Proverbs Notes: 15:1-20:30

Bible > Proverbs > Chapters 15 - 20

Introduction Ch. 1-3 4-8 9-14 15-20 21-26 27-31 Truth in Action

Proverbs Notes: 15:1-20:30

Proverbs on teaching and instruction [15:1-33] (HBH) The wise deal with a problem gently (15:1), lead people rightly (15:2-7), and will themselves listen to a rebuke (15:14,31). Fools only do harm when they speak (15:4,18) and will not themselves listen to any admonition (15:5,10,32).

Prov. 15:3 The eyes of Jehovah are everywhere: An omniscient GOD not only sees, but keeps accounts.

Prov. 15:8 Sacrifice: An offering to GOD is unacceptable if it comes from the heart of the unholy. Prayer: A petition that comes from the heart of the righteous pleases GOD.

Prov. 15:11 Sheol and Abaddon (KJV-hell and destruction): If the horrors of the invisible world are in GOD's sight, the hidden thoughts of human beings aren't a secret to Him.

Prov. 15:15 Life is miserable when we are in pain; a feast, when we are joyful.

Prov. 15:16,17 Peace of mind and the affection of a family are worth more than money or good food.

Prov. 15:23 See section 2 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Proverbs.

Prov. 15:25 GOD defends the helpless.

Prov. 15:31-33 Apprenticeship comes before recognition and honor.

Proverbs on GOD's sovereignty over all of life [16:1-33] (HBH) All our plans depend on GOD (16:1-4,33). Human government is also to be respected (16:12-15). No one is truly independent in life.

Prov. 16:3 One who consults the LORD about his plans discovers the purpose of his life.

LITERARY RICHES

Prov. 16:3 commend (KJV-commit), galal; Strong #1556: To roll, coil, remove. In Genesis 29:3 galal refers to rolling a stone from the mouth of a well. In Joshua 5:9 the shame of Egypt is rolled away from Israel. In this text the reader is encouraged to "roll" his works into GOD's care (see also Psalm 37:5). The image is that of a camel that bears a heavy burden. When the load has to be removed, the camel kneels down and lays on his side so that it can be rolled off his back. Several words are derived from galal, among them we find: galgal ("roll" or "whirlwind"), galil (Galilee, literally "circuit" or "district"), gulgolet (Golgotha, "skull" or "head") and megillah ("parchment" or "roll").

Prov. 16:10-15 One in authority (like a king) has great power, but also the great responsibility of utilizing it wisely.

KINGDOM DYNAMICS

Prov. 16:23,24 Wise words bring health, CONFESSION OF FAITH This text reveals what divine wisdom (his Word) has taught to our hearts: truths and promises that should be reflected in our conversation, transmitting these teachings to our lips. The Word in our hearts should influence our conduct and our conversations. The "sweetness" and "medicine" that such words promote are desirable, whether for our human relations or for the reception of divine grace in our daily life. They carry the believer to a victorious life, through the recognition of the power and strength of GOD, as much with our actions as with our lips. (Psa. 19:14/Matt. 15:7-9) R.H.

Prov. 16:24 See section 4 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Proverbs.

Prov. 16:26 Personal interest constitutes a universal motivation.

Prov. 16:31 The honor of old age, if one comes to it in righteousness.

Prov. 16:32 Self-discipline is more important - and more difficult - than physical strength.

Prov. 16:33 GOD can exercise control over all things.

Proverbs on family life and relationships [17:1-19:29] (HBH) In any family love is more important than riches (17:1). Parents and children are bound to each other by a common identity (17:6), although even a servant, if wise and faithful, can take the place of a disgraceful son (17:2,25). Family conflicts can go on forever (18:19), and bad relatives can ruin life (19:13). Many who would call themselves friends are merely attracted by money and power (19:4,5); they show their real character in dealing with someone who has neither (19:7). A faithful friend or relative is a protection from trouble (17:17; 18:24), and a good wife is a gift from GOD (18:22; 19:14).

Prov. 17:3 As precious metals are purified with fire, GOD thus purifies hearts through adversity.

Prov. 17:6 It's natural to take pride in one's descendants and ancestors.

Prov. 17:8 Bribe (KJV-gift): Here is has its traditional significance; handing something over in exchange for a favor. Unfortunately, the one who practices it often enjoys prosperity.

Prov. 17:10 See section 3 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Proverbs.

Prov. 17:12 No fierce animal is as dangerous as a fool in his folly. A "fool" is anyone who denies the reality of GOD (Psalm 14:1) or refuses to obey his commandments (Prov. 10:8). His ways should be avoided. The characteristics of the fool in Proverbs are the following: He propagates calumnies (10:18); he enjoys doing evil (10:23); he brings trouble to his house (11:29); he doesn't listen to counsels (12:15); and he is easily infuriated (12:16). See also 14:16; 17:10,16,21; 18:2.

Prov. 17:14 Arousing contention is like opening the floodgate of a torrent. It's better to leave it shut.

Prov. 17:17 Friendship is better demonstrated, not in good times, but in moments of difficulty.

LITERARY RICHES

Prov. 17:17 friend, re'a; Strong #7453: Companion, neighbor, compatriot. A familiar person. This substantive appears more than 180 times. Its root it the verb ra'ah, which says "to associate with". "be a friend of". Here it constitutes a recipe for a healthy friendship: a friend should love always. It alludes to the responsibility toward one's neighbor (re'a) in Psalm 101:5; Proverbs 24:28 and Zechariah 8:17.

Prov. 17:18 See section 4 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Proverbs.

Prov. 17:19 He who opens the door too much (KJV-exalteth his gate): One who exalts himself.

Prov. 17:22 The joyful heart is a good remedy: Although there is much humor in the Bible, rarely is an allusion made to it. Here the capacity to laugh is praised.

Prov. 18:1 He who turns away to pursue his own ends up isolated from everyone.

Prov. 18:8 Suave mouthfuls (KJV-words of a talebearer): Alludes to the gossip who enjoys supporting people's malice.

Prov. 18:9 Negligence eats up time and opportunity, reducing what could have been achieved to nothing.

Prov. 18:10 Strong tower: The name of the LORD is like a high and impregnable fortress. It will be raised (KJV-is safe): signifies here "put out of the reach" of danger.

Prov. 18:13 Don't make conclusions hurriedly.

Prov. 18:14 Anguished spirit: Someone who has been crushed by difficulties and who often suffers depression (15:13; 17:22). Healing such persons is part of Jesus' ministry (Luke 4:18).

Prov. 18:16 The gift...widens the way: This type of gift isn't a bribe, but an investment of material goods or talent that opens new possibilities to a person.

Prov. 18:21 The life of a person reflects the fruits of his speech. Speaking of life is speaking from GOD's perspective about each aspect of it; speaking of death is referring to the opposite of life, proclaiming defeat or constantly complaining.

Prov. 19:4,6,7 Here appears perhaps the clearest expression of the identification of GOD with the needs of the poor. They help that they receive becomes a divine debt to the one who grants it.

Prov. 19:18 See section 5 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Proverbs.

Prov. 19:18 See the note for 23:13,14.

Prov. 19:19 Evil disposition is a weakness that leads to the use of violence.

Prov. 19:24 The ultimate laziness: a man who is too lazy to put food into his mouth.

Warnings against wrong choices [20:1-22:16] (HBH) The LORD despises fraud (20:10,17,23;21:6), violence (21:7), a cold heart (31:13), and faithlessness (22:12). Drunkenness, laziness, poor investments, and pleasure seeking all lead to destruction (20:1,16; 21:5,17; 22:13-14). All things are in GOD's hands (21:30-31), and therefore the fear of GOD leads to a life worth living (22:4).

Prov. 20:3 A peacemaker is better than one who fans the flames.

Prov. 20:8 With his eyes: A clear perception of the facts is what permits him to defeat injustice before the tribunal.

Prov. 20:14 The buyer lowers the price of merchandise when he buys, in order to inflate its price when he sells it.

Prov. 20:15 See section 2 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Proverbs.

Prov. 20:27 Lamp of Jehovah (KJV-candle of the LORD): The spirit of the human being is his point of contact with GOD (rather than the soul or body), through which he is illuminated and made to see his own nature.

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