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By: Pastor Schlicht

This month we continue our look at the book of Proverbs with more gems from Wisdom’s Archive, sampling just a few pearls from chapters 10-29. As with every article in this series, my prayer is that this sampling clearly demonstrates the wisdom of the book of Proverbs and inspires you to read more in your own Bible at home.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. Gossip is a strong temptation in every age and for almost every person. All too personal stories, rumors, and just plain lies fill our newsfeeds every day. How enjoyable it is to be the first person to have something interesting to say. How fun it is to speculate about some scandal. Solomon’s wisdom tells us that these “morsels” are delicious—as pleasing to our sinful nature as a tasty bite of food. But, like food, that gossip goes deep inside us. The spiritual effect of taking in slander or secrets is much more serious than it might seem. Gossip tastes good going down, but it is a poison for your soul and the reputation of others.

Proverbs 18:8 To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. Thanks to the internet, whatever flits across someone’s mind can be broadcast around the world. Entire media platforms are designed around characteristics such as speed, brevity, and reach. As a result, we often form opinions based on bite-sized, context-free headlines, reinforcing the error and causing it to spread. As a wise judge, Solomon understood the wisdom of hearing both sides of a matter before rendering a judgment. Speaking before hearing is a sign of arrogance and overconfidence (Proverbs 18:12). Pride makes a person think he knows what to say without bothering to hear what another person has to say. We need to listen—research, think, and ask questions—before we speak, in person or online. This ancient proverb reveals that speaking out of ignorance is not a modern problem, yet I can’t help but think that it is a problem amplified by modern technology. Let us be good listeners and avoid folly and shame.

Proverbs 20:4 Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. Sluggards or lazy people are often condemned in the book of Proverbs. In this verse, the mark of laziness is failing to work now for future needs. The time for plowing and planting in Israel was during their rainy season—long days in muddy fields. If the lazy person fails to work in these less-than-ideal conditions, he will go hungry during harvest time. A lazy person today may refuse to work and prefer to lean on handouts, but he does not have biblical support for doing so. As the Apostle Paul told the Thessalonian church: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat. (2 Thes 3:10).” Note that those who cannot work or provide for themselves should be cared for. Only the person too lazy to work does not deserve to be fed or supported, nor should they be allowed to waste resources that could be used to help those truly in need.

Proverbs 21:1 A king’s heart is like streams of water in the hand of the Lord. He directs it wherever he desires. There are many proverbs that highlight the power of earthly kings, but they have no power which is not given to them from above. When God chooses, he can effortlessly direct them. In 538 BC the Lord moved King Cyrus of Persia to pass an edict allowing the Hebrew captives to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Centuries later, God used Caesar Augustus to cause Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah 5:2. Trust this proverb: Our Lord still directs our presidents and leaders today to fulfill his plans.

Proverbs 21:2 In a person’s own eyes all his ways are right, but the Lord weighs the motives of the heart. A person may think their behavior is fine, but the ultimate Judge is God. No matter how good or righteous a person may think they are, the Lord looks upon the heart and sees what sin is there. Other passages indicate our hearts are prone to self-deception about sin like Jeremiah 17:9. Each of us should remain humble before the Lord and include confession of both known and unknown sin. The world today says that morality is subjective, but the Bible clearly states that God established his law and holds us accountable to it, even to the depth of our thoughts and motivation. Thanks be to Christ who kept it perfectly for us!

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is worth more than great wealth. Respect is worth more than silver and gold. Given the choice between a good reputation and a million bucks, many people would take the money. But Solomon teaches us that it is better to be known for integrity and morality than to be wealthy. Money cannot directly buy respect or a good name, to say nothing of peace, joy, or eternal life. It has many advantages, but they are all temporary. The spiritual maturity which leads to a good name results in trust and honor. Proverbs chapter 31 describes the woman whose reputation is blameless: “The heart of her husband trusts in her” (Pr 31:11) and later, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Pr 31:28). Money cannot buy the admiration and love of family and friends, but godly character fosters a good name which includes the love and respect of many people.

Ah, they are all so good! Once you begin to meditate on one, all sorts of applications and examples come to mind. God bless your July and I pray you grow in the Wisdom that only Proverbs can supply!

Suggested Reading this Month: Proverbs 24–29