2018 Sep 18 Sept 18 Proverbs 18, Psalms
2018 Sep 18 Sept 18 Proverbs 18, Psalms
Hello! Let's continue our routine of
considering Proverbs, this time Proverbs 18:1-4.
1 Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; He rejects all practical wisdom. 2 A stupid person takes no pleasure in understanding;He would rather disclose what is in his heart. 3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,And along with dishonor there is disgrace. 4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters.The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Prov 18:1: Humans are gregarious by nature--we are designed by God to need others, to be social. It is a danger for one to become embittered by the actions of one or more, and become an isolationist. God may be willing to forgive us, but we need to be merciful toward others to receive of His mercy (Matthew 6:12-15). Also, we should learn to be peaceable, or a peacemaker, and once again rejoice to be in the company of fellow humans. We are helped by focusing on unselfish giving toward others. Especially should we seek out those who love God and who seek earnestly to please Him. Such good companions will warm our hearts as we serve God together.
Prov 18:2: We are to seek diligently the quality of understanding, in order to find the very knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:1-5). This is like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, examining each piece of knowledge as it relates to the others, until we see the complete picture of something, including that of God's beautiful Kingdom purpose. A morally stupid person, one who knows what's right but often will not do it, lacks understanding along with other aspects of wisdom, and instead of listening to the good counsel and correction of others, would rather express his own ideas. This one needs to appreciate more the discipline from God, realizing God loves those whom he disciplines(Proverbs 13:24; Hebrews 12:5,6).
Prov 18:3: A wicked person brings with him contempt for others, having an attitude that regards some persons as inferior or worthless. Such a one has a haughty attitude, and needs to humble himself before God, and also before others, "considering others as superior" to himself. He needs to turn around from bad practices, habits, and thoughts. "Let the wicked man leave his way and the evil man his thoughts; Let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, To our God, for he will forgive in a large way." Such a one can come to appreciate the beauty and goodness of God's love for him, the happiness that results from truly pleasing God and doing His will. If not, God's justice demands that the incorrigibly unrepentant evildoers cannot remain to mar the peace and happiness that God promises in His new world.
Prov 18:4: As a person gains genuine wisdom from God, he becomes full of good things to share with others, and learns to do so with tact and kindness (Luke 6:45; Matthew 13:52). He becomes a "bubbling brook" imparting the knowledge of God to others, leading them to endless life in peace and happiness.
In Psalm 59 (Book 2, 18th psalm), David pleads with Jehovah for His protection. Even though David had not revolted or sinned, men were seeking to ambush and attack him (v.3). He turned to God for help. "Do not kill them," David says, "so that my people may not forget. By your power make them wander about." When wrongdoers are humbled by God, they may turn back to him, with a new spirit, due to their humbled attitude. Regardless, David sings "But as for me, I will sing about your strength; In the morning I will joyfully tell about your loyal love. For you are my secure refuge and a place for me to flee in my time of distress." (v.16).







