PROVERBS 13

 

1 ¶ A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner (scoffer) heareth not rebuke.

 

• In this case, a scorner or scoffer would be any young person that is "wise in his own eyes," and therefore despises his father's admonitions and counsels.
• There is great hope for every young person that has a reverence for their parents, and are obedient to them when they are willing to be advised and admonished by them in the ways of righteousness.
• How can young people learn how to walk righteously in this life if they count their parents instruction as an enemy?
• The same truths holds true of God children…a wise man heeds the word of God and obeys, while the foolish person just hears it and does not obey.

 

 

 

2 ¶ A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence (damage).

 

• Pr 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth:
• Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

 

 

 

Prov 10.6 says that violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

 

We will see once again in this chapter of the power of the human tongue for good or for evil.

 

• Jas 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

 

 

 

3 ¶ He that keepeth (guards) his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips (says everything that comes into his mind; speaks rashly) shall have destruction (ruin).

 

• A principle of Scripture reveals the unmistakable truth that our lives and attitudes are greatly dependent upon and shaped by the use we make of the gift of speech.
• Jas 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

 

 

 

4 ¶ The soul of the sluggard (lazy) desireth (craves), and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat (abundantly supplied).

 

• A slothful person has the same desires that we all have, but they takes no pains to get anything. Good intentions profit nothing and accomplish less.
• Pr 21:25 ¶ The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
• This warning to the slothful and promise to the diligent is true in the spiritual realm as well. God makes no promise of blessing to those who are lazy or procrastinators. Diligence is a verb beloved, not just a lot of talk about doing something.
• Pr 14:23 ¶ In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
• Heb 11.6 God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

 

 

5 ¶ A righteous man hateth lying (falsehood; deception; fraud): but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

 

• The father of all lies is Satan himself, thus the righteous man hates lying, not only because it is contrary to the nature of God, but also because it grieves the new nature within him or her. A lie destroys all that are afflicted by it.
• Where sin and wickedness reigns, a person is despicable.

 

 

 

6 ¶ Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth (subverts) the sinner.

 

• Righteousness is a sure guide, for it avoids the snares of death. Wickedness on the other hand promises great pleasure, but in the end rewards those who are deceived by it with disappointment and ruin.
• Righteousness speaks of walking in integrity and honesty before God and man resulting in security and peace, whereas sinful eventually overthrows a person. Of whom a man is overcome, of the same he is held in bondage.
• This righteousness would be referring to the practical righteousness or yielding of ourselves unto The Lord and His purposes spoken of in Romans 6.

 

 

 

7 ¶ There is that maketh himself (pretends to be) rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

 

• I think of the poor widow who gave her all unto God and Jesus said that she gave more than all the rich who gave out of their abundance. On the other hand, the rich young ruler was in comparison to this widow a spiritual pauper.
• To purpose to glorify God by choosing to bless others is indeed great wealth. Whereas to be stingy and miserly is a sure sign of spiritual poverty.
• Wealth is any realm is measured by what we give, not by what we keep. Poor Smryna was rich and rich Laodeceia was poor.

 

 

 

8 ¶ The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

 

• Riches save some from punishment, while others suffer because they will not heed the rebuke of sloth, which makes and keeps them poor.

 

 

 

9 ¶ The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

 

• The contrast is made between the righteous and the wicked. In the Day of Judgment, there will only be two groups of people before King Jesus, the righteous and the wicked.
• The life of the godly person who loves Jesus Christ is one that is filled with joy, despite the circumstances of his or her life.

 

 

 

10 ¶ Only by pride cometh contention (conflict but with the well advised (those who take advice) is wisdom.

 

• Pride is the root of all contentions. Arrogant know it alls stir up discord (Message).Look at what The Lord places at the top of the list of things that He hates.
• Pr 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
• Puritan author Thomas Watson said, “vainglory lights up all sinful contentions within the church.”
• Listen to this incredible quote from Matthew Henry on pride:

 

Would you know whence come wars and fightings? They come from this root of bitterness. Whatever hand other lusts may have in contention (passion, envy, covetousness), pride has the great hand; it is its pride that it will itself sow discord and needs no help. Pride makes men impatient of contradiction in either their opinions or their desires, impatient of competition and rivalship, impatient of contempt, or any thing that looks like a slight, and impatient of concession, and receding, from a conceit of certain right and truth on their side; and hence arise quarrels among relations and neighbours, quarrels in states and kingdoms, in churches and Christian societies. Men will be revenged, will not forgive, because they are proud.

 

 

 

Well advised is wisdom: the wisdom from God is never rash, never emotion based, but it prayed through, thought trough and lived out according to Scriptural truth.

 

 

 

11 ¶ Wealth gotten by vanity (hastily; dishonest gain) shall be diminished (dwindle): but he that gathereth by labour (hard work; honest labor) shall increase.

 

• Beware of any get rich quick or pyramid kinds of propositions. Nothing good or of value comes without a price of hard work and diligence.
• Spiritual wealth is granted to those who diligently seek The Lord….there is no such things as “instant” spiritual maturity.

 

 

 

12 ¶ Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

 

• The ultimate fulfillment of this will take place when our precious Bridegroom Jesus returns for His bride the church. The prophet Haggai says, Hag 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
• As lovers of Jesus Christ, we have this homesickness for heaven and to be with our King….may that hope encourage each one of us tonight to endure difficulties for His Name sake….reach out to the lost with the gospel.

 

 

 

13 ¶ Whoso despiseth the word (no regard to it, no veneration for it, nor will be ruled by it) shall be destroyed (brings destruction upon himself):

 

• Pr 15:32 ¶ He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul

 

• Look what happened to Adam and Eve! Look what happened to the people in the days of Noah! We already saw what happened to those who refused the fear of The Lord in Proverbs 1. Ignore the Word and suffer.

 

 

 

but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

 

• To fear The Lord means to stand in awe of Him, to have regard for His ultimate authority in my life, to reverence for His word, and to be afraid of displeasing Him.
• You must be born again is a commandment, but the gift of salvation is not a reward, but a gift.

 

 

 

14 ¶ The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from (turn away from) the snares of death.

 

·      The law of the wise is a constant flow of pure life that preserves us from the polluting temptations of Satan. By drawing near to God, we resist the wiles of the enemy.

 

• Pr 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

 

 

 

15 ¶ Good understanding (sense) giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard (rough, uneasy).

 

• The ways of sin may be pleasurable and fun for a season, but the end result is always misery and destruction. The service of sin is slavery and bondage.

 

o   Prov 11.6 transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

 

o   Prov 11.3 the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

 

 

 

Jesus told Saul of Tarsus, it is hard for you to kick against the goads. Yes, there is a cross to bear in following Jesus Christ, but His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

 

 

 

16 ¶ Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge (acts with foresight; wise people think before they act): but a fool layeth open (flaunts) his folly.

 

• Again we see how using caution and forethought prevents us from acting foolishly. Godly wisdom is not rash or hasty when making decisions or seeking direction.
• Prov 14.15 the prudent man looketh well to his going.
• It has been said that it is never wise to make a decision when we are tired, overwhelmed or angry.

 

 

 

17 ¶ A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health (medicine, deliverance).

 

• An ambassador who faithfully discharges his trust, and serves the interests of those who employ him, is health.
• Pr 25:13 ¶ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
• We are called to be ambassadors of Christ in 2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

 

 

18 ¶ Poverty and shame (disgrace) shall be to him that refuseth (ignores) instruction: but he that regardeth reproof (correction) shall be honoured.

 

• Once again we are confronted with a spiritual fact of life regarding the importance of hearing and heeding godly instruction and reproof.

 

o   Pr 10:17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

 

o   Pr 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

 

 

 

19 ¶ The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil (evil is all their delight; fools refuse to turn from evil).

 

20 ¶ He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (suffer harm; gets into trouble).

 

• Regular companions inevitably influence each other for good or for evil. A great part of wisdom or foolishness lies in the choice of our companions; for what they are, tends to rub off on us.
• 1 Cor 15.33 Evil company corrupts good manners.
• 2 Cor 6 warns about being unequally yoked.
• Beloved, the lost is our mission field and the object of our love and prayers.

 

 

 

21 ¶ Evil (disaster) pursueth (as an avenger) sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

 

• How unavoidable the destruction of sinners is.
• Prov 11.19 he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
• When the good will be repaid to the righteous is not given in terms of time, because God is faithful, we know that God will make good His promise either in this life or in the world to come. Do not be weary in well doing beloved.
• While evil pursues sinners, surely goodness and mercy follow those who follow The Great Shepherd Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

22 ¶ A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

 

• The best provision that a man can make for his family is to fear the Lord always, and to train them up in his fear. Second to this is the passing on to our children and grandchildren the fruit of our labors in this life.

 

 

 

23 ¶ Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment (it is swept away by injustice).

 

• A poor person that is industrious and hard working will never lack for food, but the person that lacks sound judgment regarding these things will come to poverty.
• Spiritually speaking, it is the poor in spirit that are rich in the things of The Lord. It is the humble that are exalted and the lofty that are brought low.

 

 

 

24 ¶ He that spareth his rod (of discipline) hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (is diligent to discipline him).

 

• Parental discipline is a common theme in the Proverbs. It is viewed as an important part of the much needed correction and training of a child. They need to be taught godly, biblical behavior, to embrace what is right, and in doing so, to build a strong Christ like character.
• Timothy was raised learning the Bible. We are to b ring up our children in the nurture and admonition of The Lord.
• Neglect of timely chastisement is cruelty to a child, for the want of early discipline ends in recklessness and misery. FBN
• All discipline is to be meted out with the love of Christ, and never be hears, cruel of done in anger.
• Pr 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

 

 

 

25 ¶ The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul (to his hearts content): but the belly of the wicked shall want.

 

• Satisfaction and contentment are twin virtues of godliness. The bible talks about those whose god is their belly. That of course was a reference to the Judaizers who sought to turn salvation into a matter beating and drinking.
• We live in a society that dwells on cravings for things….every single television or newspaper adds focus on some new gadget or product that will supposedly fill that emptiness inside.
• Jesus said, Beware of covetousness, for a man’s life does not consist in the number of things that we possess. Godliness and contentment are great gain beloved.

PROVERBS 14

1 ¶ Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

• The classic example of the wise woman that builds her house is the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. Cp. The wise woman building her house in Prov 31 with the wisdom building her house in Prov 9.1-6.
• This wise woman manages the affairs of her household according to the Scriptures.
• Pr 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

 

To not order the affairs of the house according to the Scriptures is folly, unwise and wasteful for all within it. Mat Henry writes, A woman who has no fear of God, who is wilful and wasteful, and indulges her ease, will as certainly ruin her family, as if she plucked her house down.

• Once again we see the difference between the wise and the foolish.

 

2 ¶ He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD (reverently and worshipfully):

• Ps 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. Uprightness is the fruit of fearing God.
• Among the precious promises that God gives to us in His word, here is a beautiful promise for those who walk uprightly.
• Ps 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

 

but he that is perverse (devious) in his ways despiseth him.

• The Scripture talks about a perverse heart (Prov 12.8) and a perverse tongue (Prov 17.20). Our actions and our manner of speech is an indication of the contents of our hearts.
• Jesus called those who lacked faith in God as a faithless and perverse generation. (Matt 17.17,20)
• The Spirit of God calls this present world system Phil 2.15 a crooked and perverse nation. We live in a nation that by it’s very actions despises the God of Scripture. More on this point when we get to verse 35.

The fear of God is the only sure foundation of an upright character. To do right honors God, while to walk in sin is despising Him and His authority.

 

3 ¶ In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride (a fool’s talk brings a rod to his back): but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

• Again we read about the devastating effects of pride.
• Pr 11:2 ¶ When pride cometh, then cometh shame.
• Pr 16:18 ¶ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
• Pride boasts, pride causes contention and strife, pride exalts self. Some say that this verse speaks of how a proud person’s manner of speech is a rod whereby he or she damages others. This source of pride is a proud heart which much be plucked up by the roots.

 

4 ¶ Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase (abundant harvest) is by the strength of the ox.

• By the ox is meant labour, and by the crib the barn, meaning, without labour there is no profit. There is no increase of crops apart from the strength of an ox.
• In 1 Tim 5.17,18, men called to teach the Word of God are called ox that tread out the corn.

 

5 ¶ A faithful (truthful) witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

• Re 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness.
• Re 3:14 ¶ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness.
• Re 19:11 ¶ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True.

Every other religious leader that has brought forth another way of salvation other than the gospel as laid out in Scripture is a false witness.

Practically speaking, a faithful witness will always seek to properly represent the proper information about someone or something.

 

6 ¶ A scorner (to scoff, mock) seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not (for the mocking attitude of their heart forbids them from receiving it):

• Pr 15:12 ¶ A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
• A scorner is a know it all. He or she only seeks to discover their own preset conclusions on issues.

 

but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

• A humble and teachable spirit is a vital key to understanding knowledge.

 

7 ¶ Go from the presence of a foolish (self-confident) man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

• They who would be wise must avoid the company of the foolish. Scripture is very clear in teaching us the importance of obtaining wise counsel when making decisions.
• Scripture teaches us to be dependent upon God and not self. A self made man is a fool.

 

8 ¶ The wisdom of the prudent is to understand (give thought to) his way: but the folly of fools is deceit (deception; they are fooling themselves).

• Prudence is always contrasted with folly.
• Pr 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

 

9 ¶ Fools make a mock at sin (and sin mocks fools): but among the righteous there is favour (good will).

• I cannot help but think of all of the television sit coms that mock sin and call good evil and evil good. Sin is a cause of mourning, not rejoicing. Agape rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.
• There is no surer mark of folly than a disposition to make light of sin. They who turn wickedness into a jest, will certainly practice it to their everlasting ruin. FBN
• Those that make light of sin, make light of Christ.

 

10 ¶ The (each) heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle (share) with his joy.

• There are depths of joy and bitterness in our hearts that only God knows about.

 

11 ¶ The house of the wicked shall be overthrown (destroyed): but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

• Sin has been the ruin of many a family. A wicked house is one that is build on the sand of head knowledge whereas a wise house is the one that is built upon the heart application of hearing and obeying God’s truth.

 

12 ¶ There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

• This is true of any person that believes that all religious or spiritual roads lead to salvation in spite of the declaration of Jesus that He alone is the Way to The Father.
• False gospels, cults and things like the New Age movement have led millions to mistake the way to hell for the road to heaven.
• This would be true of people who live contrary to the word of God. Many people do not believe that living together is wrong as long as you are consenting adults and love one another. God calls this fornication or adultery. All sin leads to death to some degree.

 

13 ¶ Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful (may be in pain); and the end of that mirth is heaviness (grief).

• This reminds me of the many comedians who have made a living making people laugh while their personal lives were marred by pain and sorrow. Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
• How many times laughter is a cover up for a troubled heart.

 

14 ¶ The backslider in heart shall be filled with (the fruit of) his own ways (they will reap what they have sown): and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

• This is a term that was often used by the prophets to describe the people of God that had turned aside after false gods.
• Jer 3:6 ¶ The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

He who forsakes God will be punished, and made weary of his sins, in which he delighted for eventually, the fruit of that iniquity will be manifest.

• Pr 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

On the other hand, a person that diligently cleaves to the Lord, shall receive unspeakable comfort.

 

15 ¶ The simple (naive) believeth every word:

• Look what happened in paradise when Adam and Eve took the serpent at his word!
• Make sure that you check out all things with the wisdom of Scripture. Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica regarding prove all things, hold fast that which is good (1 Thess 5.21)

but the prudent man looketh well (gives thought) to his going.

• They order their steps with prayer and biblical wisdom. In all their ways they acknowledge Him.
• Pr 13:16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge

 

16 ¶ A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil:

• Holy fear guards against every thing unholy.
• Pr 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

 

but the fool rageth (is hot-headed), and is confident (reckless).

• A fool says in his or her heart that there is no God and thus they are under the control of passion and self-conceit, and resent the reproof of God when it confronts their flesh.
• He who refuses to heed the warnings and consequences of Scripture will pay the price of rebellion. Never interpret rebellion against God as freedom.
• Pr 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

  

17 ¶ He that is soon angry (quick tempered) dealeth foolishly (do foolish things): and a man of wicked devices (crafty;schemers) is hated.

• A quick tempered person is acting like a fool. Chuck Swindoll calls anger temporary insanity. An angry person’s passion hurries him into foolish and hurtful speeches and actions.

 

18 ¶ The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 ¶ The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

• Ultimately, good triumphs over evil. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

 

20 ¶ The poor is hated (shunned) even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

• Friendship in the world is in most cases governed by self-interest. How sad to see rich people admired in spite of what they believe and how they live.
• This sad but true picture of human nature is not given approvingly, but only as a fact.JFB

 

21 He that despiseth (belittles) his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy (is gracious, kind) on the poor, happy (blessed) is he.

• We will be happy in being gracious to the poor provided that we are motivated by agape love.
• 1Co 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
• When Peter extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul, he exhorted him to remember the poor. (Gal 2.10)

 

22 ¶ Do they not err that devise (plot) evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

• Paul put it this way, Ga 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
• Pr 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart.

 

23 ¶ In all labour (hard work) there is profit: but the talk of the lips (mere talk, idle talk) tendeth only to penury (poverty).

• Talking about our faith has it’s place in our growth in Christ, but the faith we have in Christ is not meant to be a topic of conversation, but a message to be applied practically. (Cp. Parable of the two sons)

 

24 ¶ The crown of the wise is their riches (lit. wealth of wisdom): but the foolishness of fools is (nothing but) folly.

25 ¶ A true witness delivereth souls (saves lives): but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

26 ¶ In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence (secure fortress): and his children shall have a place of refuge.

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart (turning a man apart; avoids) from the snares of death.

• Those who fear the Lord so as to obey and serve him, have a strong ground of confidence, and will be preserved. Let us seek to this Fountain of life, that we may escape the snares of death.
• Pr 16:6 ¶ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
• Reverence for God gives a man deep strength.

 

28 ¶ In the multitude of people (large population) is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

29 ¶ He that is slow to wrath (patient) is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit (quick tempered) exalteth (displays) folly.

• Folly is unbridled passion and a lack of self control. Heb. for exalteth is lifteth up, like a banner, makes it known and visible to all men. Once again we see that a hot tempered person displays great foolishness.

 

30 ¶ A sound heart (heart of peace;tranquil heart; calm and undisturbed heart) is the life of the flesh: but envy (jealousy) the rottenness of the bones (envy rots the bones).

• A cheerful and contented heart, free from pride and envy, is the best medicine for soul and body.
• Envy of Jesus was the reason why the religious leaders of the day brought Him before Pilate. (Matt 27.18; Mark 15.10). Envy has been likened to cancer in the bones.

 

31 ¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth (shows contempt) his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy (is gracious) on the poor.

• To oppress the poor is to reproach our Creator. When we have mercy on those who are poor, we honor Christ and bring Him glory.

 

32 ¶ The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope (a refuge) in his death.

• 1Th 4:13 ¶ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 

33 ¶ Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

• 6 times in Scripture, wisdom and understanding are linked together, and in each reference they refer to something that God places within us to accomplish a work that He has for us to do. One reference is to the Spirit of God that was put upon Jesus to minister on earth (Isa 11.1.2).

 

34 ¶ Righteousness (uprightness; godliness) exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach (disgrace) to any people.

• Note that righteousness exalts a nation; not military power, not a strong economy. Look what immorality did in the days of Noah and in the days of Lot.

 

35 ¶ The king's favour is toward a wise (discreet) servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

• Pr 10:5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
• The great King who reigns over heaven and earth, will reward faithful servants.

 

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