Proverbs

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Proverbs Chapter 21

 

  • Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turns it whithersoever he will. 

I'm sure this doesn't mean that all kings and leaders of nations are in the will of God or obey God. We've seen too many evil rulers throughout the ages to know that is not the case. But God is sovereign and still in control. He can set up kings and take them down at very fast.

He allows evil kings to rule sometimes because of the sin of the people who willingly choose the evil kings who promise them prosperity and the good life. People will vote in presidents that can make the best campaign speeches.

Eventually an evil kingdom will come to its end. God will allow so much but no more. Look at the fate of Hitler, Stalin, Nero and many others through the ages. They now face the judgment of God. It doesn't pay to live and walk in evil continually without repenting. We all end up in the same place standing before God answering to Him for what we've done in the body.

The only escape from the judgment of God for our sins is to come through Christ Jesus for cleansing of our sins. He did no sin when he walked the earth. When He died, His death counts on behalf of all who believe and receive Him. 

  • Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts. 

We have those that deceive themselves into thinking they are righteous and have no sin and then we have those that always feel guilty and never have any confidence. The answer is to trust totally in the Lord and be covered by His righteousness. We can do all things through Christ and nothing without Him. 

  • Proverbs 21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 

Religious works like sacrifices, baptisms, rituals and such do not change the heart. It points to the perfect way of salvation that came when Jesus made the perfect sacrifice for sins. Even before that event occurred though, executing justice and fair judgment pleased the Lord more than the sacrifices. Our treatment of our fellowmen is what the Lord sees. "Love our neighbor as  ourselves," comes into play here. 

I believe in public worship and attending church with fellow believers but if we went to church, came home and started treating our neighbors and relatives like dirt and never did them good, what would it profit? 

  • Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. 

Pride leads us into all the other sins because we forget our great need for God in our lives. Once we forget our dependency on Him for His righteousness as opposed to what we generate on our own, we get prideful and open ourselves up to sin. 

  • Proverbs 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. 

This verse is a good one for me. If we get in a hurry and do not think first or wait for things until the right time, we get ourselves in trouble. I watch the family cat sometimes when she goes out on the deck. She will look and think first before leaping off the deck and going out further from the house. I never see her run out and leap without pausing sometimes a long time to contemplate where she wants to go. If she was a person, I picture her never getting into debt or impulse buying. 

  • Proverbs 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. 

Its just not worth it. To get things by lying and deceit is not getting them fairly and honestly and the innocent victim gets hurt. We fail to realize that God sees all theses things, what goes around, come around. We reap what we sow. In the end we die and these things go to someone else anyway.

This also applies to preaching false doctrine and deceiving people that way. It profits nothing. The treasures also that are not laid up in heaven will not last. It is in vain and for nothing. 

  • Proverbs 21:7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. 

To gain in that way is to cause loss to someone else. It will profit nothing. It will not bring joy, it will not bring salvation and the thing that is taken will not last. 

I've even heard many stories of people who win the lottery that somehow end up financially worse when their money runs out. How much more from someone who steals. Its not worth it. Then when we face God, our deeds are made known to the whole world. 

  • Proverbs 21:8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. 

When we get away from God and His commandments, our ways become strange. Those that walk with the Lord may be considered strange to those who are of this world but our works are pure and right. 

Froward means to be deceitful and false. It is the very opposite of God thus showing us that those who live that way are away from God and do not know God. 

  • Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 

This one needs no explanation. None of us like to be with a person who is constantly complaining. 

  • Proverbs 21:10 The soul of the wicked desires evil: his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 

Wicked people will even show this trait to their family and neighbors. All who know them will suffer from their evil. 

  • Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 

When simple unlearned see the results of what happens to the scorners or to the wicked, that is the one way they learn to know good from evil. The wise will accept good instruction and receive knowledge. It will make them all the more wiser. 

  • Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considers the house of the wicked: but God overthrows the wicked for their wickedness. 

When we see the wicked prosper, it may cause us to wonder about the reason but we must consider that what they have in this life is it. It is all they will ever have. A wise person will see and understand this. The the end of the wicked will be everlasting punishment in hell. God will eventually overthrow all wickedness. 

Where is Mussolini  today? Where is Queen Mary and all the other evil rulers. Look what happened to Herod. Chapter 73 in Psalms is a good Psalm that kind of explains things. God will eventually right all wrongs. 

  • Psalm 73:1 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 
  • 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 
  • 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 
  • 4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. 
  • 5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. 
  • 6 Therefore pride compasses them about as a chain; violence covers them as a garment. 
  • 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 
  • 8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. 
  • 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. 
  • 10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. 
  • 11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
  • 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. 
  • 13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. 
  • 14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. 
  • 15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. 
  • 16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 
  • 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 
  • 18 Surely you did set them in slippery places: you cast them down into destruction. 
  • 19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. 
  • 20 As a dream when one awakes; so, O Lord, when you awake, you shall despise their image. 
  • 21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. 
  • 22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. 
  • 23 Nevertheless I am continually with you: you have held me by my right hand. 
  • 24 You shall guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 
  • 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside you. 
  • 26 My flesh and my heart fails: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 
  • 27 For, lo, they that are far from you shall perish: you have destroyed all them that go a whoring from you. 
  • 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all you works. 

The bible seems to have the answer to many things that trouble a seeking soul.

  • Proverbs 21:13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 

 If we give it shall be given to us. We must have compassion on the poor. If we have it to give and do not, it is sin. Even as Christians we must avoid the "Be ye warmed and filled, " type of Christianity. If it is in our power to be able to physically help someone, we must. One thing to avoid though is to use wisdom and give so as not to create a dependency on us as the giver. Better to give through a reputable organization like a church, except in emergency situations. I've saw someone become bankrupt because his relative began to rely on him too much and never learned out to make a living by hard work.

In all things we must seek the wisdom of God so that we don't get into things beyond our means. This doesn't mean we help the poor so much that we ourselves go bankrupt and end up in debt. Giving means to give what we have to give without defrauding our families and debtors. We also have to discern the freeloaders and those that are out to take advantage of the kind of heart. It is the real poor and destitute that we must help. 

About real active faith, James writes:

  • James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 
  • 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 
  • 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 
  • 17 Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone. 
  • 18 Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works: she me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 
  • 19 You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 
  • 20 But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 

One key verse in James 2 verse 19 where it mentions that the devils also believe and tremble. They have no good works with their type of faith.

  • Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifies anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. 

If we have wronged someone and send a gift in secret, it may work good and pacify his anger but if we do it publicly and make a big show of it, it could work the opposite.

  • Proverbs 21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 

Again we are reminded of the final end of all wickedness and those that chose that way over the salvation that is given to us through faith in Christ. Destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 

On the other hand we see that to do judgment and be fair in our dealings, brings joy. God loves to see us do good things and bring forth fruit of repentance, righteousness and justice. 

  • Proverbs 21:16 The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 

The New Testament tells us more of the final place for the wicked than the Old Testament but here we find one that hints about the final place. They remain in the congregation of the dead. I believe this speaks of eternal hell. 

  • Proverbs 21:17 He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich. 

Those that live carelessly and spend without restraint will eventually be given to poverty. Those that love pleasure are poor spiritually and their soul is never satisfied. 

The wonder of all wonders is that God didn't leave us in hopelessness. He did not leave us without a way out or an escape from the pollutions of this present world we live in. We don't have to have a heart that is full of sin and iniquity. We can have that clean heart spoken of in Psalm 73. That is why Jesus came. The very Son of God came to make the way for us to be saved. By accepting His gift of salvation He provided for us, we are given a way out. We are given the Holy Spirit to abide with us forever. We can live above the bondage of sin. 

  • Proverbs 21:18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. 

Remember the old road runner cartoon where the coyote would set a trap for the road runner but end up falling into it himself, that would apply here. The wicked try to entrap the righteous but will only harm himself in the long run. 

  • Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 

This is why much prayer and seeking God should be done before one enters into marriage. Never should a believer even consider marrying someone who does not believe. If a woman who believes in Christ marries a man who does not believe, she is placing herself under the headship of someone who cannot possibly be under the headship of Christ.

If a believing man marries an unbelieving woman, he is asking her to submit to things she does not believe in. Trouble surely lies ahead in both cases. Even if both are believers, God knows our makeup, inside and out. He knows if we are suited for one another or if our calling and purpose is what will work for good together rather than separate. Once we get into a marriage though, good or bad, we need to work it out and never give up. God also works miracles.

  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up. 

The parable of the 10 virgins can really relate to this verse. 

  • Proverbs 21:21 He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor. 

That is so true. There is surely not much one can add to this verse except maybe 1 Peter 3:10.

  • 1Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 

There are a lot of great verses about the use of our tongues in both Old and New Testaments.

  • Proverbs 21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and casts down the strength of the confidence thereof. 

Remember the time Joshua sent in spies to Jericho to check out the city before conquering it.

  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sits not down first, and consults whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that comes against him with twenty thousand? 

  • Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 

This one is for all of us. How much trouble we would avoid if we think first before we speak. We admire those that are good at debates and making a quick comeback but that is actually the total opposite of what we should be. We should always consider what we say before speaking. 

  • Proverbs 29:20 See you a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 

  • Proverbs 21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who deals in proud wrath. 

This is a good description of the antichrist that is to come in the future. He sits in the seat of the scornful, exalts himself above all that is called God, his mouth speaks blasphemies, he looks more stout than his fellowmen and deals in proud wrath against God's people. Yet when he first arrives on the scene he seems like a nice person who cares about people and obtains the kingdom with flatteries. 

This reminds me of a politician who desires to win the presidency. He will say anything and do anything to get elected and make the people think he is going to really be on their side and the economy will be better. The economy will probably get very bad for a while before the antichrist arises to make it better. It will get better but we must not be fooled into thinking that the "better" is really good. The economy prospered under Hitler but look what he did to get prosperity. Over six million innocent people were put to death unmercifully. 

In saying that though, God many times will prosper a nation that turns to Him so not all prosperity is for evil purposes. Discernment is always needed.

  • Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful kills him; for his hands refuse to labor. 

If anyone does not work, he does not eat. The lazy cannot make a good living because he is too slothful so it ends up being the cause of his death. 

  • Proverbs 21:26 He covets greedily all the day long: but the righteous gives and spares not. 

We actually receive when we give. When we give with a heart of love, it will come back to us. We will be taken care of. Some have turned these type of scriptures into a greedy message of prosperity but there is some truth in the message. We are not promised great riches until the reign of Christ. Until then we are promised an abundance of spiritual blessings and also to be provided for if we help provide for others. It is not a get rich quick promise of material wealth. 

  • Proverbs 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind? 

Religion that does not change the heart or cause someone to live in godliness is a false religion. It's a waste of time. To give a sacrifice, to do good works and to make a show of worship is in vain and profits nothing if the heart is not right or attempting to get right when one comes to worship.

We have the story of Cain and Abel. Abel's offering was one of faith and in his worship toward God it was sincere and in humility. Cain offered his offering as a ritual or a religious act and did not acknowledge his need to be cleansed from sin. He did not make an offering for his sins but offered another kind of offering but it was not mixed with faith. 

  • Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks. 

When Cain killed Abel out of envy we see something in Cain that was lacking or he wouldn't have been envious of his brother in the first place.

When we come to God we must come with an attitude of humility with a heart that desires always to be cleansed and clothed with the righteousness of Christ, never trying to create our own righteousness but trust in the righteousness of Christ to cover our sins and make our hearts pure in the sight of God. 

  • Psalm 51:9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 
  • 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 
  • 11 Cast me not away from your presence; and take not your holy spirit from me. 
  • 12 Restore unto me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with your free spirit. 

We see the attitude here of how we should approach God. 

  • Proverbs 21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that hears speaks constantly. 

Perish means more than just die a natural death. It means to die spiritually and be eternally separated from God. Lying to get someone in trouble is really evil but it is done so much in society.

  • Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man hardens his face: but as for the upright, he directs his way. 

A wicked man will want nothing to do with God or those who are walking in the ways of God. The upright are directed by the Lord. he will direct the paths of those who desire to live according to His word. 

  • Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. 

In other words it is pure stupidity that would cause us to go against God purposely. No one or nothing can outdo or outwit God in anything. 

  • Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. 

Unless we are walking in the will of the Lord and living for Him, we can prepare the greatest horses in the world for battle and it may be for nothing. Horses are a vain thing for safety. Our trust must be in the Lord who has the power of life or death. -Dorna Chambers

 

 
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