What I Noticed Today (Proverbs 27-29)
Proverbs 27
Proverbs 27 continues the section of Solomon’s wise sayings that were collected by King Hezekiah’s and his men.
There are four main sections or themes in Proverbs 27.
In verses 1-4, Solomon describes four sins that often go unnoticed yet are prevalent in our lives. Don’t boast about tomorrow or the future; you’re presuming on God that you will have a tomorrow! Avoid boasting. Let others sing your praises. Be wary of the fool who seeks to provoke you to anger. Avoid jealousy; it is more damaging than wrath or anger.
In verses 5-10, Solomon describes the qualities of a great friend. They love you enough to rebuke you when needed. The needy who are hungry appreciate help more than those who have much and are full. Do not stray from your home or desert your loved ones. A friend’s honest counsel will make your heart glad. Never forsake your friends or take that relationship for granted. Friends are the ones who will help you when you need it most.
In verses 11-22, many of Solomon’s instructions to his son are repeated, underscoring their importance! A son who lives wisely brings joy to their parents. A prudent child sees danger and avoids it. Hold people accountable for their pledges of security on loans. Be on guard for those who lack common courtesy, and are loud and boisterous. Don’t be a contentious (argumentative, nagging) spouse. Help one another by helping each other improve. A diligent worker will be honored. A man’s character reveals his heart. Control your desires because they are never satisfied. Praise reveals a man’s character; either arrogance or humility. No matter what you do to correct or punish a fool, nothing will change him.
In verses 23-27, Solomon discusses the importance of managing your resources. Know the state or condition of your investments/resources because wealth does not last forever, and nothing is certain. There are cycles/seasons to the production of income; grass grows, vegetation is harvested, lambs provide wool for clothing, goats can be sold to buy land and provide milk for your family.
Proverbs 28
Proverbs 28 continues the section of Solomon’s wise sayings that were collected by King Hezekiah’s and his men.
There are two main sections or themes in Proverbs 28.
In verses 1-12, Solomon discusses the conduct of leaders and citizens. The righteous are bold. A leader of understanding and knowledge brings long-lasting stability. Wicked men oppress the poor. The righteous keep God’s law and resist the wicked. Those who seek the Lord understand justice. It is better to be poor and have integrity than to be rich and corrupt. Wise children keep God’s law. The wicked accumulate wealth unjustly, but the righteous give it to the poor. The wicked turn away from God, and He does not hear their prayers. The righteous will receive an inheritance from God. The righteous man who is poor will see through the deceit of the wicked rich man. The people rejoice when the righteous rise to power.
In verses 13-28, Solomon discusses the proper perspective of money. Those who confess their sins will obtain mercy from God. The man who fears the Lord will be blessed. Wicked rulers terrorize the poor. A wise leader who hates dishonest gain will live a long life. The wise man does not help the wicked avoid justice. The man of integrity walks in safety. The diligent worker will provide for his family. A wise man who is faithful to God will be blessed. The wicked will show partiality. A stingy man chases wealth, not realizing that poverty will be his end. The righteous man who offers a rebuke is better than a man who flatters. The wicked steal from their own parents. The man who trusts in the Lord will prosper. The wise man who trusts in the Lord’s wisdom will be delivered. The righteous give generously to the poor. When wicked men rise to power, people hide, but when the righteous rise, the people flourish.
Proverbs 29
Proverbs 29 continues the section of Solomon’s wise saying that was collected by King Hezekiah’s and his men.
There are three main sections or themes in Proverbs 29.
In verses 1-10, Solomon discusses how our character is revealed in how we treat others. The man who stubbornly rejects correction will be broken. The people rejoice when the righteous rise to power. A son who loves wisdom makes his father proud. A wise leader, who is just, builds a nation up. Beware the man who is full of flattery because they attempt to trap you with their flattery. A righteous man is full of joy. A righteous man protects the rights of the poor. The wise man turns away anger and brings calm. The wise man avoids arguments with fools. Wicked men hate the upright.
In verses 11-24, Solomon discusses how leaders and citizens should behave. A wise man holds back his thoughts. A leader who listens to liars will be surrounded by liars. Both the poor man and the man who oppresses the poor will be judged by God. A leader who judges the poor fairly will be established. Wise parents discipline their children. Wicked leaders cause the spread of wickedness. Disciplined children are a delight to their parents. The righteous keep God’s law. Wise leaders instruct and correct their servants (employees). A wise man avoids speaking hastily. Foolish leaders fail to correct and discipline their servants (employees). The wrathful man stirs up strife and anger. The righteous, humble man will obtain honor. The wicked are accomplices to crime and keep silent to avoid convicting themselves.
In verses 25-27, Solomon discusses the righteous man’s desire for justice. Whoever trusts in the Lord will be safe. The wicked man hates the righteous man.
