DO NOT PRAISE YOURSELF

Proclamation:

“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”  Proverbs 27:2 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this verse, Solomon advises the people of God not to indulge in self praise.  He states that they should let others speak highly of them and praise of them rather than say it themselves.

Application:

The Bible teaches us that believers are to be humble. (Romans 12:3)  It is hard to be humble and to brag at the same time.  We should do things which give God glory, and do things which help those who are in need.  However, we should not do these praiseworthy things in order for us to be praised.  We should do those things which are good and honorable because it is the right thing to do.  Those who do things to get attention of others, or who call attention to the blessing which they have been to others, may themselves be cursed instead of blessed. (Proverbs 27:14)  Praising one’s self may do more to ruin one’s reputation rather than enhance it.

BE VERY CAREFUL HOW YOU RESPOND TO A FOOL

Proclamation:

“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.  Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.”  Proverbs 26:4-5 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King Solomon.  Here, Solomon offers the ways of responding to a fool.  The first way is not to respond to the fool at all.  To argue or debate with a fool will take you down to his level.  The second way is to try to correct, teach, or enlighten him by telling him the truth and then end the conversation.

Application:

These two verses are not contradictions.  They offer two different courses of action for answering a fool.  We should not allow ourselves to be drawn down to his level.  Sometimes, the best response is not to respond at all.  We cannot help everybody; some people should just be left to their foolishness.  However, sometimes his folly needs to be corrected and that should be done with wisdom and self-control, reproving him sharply, and exposing his error.  Correction may be required, depending upon the situation but prolonged debate is not wise.  Discernment is necessary in order to determine whether not a fool should be answered or ignored.  He is to be answered when there is hope of doing him good, or to prevent ill impressions being made upon others, or to correct the wrong information which is being disseminated to others.

IT IS BETTER TO BE ASKED UP THAN TO BE ASKED TO STEP DOWN

Proclamation:

“Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, ‘Come up here,’ than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.”  Proverbs 25:6-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King Solomon, but they were compiled by the men of Hezekiah, King of Judah. (Proverbs 25:1)  In this proverb a number of different topics are addressed.  Here, Solomon makes it clear that it is better to be invited up to a place of honor than to be asked to step down and give up the seat that you have taken.

Application:

Whether it is the pulpit, or the head table, or the VIP seating section, do not assume that you are entitled to one of the seats for the honored guests and their entourage.  The seats that closest to the honoree are usually reserved for those guests that he selects.  It is better to sit in the back of the room and be invited up to sit in one of the seats of honor, than to sit in one of those seats and be humiliated when you are asked to move and to give up that seat to another person. (Luke 14:7-10)  We should be humble and not think too highly of ourselves. (Romans 12:3)  Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Luke 14:11)

DO NOT REJOICE WHEN OUR ENEMY SUFFERS

Proclamation:

“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or The Lord will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from them.”  Proverbs 24:17-18 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King Solomon.  In this proverb Solomon continues to record the sayings of the wise men of his day.  This is the twenty-eighth of those sayings.  Here he tells the people not to gloat or be glad when their enemy stumbles and falls.  He states that The Lord disapproves of them rejoicing at the suffering of others.

Application:

Vengeance belongs to The Lord God.  We are not to return evil for the evil done to us. (1 Thessalonians 5:15)  The Lord God said in His Holy Word that He would repay the evil that was done to us. (Romans 12:19)  If He allows us see those who did us wrong get repaid for their wrongdoing, then we should just watch but not rejoice at their suffering.  If we rejoice at their suffering, He may stop punishing them.  It is not Christ-like for us to rejoice at the suffering of another.  We were taught to love our enemies (Luke 6:35) and love does not rejoice in iniquity. (1 Corinthians 13:6)  Additionally, our being good to them will add burning coals upon their heads. (Roman 12:20)  Revenge is our wrongful and sinful passion; The Lord God avenges and applies justice.

FOR AS WE THINK SO ARE WE

Proclamation:

“Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost.  ‘Eat and drink,’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.  You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.”  Proverbs 23:6-8 (NIV)  The King James version says, “… For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he ...”

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King Solomon.  Here Solomon records the sayings of the wise men of his day.  He warns the people not to dine with stingy people who invite them to dinner.  The host, who begrudges their guest a meal, will calculate how much they eat.  They may have invited you but you are an unwelcome guest.  If you accept the invitation, you will regret it and wish that you never had because the thought of being unwelcome is so disagreeable.  Your after dinner “thank you” will be just empty hollow words.  The problem is that the host is not who or what he says but he is what he is thinking.

Application:

That which we think is who we are inwardly and that is who we really are.  We are not who we think are or wish that we were, but as we think, that is who we really are.  We are not the person that we say we are; we are the person that is reflected by our thoughts.  We will be judged for our thoughts in addition to our spoken words and actions.  If we lust after someone in our thoughts, we have sinned and already committed adultery with them. (Matthew 5:28)  The Lord God sees our heart and knows our thoughts and our intentions.

A GOOD NAME IS WORTH MORE THAN MONEY

Proclamation:

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver and gold.”  Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King Solomon.  Even though he had great wealth and all that money could buy, Solomon put material wealth in proper perspective.  A good name is more valuable than great wealth or anything that money can buy.

Application:

Your reputation is what people say about you, but your character is who you really are.  A “Good” name is not the name that you were born with, it is the name that you earn by the kind of person that you are.  It is better to have a “Good” name than to have great riches.  Our behavior says much more about us than our words. (1 Samuel 2:3)  There are some things, like favor with The Lord God, which money cannot buy. (Acts 8:20)  Do those things which will help you to earn a “good” name, and obeying The Word of God is the best thing that we can do.  Remember, The Lord God sees all of the actions of men.  When all is said and done, we want to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

SINCERELY SEEK THE LORD GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

Proclamation:

“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.”  Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King Solomon.  In the midst of his discourse contrasting the wise man with the wicked, he states that those who pursue righteousness will be blessed with life, prosperity, and honor.  He means whoever desires it and honestly seeks it will be rewarded with more than they asked for.  Those who hunger and thirst after it, they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6) 

Application:

The Bible says that if we honestly seek after righteousness, we will find it. (Proverbs 8:17, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7-8, and Luke 11:9-10)  This is more than just seeking an understanding of His Holy Word by hearing and reading it, but also by living it and doing what it says. (Romans 2:13 and James 1:22)  Those who seek The Lord God and His righteousness will also find long life, (Proverbs 3:16) and eternal life (John 17:2) in addition to the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 26:18 and Ephesians 1:7) and honor in the sight of The Lord (Roman 8:30) if not also in the sight of man.  For whomever The Lord God justifies He also glorifies.  We should first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else that we need will be given to us including some blessings that we did not ask for. (Matthew 6:33)

THE LORD GOD WILL AVENGE US FOR VENGEANCE IS HIS

Proclamation:

“Do not say. ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for The Lord, and He will avenge you.”  Proverbs 20:22 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here he tells the people not to say that they will pay someone back for doing them wrong.  He reminds them that vengeance belongs to The Lord and He will repay those who do them wrong.

Application:

All of us have been wronged by someone.  Our human nature causes us to want to pay them back for whatever they did to us.  However, as believers, we are not to repay evil for evil. (Romans 12:17)  We are not to take revenge on those who do us wrong.  We must allow The Lord God to do that for us.  He has said in His Holy Word, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30) 

THE LORD WILL REPAY US FOR WHAT WE GIVE TO THE POOR

Proclamation:

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto The Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Proverbs 19:17 (KJV)  “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to The Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” (NIV)  “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to The Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed. (NASB)

Explanation:

This proverb was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here he states that a kindness shown to the poor, or whatever is given to the poor, is considered by The Lord God as being loaned to Him and He will repay the debt.  Remember, that though He was rich, Jesus, The Christ, left heaven and became poor for our sakes, so that we through His poverty might be rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)  Jesus said that He regards all that is done to and for the poor brethren as though it was done to Him. (Matthew 25:40)

Application:

Each of us encounters at least one poor person daily who is in need of assistance.  All too often we pass that person by without helping them.  This verse reminds us that Jesus regards this as our treatment of Him.  “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me … whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:35-40)  We need to be very careful how we treat to poor people that we encounter as we go about our daily activities.  We were blessed in order to be a blessing to others.  Most of us have more than enough and could share a little with the poor.  “Give, and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38)  Remember The Bible story about the rich man and the beggar. (Luke 16:19-31)  One day we believers will all have to give an account of our stewardship.

OUR GIFTS CAN OPEN DOORS FOR US

Proclamation:

“A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.”  Proverbs 18:16 (NASB)

Explanation:

This proverb was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here he states that a person’s God given gift will make room for him.  It will make a way for him, it will enlarge his presence and gain respect for him among men.  It will also open doors to the presence of great men and allow him to keep company with influential people.  It will get him the opportunity to speak to, and gain the favor of, them that are esteemed and thought well of.  The same is also true for our tangible gifts, or monetary gifts, which can open doors and influence people.

Application:

The Lord God has blessed each one of us with at least one gift, which if we are wise we will use to His glory.  The gifts of The Holy Spirit of God are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing of spirits (discernment), speaking in tongues (in languages that one has neither learned or understood), and interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)  These are not gifts which we give away but which we use for the benefit of others.  We are also each blessed with different individual talents and abilities which we should use for the glory of God.  These gifts, along with our tangible and monetary gifts, can also be used for the benefit of others as well.  Jesus, The Christ, said that as we do things to the poor and needy, we are doing it to Him. (Matthew 25:40)  We should use our gifts and our influence in order to benefit others.

SOMETIMES IT IS BETTER FOR US NOT TO SPEAK

Proclamation:

“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.  Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”  Proverbs 17:27-28 (NIV)

Explanation:

This proverb was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here he states that the wise person will think before he speaks and he is careful when he speaks.  The wise man also controls his temper as well as his tongue.  A fool can be mistaken for someone wise if he keeps quiet and holds his tongue.

Application:

It has been said that it is better to be thought of as foolish, than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt.  Those who are wise think a lot and say very little.  It is good to communicate and share ones knowledge at the proper time and place.  However, bragging and boasting, or speaking in an ostentatious way is never appropriate.  Additionally, we do not have to offer our opinion on every topic which is discussed.  It is also never a good idea to speak hastily, or when angry, without giving some thought to what you are about to say.  Our words should always be “… seasoned with salt …” so that they will be helpful to the person we are speaking to. (Colossians 4:6)  Even the truth does not always need to be spoken if it is not going to be helpful.

WE SHOULD COMMIT WHATEVER WE DO TO THE LORD GOD

Proclamation:

“Commit to The Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.  The Lord works out everything to its proper end …”  Proverbs 16:3-4 (NIV)

Explanation:

This proverb was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. In this sixteenth proverb, Solomon changes his presentation style somewhat.  He offers several positive phrases or verses before stating one or more negative ones.  He still continues to compare and contrast that which is good and righteous with that which is not.  However, in this verse, he exhorts believers to entrust whatever they do unto The Lord.  By giving themselves and their actions over to The Lord, He will guide their plans.

Application:

We should do all that we do as if we were doing it for The Lord.  We should strive to do our best at whatever we do.  “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working, nor planning, nor knowledge, nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV)  In the end, only that which we do for The Lord God will matter.  We need to commit our works, our words, and our thoughts to The Lord so that we will walk His way and give Him glory.  If we do this, He will work things out to our benefit.

THE LORD GOD SEES EVERYTHING GOOD AND BAD

Proclamation:

“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and on the good.”  Proverbs 15:3 (NIV)

Explanation:

This proverb was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. This fifteenth proverb continues to compare and contrast that which is good and righteous with that which is not.  However, here Solomon inserts a statement of the omniscience of The Lord God.  In verse three Solomon says that God sees everything that is going on, everywhere.  Nothing is in all of creation is hidden from Him, everything is open and uncovered. (Hebrews 4:13)

Application:

The Lord God sees everything that we do, hears everything that we say, and knows everything that we think.  We need to keep this in mind as we go about our daily activities and when we pray to ask to be forgiven and for His help and guidance. 

THE GOOD WILL BE REWARDED AND THE EVIL WILL BE PUNISHED

Proclamation:

“The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.” Proverbs 14:14 (NIV)

Explanation:
This proverb was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. This fourteenth proverb of Solomon continues the pattern which he started in the tenth proverb of presenting a series of seemingly unrelated sentences that compares and contrasts that which is good and righteous with that which is not. Much is said in this proverb contrasting the wise man and the fool. He who forsakes The Lord God will be punished and made to pay for his sins. The righteous believer will be rewarded for following the ways of The Lord. He shall eat the fruits of his labor and he shall be blessed for his good deeds. (Isaiah 3:10)

Application:
As we sow, so shall we also reap. (Galatians 6:7-8) He that sows evil and wickedness will reap the same as he sows. (Job 4:8 and Proverbs 22:8) Those who enjoy doing evil and those who seek only the pleasures of the flesh or worldly treasure will have to answer for their rejection of The Lord God and His way. (Revelation 20:15) While those who are faithful believers, who follow The Holy Word of God, will be rewarded for being good stewards and faithful servants. (Matthew 25:21 and 25:23)

IF YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN DISCIPLINE THEM

Proclamation:

“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Proverb 13:24 (NIV)

Explanation:
This proverb was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. This thirteenth proverb of Solomon continues the pattern which he started in the tenth proverb of presenting a series of seemingly unrelated sentences that compares and contrasts that which is good and righteous with that which is not. This verse is real child psychology. Children need discipline in order to develop an appreciation for appropriate behavior. Children should be taught to obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3) They should be disciplined when they do not obey. However, the discipline should never be administered when the parent is angry. We are to discipline our children out of love for them as The Lord disciplines us. (Proverbs 3:11-12)

Application:
Children need to be taught the difference between right and wrong, and that there are consequences for doing wrong. Wild and unruly children are usually the result of poor parenting. The old saying, “Spare the rod, spoil the child” was probably taken from this Bible verse. The manner in which one disciplines and punishes a child, especially with respect to physical punishment, has been the subject of many debates. The use of the words “… the rod …” suggest to me some type of corporate punishment. A lot of us survived “spankings” and “whippings” applied to the bottom of our anatomy, and we are better off now because of them. Many of us received “lectures” along with our spanking to make sure that we understood exactly why we were receiving it. Discipline should be administered out of love for the child and not out of the parental anger of the moment. Parents are not to provoke their children to anger, even punishment should be done as part of training and instruction. (Ephesians 6:4)