Security in Wisdom
Notes
Transcript
Let us continue to discuss wisdom as outlined in Proverbs 3 -
As we discussed previously - I wanted to remind you of the insight from Spurgeon concerning how to read Proverbs: “Proverbs is written as Hebrew poetry. Hebrew poetry is terse and concise; it uses a lot of imagery, and generally the second line complements or contrasts the thought of the first. Contemplating how the second line relates to the first is a profitable way to meditate on a proverb.”
And as you read Proverbs with this in mind, you can see where there is a contrast between verses, and where it complements the previous verse.
Chapter 3
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.
This is a an example of the contrasting ideas - do not - you can.
I believe these verses are the basis of Jesus’ teaching on relating to neighbors in Luke 10:29-37
Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Commentary)
The point of the teaching of Jesus on relating to one’s neighbor was to show mercy (Luke 10:37). Similarly, one is not to withhold good from one’s neighbor when one has the power to do otherwise (Prov. 3:27). It is no kindness to withhold payment when one is able to pay (v. 28),
And James refers to this idea or concept in
James 2:15–16 (NKJV)
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
Again, the idea of contrasting ideas - do not - you can.
31 Do not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;
32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.
KJV Bible Commentary (D. Wisdom’s True Discipline. 3:1–4:27)
The good neighbor meets his obligations,does not take advantage of an unsuspecting neighbor, avoids the arousing of trouble with a man who has done him no harm and does not envy the man who has gotten his gain through the practice of violence.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
Here he reinforces the promises of the Lord
Deuteronomy 11:28 (NKJV)
and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.
The next few verses are instructions from David to Solomon as referenced in 1 Chr 28:9.
9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.
Chapter 4
1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
2 For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father’s son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me:
“Let your heart retain my words;
Keep my commands, and live.
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
reiterating what was spoken about earlier in Proverbs.
It is a wonderful promise...
