The Book of Proverbs

Introductory Comments

Study methods

Verse by verse

Less effective than with other books because of a lack of context

Seemingly consists of a series of unrelated proverbs

Topical

People (the fool , the friend, the sluggard, the simple, the forward, etc.)

Subjects (the family, wisdom, finances, counsel, work, etc.)

Authors

Three are named: Solomon, Agar, and Lemuel.

Others are mentioned collectively as “Wise Men” .

Introduction (1:1-7)

The title (1)

The word “proverb” means a “comparison” or a “Parable”

It came to stand for any type of wise pronouncement.

The Benefits of the book (2-5) [the many facets of wisdom]

Instruction (2a) [1:7; 5:22, 23]

Training: to correct & reform; discipline (Rom 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.)

Wisdom is for disciples only

Wisdom will be hard-won

Understanding ( 2b) [2:2, 3]

Insight: to discern mentally (I Kings 3:9 -“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this that so great a people?”)

The ability to know how to use the instruction we get

Prudence (3a) Here it is translated “instruction” [8:12]

Wise dealing; to behave wisely; to act with insight; caution

To be capable of exercising sound judgment in practical matters

Subtlety (4a) [7:10]

To be crafty or cunning (Gen 3:1 - “Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?)

Capable of making or noticing fine distinctions in meaning

Note who needs it – the simple: inexperienced, easily enticed

Knowledge (4b) [I:7,22; 2:6]

A knowing of truth and of God

Note who needs it – the young man

Discretion (4c) [2:11; 19:11]

The power of forming plans, making decisions and keeping confidences

Used in a good and bad sense (evil plots – 12:2)

Learning (5a) [9:9]

Something is given and received, or grasped

Doctrine, something worthy to be received

Counsel (5b) [12:15]

The act of steering or guiding

Good advice

The goals of the book (2—6)

To know wisdom and instruction (2a)

To perceive the words of understanding (2b)

To receive the instruction of: (3 – 4)

Wisdom: prudence

Justice: righteousness

Judgment: a settlement of right between two persons.

Equity: fairness, justice, impartiality

Subtlety, knowledge, discretion

To hear and increase learning (5a)

To attain unto wise counsels (5b)

To understand a proverb and the interpretation; the words of the wise, their dark sayings (riddle; difficult problems)

All emphasizes the fact this will be no simple matter

The Theme (1:7)

The essential quality : the fear of the Lord

Pay Him humble childlike reverence

Have respect to His will

Tremble to offend Him

Adore His Majesty

Hasten to serve Him

The expected result: to begin to have knowledge

The exceptions identified: fools

They despise wisdom and instruction (mockery or open contempt)

Why? No fear (3:7)

A father’s praise of wisdom (l:8-9:15)

Wisdom’s admonition (1:8 -19)

The way of Authority (8,9)

Listen and obey the instruction (training) of your father (8a)

Live in accord of your mother’s law (8b)

This verse assumes both are godly parents who will train their children

The results you may expect:

An inward beauty (I Peter 3:4)

A mark of honor

The way of acceptance (10-19)

The invitation of their peers (10-14)

If sinners entice thee (allure, deceive, flatter, persuade)

The essence of their invitation

Be one of us.

Here is a quick route to excitement and power

You are a person to be reckoned with, not to be kept under control

Share in our profit (13, 14)

The revelation of their character

Their cruelty (11, 12)

Their covetousness (precious substance)

The instruction of their parents (15-19)

Their warning (15) “Stay away” (Ps. 1:1 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the council of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, not sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”)

Their reasoning (16-19)

The way of sin is downhill - men cannot stop themselves (16)

The consequences are severe

They persist to their own destruction (17 – 19)

“In vain”: devoid of cost

The silly bird will still have to take the bait.

Often forfeit their own lives

This is the direction in which greed leads one (19) [“Thou shall not covet”]

Wisdom’s appeal (1:20-33)

Her call (20-22)

It is a personified call (20a)

Wisdom is spoken of as a person (20b, 21)

In reality it is God calling because He is the source of all wisdom

It is a public call (22)

The offer of wisdom is to the man in the street

Not just to an elite group of scholars

It is a passionate call (22)

To the simple (inexperienced; easily enticed)

To the scorner (one who mocks even the most sacred things.)

To the fool (one who chooses to be dull and obstinate spiritually)

Her challenge (23-33)

The proposal (23)

Our reproof (vs . 21,22)

Our responsibility -turn

Our reward -a divine teacher

The problem (24, 25)

You refused my call

You set at naught all my counsel

You would have none of my reproof (warnings)

The punishment (26-32)

God’s response (26-28)

God’s reason (29-30)

God’s ruling (31-32)

The possibility (33)

Wisdom’s advantages (2:1-22)

The pursuit recorded (2:1-4)

Initially – (1) the child responds to his father

Receive my words

Hide my commandments with thee.

Eventually (2-4) the child responds to God

The persistence required (2:1-4)

Receive b. Hide c. Incline d. Apply

Cry f. Seek g. Search

The Process Recorded (2:5-8)

What you will receive (5)

How you will receive (6-8)

The Profit Rendered (2:9-22)

Discernment (9-11)

Deliverance (12-22)

From the way of the evil man (12-15) [Froward: perverse]

The strange woman (16-19)

The consequences of wrong living (20-22)

Wisdom’s Advise (3:1-8:36)

The whole hearted disciple (3:1-35)

His glad commitment (3:1-22)

What we should sow:

Obedience (1)

Mercy and truth (3)

Dependency (5, 6a)

Humility, Fear, Righteousness (7)

Tithing (9)

Patience (11)

What we will reap:

Long life and peace (2)

Favor and good understanding (4)

Direction (6b)

Good health (8)

God’s provision (10)

Correction (12)

His sure reward (3:13-26)

Happiness (13)

True riches (14-16)

Quality of life (17, 18)

Conformity to God (19, 20)

Safety (21-26)

His quiet integrity (27-35)

He should not be selfish (27, 28)

He should not desire evil (29)

He should not strive (quarrel) (30)

He should not oppress (31, 32)

What we can expect:

Blessing (33)

Grace (34)

Glory (35)

The lifelong Pilgrimage (4:1-27)

You must seek after wisdom (1-9)

Your resources (1-4)

Your father (1,2)

He should teach you as a child (1)

You should pay attention

He can be forsaken

His father (3, 4)

Why he can be trusted (3)

Why you should listen (4)

Your research (5, 7)

Your reward

Wisdom will preserve & keep you (6)

Wisdom will promote & honor you (8)

Wisdom will bring you grace & glory (9)

You must choose between two paths (10-19)

The path of wisdom (10-13)

It is the right path (11)

You will experience God’s provision & protection (12)

Wisdom will be your life (13) – (will influence all you do)

The paths of wickedness (14-17)

You must avoid their way & their path (14, 15)

They oppress others (16)

They feed on evil (17)

The paths compared (18, 19) [light & darkness]

You must guard certain things (20-27)

Your heart (20-23)

Keep( my words) in the midst of thine heart (20-22)

Keep thy heart with all diligence (above all keeping)

Keep: to guard or keep in a place; to protect

Issues: out-goings

How can we protect our hearts?

Your mouth (24)

Your eyes (25) -look straight ahead

Your feet (26, 27)

Wisdom about morality (5:1-23)

Teaching about the strange woman (5:1-14)

Anyone who is not your wife, especially a seductress

Stay Away! (8)

Teaching about your own wife (5:15-20)

Reasons to obey (21-23)

Pitfalls for the unwary (6:1-35)

Concerning surety (6:1-5)

Surety: to pledge oneself for the debt of another

See 11:15; 17:18

Concerning slothfulness (6:6-11)

Concerning frowardness (6:12-15)

Naughty: worthless-pronounced Belial

Wicked: Those who pursue that which is vain & false

He uses “body” language (13)

Concerning abominations (6:16-19) –that which is disgusting & vile

Concerning adultry (6:20-35)

Don’t think about it (25a)

Beware the eyelids (25b) –why?

The seriousness of their sin (32, 33)

The simpleton & the seductress (7:1-27)

Wisdom personified 8:1 -9:36)

Her universal call (8:1-5)

Her unequalled offer (8:6-21)

Its character (6-9)

Its value (8:10, 11)

Its tendency (8:12-14)

Its practicality (8:15, 16)

Its reward (8:17-21)

Her unique activity (8:22-31)

Her ultimate appeal (8:32-36)

Topical Studies

People

The family

The father

Should actively instruct his children (1:8 - “my son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.”)

He will give his children godly counsel (numerous references)

He will teach his children godly principles

He will set a godly example (4:11 - “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.”)

He will warn his children

Of the dangers of bad company

Of the dangers of laziness

Of the dangers of drinking (see 23:20, 21, 29-35)

He will correct his children

The mother

Shares responsibility with her husband

Oversees all the activities of the household (See 31:13-31)

The son

Should obey and respect his parents

Will bring his parents grief or joy

Should follow his parents’ instruction

The husband

How he should view his wife (18:22 -“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing; and obtaineth favour of the Lord.”) (19:14) - “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord.”) (31:28 - “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”)

He should live joyfully with his wife (5:15-19)

The wife

Should be a crown to her husband (12:4 - A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is rottenness in his bones.")

Should be a compliment to her husband (14:1 – “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.”) (31:12 - “She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”)

NOTES LEAVE OFF HERE

The fool

Definitions:

Kesil: one who is dull and obstinate (Used 49 times)

He speaks foolishly (12:23 - “ A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.”)

He slanders others

His mouth is his destruction (18:7- “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.”)

He rejects wisdom (17:16 - “Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?”) knowledge, (1:22 –“How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?”) & understanding (18:2 – “A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.”)

Evil is his way of life (13:19 - “The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.”)

His end is shame, stripes and eventually destruction.

Evil: one who is stupid, stubborn and ungodly ( Used 19 times)

He believes he is never wrong (12:15) “The way of the fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”)

He makes a mock at sin

His wrath is heavy

Nabal: one who is rude or ill-mannered (Used 3 times)

His mind is closed to God & to reason.

Same word for the name of Nabal (I Samuel 25:25 - “Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.”)

Also used in Psalm 14:1a - “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God . . . ”

Characteristics of a fool

His words consistently get him in trouble (18:7—“A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.”) (Many other references)

He has no heart for wisdom, knowledge or understanding (23:9 - Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words,”) (1:22 – “How long, ye simple ones, will . . . the fools hate knowledge?”) (18:2—“A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.”)

The friend ( or neighbor)

Definitions:

Oheb: one who is dearly loved

Rea: A companion

Qualities of a good friend.

He should be wise (What would that involve?)

He should help make you a better person Turn to 27:5, 6, 17)

He should love at all times (17:17 –“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”)

He should show himself friendly (18:24a -“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.”)

Can give you good advice 27:9 -“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”)

Will not gossip about you (17:9 - He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”)

Will go to you when difficulties arise ( 25:9) -“Debate they cause with thy neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another.”)

Knows when to stay away (25:17 -“Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbors house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.”)

Qualities of an undesirable friend

Sinful, unsaved people

A violent man (16:29 - “A violent man enticeth his neighbor, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.”)

A hot tempered man (22:24, 25 – “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”)

A riotous (gluttonous) man (28:7b – “But he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.”)

A fool (13:20)

Those who try to buy your friendship (19:4 -“Wealth maketh many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor.”)

The “fair-weather” Friend (14:20 -“The poor is hated even of his own neighbor: but the rich hath many friends.”)

Those who will not help you (3:28 -“Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.”)

Will entice you to do wrong (16:29 -“A violent man enticeth his neighbor, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.”)

Will use flattery (29: 5 -“A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet.”)

The froward (crooked, devious, distorted) (Used 14 times)

He is an abomination to the Lord (3:32)

He is wicked (6: 12)

One who fears God should hate the forward mouth (8:13)

A forward man sows strife (16:28)

The simple (inexperienced; easily enticed) (used 14 times)

Needs to learn to be more subtle (crafty) (1:4)

He is void of understanding and therefore easily led astray (7:7b)

He believes everything he is told (14:15a)

Learns caution when he sees a scorner smitten (19:25a -“Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware”) (21:11a -“When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise.”)

Fails to see danger ahead (22:3 -“A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”)

The scorner (mocker) (18 times)

He delights in scorning(1:22)

He is in turn scorned by the Lord (3:34 -“Surely he scorneth the scorners: but giveth grace unto the lowly.”)

He does not accept correction gracefully (9:7,8 – “He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.”)

Wisdom eludes him (14:6 -“ A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.”)

Judgment is his destiny (19:29)

He is characterized by pride (21:24a –“Proud and haughty scorner is his name; who dealeth in proud wrath.”)

His removal creates peace (22:10 -“Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.”)

Scornful men can endanger an entire city (29:8 -“Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.”)

The sluggard (or slothful) vs. the diligent

The diligent (8 times)

Profit materially (10:4—“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”)

Profit positionally (22:29) –“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”)

The sluggard (18 times)

Should learn a lesson from the ant

Loves to sleep

Cannot be trusted with an errand (10:26—“As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.”)

Life is a series of difficulties for him (15:19 - “The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.”)

Usually is very wasteful (18:9—“He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.”)

Won’t even have enough for essential needs (19:15 –“Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger”)

Makes excuses why he shouldn’t work (20:4; 22:13 - “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore, shall he beg in harvest,, and have nothing.” “The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.”)

Provides an object lesson to the thoughtful, observant man (24:30-32 -“I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.”)

Is filled with conceit (26:16)

Comparisons of the two

Positionally (11:24 -“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.”)

Practically (12:27 - “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.”)

Materially (13:4 -“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”)

The talebearer [gossip] (3 times)

He reveals secrets (11:13 – “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”)

His words hurt others ( 18:8 -“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost part of the belly.”)

You should avoid him (20:19 - “He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.”)

He creates strife (26:20 -“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”)

Characteristics

Negative

Anger (11 times)

Leads to foolish actions (14:17a, 29b -“He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly:” “but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”)

Repeats the same mistakes over and over (19:19—“A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.”)

Is hard to live with (21:19 -“It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.”)

Makes an undesirable friend (22:24, 25 -“Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go; lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare unto thy soul.”)

Is open to attack from the enemy (25:28 -“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”)

Leads to committing all kinds of sin (29:22 -“An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.”)

Pride [haughty]

Is one of seven things God hates (6: 17) (21: 4 -“An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked is sin.”)

Always brings negative results.

Shame (11:2 - “ When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”)

Contention (13:10 -“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”)

Destruction (16:18 -“Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”)

Strife (28:25a -“He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: “)

Positive

Faithfulness: conscientiousness; loyalty; reliability –A Faithful man:

Keeps confidences (11:13 -“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”)

Tells the truth (14:5 -“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.”)

Is hard to find (20:6 -“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?”)

Is needed in time of trouble (25:19 -“Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.”)

Is willing to confront you (27:5,6—“Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”)

Fear of the Lord

Is the beginning of wisdom(1:7)

Is a matter of choice (1:29 -“For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord.”)

Is gained through sincere effort 2:1-5)

Results in a departure from evil (3:7—Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”)

Results in a hatred of sin (8:13 -“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the forward mouth, do I hate.”)

Results in having strong confidence (14:26 -“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.”)

Wisdom (36 times)

Who is invited? Children, nobles, the simple, the scorner, the fool & even the wise

What is its value? (8:11; 16:16 -“For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”)

Where can we get it? (12:6 -“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”)

What kind of person becomes wise? Prudent, understanding, righteous, just, lowly, well-advised

The results of wisdom are happiness, discretion, & understanding

Topics

Counsel

Why should one seek counsel?

To keep from falling (11:14a -“Where no counsel is, the people fall.”)

To become wise (13:10b -“but with the well advised is wisdom.”)

To confirm our plans (15:22 -“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”)

To assure safety (24:6a -“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”)

From whom should one seek counsel?

The Lord (19:21 -“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”)

The wise (22:17 -“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.”)

One’s friends (27:9 -“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”)

Many sources (15:22 -“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”)

What kinds of people seek counsel?

Men of understanding (1:5 -“ A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”)

Wise men (12:15b -“but he hath hearkens unto counsel is wise.”)

Discipline of children

Shows love (13:24 - ”He that spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”)

Preserves hope (19:18 -“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.”)

Involves training (22:6 -“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”)

Eliminates foolishness (22:15 -“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”)

Delivers from hell (23:13, 14—“Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell.”)

Gives wisdom (29:15 - “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”)

Gives rest & delight (29:17 -“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.”

Money

A Biblical philosophy of finances

Things that are better than money – wisdom, instruction, knowledge, understanding, a good name, & loving favor (22:1 -“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”)

How to earn true riches honestly

By a proper relationship with the Lord (10:22; 22:4 -“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.”)

Through an application of wisdom & knowledge 3:16; 8:18; 24:4)

Through generosity to the poor (28:27a -“He that giveth to the poor shall not lack.”)

Through diligence (10:4- “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”)

Through an inheritance (13:22a -“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children.”)

A proper attitude toward money

You can’t take it with you (11:4a - “Riches profit not in the day of wrath.”)

Our goal should not be to become rich (23:4a -“Labour not to be rich:”)

Riches do not last forever (23:5 “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”)

We should honor God with our firstfruits (3:9 -“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:”)

We should save some (21:20 - “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”)

It is best to be neither rich or poor (30:8, 9 -“Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.”)

A proper attitude toward the poor

Have mercy toward them (14:21 -“He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth : but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”)

Have pity upon them (19:17 - “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”)

Give to their need (22:9 -“He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”)

A wrong philosophy of finances

Gaining wealth illegitimately

Through vanity [deceit](13:11 -“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”)

Through oppression (22”16-“He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.”)

Through usury & unjust gain (28:8 -“He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.”)

Depending upon one’s wealth

For protection (18:11a -“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.”)

For security (11:28a – “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall:”)

Surety: making oneself liable for another’s debts or obligations

Don’t become surety for a stranger (11:15 -“He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure.”)

Don’t become surety for a friend (6:1-2; 17:18 -“My son , if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth,, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.” “A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.”)

Greed (15:27 -“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.”)

The rich man

Is conceited (28:11a - “The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.”)

Is unsympathetic (18:23 -“The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.”)

Has many “friends” (19:4 -“Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor.”)

The poor man

How to become poor

By being overly fond of sleep (20:13 -“Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.”)

By refusing instruction (13:18a—“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.”)

By practicing gluttony (23:21—“For the drundard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”)

By keeping wrong company (28:19b – “he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.”)

By being selfish (11:24 -“There is that scattereth and yet increaseth: and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.”)

Advantages of the poor

He doesn’t have to worry about robbers (13:8)

He tends to be more polite (18:23-“The poor useth intreaties: but the rich answereth roughly.”)

He sees through the rich man’s conceit (28:11 -“The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.”)

Rebuke/Reproof (20 times)

Who will benefit (9:8; 10:17b; 13:18a; 17:10 -“ Reprove not a scorner lest he hate thee,” “But he that refuseth reproof erreth.” “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction;” “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.”)

Who will hate it (12:1 -“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish”)

Who will regard it (15:5, 31, 32 -“ A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” “The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”)

The proper kind (27:5 - “Open rebuke is better than secret love.”)

Results of ignoring reproof (29:1 -“He, that being often reproved and hardeneth his neck, shall be suddenly destroyed, and that without remedy.”)

Speech

The effect our words can have (15:1, 16:24; 17:9; 18:8 -“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous word stir up anger.” “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” “He that coverereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”)

Avoid one who flatters (20:19 – “He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.”)

Keep confidences (25:9 - “Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another.”)

The speech of one who hates (6:24-26)

The speech of a virtuous woman (31:26 – “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”)

Things that are better

Quietness (17:1 -“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.”)

Integrity (19:1 -“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”)

Fear of the Lord (15:16 -“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.”)

Love (15:17 - “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.”)

Righteousness (16:8 - “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.”)

A good neighbor (27:10b -“for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.”)

Pearls from Proverbs concerning . . .

Sin

Its consequences (13:15 -“Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.”)

Its appearance (14:12 -“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”)

Dangers of drinking (23:29-35)

A guilty conscience (28:1 -“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”)

The need for confession (28:13 - “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”)

Perserverance (24:16 -“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”)

Vengeance (24:17 -“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth.”)

Overconfidence (27:1 - “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”)

A “vision” (29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”)