2018 Dec 20 Proverbs 20, Psalms, Colossians 4
2018 Dec 20 Proverbs 20, Psalms, Colossians 4
Hello and a warm welcome to all! Let's continue with Proverbs 20:14-20:
“14 It is no good, it is no good!” says the buyer; Then he goes away and boasts about himself. 15 There is gold, also much coral, But the lips of knowledge are something precious. 16 Take a man’s garment if he has given security for a stranger; Seize the pledge from him if he did so for a foreign woman. 17 Bread gained by deceit tastes good to a man, But afterward his mouth will be full of gravel. 18 By consultation, plans will succeed, And by skillful direction wage your war. 19 A slanderer goes about revealing confidential talk; Do not associate with one who loves to gossip. 20 Whoever curses his father and his mother, His lamp will be extinguished when darkness comes."
Prov 20:14 Maybe declaring a product "no good" perhaps gives him reason to boast about his "good eye" for quality, but his personal flattery boosts his ego more than his reputation, making him prideful and prone to a disastrous fall.
Prov 20:15 In God's view, how precious is gold and corals, compared to divine knowledge coming from the lips of his servants, by which knowledge "the righteous are rescued." (Prov 11:9). Thus Proverbs 4:7 says "Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, and with all you acquire, acquire understanding."
Prov 20:16 Proverbs cautions against giving security for a "stranger's" loan. Such a "stranger" was not an Israelite nor a Jewish proselyte, probably not even a foreigner agreeable to living in the land and keeping the Mosaic Law. If this practice had become common, it could perhaps have undermined the financial stability of God's people as a whole. One doing this needed divine correction, especially if he was enticed by a "foreign woman." (Prov 5:3,8-10).
Prov 20:17 It is one of the first proverbs (Prov 10:2) which says "The treasures gained by wickedness will be of no benefit." Such wickedness would include using deceit, or dishonesty of any sort, to obtain anything.
Prov 20:18 How advantageous to consult with knowledgeable associates regarding important plans, waging spiritual warfare with divine wisdom, as often ascertained with help by others, to understand more thoroughly. Proverbs 1:5 says "A wise person listens and takes in more instruction; a man of understanding acquires skillful direction."
Prov 20:19 Clearly, one who slanders and loves to gossip is not a good associate. Such a person easily harms the reputation of others, is acting with little compassion for such ones, thus the primary motive of his or her heart is in question, not acting out of true love, instead perhaps boosting one's own pride or ego, or acting out of jealousy of another, or having some other selfish motive. Such motives can rub off, and "corrupt good morals." (1Cor 15:33).
Prov 20:20 A violation of one of the Ten Commandments to "Honor your father and your mother." Cursing one's own parents was a serious offense under the Mosaic Law of Israel, indicating a gross lack of respect for them, and a lack of appreciation, love or proper motive, and divine wisdom including regard for discipline, which "means your life." (Prov 4:13). Proverbs 5:23 says "He will die for lack of discipline and go astray because of his excessive foolishness." How important for parents to help their young ones to grow to see discipline as helpful, loving correction from them, not only as an unruly rod of agonizing punishment.
The next 8 verses of Psalm 119 each begin with the 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet:
"153 Look on my affliction and rescue me, For I have not forgotten your law. 154 Defend me and rescue me; Preserve me alive in harmony with your promise. 155 Salvation is far away from the wicked, For they have not searched for your regulations. 156 Your mercy is great, O Jehovah. Preserve me alive in harmony with your justice.157 My persecutors and my adversaries are many; But I have not deviated from your reminders. 158 I look on the treacherous with loathing, Because they do not keep your saying. 159 See how I love your orders! O Jehovah, preserve me alive because of your loyal love. 160 The very essence of your word is truth, And all your righteous judgments endure forever."
Clearly, keeping God's law and regulations puts us on a path to salvation, in harmony with God's promise. Straying from the word and sayings of God can cause us to become disloyal, even treacherous. May we rather "love [God's] orders!"
Colossians 4:5,6 say: "Go on walking in wisdom toward those on the outside, making the best use of your time. 6 Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person." How important to use our time wisely, planning ahead. Jesus said not to be "anxious about the next day," but he by no means meant that we cannot reasonably and wisely plan our activities in line with the will of God. It is the excessive worry that we should avoid, not being anxious but rather praying for God's guidance and assistance in coping with issues of concern. Also, we should use kind, gracious speech, when speaking the truth to others, not using the truth as a battering ram, but rather being motivated by true love for others, as we represent the God who "is love," the "happy God." We do not "water down" the truth, but rather, make it more palatable to sincere ones. Thus others may see the truth as a source of true happiness in their life, causing their heart to rejoice. It takes time for some to learn to do this, so may we be patient with one another as we make genuine progress each day, learning to properly love God and neighbor (Matt 22:37-39).
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
