now, the father offers practical warnings and advice about co-signing for someone, about working hard for your own needs, and not being lazy, for then, poverty will surely come. 

A list of SEVEN things that the LORD hates is given. Consider what the opposite would be: WHAT GOD LOVES.

  1. Haughty eyes — HUMILITY
  2. A lying tongue — TRUTH-TELLING
  3. Hands that shed innocent blood — COMPASSION
  4. A heart that devises wicked plans — GOODNESS
  5. feet that make haste to run to evil — EAGERNESS TO HELP
  6. a false witness who breaths out lies — HONESTY
  7. One who sows discord among brothers — UNITY.

The father again urges his son to keep his commandments and mother’s teachings. “Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. when you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”   “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light.” (See Psalm 119:105)

And, for a third time, the father warns his son about the evil woman, this time another man’s wife… and, in the end, the rightfully jealous husband.