Posted by Jeff Short on July 22, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
– Proverbs 25:5
The word for
take away means to remove, and it begins both verse 4 and verse 5. Removing the dross from silver in the previous verse results in a pure and valuable vessel. Likewise, removing wicked counselors from before the king results in an established throne (Proverbs 16:12; 20:28; 29:14). The implication of the verse is that wicked counselors will ruin the righteousness of a rule by perverting justice in one way or another. Wisdom teaches the necessity of wise counselors (Proverbs 15:22; 20:18), but also warns against wicked counsel (Proverbs 12:3, 19).
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 30, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
– Proverbs 15:9
This proverb parallels the previous one. The former addressed religious acts and this one the life, or the
way. The
wicked do not pursue
righteousness as the upright do. The way of the wicked is characterized as darkness, proud, and perverting the way of wisdom (Proverbs 4:19; 21:4, 8). Their way is an
abomination to God. The word for
followeth after means to run after, or pursue. God loves those who pursue
righteousness in life and not merely pious rituals (Proverbs 21:21).
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Posted by Jeff Short on April 10, 2017 · Leave a Comment
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
– Proverbs 12:17
The word for
righteousness means justice and along with the term
false witness, this proverb has a legal connotation. Speaking truth reliably manifests or upholds justice (Proverbs 14:5, 25). So the thought here includes consistency or reliability in those who speak truth. A
false witness is more than one who lies. Their lies or deceit through omission perverts justice (Proverbs 19:28; 24:28).
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Posted by Jeff Short on January 20, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
– Proverbs 10:2
The first phrase refers to wealth gotten through immoral or unethical means. Worldly wealth is always a temporary possession no matter how it is acquired (Proverbs 23:5). Such wealth can do no more than provide some temporary enjoyment. It cannot deliver (Psalm 49:6-10). The contrast is with true righteousness. The word indicates a just and upright life. Wisdom knows the true righteousness is found in Jesus Christ alone (Philippians 3:9) and it leads to true life, eternal life (Romans 5:21).
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Posted by Jeff Short on December 15, 2016 · Leave a Comment
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
– Proverbs 8:20
Wisdom’s rich gifts have been described and extolled. Wisdom brings benefits both spiritually and physically. The spiritual far surpasses the physical in value and durability. So here wisdom explains her gifts come in the way of
righteousness and
judgment. The gains of wisdom are not by hook and by crook, but rather by righteous justice. The way of wisdom is a clear and upright way and we have seen the contrast with the way of evil men and the way of strange woman who lurk about in the dark and plot in secret. This also means those benefits are enjoyed without guilt or remorse.
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Posted by Jeff Short on December 13, 2016 · Leave a Comment
Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
– Proverbs 8:18
Riches are wealth and
honor is glory and abundance.
Durable riches speaks of old or ancient wealth treasured up. Hence, it is enduring and not quickly fading. It is passed on from one hand to another. The wealth of wisdom is abundant, enduring, and just.
Righteousness is justice and opposite of oppression or extortion, which are common worldly means of gaining wealth. As you work through this chapter, keep note of both the physical and spiritual nature of the benefits of wisdom.
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Proverbs 25:5
Posted by Jeff Short on July 22, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
The word for take away means to remove, and it begins both verse 4 and verse 5. Removing the dross from silver in the previous verse results in a pure and valuable vessel. Likewise, removing wicked counselors from before the king results in an established throne (Proverbs 16:12; 20:28; 29:14). The implication of the verse is that wicked counselors will ruin the righteousness of a rule by perverting justice in one way or another. Wisdom teaches the necessity of wise counselors (Proverbs 15:22; 20:18), but also warns against wicked counsel (Proverbs 12:3, 19).– Proverbs 25:5
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Filed under 25, Proverbs, Short Comments · Tagged with Commentary, Kings, Proverbs, Righteousness