Proverbs 29 - Bad Company

 

Proverbs 29 – Bad Company

 

Bad company is a person who will abuse, and pull others down, destroying their names and lives. Bad company is more than foolish; it dishonors and disgraces oneself and one’s parents, causing grief. Some examples of Bad company in the Bible are Korah, Dathan, Abiram, Belshazzar and Jezebel and many more. “He that being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

 

David was a good King. What we need today is a righteous man who will stand for the right at any price. The Lord Jesus will reign in righteousness.

 

A fool vents all his feelings, yet many things are better left unsaid, and many opinions are better left unspoken, not only for the sake of others but for the sake of one’s own well-being. People who are given to flattery do not tell what is really upon their hearts. It is dangerous to believe in flattery. A fool will tell you everything, a wise man holds back and is very careful about what he says.

 

Without the guidance of divine revelation, people abandon themselves to their own sinful ways. Spiritual discernment is one of the gifts that God has given to the church, that is, an understanding of the Word of God.

 

The devil is the source of all anxiety, and his goal is to confuse and confound so that the fear of others becomes a snare. Thankfully the Savior of the soul replaces fear with faith so that whoever trusts in Him is safe. The one who fears God will not fear human beings. (Luke 12:4).

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

 

Proverbs 28 - Material Blessings

 

Proverbs 28 – Material Blessings

 

As crime increases, the government must pass more laws and hire more people to enforce them. When you break God’s law, you promote the wicked; when you obey His law, you promote righteousness and enable God to answer your prayers.

 

Wicked rulers are like fierce animals who drive the righteous into hiding. This includes ignorant leaders and those grasping for money. The people in that day could not vote to replace leaders or correct laws, so all they could do was protect themselves.

 

When laws and leaders are unjust, usually the poor suffer and the rich profit. But even a poor person can have integrity and understanding and faith that God will meet his needs.

 

The person who obtains a fortune dishonestly often loses it to those who are inclined toward helping the less fortunate.

 

David knew from experience that he could not hide his sins (Ps. 51); they always are revealed sooner or later (Num. 32:23). Thankfully, as David learned, confession results in God’s mercy and forgiveness.

 

Material wealth was a sign of blessing in the Old Testament, but the New Testament focuses on “giving” not ‘having”.

 

Proverbs does not unconditionally promise material blessing to those who work hard, but it highlights the truth that prosperity is often the result of one’s willingness to be diligent and industrious. Willingness is a sign of wisdom.

 

God has promised many blessings for people who give to the poor. For one, He makes sure they will not lack what they need. Any time God blesses someone, it is so they can be a blessing to others.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah

 

Proverbs 27 - Fools vs. Wise

 

Proverbs 27 - Fools vs. Wise

 

What separates the fools from the wise is that the wise know not to boast about tomorrow, since only the Lord knows what a day may bring. (James 4:1-16).

 

Trust is the foundation of all successful relationships. At times a friend might wound with constructive criticism. The short-term pain is for long-term gain. Flattery from an enemy, however, may feel good but may end badly. Friendship cannot be built on deception or envy. We must encourage each other with loving counsel and honest praise. How we respond to praise reveals our character. Praise brought out the best in David, but the worst in Saul. (I Sam. 18:1-16).

 

Normally a brother would be helpful in a time of adversity, but if those relative lives far away, a neighbor can stand in a family member’s place. Friends should be faithful to each other, but you also need to be loyal to family and neighbors. You never can tell when you may need them, or they may need you! Not everybody will become a close friend, so do not get so exclusive that you neglect other people.

 

The son is urged to seek wisdom because of the benefit that will accrue to his parents. Having a child who is wise is evidence of good child-rearing and that a father can answer his critics.

 

The wise see trouble coming and do everything possible to avoid it, while the foolish proceed headlong into danger.

 

Contentiousness in a woman is particularly dangerous because it undermines both her and her husband.

 

The mutual benefit that comes to the individual who receives and gives corrections in community improves the quality of both. Wisdom is neither acquired nor maintained in isolation.

 

The face that is reflected in a pool of water says very little about a person. A glimpse into the heart, discerning what a person loves and values, reveals their true character.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

Proverbs 26 - People You Should Avoid

 

Proverbs 26 – People You Should Avoid

 

Solomon names some people you should avoid, and the first is a fool. A fool should be corrected so the person will not conclude that they are right. However, not all of a fool’s comments deserve a reply. The wise should use discernment and discretion to know when to respond and when not to. (Matt 16:1-4). If you answer a fool, do not stoop to his level of folly or you will make him think you elevated him to wisdom.

 

One who binds a stone in a sling is doing something counterproductive and potentially dangerous. Similarly, one who expects a fool to accomplish something honorable is hoping for the impossible. Giving a foolish person true responsibility is also likely to cause damage to those around him. The second person is the sluggard who has excuses for everything. He has motion but no progress and is even too lazy to feed himself. You are wasting your time trying to help him.

 

A wise person does not repeat their mistakes and poor choices, but a fool does, just as a dog return to his vomit. (2 Peter 2:22).

 

Conceit and pride are the basis for all other sins. If left unharnessed in the heart, a person’s pride and self-sufficiency will play right into Satan’s hands, bringing their downfall. (Luke 18:11,12).

 

Careless words and deceitful words produce strife and distrust, even when they do not destroy a relationship. Deceit leaves a mark on the deceived one’s heart. Flattery involves complimenting someone excessively to manipulate or complimenting someone insincerely. The troublemaker is the last person Solomon says to avoid. They are meddlers, pranksters and talebearers and deceivers.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

 

Proverbs 25 - Exercise Restraint

 

Proverbs 25 – Exercise Restraint

 

The fact that God, who knows all things, has chosen to conceal certain things from humankind should cause people to further glorify Him. (Rom. 11:33). He is finite, we are not.

 

We are to uphold the wisdom – and beauty- of exercising restraint in everything from conversations with authority to legal disputes to neighborly conduct. To settle disputes out of court is wise. But it is especially advisable for Christians, because to drag someone hastily into court hinders their witness. (I Cor. 6:1-11). That is what the world does; God’s people should act differently. The wise leader gets rid of evil associates and does what is right. Humility leads to honor, but self-promotion leads to shame.

 

The right words spoken at the right time in the right setting can be pleasing and beautiful (Isa 50:4). Do not be a neighborhood pest, troublemaker. Be dependable.

Long forbearance means patience, self-restraint, or moderation. In other words, a person who wants to persuade should not talk too long or say too much. A gentle tongue can be very powerful.

 

To help one’s enemy is not a natural inclination, but here it is commanded. (Matt. 5:44).

 

A backbiting tongue produces anger and can ruin a person’s work, character, and livelihood. (Psalm 101:5).

 

A curse was commonly believed to be activated once it was uttered. The Bible teaches that the power of a blessing or a curse depends on the power of the one behind it.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

 

Proverbs 24 - Wisdom of God

 

Proverbs 24 -Wisdom of God

 

Through the wisdom of God, families and strong foundations are built.

 

The wise person is not completely self-reliant. Instead, they look to a multitude of counselors to seek to overcome any difficulty or personal weakness. Wise strategy is always more important than strength. The wise person builds while others tear down and is strong for the battles of life.

 

Those who faint or quit in times of struggle show that they do not have strength of character, a fruit that comes from possessing wisdom. There is no need to faint and if you fall, you need not stay down. The wise person seeks to deliver people who have been unjustly condemned. If you hide your head and fail to help when you can, God will judge you (James 4:17). At the same time be careful not to rejoice when an enemy falls or pay back those who have hurt you.

 

God is represented as one who weighs the hearts.

 

To be anxious of wicked people who enjoy temporary prosperity is a waste of energy, for their future is bleak.

 

A kiss is comparable to a right answer; because it brings people closer and builds true communion. Speaking the kind of truth that enables growth and development honors a relationship.

 

The wise person labors while there is opportunity and does not live for ease and pleasure. Follow the example of your Master (John 9:4).

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah

 

Proverbs 23 - Sins to Avoid

 

Proverbs 23 – Sins to Avoid

 

Who people are is not ultimately defined by their words but by their hearts. Even though a miser may say, Eat and drink!, his gift of sickening food exposes the selfish, stingy attitude within. Do not get friendly with miserly people. No matter how much they offer you, their hearts are not with you. It is not the food on the table but the love in the heart that makes fellowship real and lasting.

 

A Christian home is especially equipped to prepare a young person for life and eternity and the reality of knowing God in a personal way. Biblical parental discipline often paves the way for making a lifelong commitment to Christ in one’s youth. Discipline your children so that they might have wisdom and bring you joy. No matter what other families do, do not envy sinners but trust the Lord and obey Him. Set a good example by respecting your parents.

 

Those who imbibe wine are used here to typify people who will tempt and influence someone with good morals to do wrong. Those who lead one of God’s children into addictive or detrimental habits should be avoided at all costs. (Isa. 5:22, Rom. 13:13). Do not mix with drunkards and gluttons lest you become like them. Do not even look at the drink lest you end up embarrassed and bruised.

 

The father’s urgent appeal relates to the dangers of sexual sin. He warns of two kinds of immoral women: the unmarried and the married. Sexual temptation is powerful, with devastating consequences, and men are very vulnerable in this area.

 

People who are given to drunkenness often find other excesses and negative habits cropping up in their lives, such as poverty, misery, immorality, or instability. Nothing is glamorous about addiction. Anesthetizing oneself will destroy a person’s life, undermining confidence, and respect, desensitizing them to others; and creating a black hole of despair.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.