Posted by Jeff Short on July 30, 2016 · 1 Comment
Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
– Proverbs 3:29
Verses 29 and 30 continue addressing interpersonal relations in terms of our neighbor. Devise evil expresses the idea of secretly plotting against. This in light of the neighbor thinking he is secure by you. Taken together wisdom here teaches not betray a confidence nor take advantage of one trusting you.
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Posted by Jeff Short on July 29, 2016 · 1 Comment
Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
– Proverbs 3:28
Verse 28 illustrates verse 27. A neighbor is anyone that is near to us, to whom we may personally do good (Luke 10:29-37). Again, that good may be owed in the sense of a wage (Leviticus 19:13) or owed in the sense of charity (1 John 3:17). Overall, both verses speak to urgency and doing justly sooner rather than later. We should do good while we can do good (Proverbs 27:1; Ecclesiastes 9:10).
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Posted by Jeff Short on July 28, 2016 · 1 Comment
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
– Proverbs 3:27
This verse is variously interpreted to command consideration of the needy (Deuteronomy 24:14-15) or the upholding of justice in personal dealings (Leviticus 19:13). We can see both in the verse. They go together. The phrase “to whom it is due” could refer to an owner. In this sense, justice comes to the fore. We also have an obligation to the poor and needy, which suggests that acts of charity also have a sense of justice (Deuteronomy 26:13; 1 John 3:17-18). Overall the verse has a sense of urgency. Whether we give in acts of charity or of justice, we are to do it quickly, or be soon to do it. Withhold not is saying do not put it off. We should be quickly just and considerate in our personal dealings.
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Posted by Jeff Short on July 27, 2016 · 1 Comment
For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
– Proverbs 3:26
Verse 26 is key in understanding the spiritual importance of wisdom. Verses 21-25 give us a life view where wise management generally tends to peace and avoidance of trouble. For instance, the slothful man does not manage his life affairs wisely and his way is consequently made difficult (Proverbs 15:19). Walking in wisdom avoids that sort of difficulty, not that the wise will not have trouble but the sluggard brings trouble on himself and makes whatever trouble comes, more difficult. This verse teaches on the one hand that having wisdom is trusting the Lord completely. On the other hand, it highlights the Lord’s gracious care of our life.
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Posted by Jeff Short on July 26, 2016 · 1 Comment
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
– Proverbs 3:25
Verses 23 and 24 highlight wisdom in the normal course of life—the cycle of walking and sleeping. Sudden fear describes calamities that come unlooked for. Walking in wisdom, we need not fear the unexpected. Wisdom is in all of life, not only the normal. The desolation of the wicked is the end of folly (Proverbs 1:27). Those who walk in wisdom and lie down in wisdom need not fear coming to the same end as the fool.
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Posted by Jeff Short on July 25, 2016 · 1 Comment
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
– Proverbs 3:24
Sleep is a precious gift from God (Psalm 127:2). It refreshes and replenishes us and is also a daily reminder that we are not God. He never sleeps, but we must or we die. Sleep is also a time of complete vulnerability. Fear and anxious worry rob us of sleep. Walking in wisdom, as in the previous verse, leads us to lay down in peace (Psalm 4:8; 3:5).
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Posted by Jeff Short on July 24, 2016 · 1 Comment
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
– Proverbs 3:23
Walking in wisdom brings safety from the many dangers already presented. Safety includes protection and deliverance (Psalm 37:24; Proverbs 10:9). Safety also includes liberty (Psalm 119:32). You don’t stumble on a clear path (Proverbs 4:12). Obviously, wisdom sets us in the right and good way. Wisdom clears our vision so that we see the way plainly.
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Posted by Jeff Short on July 23, 2016 · 1 Comment
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
– Proverbs 3:22
Wisdom and discretion shall be life and grace. Life to the soul is primarily spiritual life that brings everlasting physical life. It is an undeniable theme throughout Proverbs (Proverbs 3:2, 16; 4:10, 22; 7:2; 8:35; 9:11; 13:14; 14:27; 15:4, 24; 16:22; 19:23; 21:21; 22:4). Grace to the neck is both an ornament that beautifies and an ornament that continually abides with you as clasped about your neck. Those that have wisdom have this life and grace that will not depart from them.
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Posted by Jeff Short on July 22, 2016 · 1 Comment
My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
– Proverbs 3:21
Verses 21-35 give practical instruction to walking in wisdom, which is walking with God. This verse overall speaks of a deliberate intention to keep sound wisdom and discretion. Keep them before your eyes is a way of exhorting us to continually pursue wisdom and not let slip what we have already obtained. Discretion refers to a plan and can be good or bad. Here it is positive for wise plans. Again, this shows intentionality and purpose to go this way of wisdom.
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Proverbs 3:29
Posted by Jeff Short on July 30, 2016 · 1 Comment
Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
Verses 29 and 30 continue addressing interpersonal relations in terms of our neighbor. Devise evil expresses the idea of secretly plotting against. This in light of the neighbor thinking he is secure by you. Taken together wisdom here teaches not betray a confidence nor take advantage of one trusting you.– Proverbs 3:29
Listen to the Proverbs sermon series
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