Provérbios 15
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Provérbios 15
Wiersbe - When you summarize what Proverbs teaches about human speech, you end up with four important propositions: (1) speech is an awesome gift from God; (2) speech can be used to do good; (3) speech can be used to do evil; and, (4) only God can help us use speech to do good." Lawson - The wise man knows when he ought to be silent, and when he should speak; and will not cast his pearls before swine, and give his holy things to dogs. His words are good, for they are spoken in due season, and he knows how to address himself in a proper manner to different persons, according to their tempers and circumstances. Gideon used very different language to the angry Ephraimites, from that which he used to the men of Succoth and Penuel, otherwise the end of the Midianitish war had been the beginning of a more dangerous civil war. But our Lord is the most glorious instance of the right use of knowledge. The different answers he made to his friends and enemies, whether open or disguised, whilst they give proof of his admirable wisdom, afford us a pattern of prudence, joined with inflexible integrity. But fools turn the little wisdom and knowledge they have into folly, by their way of using it; for the very instruction of fools is folly. Their mouths pour out foolishness, as a fountain casteth out her streams. They are not masters of their tongues, but their tongues are masters of them. Whilst wise men have the fear of God set for a sentinel upon the door of their lips, their lips have neither a door nor a watch, but every thing that is within comes out; and as their hearts are little worth, their conversation is empty and vain. John
Provérbios 15
Wiersbe - Right words are like nourishing, health-giving food. “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (Pr 15:4, NIV). What a wonderful thing it is to say the right words and help to heal a broken spirit! The phrase, “tree of life,” means “source of life” and goes back to Ge 2:9. (According to Ge 3:1–7, Satan tempted Eve to eat of the forbidden tree so she would become like God, “knowing good and evil.” But it isn’t necessary to disobey God to develop discernment; His divine wisdom instructs us concerning good and evil, and is our “tree of life” - See Pr 3:18). “The lips of the righteous feed many” (Pr 10:21; see Pr 18:20). “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (16:24, NKJV; see Ps 119:103). “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Pr 12:18; see Pr 12:14; Pr 13:2). Charles Bridges on a soothing tongue - It is like salt that is thrown into a spring and cleanses polluted water (2 Kings 2:21). So when there is grace in the heart, there will be healing in the tongue. Words will be full of grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6-note = Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, [as it were,] with salt [Beloved the only way to accomplish this end is by continually being filled with the enabling power of the Holy Spirit!], so that you may know how you should respond to each person.). Large indeed is the sphere, and abundant the blessing. When employed in soothing the afflicted, calming the troubled waters with words of peace, it creates a paradise around. It is not like ‘the thorny bush, pricking and hurting those that are about us, but a fruitful tree—a tree of life.’ John Gill on a soothing tongue - A tongue that delivers out salutary instructions, wholesome advice and counsel; a "healing tongue", as it may be rendered, which pacifies contending parties, and heals the divisions between them; to have the benefit of such a man's company and conversation is like being in paradise. Such is the tongue of a Gospel minister, which delivers out the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ; sound speech and doctrines, which cannot be condemned; healing truths to wounded consciences, such as peace, pardon, righteousness, and atonement by the blood of Christ. These are the means of quickening dead sinners, reviving and comforting distressed ones, and show the way of eternal life unto them; (Proverbs 15 Commentary) George Lawson - The tongue that administers proper and seasonable counsels, comforts, and reproofs, is a wholesome tongue. Unmerited rebukes, reproaches, unkind words, and cruel mockings, are perverseness in that little member, which boasteth and can really effect great things. The advantages derived from a healing tongue are like the fruits of the tree of life,—the erring are reclaimed, the dejected are comforted, the weak are animated and invigorated by it. When Job was in deep distress, he was very sensible how pleasant these fruits were which he had no opportunity to taste, and tells his friends, that if they had been in his situation, he would have strengthened them by his words, and assuaged their grief by the moving of his lips. The words of God have a divine virtue for healing the diseases and the wounds of the spirit. This is the dispensary from which we are to derive healing words for the broken in spirit*. Matthew
Provérbios 15
Wiersbe - A fool’s own father can’t instruct him (Pr 15:5), and if you try to debate with him, it will only lead to trouble (Pr 29:9). Why? Because fools actually enjoy their folly and think they’re really living! “Folly is a joy to him who is destitute of discernment” (Pr 15:21; see Pr 1:22; Pr 12:15; Pr 18:2). Warn them about sin and they laugh at you (Pr 14:9)....Disrespect for parents usually begins with disrespect for the Word of God that parents seek to teach to their children....If children maintain this haughty attitude, they’ll eventually rob their parents (Pr 28:24), curse their parents (Pr 20:20), and bring shame to their parents (Pr 19:26). Fool (0191)('evil) refers to a person characterized by moral folly. The uses in Proverbs give us a "descriptive definition" (see verses below to compile your own "definition") of a Biblical fool = lacks understanding (Pr 10:21), does not store up knowledge (Pr 10:14), fails to attain wisdom (Pr 24:7), refuses correction (Pr 15:5; 27:22), is arrogant (Pr 26:5), speaks loosely (Pr 14:3) is contentious (Pr 20:3). A fool is easily deceived and spiritually flawed! A fool may possess mental capability but they manifest morally ineptitude! (So they really aren't very "smart" in divine matters, those things that matter the most in this life.) In Proverbs, a fool is one who is morally deficient from the standpoint of being able to make reasoned moral judgments. He willfully refuses to make moral choices, choosing neither good nor rejecting evil. He arrogantly refuses to receive moral instruction and to learn from his mistakes (Pr 1:7; 12:15; 15:5). The fool is characterized by foolishness ('iwweleth), an internal moral corruption that renders the fool impotent to make reasonable moral judgments in life (Pr 15:21; 16:22). His moral deficiency manifests itself in matters of speech, morality, discipline, religion, and daily life. He speaks either the wrong thing or at the wrong time (Pr 10:8,10,14,21; 14:3), and he is quick to show his anger (Pr 12:16; 20:3) and to refuse resolution (Pr 29:9). The person who rejects discipline is defined as a fool. Response to correction or discipline is a common theme in Proverbs. Prov 3:11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, Or loathe His reproof, Prov 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. Prov 15:31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. 32 He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor [comes] humility. See: Fool, Foolishness, Folly in Holman Fool, Foolishness, Folly in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Rejects (05006)(naas) means to revile, to scorn, to reject, despise, abhor (hate extremely or with contempt), spurn, treat with contempt, revile. God tells Moses His people "spurn" Him (Nu 14:11) and that those who "spurned" Him would not enter the promised land (Nu 14:23) The rebellion of Korah and those with him in effect "spurned the LORD" (Nu 16:30) by challenging Moses' divinely appointed role as leader (Nu 16:1-3). God prophesied that His people would "spurn" Him by turning to other gods and serving them and thus breaking His (Mosaic) covenant (Dt 31:20). Israel made Jehovah jealous with strange gods, provoking Him to anger (even sacrificing to demons!) and thus Jehovah "spurned them because of the provocation." (Dt 32:19, context Dt 32:16-18) The sons of Eli were worthless men who did not know Jehovah and as a result "despised the offering of the LORD." (1Sa 2:17). Naas is used in the Psalms of a greedy man who "spurns Jehovah" (Ps 10:3), the wicked who "spurned God" (Ps 10:13), "the enemy" who spurned His Name (Ps 74:10), foolish people who "spurned" His Name (Ps 74:18) and His people who "spurned the counsel of the Most High." (Ps 107:11). Israel was disciplined because they "despised the word of the Holy One of Israel" (Isa. 5:24, cp Isa 1:4 "despised the Holy One of Israel"). TWOT says this Hebrew root "signifies the action or attitude whereby the former recipient of favorable disposition and/or service is consciously viewed and/or treated with disdain." Webster says spurn is from a root meaning to kick and means literally to kick; to drive back or away as with one's foot. To reject with disdain; to scorn to receive or accept. To treat with contempt. To manifest disdain in rejecting any thing; as to spurn at the gracious offers of pardon.To make contemptuous opposition; to manifest disdain in resistance. Scorn - Extreme contempt; that disdain which springs from a person’s opinion of the meanness of an object, and a consciousness or belief of his own superiority or worth. A subject of extreme contempt, disdain or derision; that which is treated with contempt. To think unworthy; to disdain. To slight; to disregard; to neglect. Despise - feel contempt or strong dislike for an object, rejecting as having little or no value either or both by words and actions The other two uses of naas in Proverbs speak of rejecting reproof (idea of presenting evidence or charging a person with wrongdoing) Prov 1:30 “They would not accept my counsel, They spurned (naas; Lxx = mukterizo = turn up one's nose at, treat with contempt as in Gal 6:7) all my reproof (Lxx = elegchos). Prov 5:12 And you say, “How I have hated instruction! And my heart spurned (naas; Lxx = ekklino = made a volitional choice to turn aside away from) reproof (Lxx = elegchos)! Naas NAS Usage: blaspheme(1), blasphemed(1), despise(3), despised(5), given(1), rejects(1), spurn(3), spurned(8), spurns(1). Naas - 23v - Nu 14:11, 23; Nu 16:30; Deut 31:20; 32:19; 1Sa 2:17; 2Sa 12:14; Ps 10:3, 13; 74:10, 18; Ps 107:11; Prov 1:30; 5:12; 15:5; Isa 1:4; 5:24; 52:5; 60:14; Jer 14:21;Jer 23:17; 33:24; Lam 2:6 Discipline (instruction) (04148)(musar from yasar = to discipline, chasten, admonish) refers to discipline, chastening, correction. God's chastening is always for purposes of instruction, and should not be ignored or resented. (Job 5:17 cp Job 42:2). Solomon instructs us "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof." (Pr 3:11) One of major purposes of wisdom literature is to teach wisdom and instruction (musar) (Pr 1:2) Isaiah describes the divine chastisement poured out on the Suffering Messiah (Isa 53:5). Musar is translated in the Septuagint with the noun paideia which is used of rearing and guiding a child to maturity (Heb 12:11) and refers to God's fatherly discipline (Heb 12:5). Paideia means to provide instruction, with the intent of forming proper habits of behavior, of providing guidance for responsible living, of rearing and guiding a child toward maturity. Kitchen adds that discipline "describes a process of instruction that takes place through correction. A fool leaves no room for learning by failure. He refuses to believe that anyone else may see things more clearly than he. He is determined to prove to the world he needs no one." THE SENSIBLE CONTRAST Regards is shamar (08104) which conveys the idea of to watch, to keep, to preserve, to guard, to be careful, to watch over, to watch carefully over, to be on one’s guard. Shamar is what Adam and Eve were supposed to do in the Garden of Eden (Ge 2:15)! Clearly this verb indicates more than just accepts reproof, but observes it carefully. The Lxx translates shamar with the verb phulasso which means (here in the present tense = continually) to watch, even as would a military guard or sentinel (cp Acts 23:35, 28:16). In the NT phulasso is used metaphorically (as it is here in Pr 15:5) of guarding TRUTH - "Guard (phulasso in the aorist imperative = conveys a sense of urgency. Do this now! Do it effectifvely! And the only way to obey this command is by reliance on the Holy Spirit), through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure (in context = THE GOSPEL) which has been entrusted to you. (2Ti 1:14-note, cp 1Ti 5:21, 6:20) Reproof (08433)(tokeha from yakah = to argue, convince, convict, judge, reprove) is a noun which describes a rebuke, a correction, a chastening (Ps 73:14) a reproof (Ps 39:11) or an argument (Job 13:6, 23:4). The main idea of tokeha is correcting a wrong. In the Lxx of Pr 15:5 tokeha is translated with the noun entole which refers to that which has been authoritatively ordered or commanded. Is sensible (prudent) (06191)(aram) is a verb which means to be shrewd and context determines whether it is a positive trait (as here in Pr 15:5 or Pr 19:25) or negative in this sense of crafty, cunning, tricky (1Sa 23:22, Ps 83:3). Swanson explains the the positive sense means "to show wisdom and prudence in a situation that shows a capacity to properly understand and respond to a situation with discernment." The verb aram is related to the noun prudence (ormah - 06195) in Pr 1:4; 8:5, 12 and an adjective prudent (arum - 06175) in Pr 12:23; 13:16; 14:8, 15, 18; 22:3; 27:12. George Lawson - Persons may receive instruction, when it does not touch their pride, and yet have no solid wisdom; but he that receives reproof with calmness, and makes use of it for the correction of his life, gives, a sure proof of his prudence. There are many persons who come to church, and sit as God’s people sit, and appear very attentive to the preaching of the word; but if there is any occasion to administer the censures of the church to them, they are like a horse or mule when their sores are touched; and the bit and bridle will scarcely hold them in from coming nigh unto their reprovers. Matthew
Provérbios 15
Wiersbe - Scorners show how ignorant they are by the way they respond to advice and reproof (Pr 9:7-8, Pr 13:1, Pr 15:12)....When you try to teach a scorner, you’re just casting pearls before swine. The scorner knows everything (Ed: At least that's what he thinks)! Scoffer (scorner, mocker) (03887)(lis/luwts) is a verb which means to manifest contempt by derision, to treat with insolent ridicule or mockery. The essence of the sense is to express utter contempt. To help understand God's "definition" of a scoffer see the uses of this Hebrew verb (lis/luwts) in Proverbs (not all give a good description of a scoffer, but several do. Note that even God Himself scoffs at the scoffer [Pr 3:34], so clearly some scoffing is godly! This truth is like godly anger [Eph 4:26-27-note], which even for believers is a very "fine line," while God can scoff or hate with perfect righteousness!) - Pr 1:22; 3:34; 9:7-8, 12; 13:1; 14:6, 9; 15:12; 19:25, 28-29; 20:1; 21:11, 24; 22:10; 24:9. Does not love. What is the antithesis of love? Of course it is hate. Would it not be fair to say that a scoffer hates a reprover. Wise - This word occurs some 62x in Proverbs in the NAS. If you would like to see how God defines wise, take a moment and go through the following passages, asking (after praying for the Spirit's illumination) what characterizes a wise person? You might even make a list in your notebook. You could use this list to "assess" whether (or to what degree) you are wise. You could then pray these passages, especially asking God to make you wise in those areas you fall short. Surely He will answer you according to 1Jn 5:14-15, as you ask in faith (even as small as a mustard seed), trusting He will answer in His perfect timing and his good, and acceptable and perfect will. Proverbs 1:3, 5-6; 3:7, 35; 6:6; 8:33; 9:8-9, 12; 10:1, 8, 14, 19; 11:30; 12:15, 18; 13:1, 14, 20; 14:1, 3, 16, 24; 15:2, 7, 12, 20, 24, 31; 16:14, 21, 23; 17:28; 18:15; 19:20; 20:1, 18, 26; 21:11, 20, 22; 22:17; 23:15, 19, 24; 24:5-6, 23; 25:12; 26:5, 12; 27:11; 28:11; 29:8-9, 11; 30:24. Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. Joyful: Pr 15:15, 17:22 2Co 1:12 Pr 12:25 18:14 Ne 2:2 John 14:1 2Co 2:7 7:10 Proverbs 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOYFUL HEART VS SAD HEART Pr 15:13-15 may be linked for all use the Hebrew word for heart. In Pr 15:14 (where mind is actually heart in Hebrew) a key to gaining and maintaining a joyful heart is to seek knowledge. POSB on heart in (Pr 15:13-15) - The heart affects people’s choices, but it is also affected by their choices. Remember from the discussion in the previous point, God sees into people’s hearts. He knows their deepest thoughts, feelings, and intentions (Pr 15:11). In these next three proverbs, Scripture describes what God sees when He looks into the heart of a wise, then a foolish, individual. (And so in Pr 15:13 he writes) People can usually get a glimpse into other people’s hearts by looking at their faces. Their countenance or expression reveals their hearts. The faces of the righteous should and usually do radiate the joy of the Lord. In addition, their wonderful relationship with Him changes their attitude and outlook toward life. God’s presence in their lives becomes their joy and strength and stirs them to live righteously (Ne.8:10). Inner feelings or disposition affect and even determine outward or exterior expression, whether it be an expression of joy or of sadness. Ultimately human beings are controlled from the inside out, not the converse. The face is the mirror of the soul! In Pr 15:13 we see that joy lifts a person and shows on the face. On the other hand sadness and grief smite (so to speak) a person, beating them down with sorrow. Macdonald - A merry heart is reflected in a smiling face, but a broken heart has deeper effects. It causes despondency and despair. The thoughts of our heart are revealed in our countenance, our talk and our walk. See God's comment to Cain - "Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? “If you do well, will not [your countenance] be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Ge 4:6-7) And of course we all know the result - the first murder! Given that the fact that for a believer the fruit of the Spirit is joy (Gal 5:22), a joy filled face is evidence of a believer who is filled with (controlled by) and walking by the enabling power of the Spirit. John Kitchen says that this "proverb, as a whole, would then teach us that it is not so much what happens to you, but your attitude toward what happens to you that determines your view of yourself and your life. Attitude is everything!" Derek Kidner - The heart stands for the thoughts and attitude; and these, not the circumstances, are decisive. Knox: ‘Gay heart, gay looks; sad thoughts crush the spirit.’ Cf. Pr 15:15; 17:22; 18:14. Bridges - A man’s countenance is the index of his spirit. In experiencing joy “the heart sits smiling in the face and looks cheerfully out of the windows of the eyes” (Trapp). This cheerfulness, however, is very different from the noisy mirth of the ungodly. The word cheerful was often used by the old writers. It was Foxe’s favorite description of the holy joy of the martyrs. Sad, indeed, is the contrasting heartache that crushes the spirit. Too often a mischievous gloom worms itself into the hearts of God’s children. The melancholy victim drags on through a weary, heavy-laden existence. His hands slacken, and his energies for God’s work are paralyzed. He sinks into apathy and laziness as if he has no life left in him. Every effort should be made to sweep away this dark, hovering cloud. Let sense and feeling be kept within their bounds. Listen to the Savior’s encouraging voice. “I wonder many times,” says Rutherford, “that ever a child of God should have a sad heart, considering what his Lord is preparing for him.” The gleam of the present sunshine is the earnest (down payment so to speak) of what it will be when, as he again beautifully observes, “we shall be on the sunny side of the Brae ( a hillside especially along a river).” Meanwhile, the first step in religion is not only beginning to be serious but to be happy. To maintain our Christian balance, even godly sorrow must be disciplined, so that it does not beat down the heart that it was only meant to humble. (Crossway Version) Allen Ross - The emotional condition of a person has an obvious effect on body and soul. This verse uses an antithesis. Joy is inspiring and is expressed by a cheerful face, but “heartache” is depressing, i.e, “crushes the spirit.” The words used here stress the pain and the depression with a note of despair. Toy, 308, observes that the implication is also that a broken spirit is expressed by a sad face and that a cheerful face shows a courageous spirit (see also Pr 17:22; 18:14; Isa 66:2). See Genesis 40:6 for a good illustration. (EBC, revised) William Arnot - THE emotions that thrill in the heart mark themselves in legible lines on the countenance. This is a feature in the constitution of man, and a useful feature it is. The wisdom of our Maker may be seen in the degree of its development. If there had been more of it or less, the processes of human life could not have gone on so well. If the hopes and fears that alternate in the soul were as completely hidden from the view of an observer as the action of the vital organs within the body, the intercourse between man and man would be far less kindly than it now is. How blank would the aspect of the world be if no image of a man’s thought could ever be seen glancing in his countenance! Our walk through life would be like a solitary march through a gallery of statues,—as cold as marble, and not nearly so beautiful. On the other hand, if all the meaning of the soul could be read in the countenance, the inconvenience would be so great as to bring the machinery of life almost to a stand still. Society could not go on if either all the mind’s thoughts or none were legible on the countenance. That medium which actually exists in the present constitution of humanity is obviously the best. You have some power of concealing your emotions, and your neighbor has some power of observing them. He who made us has done all things well. (Excerpt from a 5 page article entitled "Mirth a Medicine" in his commentary "Laws from Heaven for Life on Earth" - Proverbs 15) George Lawson - There is so close a connection between the soul and body, that when the latter is pained, the former feels its pains; and when the mind is oppressed with grief, the body cannot enjoy its health and vigour. On the other side, a healthy body is of great advantage to the operations of the mind, and the joy of the heart spreads itself over the countenance. It makes the eyes brisk and sparkling, and gives a pleasant grace to the aspect in the eyes of every beholder. If one could paint as well as Jezebel, he could not make his face so lovely as it is rendered by the cheerfulness of the spirit. Every thing that tends to promote a well-regulated joy in the mind is valuable, for it serves both soul and body at once. Meekness and contentment with our lot, peace and love, afford a continual feast to the mind, and make us agreeable to others. These virtues are not to be acquired, in their true excellency, but from God, for they are fruits of his Spirit, and are the property of the believer in Christ*. Christians should remember, that to rejoice is their duty, their privilege, and an ornament to their profession. The world has been too much tempted by Christians themselves, to think that there is little pleasure in religion. Why should we not constantly verify that saying of the wise preacher, “A man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine.” (Exposition of the Book of Proverbs - go to top and select page 314) Heart (03820)(leb) refers to what I term the "control center" of our being. Think of an Air Traffic Controller and how dysfunctional, even destructive it is when the controllers fail to function as they should. Just as a healthy human heart is at the center of the body and absolutely essential for physical life and health, so too a healthy spiritual heart (intellect, emotion, will) is at the center of one's inner being (soul) and is vital for a healthy soul, serving as the "fountain" of all moral attitudes and actions. Our spiritual heart thus controls out actions and our actions determine our habits, which in turn determine our character. Richard Watson - The Hebrews regarded the heart as the source of wit, understanding, love, courage, grief, and pleasure....The heart is said to be dilated by joy, contracted by sadness, broken by sorrow, to grow fat, and be hardened by prosperity. The heart melts under discouragement, forsakes one under terror, is desolate in affliction, and fluctuating in doubt. To speak to any one's heart is to comfort him, to say pleasing and affecting things to him. The heart expresses also the middle part of any thing: "Tyre is in the heart of the seas," Ezekiel 27:4; in the midst of the seas. "We will not fear though the mountains be carried into the heart (middle) of the sea," Psalms 46:2 .The heart of man is naturally depraved and inclined to evil, Jeremiah 17:9 . A divine power is requisite for its renovation, John 3:1-11 . When thus renewed, the effects will be seen in the temper, conversation, and conduct at large. Hardness of heart is that state in which a sinner is inclined to, and actually goes on in, rebellion against God. See Also Related Resources: New Testament word study on Heart = kardia Heart - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Good Summary Heart - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Heart - Holman Bible Dictionary Heart (includes OT allusions) - Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Heart (primarily discusses "kardia") - Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament Joyful (08056)(sameach) is an adjective which denotes being glad, happy or joyful with one's entire being (filled with joy, exceedingly glad) as indicated by association with heart (cognate verb samach uses in Ex 4:14; Ps 19:8; Ps 104:15; Ps 105:3), with one's soul (Ps 86:4) and with one's countenance and the lighting up of eyes (Pr 15:30). Joy comes from the blessing of Jehovah (Dt 16:15), joy of having children (Ps 113:9), description of God's people (glad) when "Jehovah has done great things." (Ps 126:3) The wicked are deceived and perverted that they are joyful at evil (Pr 2:14 = those who walk in paths of darkness "delight [Lxx = euphraino] in doing evil."; 17:5 = " He who rejoices [epichairo] at calamity will not go unpunished"). Similarly David says that those who "rejoice (Lxx = epichairo = rejoice over or against - with malignant intent) at my distress." (Ps 35:26). Sameach is used in rejoicing with a sense of bragging about their conquest of Lo-Debar (no pasture, i.e., they rejoice over "nothing!") (Amos 6:13) The first use of sameach describes the joy associated with the Feast of Booths and Jehovah's blessing "Seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place which the LORD chooses, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you shall be altogether joyful (Lxx = euphraino from eu = well, good + phren = mind, intellect, disposition - means to make someone glad, cheer them up)." (Dt 16:15) In the anointing of Solomon as king there was "rejoicing (sameach, Lxx = euphraino) with great joy (Heb = simchah from verb samach) (1Ki 1:40, cp 1Ki 1:45) Swanson adds that sameach means "delight, i.e., pertaining to a feeling or attitude of joy, happiness or contentment, with a possible focus of making an outward expression of that joy. " Sameach NAS Usage: glad(2), joyful(5), joyfully(1), merry-hearted*(1), pleased(1), rejoice(3), rejoiced(2), rejoices(1), rejoicing(4), who delight(1). Sameach - 21v - Deut 16:15; 1Kgs 1:40, 45; 4:20; 8:66; 2Kgs 11:14; 2Chr 7:10; 23:13; Esther 5:9, 14; Job 3:22; Ps 35:26; 113:9; 126:3; Pr 2:14; 15:13; 17:5, 22; 29:6; Eccl 2:10; Isa 24:7; Amos 6:13 Makes a cheerful face (healthy, uplifted expression) - This is more literally "makes the face good." Cheerful is the Hebrews word yatab which primarily means to be good or to make good and so in this verse means to make the face good. "The antithesis is the pained heart that crushes the spirit." (NET Note) Sad (06904)(assebet) means suffering, grief, pain, hurt, injury, sorrow, wound. Used 5x - Job 9:28; Ps 16:4; 147:3; Pr 10:10; 15:13. The Lxx translates the Hebrew with lupe which describes pain of mind or spirit (sorrow, grief, sadness, anxiety - Jn 16:6) or physical pain, suffering or distress. Assebet - 5v translated pains(1), sad(1), sorrows(1), trouble(1), wounds(1). Job 9:28 I am afraid of all my pains, I know that You will not acquit me. Psalm 16:4 The sorrows (Lxx = astheneia - state of incapicity, weakness) of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips. Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Lxx = suntrimma) - that which is broken and shattered, calamity, affliction, destruction, ruin)
Provérbios 15
Wiersbe - Because they “feed on foolishness” (Pr. 15:14), fools have no moral strength. As Crawford Toy says "mouth feeds is a rhetorical variation of mind seeks. —Instead of feeds on, the verb of the second clause may be rendered is occupied with, strives after (lit. associates with), or, delights in, but feeds better suits the noun mouth. The word rendered fools denotes the highest degree of stolidity, insusceptibility and unreceptiveness; the mental furniture and nourishment of such an one is foolishness or folly in thought and deed, and this is the product of ignorance. Here, as in Pr 14:33 al. and throughout Proverbs 1–9, virtue is allied with knowledge, vice with ignorance. The verbs (seeks and feeds) express eager interest and devotion." (Crawford Toy - Critical and Exegetical Commentary - Proverbs 15) Folly (0200)(iwweleth) is a noun signifying foolishness which Swanson says is "a state of being devoid of wisdom and understanding, with a focus on the evil behaviors which occur in this state." The Lxx translates iwweleth in this verse with kakos which basically denotes a lack of something, and describes something not as it ought to be. Kakos is the opposite of that which is kalos (sound or good). In the moral sphere Kakos describes those whose lives are characterized by godlessness, their moral attitudes, plans and conduct being godless, base, wicked (Mk 7:21). Michael Fox - This folly is called iwweleth, the most pernicious sort. Thickheaded dolts (kesilim) are not necessarily ĕwilim at the outset, but their smugness and indifference make them susceptible to the insidious attractions of iwweleth. The background image is sheep-like fools “grazing” on folly. Wiersbe - The English words “fool” and “folly” come from the Latin follis, which means “bellows.” It also described a person’s puffed-up cheeks. Follis indicates that a fool is a windbag, somebody full of air but lacking in substance. Fools may look like giants, but when the wind is taken out of them, they shrink dramatically and reveal what they really are—pygmies....The problem with fools isn’t low IQ or deficient education. Their big problem is their heart: They won’t acknowledge the Lord and submit to Him. “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Ro 3:18)....A fool’s own father can’t instruct him (Pr 15:5), and if you try to debate with him, it will only lead to trouble (Pr 29:9). Why? Because fools actually enjoy their folly and think they’re really living! “Folly is a joy to him who is destitute of discernment” (Pr 15:21 NKJV; see Pr 1:22; 12:15; 18:2). Warn them about sin and they laugh at you (Pr 14:9). (Be Skillful) TWOT - The folly (iwweleth) of fools is deceit (Pr 14:8). One is regarded a fool because of his folly (iwweleth), since folly seems a special product of fools (kĕsilîm). But the aspect of moral insolence is prominent. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly and is likely to do things he might later regret (Pr 14:17). Likewise one who is quick-tempered makes his folly prominent to attract the attention of others (Pr 14:29). A foolish man perverts his own way. His kind of way is his own fault, not God’s (Pr 19:3). Discipline is important to children because foolishness is part of a child’s nature. A remedy for correction is the rod of discipline in order to drive the foolishness from him (Pr 22:15). One must keep in mind that this discipline is important to curb moral insolence that might lead in turn to rebellion against God. Proverbs emphasizes the necessity for discipline (Pr 13:24; 23:13–14; 29:15). But it is to be tempered with compassion and concern (Pr 1:8–9). The folly of a quick-tempered person is contrasted with the great understanding (tĕbûnâ, q. v.) of one slow to anger (Pr 14:29). Similarly, the senseless find joy in folly, while by contrast the one who walks straight is a man of understanding. Iwweleth NAS Usage: folly(17), foolish(1), foolishly(1), foolishness(6). Iwweleth - 24v - Ps 38:5; 69:5; Pr 5:23; 12:23; 13:16; 14:1, 8, 17-18, 24, 29; 15:2, 14, 21; 16:22; 17:12; 18:13; 19:3; 22:15; 24:9; 26:4-5, 11; 27:22 Charles Bridges - But while the discerning heart is never satisfied with its knowledge, the fool is completely satisfied with folly. His brutish taste feeds on folly as his meat and drink. Young people, be on your guard against this folly. Avoid trifling amusements, frivolous reading, profane merriment. In religion, beware of choosing empty speculations and arguments on indifferent matters rather than the rich pasture of the children of God. Let us all ponder the responsibility to go on to maturity (Hebrews 6:1; 5:14). POSB - The hearts of the wise and foolish not only have different attitudes but also different appetites. Notice the second half of this proverb, as it is more descriptive and sheds light on the first: fools feed on trash, that which is utterly foolish. Feed (ra’ah) is the word used of a grazing flock. The Hebrew word for foolishness refers to a person who totally rejects God’s law, who lives in rebellion to it. Fools are nourished by their appetite for sin and disobedience to God. They have no appetite for wisdom nor for the things of the Lord. In fact, there is no fear of God before their eyes-no reason to fear Him at all. Therefore, their foolishness sustains them. Sin satisfies their appetites, and strengthens them to commit additional sins. The understanding heart is totally different: it has an appetite for knowledge. When we truly fear the Lord and receive Christ as Savior, we receive a new nature. We have new desires and appetites. Just as babies have a natural appetite for their mothers’ milk, we-as true believers-have an appetite for God’s Word (1Peter 2:2, Heb 5:14). George Lawson - Here the most intelligent men know but in part, and they are the wisest men that are most sensible of the imperfection of their wisdom, “I know nothing,” said the wisest of the Greeks, “but that I know nothing;” and the wisest of Christians compares his present attainments to those of a child. Desires of wisdom, discovered in the ardent pursuit of it (Ed: In God's wise Word!), are the best evidences we can give of our wisdom. There are many that use the ordinary means of knowledge, and yet have no true wisdom (cp James 3:13-17); but their fault lies more in the heart than in the head. They are formal and careless in their endeavors to obtain knowledge, because they have not a cordial love to the truth (cp Job 23:12, Ps 119:97, etc). They read and hear, but they do not meditate (Ps 1:2) and pray. If knowledge would drop into their minds as the dew upon the earth, they would be very glad of it; but they will not incline their ear unto wisdom, nor apply their heart to understanding (Pr 2:2, 5:1) The truly wise have a higher esteem of knowledge than of gold and rubies (Ps 19:10), and their hearts are deeply engaged in the search of it. They use the means of knowledge, but will not be satisfied with the use of them without obtaining the end, and therefore they depend upon Christ as the great Teacher , and earnestly plead for the illuminations of his Spirit (His Spirit - Jn 16:13), to brighten their understandings with discoveries of the truth, and to furnish them with that practical wisdom, without which they cannot be happy (Ed: Spiritually blessed). Such seekers of wisdom shall not be disappointed; they shall know God to their joy in this world, and in heaven they shall know even as they are known. But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness, for they have no relish for wisdom; they can drink in vain and frothy discourse from morning till night, as if it were sweet wine; and when good men meditate by day and night on the law of God, the vain imagination of fools supplies them with thoughts suited to their corrupt minds, in which they delight as much as in their necessary food. God has provided marrow and fatness for the entertainment of our minds, but these foolish creatures rather choose to feed on wind and chaff. Their mouth pours out foolishness, and they cannot do better, because they neither have, nor desire to have, any thing better within their hearts, and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Mt 12:34KJV). (Exposition of the Book of Proverbs - go to top and select page 314) Devotional from Ridley Pearson - May 17th “The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.”—Pr 15:14 (Pr 15:21; 18:15). Interpretation.—“The man of understanding,” in other words, the enlightened man, is here again contrasted with “the fool” of every class and degree—the godless one. The heart of the first having already received divine truth, is bent upon acquiring more and more of that best knowledge. While the other, with no “heart” for anything, gratifies a brutish appetite by feeding his mind upon what is purely “of the earth earthy.” The proverb, in a sense secondary to the religious one, may be understood of a difference of tastes, that for what is high-toned and improving, and that for what is frivolous and low. Illustrations.—David, as we gather plainly from his Psalms, was always intent on adding to his stores of sacred knowledge. Solomon in his prayer sought wisdom from above, and by diligent application became conversant with all sorts of useful learning. The Queen of Sheba showed an understanding heart in her eagerness to gain information which she might turn to account for the benefit of her subjects. Nicodemus, and Mary of Bethany, and the Bereans, and the Ethiopian, were all wise enough to be teachable, and so obtained the precious knowledge they sought. Whereas, the Athenians, with their ears only open to gossip, lost their opportunity of being made “wise unto salvation.” Application.—How widely different are the tastes of men, even men of equal standing and education! A grand generic contrast at once makes itself seen between those renewed by grace, and those who (though regenerated in baptism) still “mind earthly things.” Sin is the element of the one, just as holiness is of the other class, and each breathes most freely in its own element, and feeds upon that which is adapted to its own nature. So you will find, here, a hungering and thirsting after all good, pure, useful, elevating knowledge, divine and human. While there, the appetite is keen after knowledge only at the best “earthy,” and much of it not even useful in any way, but frivolous, sensational, debasing. Men betray their tastes by the books they read, the company they keep, the conversation they enjoy. To God and themselves their thoughts are known, and the bent of the thoughts is the index of the character. Let me try myself, then, by this criterion, with a view to my prospects in the future. For heaven will satisfy those only who have acquired a taste for heavenly things. It will not be changed to suit me; therefore I must be made meet for it. Those two divisions will outlive the world—the men of understanding and the fools. With which will my lot be bound up? According as my heart now seeks knowledge or my mouth feeds on foolishness, so must my final portion be. (Counsels of the wise king or Proverbs of Solomon Applied to Daily Life) Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. All: Ge 37:35 47:9 Ps 90:7-9 but: Pr 16:22 17:22 Ac 16:25 Ro 5:2,3,11 12:12 2Co 1:5,12 6:10 1Pe 1:6-8 4:13 Proverbs 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CONTRAST IN THE HEART'S SPIRITUAL CONDITION HCSB - All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. NLT - For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. All the days - The antithesis of continual. Bad (wretched) - The antithesis of cheerful heart. Afflicted (Hebrew = ani) - Contrasts with feast. Bruce Waltke notes that "The proverb does not contrast the afflicted, who are innocent and exploited, with a cheerful heart. Rather, the afflicted in health and/or wealth may have the cheerful heart that enables them to endure and to overcome their circumstances (cf. 2Cor. 4:8; 6:9–10; Heb. 10:34). “If Pr 15:13 shows our prevailing attitude colors our whole personality, this saying makes it color our whole experience.” (See Kidner below) All the days (kol-yemê) breaks down the entire life of the innocent afflicted (ānî; see Pr 3:34) into its day-by-day experience of being physically wretched (rāîm; see “evil” in Pr 1:15). (NICOT) Kitchen - This completes the trilogy of the heart that began in Pr 15:13. And, as in verse 13, this proverb underscores that it is not so much one’s circumstances as one’s attitude that determines the quality of life enjoyed. Again, attitude is everything! The first group, ‘the afflicted,’ are literally the ‘poor.’ They may or may not be ‘poor’ materially. Their lack may also be in the generous benefits of life in other realms as well. Whatever the lot that makes them ‘afflicted,’ their verdict on their experience is that it is ‘bad.’ The word is the one most often translated ‘evil.’ It is his disposition, not his predicament, that prevents him from finding joy amid his hardship (Ruth 1:20–21). How different the experience of the one with ‘a cheerful heart.’ The attitude controls the experience, rather than vice versa (Prov. 14:30; 17:22; Hab. 3:17–18). Whatever his lot, he has ‘a continual feast.’ Feasts were momentary times of celebration. This man, however, because of his temperament, basks in the perpetual joy of celebrating life and its wonders. Life Application Study Bible Note - Our attitudes color our whole personality. We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can choose our attitude toward each situation. The secret to a happy heart is filling our mind with thoughts that are true, pure, and lovely, with thoughts that dwell on the good things in life (Philippians 4:8). This was Paul's secret as he faced imprisonment, and it can be ours as we face the struggles of daily living. Look at your attitudes and then examine what you allow to enter your mind and what you choose to dwell on. You may need to make some changes. KJV Bible Commentary - This verse is connected with the thirteenth verse (Pr 15:13). The man who is depressed sees in each day only those dismal events that serve to increase his already extensive fear. The man whose life is possessed by a merry heart sees such evidences of God’s faithfulness that his days are bright and his soul has a continual feast. The source of such festivity is the settled conviction that every affliction and blessing has its source in God’s love. Derek Kidner entitles this proverb "Morale" - If Pr 15:13 shows that our prevailing attitude colours our whole personality, this saying makes it also colour our whole experience. Cf. Genesis 47:9 with 2Ti 4:6–8-note; or Ru 1:20, 21-note with Hab 3:17, 18-note. Barnes sees the affliction as signifying "less that of outward circumstances than of a troubled and downcast spirit. Life to the cheerful is as one perpetual banquet, whether he be poor or rich. That which disturbs the feast is anxiety, the taking (anxious) thought” of Matthew 6:34." Ryrie - One's temperament has a considerable effect on one's circumstances. William MacDonald offers this interpretation of Pr 15:15 - This seems to contrast the pessimist and the optimist. The first is always down-in-the-mouth. He is gloomy, fearful, and negative. The optimist always seems to be on top. He enjoys life to the full. Matthew
Provérbios 15
Wiersbe adds that "If we truly “fear the LORD,” we acknowledge from our hearts that He’s the Creator, we’re the creatures; He’s the Father, we’re His children; He’s the Master, we’re the servants. It means to respect God for Who He is, to listen carefully to what He says, and to obey His Word, knowing that our disobedience displeases Him, breaks our fellowship with Him, and invites His chastening. It’s not the servile fear of the slave before the master but the reverential and respectful fear of the child before the parent. Children fear not only because their parents can hurt them, but also because they can hurt their parents. Proverbs 13:13 admonishes us to fear God’s commandments, which suggests that the way we treat our Bible is the way we treat God. (Bolding mine) Adam
Provérbios 15
Wiersbe - “Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war” (Pr 20:18, NKJV). If experienced generals seek counsel as they wage war, shouldn’t we seek counsel for the battles of life? It’s dangerous to rely on our own wisdom and experience and to ignore the wisdom and experience of other believers who have successfully walked with the Lord. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Pr 12:15 NKJV). The first source of wise counsel is Christian parents. “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old” (Pr 23:22 NKJV; see Pr 6:20–23). “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction” (Pr 13:1 NKJV). Not everybody has the privilege of being raised in a godly home, but even then, the Lord often provides “substitute parents” who can share the wisdom of the Lord. Christian friends can also listen, counsel, and pray. “Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel” (Pr 27:9 NKJV). The Living Bible paraphrases the verse, “Friendly suggestions are as pleasant as perfume,” but sometimes a friend’s counsel may not be perfume! It may be acid! Even then, we have nothing to lose; for “as iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Pr 27:17 NKJV). The sparks may fly, but God will give us the light that we need. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Pr 27:6). How we accept and apply rebuke is a test of how devoted we are to truth and wisdom and how sincere we are in wanting to know God’s will. “He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise” (Pr 15:31 NIV). “He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding” (Pr 15:32, NKJV). Friends who flatter us and avoid telling us the truth are only doing us harm. “He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue” (Pr 28:23 NIV; see Pr 29:5). Not every friend is a good counselor, so we must choose wisely. “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out” (Pr 20:5NIV). We don’t know our own hearts (Jer. 17:9), and only God’s Word can honestly reveal “the thoughts and intents [motives] of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). It takes a counselor with loving patience and a discerning spirit to help us see what lies deep within our hearts. While it’s usually true that “a multitude of counselors” assures a wise decision (Pr 11:14; 15:22; 24:6; see Ex 23:2), at the same time, we must avoid running from friend to friend asking for advice. This may indicate that we’re trying to find somebody who will tell us what we want to hear! “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Pr 18:24 NIV). It isn’t enough to have friends; we must have a friend who will “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). Often in my conference ministry, people will approach me with personal problems and ask for advice. I try to avoid giving counsel for several reasons: I don’t know the people; I’m not going to be there long enough to continue a counseling relationship; a quick chat after a meeting isn’t counseling; and I don’t want to take the place of a faithful local pastor. “Have you discussed this matter with your pastor?” I ask, and I carefully listen to the reply. No matter what the words are, the reply often indicates, “I talked to him, but it didn’t do any good” (meaning possibly, “I didn’t get my way”) or, “I’ve talked to him and a dozen other ministers and guest speakers!” Then I know that anything I say will probably do little good. In seeking counsel, we must be sincere, because a loving and wise friend can often see dangers and detours that are hidden from us. It’s best to be accountable to another believer and submit to the authority of the spiritual leaders in our church. During more than forty years of ministry, I’ve witnessed the painful downfalls of several “Lone Ranger” Christians who thought they didn’t need anybody’s counsel. “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment” (Pr 18:1 NKJV). Christians are God’s sheep, and we need to flock together. As members of Christ’s spiritual body (1Cor 12:1-31), we belong to each other and we need each other. (Be Skillful- God's Guidebook to Wise Living - bolding mine) Charles Bridges - Consider how weak and ignorant we are. Were our judgment perfect, the first impressions would be infallibly right. But feeble and shaken as it is by the fall, every dictate needs pondering. How much evil has been done by acting upon impulse in a few hasty moments, or by a few warm words or lines without consideration! (Pr 19:2.) Our wisdom lies in self-distrust (Ed: Amen!!! cp Jer 17:9), at least leaning to the suspicion that we may be wrong. Yet, guard also, on the other side, against that indecision of judgment, which is carried about by every person’s opinion. Upon the whole, Christian prudence suggests the expediency—especially in important matters—of experienced counsel. By the neglect of this advantage, many good purposes have been disappointed. (Rehoboam, 1Ki 12:13–19; Ahab, 22:18–39; even David, 2 Sam. 24:1–4, 15.) God has ordained the commerce of wisdom for mutual benefit, and by the multitude of counselors many valuable purposes have been established. (Pr 11:14; 20:18; 24:6, Acts 15:6, 31) But as the wisest of these are fallible, and often in error, is it not our only safe path, in the use of human means, to look up to the great “Counselor” (Isa. 9:6) of his Church for guidance, and in reverential thankfulness, to take “his testimonies as the men of our counsel?” (Ps. 119:24.) Blessed be God for this special privilege of counsel always at hand! In humility and confidence, we shall not materially err (Pr 3:5, 6.). MANY ADVISORS by Marvin Williams - The fifteenth-century theologian Thomas à Kempis said, “Who is so wise as to have perfect knowledge of all things? Therefore, trust not too much to your own opinion, but be ready also to hear the opinions of others. Though your own opinion be good, yet if for the love of God you forego it and follow that of another, you shall the more profit thereby.” Thomas recognized the importance of seeking the opinions of trusted advisors when making plans for life. In order to determine God’s course for life, the wise person should open up to several avenues of counsel, through which God will bring His guiding wisdom. When a person seeks the wise counsel of others, he shows his realization that he might be overlooking some important factors in his decisions. Solomon, the wisest man in Israel, wrote about how important it is to have counsel from others: “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Prov. 15:22). The Lord is the Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6), and He desires to protect us through wise advisors. Seek them out and thank God for them. Let them help you discover a clearer picture of His plan for your life. If you seek wise counsel, you multiply your chances for sound decisions. Proverbs 15:23 A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word! joy: Pr 12:14 16:13 24:26 25:11,12 Eph 4:29 apt - Eccl 3:1 Isa 50:4 how: 1Sa 25:32,33 Proverbs 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SPEAKING THE RIGHT WORD AT THE RIGHT TIME This proverb speaks of "wise speech" (cp Pr 15:1). Waltke - The proverb brings to a climactic conclusion the subunit on śāmēa (“joy”). Parents have joy when their children receive their good counsel (Pr 15:20), and wise adults have joy in accepting ethical counsel (Pr 15:22–23) and in giving it (Pr 15:23). Matthew
Provérbios 15
Wiersbe - Our words can encourage those who are burdened....When we’re walking in the Spirit daily (Gal 5:16) and being taught by the Lord, we’ll know how “to speak a word in season to him who is weary” (Isa. 50:4, cp Col 4:6-note). “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Pr 16:24 NIV). God also gives us “spiritual radar” so that we can assess a situation and make the right reply. “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable (Ed comment: right words at the right time!) ” (Pr 10:32). “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is” (Pr 15:23 NKJV; see Isa. 50:4–6). “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil” (Pr 15:28, NKJV). There is beauty and value in the “word fitly spoken” (Pr 25:11–12). People who speak wisely, saying the right thing at the right time in the right way, are people who store God’s truth in their hearts. “Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding” (Pr 10:13 NKJV), and that understanding comes from the Word of God. “Wise people store up knowledge” (Pr 10:14 NKJV); they are “filled richly” with the Word of God (Col. 3:16-note). “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips” (Pr 16:23 NKJV). If we devote our hearts to serious study of the Word, even while we’re sharing the truth with others, God will teach us more of His truth. I have had this happen while ministering the Word, and it’s a wonderful experience of God’s goodness. One of my high school teachers used to say, “Empty barrels make the most noise,” and she was right. Too often in church board meetings and business meetings, those who talk the most have the least to say. People who don’t prepare their hearts for such meetings are making themselves available to become the devil’s tools for hindering God’s work. If we’re filled with the Word (Col 3:16-note) and led by the Spirit, (Gal 5:18-note, Gal 5:25,-note Eph 5:18-note) we’ll be a part of the answer and not a part of the problem. Have you heard the fable of the king and the menu? A king once asked his cook to prepare for him the best dish in the world, and he was served a dish of tongue. The king then asked for the worst dish in the world, and again was served tongue. “Why do you serve me the same food as both the best and the worst?” the perplexed monarch asked. “Because, your majesty,” the cook replied, “the tongue is the best of things when used wisely and lovingly, but it is the worst of things when used carelessly and unkindly.” “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Pr 18:21 NKJV). “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” (Pr 10:11 NIV). Choose life!...The Royal British Navy has a regulation which reads, “No officer shall speak discouragingly to another officer in the discharge of his duties.” We need to practice that regulation in our homes and churches! Each of us needs to be a Barnabas, a “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36–37; Editorial: How was this ministry possible? See the clue in Acts 11:22-24? What fills you?). Near the close of his ministry, a famous British preacher of the Victorian Age said, “If I had my ministry to do over, I would preach more to broken hearts.” Jesus came, “to heal the brokenhearted” (Luke 4:18), and we can continue that ministry today with words of encouragement and hope. (Be Skillful- God's Guidebook to Wise Living - recommended resource. Bolding mine) John
Provérbios 15
Wiersbe on humility- Andrew Murray said that humility is not thinking meanly of ourselves but simply not thinking of ourselves at all. Humility is the grace that, when we know we have it, we have lost it. God hates pride (Pr. 6:16–17) and we should hate it too, especially in ourselves (Pr 8:13). To better understand honor and humility, let’s look at four persons found in biblical history. King Saul—from honor to humiliation. Almost everybody admired Saul when he was made king of Israel. He was tall, strong, and apparently humble (1 Sam. 9:21), but in the years that followed, pride possessed him and he became envious, suspicious, and vindictive, what we today would call a control freak. He began in great honor but ended in greater humiliation because the Lord abandoned him. Instead of seeking God’s will, he visited a witch to get guidance for a battle; and he ended up committing suicide on the battlefield (1Sa 28:3–25; 31:1–6). Had he humbled himself before God and listened to the prophet Samuel, matters would have been different. King David—from humility to honor. Even as a very young man, David was submitted to the Lord, to his father, to his brothers in Saul’s army, and to King Saul. God honored David by giving him victory over a lion, a bear, and the giant Goliath. As Saul’s aide, David played the harp to help Saul get over his restless spirit. When David was an officer in Saul’s army, he won so many battles that the people sang his praises and Saul became envious and tried to kill him. For perhaps ten years, David led his own small army as he waited for the Lord to give him the throne of Israel. He was a humble young man (Ps. 131) and God honored him when the time was right (Ps. 78:67–72). “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet. 5:6). Absalom—from pride to great dishonor. Absalom was one of David’s sons, a handsome man with a winning personality and great ambition. But he was also a proud man with no faith in God. Absalom was popular, what today we would call a celebrity, but he had no character and used people to accomplish his own selfish purposes. More than anything else, he wanted to be king and was even willing to attack his own father to gain the crown. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1Pe 5:5-7; see Pr 3:34). Unwisely, David wanted his army to spare his son, but God willed otherwise and Absalom was caught in the boughs of a tree by his thick hair and stabbed to death by Joab, commander of David’s army. Absalom’s body was thrown into a pit and buried under a heap of rocks, a monument to his arrogance and folly. Jesus—humbled and honored. Two words summarize the evidence for our Lord’s humility: sacrifice and service. Jesus “made Himself of no reputation.… He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him” (Phil. 2:7–9). His birth was humble and so was his life. He had no home and was at everybody’s beck and call morning and night. “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant,” he told his disciples. “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matt. 23:11–12). Humility is the “soil” in which all the other Christian graces must grow and bear fruit, while pride is the “soil” that produces the noxious weeds of sin. Today Jesus is enthroned far above every power and every name (Eph 1:20-23). The humble, suffering servant is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! (Old Testament Words for Today- 100 Devotional Reflections)