Provérbios 4
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
Provérbios 4
Guzik - Before David spoke to Solomon he cultivated a receptive heart. David didn’t want his words to fall upon deaf ears or a hard heart, so he addressed this first.. Plainly said, if the king of Israel took the time to teach his children in this way, so does every father. “Parents, you must remember than an untaught child will be a living shame (Proverbs 29:15).” (Bridges) Jensen - Solomon very tenderly recognizes the impressions made on his life by his parents, David and Bathsheba (4:3). He quotes his father’s counsel (4:4–9), and regards it as the same instruction he wants to give to his reader. Henry on hold fast - Let thy heart retain my words; and except the word be hid in the heart, lodged in the will and affections, it will not be retained. (see Memorizing His Word and Biblical Meditation).He must govern himself by them: Keep my commandments, obey them, and that is the way to increase in the knowledge of them, Jn. 7:17 “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself." Proverbs 6:23+ says "the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life." Keep my commandments and live - The identical words are found in Pr 7:2. The idea is "keep so that you may live." Keep means to heed, to guard, to obey, to adhere, to follow the precepts, to conform your practices to the commandments. The result of keeping these lessons is life, which here, as in Pr 3:2, refers "length of days and years of life." Toy on live - that they may secure the happiness of a long earthly life;”... Long life is considered in OT. to be one of the chief blessings of man’s lot (Ex. 20:12), including, as it does, the idea of happiness (so that the first line might be rendered: a long and happy life). Sheol offered nothing—the longer one lived on earth the greater one’s opportunities for work and enjoyment (Isa. 38:19; 65:20). Kitchen points out that "The three discourses on wisdom that make up this chapter all contain a similar emphasis on the life-giving power of wisdom (Prov. 4:4, 10; 22–23)." THOUGHT - NT believers have no excuse for we have the indwelling Spirit to enable us to work out our salvation in fear and trembling (Php 2:12+), for it is God (the Spirit of Christ) Who is continually working in us (energizing) us, giving the desire (to "keep" or obey) and the power (to obey) for God's good pleasure." (Phil 2:13NLT+) This recalls Jesus' words that He "came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (Jn 10:10) Guzik - One of the ways that David cultivated a receptive heart was to communicate the importance of his instruction. Because the teaching faithfully communicated God’s truth, obedience to the commands of his father meant life or death for Solomon.
Provérbios 4
Guzik - Waltke explains that the verb get really has the sense to buy or purchase. “Qana means to acquire moveable goods through a financial transaction.” The idea is that wisdom will cost something, but it is worth it. Wiersbe agrees writing "‘Get wisdom’ suggests, ‘buy wisdom,’ because the Hebrew word carries the idea of a commercial transaction. There’s a price to pay if you want to know God’s truth and obey it.” Toy on wisdom - Wisdom is the general expression for knowledge of all good things; it is practical sagacity (Jdg. 5:29; 2 Sa 13:3; 14:2; 20:16), the skill of the artisan (Ex. 31:3), wide acquaintance with facts (1 Ki. 4:29–34 [5:9–14]), learning (Jer. 8:9), skill in expounding secret things (Ez. 28:3), statesmanship (Jer. 18:18), and finally, knowledge of right living in the highest sense. This last is its sense here—moral and religious intelligence. It excludes not only the morally bad, but also (in contrast with Greek wisdom) the philosophically speculative....In it the religious element is practically identical with the moral.
Provérbios 4
Guzik - If, through foolishness, the path of the wicked is entered, then one’s steps should turn from it soon. With urgency, wisdom speaks and says avoid it and turn away from it. Every further step on the way of evil makes it more difficult to depart from that path of the wicked. Kitchen has an very practical comment - The four verbs used here provide a wonderful strategy for fighting off temptation. First, we must ‘avoid’ temptation. When temptation is near, we must steer as wide a path away as possible. Do not make eye contact (Prov. 4:25; 6:13, 25; 10:10; 16:30). Cross the street and give it a wide berth (Prov. 5:8; Job 11:14). Second, we must not ‘pass by’ temptation. While temptation may spring up and entice us unawares, there are also areas of temptation we know we are vulnerable to. We must calculate and construct our steps each day so as to stay as distant as possible from those temptations that we know may hound us. Third, we must activate our will and immediately ‘turn away’ from the enticement of sin when confronted by it. To linger over temptation, to delay decision regarding it is to walk headlong into its trap (Ps. 119:60). Fourth, we must ‘pass on’ once we have made the decision not to imbibe in the wanton pleasure of some allurement. Walk and keep walking. Do not contemplate the fleeting pleasure that might have been yours, if the decision had been different (Col. 3:1; Phil. 4:8). To look back after your hand has been put to the plow is to disqualify yourself (Luke 9:62; Rom. 6:21–23; Col. 3:5). Proverbs 4:16 For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble. BGT Proverbs 4:16 οὐ γὰρ μὴ ὑπνώσωσιν ἐὰν μὴ κακοποιήσωσιν ἀφῄρηται ὁ ὕπνος αὐτῶν καὶ οὐ κοιμῶνται NET Proverbs 4:16 For they cannot sleep unless they cause harm; they are robbed of sleep until they make someone stumble. NLT Proverbs 4:16 For evil people can't sleep until they've done their evil deed for the day. They can't rest until they've caused someone to stumble. ESV Proverbs 4:16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. NIV Proverbs 4:16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. KJV Proverbs 4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. LXE Proverbs 4:16 For they cannot sleep, unless they have done evil: their sleep is taken away, and they rest not. ASV Proverbs 4:16 For they sleep not, except they do evil; And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. CSB Proverbs 4:16 For they can't sleep unless they have done what is evil; they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble. NKJ Proverbs 4:16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. NRS Proverbs 4:16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. YLT Proverbs 4:16 For they sleep not if they do not evil, And their sleep hath been taken violently away, If they cause not some to stumble. Pr 1:16 Ps 36:4 Isa 57:20 Mic 2:1 Lu 22:66 Joh 18:28 2Pe 2:14 THE POWER OF SIN TO ENSLAVE EBC - The first reason that one should avoid such a life style is that it is enslaving. By using hyperboles the teacher portrays the character of the wicked as those who are addicted to evil (v. 16; cf. Ps 36:4). They are so completely devoted to evil conduct that they cannot sleep until they find expression for it. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil - No rest for the wicked. They are committed, devoted, dedicated to their lifestyle of sin! They are willing to sacrifice sleep and favor sleeplessness over sinlessness! It is one thing to be zealous to do good (cf Titus 2:14), but zeal to commit evil is a tragedy. They are now so entangled in the power of sin that they cannot sleep unless they commit sins. NET Note - The verse is using the figure of hyperbole to stress the preoccupation of some people with causing trouble. Related Passages: Psalm 36:4 He plans wickedness upon his bed; He sets himself on a path that is not good; He does not despise evil. Micah 2:1 Woe to those who scheme iniquity, Who work out evil on their beds! When morning comes, they do it, For it is in the power of their hands. Bridges - With sleepless eagerness do they pursue their work (Job 24:15, 16, Psalm 36:4, Mic. 2:1.), caring little for any lengths of violence, so that they do mischief, or cause some to fall. (Pr . 1:10–14, 16; 2:14, 24:2, Psalm 10:8. Comp. 2 Peter 2:14.) Judas with his midnight torches; (John 18:3) the early morning assemblage of the Jewish rulers (Jn 5:28, Luke 22:66); the frenzied vow of the enemies of Paul;(Acts 23:12) and many a plot in after ages against the Church—all vividly portray this unwearied wickedness. Yet if we be preserved from this undisguised malignity, what are all the allurements for every rank and circumstance of life, but the more subtle poison of the murderer? A light-minded young person pours into the ear of his companion—simple and inexperienced in the ways of sin—filthy conversation; or presents before him images of lasciviousness. What but a rooted principle of grace can save his unsuspecting victim? Or again—the venomous infidel, intent upon “spoiling” his fellow creature of his most precious treasure, drops into his bosom the repetition of the first lie.(Ge 3:3) No principle appears to be given up; no fundamental doctrine denied; yet the foundation of an unwavering confidence is shaken to pieces. And are not these deeds of mischief and violence, malignant and destructive as the murderer’s stab? Is it not then mercy, that forbids needless intercourse with the evil man (Eph. 5:11)? With a constitution prone to evil—when the alternative is—whether we shall shun or dare the danger—can we doubt our path? The whole Scripture is on the side of caution—to hazard nothing, except on a plain call of duty—tantamount to a call of Providence. Observe how the wise man heaps up his words—Enter not into the path—no—not so much as set thy foot into it. If some accident throws thee into it, go not on in it, avoid it with detestation. Pass not by it, lest thou shouldest unwittingly turn in. Not only avoid it when near; but avoid nearness to it. It is like living in the atmosphere of contagion; taking up thy abode in a pest-house, in the midst of virulent and fatal disease. The earnest repetition of the warning shews at once the imminency of the danger, and the certainty of the injury. The world around us is the action of mind upon mind. We are continually, through the medium of intercourse, moulding ourselves by other minds, and other minds by our own. Intercourse with the ungodly must therefore be fraught with fatal Contamination. The occasions, the company, the border, of temptation—all must be avoided. It is far easier to shun the occasion of sin, than the sin, when the occasion presents it. There must be no tampering with it; no trial of strength, to see how far our resolutions will keep us. Let the examples of Lot3—Dinah—Solomon5—Peter—warn us—how far only the entrance into the path of the wicked may carry us; lengths, that we could never have contemplated in prospect without horror. Here and there some special miracle of preservation may be manifested. But no one comes out of the path without hurt or defilement; and the general issue is an open door to ruin.8 To pretend to dread sins without fearing temptation, is self-delusion. Satan has too nearly allied them for us to separate them. The evil company is loved—then the evil of the company. To pray “not to be led into temptation;” yet not “watch that we enter not into it”10—is not this practically to contradict our prayers—to mock our God, by asking for what we do not heartily wish? “Come out then, and be separate”—is the voice of God. “Touch not the unclean thing.” “Watch and pray.”12 Walk with God and his people. Take care to avoid fellowship with them, who hinder thy fellowship with God. And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble - What is the picture? The darkness comes and normal, godly people sleep, but these men are so consumed with corruption they cannot sleep. Not much good happens in the cover of darkness unless you are doing a Bible Study at night but even there you have some light (physical) and of course wonderful light spiritually. "Not content with their own misdeeds, they seek to ‘make someone else stumble.’ Oh, that we were as zealous in enlisting people for godliness as the wicked are in recruiting others for ruin! The word ‘stumble’ is used three times in this section (vv. 12, 19)." (Kitchen) Beware of that which sprouts and blooms before the sun rises! -- John Kitchen Alden wrote "How sick to find peace only at the price of another man’s misfortune!" Kitchen - Contrast this fevered fight against sin with the sweet sleep of the righteous (Prov. 3:24). Also, contrast Psalm 132:3–5 and David’s refusal to sleep until he provided a settled place for God’s house. Proverbs 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness And drink the wine of violence. BGT Proverbs 4:17 οἵδε γὰρ σιτοῦνται σῖτα ἀσεβείας οἴνῳ δὲ παρανόμῳ μεθύσκονται NET Proverbs 4:17 For they eat bread gained from wickedness and drink wine obtained from violence. NLT Proverbs 4:17 They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence! ESV Proverbs 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. NIV Proverbs 4:17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. KJV Proverbs 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. LXE Proverbs 4:17 For these live upon the bread of ungodliness, and are drunken with wine of transgression. ASV Proverbs 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. CSB Proverbs 4:17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. NKJ Proverbs 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. NRS Proverbs 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. YLT Proverbs 4:17 For they have eaten bread of wickedness, And wine of violence they drink. Pr 9:17 20:17 Job 24:5,6 Ps 14:4 Jer 5:26-28 Eze 22:25-29 Am 8:4-6 Mic 3:5 6:12 Zep 3:3 Mt 23:14 Jas 5:4,5 THEY LOVE EVIL "DIET AND DRINK" For they eat the bread of wickedness And drink the wine of violence - What is this metaphor teaching? What do we all need each day and have a desire for? Food. Sin has become their bread and wine so to speak! Their desire for wickedness has so enslaved them they crave it just like would intake of food. This also speaks of their "appetite" for sin! Of course it is an appetite they will never satisfy, because sin always wants more and darker sins. Kidner - The Bible does not hide the fact that one can become as zealous for evil as for good. Bridges - Mischief is their meat and drink.(Job 15:16, Psalm 14:4) ‘To do evil is more proper and natural than to sleep, eat, or drink.’ (Job 24:15, 16, Psalm 36:4, Mic. 2:1) John
Provérbios 4
Guzik - "Considering where each path leads should help a man or woman make the right choice. One of the tempter’s chief strategies is to hide the consequences of our path, whether it is the path of the just or the way of the wicked." (Guzik) Matthew
Provérbios 4
Guzik - Proverbs 4:20–27 make mention of the body at least 11 times (eyes, feet, and heart are mentioned twice, and ear, flesh, mouth, lips, and eyelids once each). It is a section that speaks powerfully on how we can dedicate each part of our body to wisdom and God’s honor. Later the Apostle Paul wrote of yielding the parts (members) of our body to God (Romans 6:12–13+). Bridges - These repeated injunctions (Pr 3:1; 5:1, 6:20, 21; 22:17) are an admirable pattern to the Christian Parent or Minister. The desire of wisdom—the first step in the path—is encouraged. The means of obtaining it, and the privilege when obtained, are pointed out. Eye then the treasury of wisdom habitually. Lawson - When a preacher has truths of great importance to communicate, and sees many of his hearers asleep, he endeavours to rouse them up; so this wise man, knowing that we are dull of hearing, frequently renews his calls to us to hear and treasure up his words. It is our duty to be frequently summoning the powers of our souls to attend with reverence to the words of God, our Maker and our Judge, and to pray to God that he may open our ears to discipline, and seal our instruction. He that hath ears, let him hear. Let him place these necessary instructions before his eyes, that they may be a rule to his life, and let him lay them up in the midst of his heart, believing them to be the faithful sayings of God, and loving them with a cordial affection, because they are more precious than gold, and sweeter than honey from the comb. The motives that call for our attention are exceedingly powerful. It is a father that speaks. The things which are spoken are of quickening and invigorating virtue. They are life to such as find them, and health not only to the soul but to the body; not to a particular part of it, but to all the flesh. A medicine effectual to the cure of a single member might soon enrich the inventor of it. Here is a medicine for all the flesh, and yet the physician that prescribes it without reward, finds so few willing to make use of it that he must proclaim its virtues again and again. He speaketh once and again, but man perceiveth it not. Are we then dead not only to every generous principle, but to every feeling of self-interest? Are life and death become matters of indifference to us? Is it all one in our eyes whether we enjoy health in our bodies and spirits, or pine away under the power of deadly distempers? Here is healing balm. Here is a physician of infinite value. Attend to the directions which he gives for the management of our whole life. Proverbs 4:20-27 Spiritual Checkup Given a choice, I’d probably not voluntarily visit my doctor for a physical exam. I’m inclined to assume that everything is okay and not bother my doctor about it. But since my wife is a nurse, I don’t have a choice. I go in for regular exams. And given a choice, many of us are a little afraid of spiritual checkups as well. After all, if we check our spirit too closely, we might have to change a habit or two. We might need something like an “attitude-ectomy.” I suggest that we get over our reluctance. With God’s guidance, let’s undergo a spiritual checkup, using Proverbs 4:20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 as a checklist. Ears (Proverbs 4:20): Are we hearing God’s Word clearly and with understanding? Are we doing what those words tell us? Eyes (Proverbs 4:21,25): Are we keeping our eyes on the teachings that will guide us toward righteousness? Heart (Proverbs 4:23): Are we protecting our heart from evil? Tongue (Proverbs 4:24): Is our mouth clean and pure? Feet (Proverbs 4:26): Are we walking straight toward God’s truth without wavering? Create in me a clean heart, O God, Show me the way that Jesus has trod; Then I will tell of Your saving grace, Until the day when I see Your face. —Hess A spiritual checkup is the key to spiritual health Proverbs 4:20-27a Healthcare For The Heart If you're over 40 years old, your heart has already beat more than 1.5 billion times. I know that when my heart stops, it will be too late to change my ways. So I've been trying to control my weight, get exercise, and watch not only what I eat but also what's eating me. This last point relates to another vital organ called "the heart"—our spiritual heart. It too has throbbed millions of times with thoughts, affections, and choices. In the heart we determine how we will speak, behave, and respond to life's circumstances (Proverbs 4:23). Will we trust the Lord and choose to be gracious, patient, and loving? Or will we yield to pride, greed, and bitterness? Today's Scripture reading emphasizes the importance of caring for our heart. Are we keeping spiritually fit? Weight: Do we need to lose the weight of unnecessary burdens and cares? Pulse: Are we maintaining a steady rhythm of gratitude and praise? Blood pressure: Is our trust greater than our anxiety? Diet: Are we enjoying the life-giving nutrients of the Word of God? O Lord, You see what's in the heart— There's nothing hid from You; So help us live the kind of life That's filled with love for You. —D. De Haan To keep spiritually fit, consult the Great Physician Proverbs 4:21 Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. BGT Proverbs 4:21 ὅπως μὴ ἐκλίπωσίν σε αἱ πηγαί σου φύλασσε αὐτὰς ἐν σῇ καρδίᾳ NET Proverbs 4:21 Do not let them depart from your sight, guard them within your heart; NLT Proverbs 4:21 Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, ESV Proverbs 4:21 Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. NIV Proverbs 4:21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; KJV Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. LXE Proverbs 4:21 that thy fountains may not fail thee; keep them in thine heart. ASV Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thy heart. CSB Proverbs 4:21 Don't lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. NKJ Proverbs 4:21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; NRS Proverbs 4:21 Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. YLT Proverbs 4:21 Let them not turn aside from thine eyes, Preserve them in the midst of thy heart. depart: Pr 3:3,21 in the: Pr 2:1 Ps 40:8 Psalm 119:9,11 MEMORIZE THE WORD IT IS YOUR LIFE! Matthew
Provérbios 4
Guzik - To stay on the path of the just, one must give attention to what they speak. Deceitful and perverse words are used to cover deceitful and perverse actions, and lead one further along the way of the wicked. If one could actually never speak in an impure or perverse way and determine to never do things that must be covered with a deceitful mouth, they would go a long way to avoiding the works of the wicked. Kidner - Superficial habits of talk react on the mind; so that, e.g., cynical chatter, fashionable grumbles, flippancy, half-truths, barely meant in the first place, harden into well-established habits of thought. Bridges - As we guard our hearts, we must not forget to guard the outlets of sin. What a world of evil the heart pours out from the mouth (James 3:5–6). Commit, therefore, both heart and mouth to divine discipline. Then let prayer and faith be the way you keep watch. Do not just shun but put away—yes, far away from you—perversity from your mouth. And put devious speech far from you - When the heart harbors attitudes of deceit and deviousness, it comes out through our lips. Jesus says you can assess a man's heart by his words? He taught, in Luke 6:45+ "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Put (rachaq) means to become far or distant, to separate oneself from (used 6x in Proverbs - Prov. 4:24; Prov. 5:8; Prov. 19:7; Prov. 22:5; Prov. 22:15; Prov. 30:8) and in the Lxx is apotheo/apotheomai which is a command in the aorist imperative calling for one to push aside, thrust off from oneself, drive away, an interesting picture. Devious (lazuth) is translated in the Lxx with adikos which means lacking integrity, dishonest, untrustworthy.