2019 Jan 10 Proverbs 10, Psalms
2019 Jan 10 Proverbs 10, Psalms
Hello, with wishes for a pleasant day to you! Let's pick up in Proverbs 10, verses 17-21:
"17 The one who heeds discipline is a path to life, But the one who ignores reproof leads others astray. 18 The one who conceals his hatred speaks lies, And the one spreading malicious reports is stupid. 19 When words are many, transgression cannot be avoided, But whoever controls his lips acts discreetly. 20 The tongue of the righteous one is like the finest silver, But the heart of the wicked one is worth little. 21 The lips of the righteous one nourish many, But the foolish die for lack of sense."
Prove 10:17 As we've discussed previously, discipline is not synonymous with punishment. Rather, it is loving guidance and instruction, with the word coming from the same root as "disciple", bringing to mind teaching and training. Given out of genuine love, a child should be moved to listen and heed the discipline. Any punishment should be sparing, with exceptional effort to ensure the child realizes the loving motive behind it, with clear emphasis on the lesson(s) to be learned, and the way to avoid such punishment in the future. Reproof is strong discipline, needed in certain circumstances. Jehovah said regarding the wayward nation of Israel that He would discipline them "to the proper degree," and by no means leave them unpunished. (Jerem 30:11). Hebrews 12:6 says "those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son." Thus, all of us at times need loving correction! If we refuse, especially strong correction, we not only hurt ourselves, but our stubbornness can have a negative effect on others, 'leading them astray.'
Prove 10:18 One trying to cover up their hatred for another is clearly being deceitful, and will therefore 'speak lies' seeking the cover-up. While it is no good to hate another human being made "in God's image," the degree of hatred can vary, and allowing others to know about it might get that one the help he needs to have more love for the person. Prayer by the hater for the one hated might also have a powerful effect, if he's seeking to correct his heart. Proverbs 4:23 says "Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life." Harboring hatred or resentement for another, refusing to forgive them for some slight or offense, can hinder God's own forgiveness toward the resenting one. Recall in Jesus' model prayer, he said "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Matth 6:12). Such resentment and hatred may move one to 'spread malicious (or slanderous) reports' about another, seeking to ruin reputations. Nevertheless, if we harbor, or seek to cover-up hatred, and gradually become more deceptive, speaking lies, we're continuing our venture into the path of the wicked one, God's enemy, who not only hates others, but is "the father of the lie." On the other hand, it is basically "impossible for God to lie." He is full of selfless genuine love for mankind, and full of "underserved kindness and truth." May we choose to imitate our loving God and father, Jehovah.
Prove 10:19 Clearly, we need to avoid talking too much. It is far better to be a good listener, than to merely always be talking about what is in our heart. Proverbs 18:2 says "A stupid person takes no pleasure in understanding; He would rather disclose what is in his heart." So such ones need to learn to see the big picture of things, and to see how smaller pieces of information fit together to make the whole, thus 'acquiring an understanding heart.' (Prove 8:5). Then this one can know the questions to ask, to add to his understanding, rather than doing all the talking. Thus much transgression can be avoid, as one "controls his lips" and acts discreetly. Such self-control is also necessary to avoid excessive speech, and is part of the fruitage of God's holy spirit, which God gives "to those asking Him." (Luke 11:13).
Prove 10:20 It is "out of the heart's abundance" that the "mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45). Thus the righteous are inclined to speak lovely, right and upbuilding things, like "choice silver." But "the wicked man out of his wicked treasure sends out wicked things." (Matth 12:35). Thus his heart is "worth little" as regards helping others on the path of eternal life.
Prove 10:21 "The tongue of the wise makes good use of knowledge," says Proverbs 15:2, as righteous ones "nourish many" with spiritually helpful and encouraging words. Such ones promote understanding of spiritual things, that others may grow in their relationships with God and other humans, and in their own spiritual well-being. On the other hand, some ignore spiritual instruction, lack sense, and have no spiritual life in themselves, and may even suffer physical death with a heart straying from sensibleness.
Psalm 82 (Book 3, 10th psalm) contains just 8 verses, and acknowledges our just and loving God:
"1 God takes his place in the divine assembly; In the middle of the gods he judges: 2 “How long will you continue to judge with injustice And show partiality to the wicked? (Selah) 3 Defend the lowly and the fatherless. Render justice to the helpless and destitute. 4 Rescue the lowly and the poor; Save them out of the hand of the wicked.” 5 They do not know, nor do they understand; They are walking about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are being shaken. 6 “I have said, ‘You are gods, All of you are sons of the Most High. 7 But you will die just as men do; And like any other prince you will fall!’” 8 Rise up, O God, and judge the earth, For all the nations belong to you."
Notice human judges are referred to as "gods", or "godlike ones", in verses 1,2. This in no way makes them equal to Jehovah, but acknowledges the power associated with their unique authority. In the same way, Jesus is given the title "Mighty God" in Isaiah 9:6, acknowledging his great power and authority as he would become King of God's kingdom. Still, as on earth, he always seeks the glory and praise of God Almighty, Jehovah, and not his own. True Christians would therefore respect Jesus' own desire, not for worship, but only the honor due him as one exalting God and the true worship of Him. (Matth 4:10). True Christians do not worship Jesus, or give him excessive praise. Rather, it is the LORD Jehovah God, whose name sadly has been left out of many modern Bibles, that we should be seeking to worship, praise and honor. (Psalm 83:18; Exodu 3:15).
Powerful human judges are encouraged to "render justice to the helpless and destitute." Under the rule of God's Son, Jesus, "he will rescue the poor who cry for help, also the lowly one and whoever has no helper." Thus God will "rise up...and judge the earth," as Jesus will judge in harmony with God's standards as clarified in His word.


2025 5C/8C (7Hul-8Lsg2) Find Life and See (7-9) Proverbs B (8) CTC Corner and WGA-B (9) Godlove Home




