#922 Proverbs 17 Dry Morsels

Better is a dry morsel with quiet

than a house full of feasting with strife.

2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully

and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.

3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,

and the Lord tests hearts.

4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips,

and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;

he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,

and the glory of children is their fathers.

7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;

still less is false speech to a prince.

8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;

wherever he turns he prospers.

9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love,

but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding

than a hundred blows into a fool.

11 An evil man seeks only rebellion,

and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12 Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs

rather than a fool in his folly.

13 If anyone returns evil for good,

evil will not depart from his house.

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water,

so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous

are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

16 Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom

when he has no sense?

17 A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.

18 One who lacks sense gives a pledge

and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.

19 Whoever loves transgression loves strife;

he who makes his door high seeks destruction.

20 A man of crooked heart does not discover good,

and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.

21 He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow,

and the father of a fool has no joy.

22 A joyful heart is good medicine,

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret

to pervert the ways of justice.

24 The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,

but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father

and bitterness to her who bore him.

26 To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good,

nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,

and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;

when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Proverbs 17 ESV

Proverbs 17

Better is a dry morsel with quiet - Home is no retreat when there is drama. If God calls us to be at peace with all men, then it should start at home. It is better to be poor and alone then enter a situation where there is much materially, but no peace.

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold, and the Lord tests hearts - Man looks on the outside but God looks at the heart. 

But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. 3 And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. 4 Then the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in days of old and years gone by.… Malachi 3: 2-4

Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker - All men are made in the image of God.

By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? 18 Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.… 1 John 3: 16-18

He, who is glad at calamity, will not go unpunished - We should want justice, not revenge; we should have empathy and desire restoration. There are those that go further still, who delight in the destruction of men who have better character than themselves. This chapter has already condemned those who mock the poor, and now those who find their condition a delight. These are Proverbs in deep contrast to the prosperity teachers who would assume themselves blessed as they take from the poor, delighting in their naive hopes, wolves dressed like sheep or pretending at being shepherds.

Fine speech is not becoming to a fool - He is a copier, a parrot. It is not becoming because he has no conviction, no integrity, no sincerity, playing upon feelings and lifting himself up. 

A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gave it - It worked and so he will do it again and again. He is now sure of this as business or the price of justice, a friend of the corrupt. 

Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty. 8 Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. 9 Do not oppress a foreign resident, since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.… Exodus 23: 7-9

Than a hundred blows into a fool - The wise man can learn at a rebuke, and the fool cannot have such foolishness beat out of him, even with a hundred blows. You will not knock sense into him, only the desire not to be beat again. The heart is not changed with the fist, but a wise man takes correction. He is harder on himself than your words, and so he will love you for the correction.

If anyone returns evil for good - Who would do such a thing? A wretch like me. My mom gave me love and nourishment, but I often returned grief and sorrow. I have stolen from those who have given to me. I have disrespected those who have shown me the greatest respect.

He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous - If you really loved either you would confront them with the truth, regardless of popularity, of station, of loss. The righteous deserves to have the truth told of them, and your protection. The law is for the lawless, and those that keep it from them. 

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise - They may think you a fool, but no one knows for sure until you open your mouth and prove it.

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#921 Proverbs 16 Plans

The plans of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,

but the Lord weighs the spirit.

3 Commit your work to the Lord,

and your plans will be established.

4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,

even the wicked for the day of trouble.

5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord;

be assured, he will not go unpunished.

6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,

and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.

7 When a man's ways please the Lord,

he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness

than great revenues with injustice.

9 The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.

10 An oracle is on the lips of a king;

his mouth does not sin in judgment.

11 A just balance and scales are the Lord's;

all the weights in the bag are his work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil,

for the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king,

and he loves him who speaks what is right.

14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death,

and a wise man will appease it.

15 In the light of a king's face there is life,

and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!

To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

17 The highway of the upright turns aside from evil;

whoever guards his way preserves his life.

18 Pride goes before destruction,

and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor

than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,

and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

21 The wise of heart is called discerning,

and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

22 Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it,

but the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious

and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

25 There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way to death.

26 A worker's appetite works for him;

his mouth urges him on.

27 A worthless man plots evil,

and his speech is like a scorching fire.

28 A dishonest man spreads strife,

and a whisperer separates close friends.

29 A man of violence entices his neighbor

and leads him in a way that is not good.

30 Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things;

he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained in a righteous life.

32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16 ESV

Proverbs 16

The plans of the heart belong to man - The heart and mind are not separate in Judaism. It is the seat of the emotional and intellectual life. Being made in the image of God, an intelligent Being, men have the ability to reason. 

Man purposes. He has a freedom of thought and a freedom of will permitted him; let him form his projects, and lay his schemes, as he thinks best: but, after all, 1. God disposes. Man cannot go on with his business without the assistance and blessing of God, who made man’s mouth and teaches us what we shall say. Nay, God easily can, and often does, cross men’s purposes, and break their measures. It was a curse that was prepared in Balaam’s heart, but the answer of the tongue was a blessing. Matthew Henry

12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing,… Philippians 2: 12-14

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit - Often we act abruptly and then spend much time justifying our actions, making up "purer" motives then we actually knew. The Bible tells us, that we are like sheep, all gone astray, each turning to his own way. 

“They who are best acquainted with mankind will tell you that self- righteousness is not the peculiar sin of the virtuous, but that most remarkably, it flourishes best where there appears to be the least soil for it.” (Spurgeon)

Commit your work to the Lord - This is difficult because we see the person who has been given the role of overseer, and we see that they are in every way as capable of error as us. They are often arrogant, difficult, unreasonable, but I cannot change a man's heart, yet I can do good work as unto the Lord, and so heap coals upon my adversaries head. This also shifts the burden of what I cannot carry to the Lord, and frees me from an anxious mind.

…22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, 24 because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.… Colossians 3: 22-24

Even the wicked for the day of trouble - God is sovereign even over the wickedness of men. What we intend for evil, God can use for good. Many apologist try to fit this into their model of perceived fairness, yet all are fallen in Adam. The Psalmist says, "in sin my mother conceived me." We are also taught that the wages of sin is death, and that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We must conclude from this that all deserve, have earned death. The elect are not saved for their goodness or righteous works, but rather by God's purpose, decree, through the atonement of Christ life and death, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. It is by His steadfast love, because of His mercy, by grace alone. 

Proverbs 16:4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends - even the wicked for a day of disaster.This is simply the truth. Everything and everyone is created for a divine purpose - even the wicked for the day of destruction (cf. Rom 9:22-23).

Some attempt to explain this verse away by saying God is love (John 3:16), but they fail to read the rest of the story in that some are judged ALREADY (John 3:18). (See; An Exposition of John 3:16, by John Owen; God's Election in John 3:16, by L.R. Shelton, Jr.; The 'WORLD' of John 3:16 Does Not Mean, All Men without Exception, by David J. Engelsma)

Others appeal to 2 Peter 2:1, saying Christ died for the whole world - even those that deny him and are ultimately lost! They assume that Christ died to purchase or buy (agorazo) the unelect from the marketplace of sin; therefore they assume that Peter is speaking of redemption. However, the term agorazo can be used differently. In Deuteronomy 32:6 (KJV) it says, "Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? Is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made [agorazo] thee, and established thee?" This is speaking of creation, not redemption. In addition, Peter uses the term despotes meaning "Master," not "Lord" (kyrios). By using the term agorazo and despotes, Peter made sure we would not misunderstand his intended meaning: God is the sovereign ruler over the earth and the one who creates and establishes all things. (See: Redemption in II Peter 2:1, by Dr. Gary Long). Jesus, through his life, death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 17:30-31), has earned the right to judge not only those made holy by his blood (the elect, his sheep, his invisible church, the seed of the woman, etc.), but also those that remain unholy (the unelect, the goats, the seed of the serpent). Sovereign Lord applies equally to God (Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; Rev. 6:10) and Christ (Jude 4). To Jesus has been given all authority and power in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). Jesus is the judge of the whole world (Matt. 25:31-34, 41, 46; John 5:22-23, 27; Acts 10:42; Rom. 2:16; 2 Tim. 4:1).

Yet others mistakenly look at 2 Peter 3:9 and see the words "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" and assume that the terms "anyone" and "everyone" mean all without exception. But Peter's usage of the terms is limited by the "dear friends" (or beloved) of 2 Peter 3:8 and the "you" of 2 Peter 3:9. Moreover, they look at 1 Timothy 2:4 and say that God desires "all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." However, once again, they fail to look at the context of 1 Timothy 2:1-3 and understanding that God desires "all kinds of men" saved, even kings and those in authority, et al. ("For with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9)).

Jesus is not some weak god as some suppose; rather, he is very God of very God - the King of kings. He will not lose even one of his sheep for whom he died; they will never perish but have eternal life (John 10:28; cf. Luke 15:4-7). Jesus actually accomplished redemption for the elect, not a mere possibility for all but the actuality of redemption for his people. The holy redemptive work of Christ was finished for a particular people (Isa. 53:8), and the Son of God has effectually accomplished the redemption of those people (Heb. 9:12). It never was the intention, will, desire, or purpose of Christ to redeem each and every man and ultimately fail at his mission (John 17:9, 20). He did not lay down his life for the "sheep and the goats", but only for "his sheep" (John 10:14-16). By Christ's death, all God's elect have been effectually redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13). He has put their sins away (Heb. 9:28). Christ purchased his people with his precious blood (I Pet. 1:18-19; Heb. 10:14). It is finished (John 19:30).

Yes, some argue against Scripture and that Christ died for every sin of every man. However, they attempt to prove too much. If Christ died for EVERY sin of EVERY man, woman, and child, then NONE - absolutely NONE, could ever be lost. No, some say, see "you must believe." This is why some are lost; they don't believe!!! But is not unbelief a sin for which you say Christ has already died? Thus, they prove too much, as hell is full of those that did not and will not believe (cf. Judas, et al.). (The above is a brief summary of John Owen's argument in For Whom Did Christ Die). Dr. Joseph R. Nally

Some are prepared for destruction. Paul says:

Romans 9:22-24 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath - prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory - even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?

Pride goes before destruction - This is for every man, the smart, the simple, the servant and the king; those that lift themselves up, put others down, and do not acknowledge their state as created beings under God, will all come to ruin. Pride is the deep tap root of all other sin, original sin. 

A worker's appetite works for him - It is telling him to acquire food, and it works to his benefit in driving him to work. Sadly, in our day there are many who think the government should provide for them not to work. It goes against science, every observable point of nature. If no one is their for you to be the parasite upon, then when you get cold, you must build a fire or freeze. When you get hungry, steaks do not fall from the sky. You have to hunt, to gather, to make shelter, but we have instead taught the ridiculous gospel of self esteem and handed everyone a trophy. 

Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. 10 For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” 11 Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies.… 2 Thessalonians 3: 9-11

A man of violence entices his neighbor - He has a motive and will play upon your emotions, convincing you to go out with him to battle. You are convinced the cause is just, but you are a pawn. A man of violence will also entice you to settle your differences with him in like manner, for he sees might as right, and he is more versed in violence.

…11 Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways.

13 Then God said to Noah, “The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. 14 Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out.… Genesis 6: 11-14

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#920 Proverbs 15 Softly

A soft answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,

but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,

keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,

but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father's instruction,

but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,

but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;

not so the hearts of fools.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,

but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,

but he loves him who pursues righteousness.

10 There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way;

whoever hates reproof will die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord;

how much more the hearts of the children of man!

12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved;

he will not go to the wise.

13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face,

but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,

but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil,

but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.

16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord

than great treasure and trouble with it.

17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is

than a fattened ox and hatred with it.

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,

but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

19 The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,

but the path of the upright is a level highway.

20 A wise son makes a glad father,

but a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,

but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.

22 Without counsel plans fail,

but with many advisers they succeed.

23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,

and a word in season, how good it is!

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent,

that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.

25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud

but maintains the widow's boundaries.

26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,

but gracious words are pure.

27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,

but he who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,

but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

29 The Lord is far from the wicked,

but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,

and good news refreshes the bones.

31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof

will dwell among the wise.

32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,

but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,

and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15 ESV

Proverbs 15

A soft answer turns away wrath - One of the hardest concepts. When you are in the right as far as the argument, the logical side of the disagreement, it is difficult to remain humble. We tend, or I tend to want to get in my licks, and instead of telling the truth in love, I exalt myself by humiliating the other person. This doesn't restore friendship; it doesn't build the other person up, and while I can justify my reasoning, I can't justify my pride. Unity at the cost of truth is not unity at all; it is delusion, but arrogance stands in the way of any possible unity in truth. 

1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.… Galatians 6: 1-3

The eyes of the Lord are in every place - Look hard at your religion, if it is man based, what men may know and see of you, know that God looks at the heart. Nothing is concealed from Him.

…6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.” 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”… 1 Samuel 16: 6-8

13 No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus. 15 So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.… Luke 16: 13-15

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord - Ritual verses reality. You will not give God tokens, beads, empty and vain repetitions; He sends the call to repentance.

…3 Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me.… Hebrews 10: 3-5

…21“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. 22 Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle, I will have no regard. 23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.… Amos 5: 21-23

A glad heart makes a cheerful face - The believer has the knowledge of God's sovereignty and an everlasting hope. He is not without his sorrows, but comfort is never so far away even in His greatest times of distress. I smile at the thought of my Savior.

“This cheerfulness, however, is very different from the noisy mirth of the ungodly. The word cheerful was often used by the old writers. It was Foxe’s favorite description of the holy joy of the martyrs.” (Bridges)

Better is a little with the fear of the Lord - Those who learn to be content are already rich. Knowing God in proper fashion is wealth beyond material possibility. He that would trade eternal glory for earthly riches, the same has devalued his own soul.

…35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it. 36 What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?… Mark 8: 35-37

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife - Anger, knee jerking, kills the conversation before it can occur. If you put everyone on defense at the start, then most will stay there.

Without counsel plans fail - We must consider the cost; we must honestly consider our own limitations.

Whoever is greedy for unjust gain, troubles his own household - Those who steal, deal in the illegal, they put their families at risk and destroy their name. Fathers have spent more time in jail away from their children, some have not, but their children do because they get caught for what they were taught. 

…9 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.… 1 Timothy 6: 9-11

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer - He refuses to shoot from the hip. He would give up being first to speak in favor of speaking truthfully. 

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor - 

“Humility; whereby men submit to God, and yield to men, which gains them love and respect; whereas pride procures them hatred and contempt from God and men.” (Poole)

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#919 Proverbs 14 Building

The wisest of women builds her house,

but folly with her own hands tears it down.

2 Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord,

but he who is devious in his ways despises him.

3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back,

but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,

but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithful witness does not lie,

but a false witness breathes out lies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,

but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

7 Leave the presence of a fool,

for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,

but the folly of fools is deceiving.

9 Fools mock at the guilt offering,

but the upright enjoy acceptance.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,

and no stranger shares its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,

and the end of joy may be grief.

14 The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways,

and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.

15 The simple believes everything,

but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly,

and a man of evil devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow down before the good,

the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,

but the rich has many friends.

21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,

but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

22 Do they not go astray who devise evil?

Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.

23 In all toil there is profit,

but mere talk tends only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,

but the folly of fools brings folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.

26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,

and his children will have a refuge.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

that one may turn away from the snares of death.

28 In a multitude of people is the glory of a king,

but without people a prince is ruined.

29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,

but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,

but envy makes the bones rot.

31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,

but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

32 The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing,

but the righteous finds refuge in his death.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding,

but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin is a reproach to any people.

35 A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor,

but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully. Proverbs 14 ESV

Proverbs 14

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down - The guard of the home, revered for her care, teaching, discipline, and the business of the family, she is the foundation of all societies. Where she is absent or lazy we see the decline, first with her own children and house, and eventually to the community at large. This is a role so plaid down by our culture, but children were given to their parents, not to states or even churches first. 

A foolish woman, that has no fear of God nor regard to her business, that is wilful, and wasteful, and humoursome, that indulges her ease and appetite, and is all for jaunting and feasting, cards and the play-house, though she come to a plentiful estate, and to a family beforehand, she will impoverish and waste it, and will as certainly be the ruin of her house as if she plucked it down with her hands; and the husband himself, with all his care, can scarcely prevent it. - Matthew Henry

By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back - He cuts his own switch with his tongue. What the fool attacks others with returns to his own back. He is a hypocrite.

1 Do not judge, or you will be judged. 2 For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.… Matthew 7: 1-2

Where there are no oxen the manger is clean - It looks nice, but the oxen multiply the work that is to be accomplished, allowing more field to be plowed, and they are fit for the table themselves. People romanticize the country life, picturing themselves riding into the sunset on a horse, sitting by a fire, or rocking on their porch. But while there are those brief captions, there is shoveling of manure, turning of it into the soil, planting, harvesting, care of the animals, etc... It is like the child that wants the love of a dog, but does not wish to walk it at times, forgets to feed it, but still likes the idea of a pet. It is a covenant between you and one of God's creatures; this world requires work, and the wisest mind makes itself the least adverse to it. 

A faithful witness does not lie - We hear the word "credible" in our day, and we are told to believe even before due process. A witness must be examined, not just for intelligence or title, but also for intent. What they say must be checked against the facts, evidence, and if it cannot be proven by such, then why and where did the "credible" come from when there is nothing to corroborate the accusation?

You shall not steal. 16 You shall not bear FALSE witness against your neighbor. Exodus 20: 15-16

Fools mock at the guilt offering - They look at the cross as such a light matter, and therefore profane that which would atone for them. We make up rituals that replace true repentance, convinced that they cover that which we have no intent of leaving behind. 

They are advocates for sin, and are ingenious at framing excuses for it. Fools make a mock at the sin-offering (so some); those that make light of sin make light of Christ. Those are fools that make light of sin, for they make light of that which God complains of (Amos. 2:13 ), which lay heavily upon Christ, and which they themselves will have other thoughts of shortly. 2. How good people are encouraged in their goodness: Among the righteous there is favour; if they in any thing offend, they presently repent and obtain the favour of God. They have a goodwill one to another; and among them, in their societies, there is mutual charity and compassion in cases of offences, and no mocking. - Matthew Henry

…8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.… 1 John 1: 8-10

The heart knows it's own bitterness - 

Every man feels most from his own burden, especially that which is a burden upon the spirits, for that is commonly concealed and the sufferer keeps it to himself. We must not censure the griefs of others, for we know not what they feel; their stroke perhaps is heavier than their groaning. 2. Many enjoy a secret pleasure, especially in divine consolations, which others are not aware of, much less are sharers in; and, as the sorrows of a penitent, so the joys of a believer are such as a stranger does not intermeddle with and therefore is no competent judge of. - Matthew Henry

There is a way that seems right to a man - These are the self deceived. "I am a good person or good enough because I did or do this." We also test God's law and say, "yes, I sinned according to what is written, but look, I did not die." Just like that serpent in the garden we twist words, "hath God said', or 'you will not surely die." It feels good so it must, in our mind, be okay. It doesn't bother us, so it must not be that bad. It use to bother us, but it no longer does, so it is good.

…5“For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, and he ate it. 7 And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves.… Genesis 3: 5-7

The simple believes everything - We are called to test what is said, all men can be wrong. The surest foundation is the Word of God, and we must measure ourselves, our thoughts, and what others say against Scripture, rightly divided, accurately repeated, in context, and considering the whole counsel.

…26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.… Acts 20: 26-28

A man of quick temper acts foolishly - Acting from the passion associated with anger can lead one to overreact. It can take one beyond justice to revenge, which is a sure sign that you think much too highly of yourself and not enough of others. I have seen many "lose it" and lose much more after.

Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor - The Pharisees spoke of the poor, used the poor as a tool, and judged the woman who used her perfume on Jesus feet. They did not care to feed the poor, and Jesus called them out aright, the poor are with you always, so what is keeping you from helping the poor? Love thy neighbor as thyself.

There is little friendship in the world but what is governed by self-interest, which is no true friendship at all, nor what a wise man will either value himself on or put any confidence in. Those that make the world their God idolize those that have most of its good things, and seek their favour as if indeed they were Heaven’s favourites. - Matthew Henry

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ Luke 16: 19-26

1 Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.…

4 For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” 5 As some of the disciples were remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, Jesus said, 6“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”… Luke 21: 1-6

But mere talk tends only to poverty - I like the word tends here, for some seem to enrich themselves from their talk, but those that follow them become poor. Politicians and false teachers, an abundance of words, but little wisdom.

1 Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. 3 In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.… 2 Peter 2: 1-3

Righteousness exalts a nation - 

Justice, reigning in a nation, puts an honour upon it. A righteous administration of the government, impartial equity between man and man, public countenance given to religion, the general practice and profession of virtue, the protecting and preserving of virtuous men, charity and compassion to strangers (alms are sometimes called righteousness ), these exalt a nation; they uphold the throne, elevate the people’s minds, and qualify a nation for the favour of God, which will make them high, as a holy nation, Deu. 26:19 . 2. Vice, reigning in a nation, puts disgrace upon it: Sin is a reproach to any city or kingdom, and renders them despicable among their neighbours. The people of Israel were often instances of both parts of this observation; they were great when they were good, but when they forsook God all about them insulted them and trampled on them. It is therefore the interest and duty of princes to use their power for the suppression of vice and support of virtue. - Matthew Henry

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#918 Proverbs 13 Scoffer's Ears

A wise son hears his father's instruction,

but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

2 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,

but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;

he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,

while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

5 The righteous hates falsehood,

but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.

6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,

but sin overthrows the wicked.

7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;

another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

8 The ransom of a man's life is his wealth,

but a poor man hears no threat.

9 The light of the righteous rejoices,

but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

10 By insolence comes nothing but strife,

but with those who take advice is wisdom.

11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,

but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,

but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,

that one may turn away from the snares of death.

15 Good sense wins favor,

but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.

16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge,

but a fool flaunts his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a faithful envoy brings healing.

18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,

but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.

20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

21 Disaster pursues sinners,

but the righteous are rewarded with good.

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,

but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.

23 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,

but it is swept away through injustice.

24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son,

but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,

but the belly of the wicked suffers want. Proverbs 13 ESV

Proverbs 13

But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke - They say, "I know, I got it," when they don't. They mock their parents and act as though the impending danger does not exist.

…13 because we are about to destroy this place. For the outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that He has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot went out and spoke to the sons-in-law who were pledged in marriage to his daughters. “Get up,” he said. “Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. 15 At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.”… Genesis 19: 13-15

Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 23 So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. 24 No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the Lord’s people is not good. 25 If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the Lord, who will intercede for them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death. 1 Samuel 2: 22-25

…2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, 4 traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,… 2 Timothy 3: 2-4

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life - My mom use to pray this for me, that the Lord would put a guard before my mouth. I prided myself on speaking my mind, no matter how profane or offensive. As we grow in sanctification we find the desire to attack what we used to proudly blurt out before it leaves the heart. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. My mouth has almost been my life before.

“The old Arab proverb is appropriate: ‘Take heed that your tongue does not cut your throat’.” (Ross)

Whoever despises the word brings destruction upon himself - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet", and so without it one cannot see what lies ahead. If God speaks and men turn away from it, then it is to their own demise. 

…16 But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 18 But I ask, did they not hear? Indeed they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”… Romans 10: 16-18

…12 We encouraged you and comforted you as we urged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 13 And we continually thank God that in receiving the word of God from us, you did not accept it as the word of men, but as the true word of God— the word now at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews,… 1 Thessalonians 2: 12-14

1 Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also received the good news, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world.… Hebrews 4: 1-3

But a fool flaunts his folly -

“Lacking this prudence, a fool exposes his folly. He pours out his wrath, vaunts his vanity, exposes his thoughtlessness, and exercises no judgment.” (Bridges)

A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul - It is wonderful to have a goal, measure the cost, put in the labor, and then reap the reward. The best part of a job is not just being done, but looking back upon a job well done.

But the companion of fools will suffer harm - This is so well known that it has sadly become cliche, even among those who take no heed, but "show me your friends and I will show you who you are."

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children - This has both spiritual and material implications. Solomon has already amassed great wealth, but the Proverbs are a legacy that would pay much further if applied. 

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