Proverbs 19:15-29

Proverbs 19:15-29

It is tempting to read the Proverbs as individual wise sayings, but they were collected and set down in such a way that we can notice general themes. It is as if one proverb reminds Solomon of another dealing with the same issue but from a different perspective.

One such theme is that of being a lifelong learner. Often the appetite to learn new things, which is more common in our younger years, begins to fade. We become set in our ways and are convinced we know what we need to know, and we stop learning, engaging, or exploring. For example, the second line of verse 16 warns that the one who is careless or contemptuous of his way will be ruined. We are never too old to learn the way of the Lord more fully.

Verse 18 gives the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of the Lord. It even tells us that when we are lax about the training or discipleship of our son, we are actually desiring his death. While we might not say, “I want my child to ruin their life and die," when we do not do the hard work of spiritual formation, we are saying, "I would rather my son die morally, spiritually, and physically than be inconvenienced by engagement."

Verse 20 is about the early foundation of lifelong learning. The early foundation gives a great advantage so that you avoid the trouble of “stupid early, stupid late." 

Verse 22 is a bit of an enigma. The best understanding is that the character trait we most want to see in a man is that he has a character that is kind, merciful, beautiful, etc. The word used here can express almost all of the great virtues. But these virtues are actually expressed in actions of benevolence, help in tragedy, and even correction of error. But the second part of the verse seems to be an odd contrast. The point Solomon is getting at is that it is better to be a poor man unable to offer tangible practical help but would like to than to have the means to express tangibly these virtues but be unwilling to do so even after making a promise. Many people would love the reputation of being a great-hearted, philanthropic person; they just don't want to live it out.

“Lord, help me to develop the desire to serve and the willingness to serve. AMEN."

Proverbs 19:1-14

Proverbs 19:1-14

In response to a tragic turn of events, people will sometimes say, “There's a reason for everything," implying that there was a secret council that caused this tragic turn. That may be, but there is the truth that sometimes the reason for tragedy is that people can be stupid. That is the message of verse 2. The NIV gets the concept of this verse well with "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge." This text includes the Hebrew word "Naphash," which means "soul," "vitality," or "appetite." Put another way, it is not good to have a wonderful and glorious plan without the knowledge or the cunning to see it through. We all have stories of great plans and failed follow-through. Knowing what to do and how to do it are equally critical. The absence of either will lead to sin. Here are the classical words for sin: “to miss the mark” and “to bear the blame." Verse 3 is related in that poor planning for the great plan results in ruin, literally “perverts his way." Creative sorts sometimes struggle with getting input. Their plans go off the rails, and then they blame God. Their grandiose plans become a dumpster fire, and they accuse God, “Why did this happen, God?” The answer may be, “Because you were too stupid to listen to good advice. ”.

As one reads verses 13 to 14, one might wonder if these words are autobiographical for Solomon. The word "ruin" or "destruction" in the first line of verse 13 carries the implication of an “evil that is rushed after or into." Did Solomon see the stupidity of Rehoboam before he wrecked Israel? Did the brawling or contentious wife bother Solomon like water torture? He would leave his son a palace and great wealth, just as he had received them from David. But the circumspect wife who is a gift from God may have been absent. Is there a link to this in our story? Perhaps Solomon looked back at his rash plan to marry, by which he ended up with 900 women and now has a foolhardy son, but he still doesn't have a wife that is filled with righteousness and godly counsel. 

“Lord, give me wisdom to keep close to me those who are righteous and wise and to seek from them wise counsel. AMEN."