1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.
At the outset of this we are given the “who” in the equation. And who wrote it matters because by giving us a “who” we can look in Scripture to see if there is any information given. And we’re told Solomon who, although he was noted by the Lord as the wisest man who ever lived (cf. 1 Kings 4:30). Yet his instruction in wisdom often comes at the price of one who sits and retells how he got this scar and that wound. He has been through much of his life as one who has made mistakes but has been forgiven and restored. Note how Solomon states that a wise son makes father (David) but a foolish son is grief to his mother (Bathsheba).
I could not help but reflect on the “how” Solomon got here. David, through sin and wandering eyes had seen Bathsheba bathing nearby in another house. As a result David sent for her and went in to her. When David found out about this, David took Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed! Needless to say that Solomon’s beginnings were not the most upright! However God in His mercy used Solomon to teach us that it is not how you were brought into life but rather how you leave life that impacts you for eternity!
2 Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death.
Ill-gotten gains or perhaps more modern “Money, power, respect is the key to life” (19990s hip hop song). The music video and the song echo what many in this life seek. The problem being that there is never an end to the money, the power, or respect you crave. Instead, the second part of this verse indicates righteousness delivers (literally snatches or rips away). As Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This is not to say that if you seek the kingdom of God you’ll get healthy, wealthy and wise. Instead it means that your life will be use by the Lord to accomplish His purposes with You both aware and alive in His great favor!
3 The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger, But He will reject the craving of the wicked.
Here we have further understanding granted that Solomon declares the Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger…” Here though we must be careful to take this in its strictest literal sense. There are tales of men and women of God who have starved for a morsel of bread. Again as Jesus expounded “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matt. 5:6). Moreover Jesus will reject the “naughtiness, naughty, perverse thing” (Strong’s, hava’) of the wicked.
4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
This verse especially resounded in my own life. Though to be sure I have from time to time worked negligently, much of the time I endeavor to do my best with as much skill and understanding as I possess. The key to this is not only skill however but determination! The hand of the diligent (חָרַץ) or to cut, sharpen, decide is best used when it is used over and over! Life is not a sprint but a marathon! As one of our children has taken up running, I am perplexed by her determination. Cross country is not a race against others but a race against the clock. Each time, each meet, each step is a steady onward pressing to best the time from last time. Diligence is needed to stay in shape and stay on path!
What is more our eldest child is a swimmer. She is racing the same only in the water. It is not a race against other persons but rather against the clock. She is told her time from last time and then races in the water to best her previous time. I am so incredibly proud of them both but I cannot express how important it is for us all to run (or swim) in such a way as to win the prize (1 Cor. 9:24, NASB)?
5 He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.
Setting the stage for appropriate rest and work, the author writes that he who gathers in summer is a wise one. He who sleeps in the harvest makes a shameful decision! In Ephesians 5:14 the sentiment is further expounded by the Apostle Paul “For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.'” We as Christians are allowed to effectively “sleep” and let those who are passing into eternity without Christ slip through our fingers. Friend what if we get to interact with and be a part of someone else’s salvation testimony by the Word of hope shared with them however?
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Setting one against the other, blessings for the righteous very well could be to see a bigger picture and a brighter future than those who’s eyes are blinded by hatred, vitriol, and prejudice. In the season we just came out of, I was so disheartened and disgusted by both sides of the political spectrum, I hope that our nation’s believers will inject some hope, peace, and truth back into the airwaves. Currently the only consistent source of Truth I can find is the Scripture, which I suppose was the point in the first place!
7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.
The word used for “memory” here is only used 6 times in all of Scripture. It means the recollection. To draw up memories of those men and women who have gone on before or we have had the privilege of interacting with is looked on with fond recollection. Conversely, the name or reputation and recollection of the wicked will rot. Suffering from multiple brain bleeds and having my long term memory just recently return, I know this shell is fleeting. But recalling those who have gone before will give me hope for the future!
8 The wise of heart will receive commands, But a babbling fool will be ruined.
One of the finest ways to receive wisdom is to shut up! And I write this to myself! You have been given two ears and one mouth. Let that be the proportion you give and take advice. A wise heart is supple and flexible. To receive wisdom we must receive commands. To receive commands is to receive heart change and schedule change. Am I willing to wake up earlier to spend more time with Him? Am I willing to stay up later to spend more time with my wife and children? This life is brief. Let me be the type that dies listening rather than one who gives out demanding orders be followed!
9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out.
I will not touch on politics other than to say that the truth of this past election will be found out in eternity. For that time epoch it won’t matter, but for this day and age, I so desire that the truth come out. If our current President legitimately did not receive the electoral college votes to win the white house, so be it. However, if President Trump did receive the necessary votes and is denied the White House by cheating, I pray that sooner than later the culprits and conditions will be uncovered!
10 He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined.
Here it is speaking of a practice that is even used today. When one “winks the eye” it is understood that he or she does not really mean what they say. And what does this do to the confidence of the one making the arrangement whatever it may be? How would you feel, marriage partner if the minister presiding over your wedding “winked his eye” while the vows were said? What would you do if when purchasing a new car the dealer winked at the desk while you signed the papers? The point being you cause trouble when you decrease the confidence of those who are conducting business with you.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The righteous elsewhere (John 4:14) are said “…but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” Violence is the natural man’s way. It is why God destroyed the population of the early world for violence and preserved only Noah and his family (cf. Genesis 6).
12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.
In verse 12 we have a short portion of verse but it is so important and so memorable. We know that hatred stirs up strife. Anyone who has a brother, a sister, a spouse, an ex-spouse, a boss, a co-worker, or any other human relationship knows that there are many a cases of fault to find. But just as we can find fault in others we also must realize we cause fault against ourselves as well! So rather than explain why we were right, why not admit that we were wrong and offer your contrition!
13 On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.
If only I could be one who is discerning but rather find at most times contrition only comes after my admission of guilt! In order to discern wisdom, hear the words of the half-brother of Jesus “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger…” (James 1:19b). Also there is the rod of the back or the eviction notice because of skipped payment or the roommate dealing drugs unbeknownst to you or any number of real life situations that we must muddle through.
14 Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.
Note that wise men store up knowledge. If you find yourself often without words and without wisdom, perhaps you need to be more in the Word and less in the world. To see this played out in any number of examples but I think of the most recent election which will not be certified until President Trump or Vice President Biden to be takes the oath of office to become our president for the next four years. Be the type of persons that has wisdom and knowledge to spare. Spend time in His Word. Spend time meditating on His precepts. This way, when it is time to speak, you will speak from the abundance of the hope that in within you from Jesus rather than the mired and mucky mess that is your inner man.
15 The rich man’s wealth is his fortress, The ruin of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man’s wealth is his fortress. This is to be commended with caveats because their wealth can be obtained legitimately and righteously. But friend, don’t trust in your wealth or fortune to pay your way to heaven or the hearts of any person. You must “…do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” As you perform these actions, your fortune will be stored up in the heavens and your hope will grow in Him!
16 The wages of the righteous is life, The income of the wicked, punishment.
The wages if the righteous is life to be sure. But for those who have faced loss, or faced disease, or faced crippling separation, or any number of other feelings of despair should recognize, earth is not our home! Rather we should understand our income is to come in heaven! As He says elsewhere in the interim the fruits of the sprit to obtain! Remember Galatians 5:22-23a “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” You want life here? Set your mind on things above and let the Spirit of God display the fruits of Him in your life!
On the other side, understand that for the wicked, or all those who refuse to put their hope in Christ, punishment. This is not cruelty or injustice. This is rather just and a right punishment for refusal to submit to the One Who gave His life for you. Friend, if this is you why do you not submit to Him! Blessings as you continue!
Malformation wordpress blog 